In March of 2020, just before the world came to a screeching halt, I embarked on what would become the most transformative experience of my life: my first solo trip. Destination? Thailand.
It started in Phuket. I arrived wide-eyed, nervous, and excited. The air was warm, the beaches were vibrant, and the food instantly stole my heart. I stayed in an amazing hotel just minutes from Patong Beach, where the sunsets were like paintings. I wandered through the buzzing night markets, tasted spicy pad Thai cooked right on the street, and took all the tropical fruits back to my hotel for dessert. After a few days of soaking in the local culture, relaxing on the beach, and adjusting to the rhythm of solo travel, I flew to Koh Samui and then to Koh Pha-ngan.
Koh Samui was lush and laid-back, with dogs all along the beaches and stylish resorts scattered along shores. I spent quiet mornings sipping thai iced coffees while looking out towards Koh Pha-ngan, and my afternoons wandering the island’s scenic trails and visiting hidden waterfalls. The combination of jungle and sea made it feel like a true tropical paradise.
Koh Pha-ngan gifted me one of the most unforgettable nights of my life: the Half Moon Party. Dancing under a jungle canopy, surrounded by travelers from every corner of the world, I felt completely alive. There was music in the air, glowing paint on our skin, and a shared sense of freedom that I had never experienced before. But beyond the parties, the island was serene and magical with more dogs peacefully napping along the beaches.
Next stop: Krabi. I had chosen it intentionally to celebrate my 25th birthday. That day, I fed and bathed elephants at a local sanctuary—a moment of deep connection and joy. The limestone cliffs of Railay Beach and the dramatic ocean views from Ao Nang made Krabi feel like a postcard come to life. I remember thinking, “This is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
