Falling in Love with Koh Tao

Red
Oct 18, 2016
3 min read

I am writing this as I leave this beautiful island and my departure is so bittersweet. In all I got to do twice as much as I came to do and I am so thankful for that, but like any place as beautiful and exciting as this, its never enough. The main streets of this small town are filled with tourist from all over the world and while the streets cater to that everyone seems at peace with that. There is definitely a little bit of everything here and from my experience none of it disappointed.

Highlights:

First off simply some of the tastiest street food I had come across since I have been to Thailand. This might be more of an ambiance effect, because street vendors look more like a cabanas than a food carts, but non the less absolutely delicious. And down the road the Nutella Banana pancakes were a show and never disappointed. check out the amazing Drag Show at the Cabaret club because it was very well done and highly entertaining. And if you're feeling a little frisky head to Fish Bowl for a live DJ and original Thai style Redbull bucket on the beach.

Reflections:

I stayed at the Seashell Resort in the off-site bungalows. I wouldn’t say they were the best accommodations if you are someone who needs a more western style facility in your travels I would recommend staying on site in an air con bungalow or in the resort hotel. After some contemplation I discovered through my previously perceived “flaws” my bungalow was perfect for what I needed. It had no air con, or Wi-Fi, but it did have a fan, and a western toilet with paper. The simplicity of it was container for getting back in tune with myself. It was quiet and off the beaten path surrounded by nature, lush and green. It allowed me to meditate with un-broken concentration and write freely without distraction. When it came to departure, I decided I am determined to find an equal replication in Bali.

I sat on my balcony contemplating the “living off the grid” life while in real-time discussing it with a wise friend whom I had met along the journey to Koh Tao. It was in this conversation that I realized the luxury in simplicity and ways in which I was enriched in speaking with someone who had such intense respect for life. The notion behind island is far less out of reach than we may well realize. Island life is slow and relaxed. There is no rush only the loss of time and the gain of patience. As a westerner this is a hard concept to come to terms with. Slowing down enough to listen and actually hear the beauty that is around you.

That is what Koh Tao is about. It is far less developed than most of the popular islands in the Thai gulf and that is what sets it apart. The dives are fantastic and the waters are clear, the people are enjoyable and always willing to help, and you want to immerse yourself in every aspect of the island. I felt more easily able to connect with the people and the island because being there makes you feel whole. I never wanted to leave and off all the places in the world this will forever be at the top of my list to return to.

“Get out of your head and get into your heart. Think less, feel more.” - Osho