After a long time backpacking solo around the world, it is really common to feel that it is time to stop for a while.
Even though most people don't believe it, travelling can be extremely tiring, specially if you are doing it the backpacker way.
Not every day is it as awesome as the Instagram photos make you believe they are, as you need to deal with a lot of stuff by yourself and things that you didn't plan happen quite often and you need to quickly find a solution for it.
Don't get me wrong, it is incredible how much you can grow and learn from things like this and I would definitely suggest everyone to do a solo trip at least once in your life... but eventually all that just makes you tired of moving around that much.
And that happened to me.
After 1 year and 4 months of travelling around, using a lot of the amazing tools out there to save money (such as Workaway, Couchsurfing, Hitchhiking) I got to Koh Phangan and fell so in love with this island that decided it was time for me to stay longer. To relax but at the same time the partying lifestyle of the island felt so perfect to me.
At first, I was planning to stay around only a few days, just to experience the Full Moon Party because I thought that there was nothing else to see (as most of the people coming here).
"That Island is just to party on, go to full moon, and run away from there" everyone told me.
They couldn't have been more wrong about it.
I stayed for Full Moon, of course, which was great and wild and I definitely recommend it, but also decided to explore a little bit more beyond Haad Rin, and discovered a wonderful world in the north, full of yoga, meditation, relaxing, delicious vegan food, and amazing and quiet beaches.
The island also has a lot of beautiful waterfalls, and a great hike up the highest peak ‘Khao Ra’ (627 m), and many other hikes as well.
Even the full moon party beach (Haad rin), when it is not full moon time can get super quiet and it is clear and beautiful!
My favourite part of Koh Phangan is without a doubt the incredible and chill views you can get from the many rooftop bars spread around the island. Places such as 360, Amsterdam Bar, Top Rock, or Apichada Viewpoint are just stunning and perfect to spent a good amount of hours enjoying life.
At the same time, before coming here I wasn't aware of all the other great parties going on beside the famous Full Moon.
Parties such as Half Moon, Black Moon, Shiva Moon, Eden Garden, Waterfall Party, Jungle Experience, you name it, and you can get it here!
Parties on the beach, or on the jungle. Psytrance, or Techno. After parties. Free parties and expensive parties.
There is even a Latino night going on with dance classes and a great latino community!
There is something for everyone, and quite impossible to get bored!
Either you like to party, or not, you can find your place in here.
And that's what made me stay longer, and what I can guarantee will keep you longer too.
So, whenever your make your plan to come to this island, please do you research and stay a few more days to actually explore around. You won't regret it!
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