Southeast Asia- Connecting to Nature, Myself, and Friends

Part 1- Launching from the Philippines

When I first left the Corporate World I decided it was time to do that gap year I never did in my twenties. Living in Australia puts me in “close” (it’s still a 9 hour flight) proximity to Southeast Asia so I built a month-long adventure around 3 countries.

My first stop was the Philippines, where I visited a childhood friend Jaime who I really wanted my partner, Johnny to meet. We started in Manila, hanging with Jaime and his 15 year old son/telling stories about when we were 15. Visited a speak easy and had a beautiful dinner. Then a big night out in the party district that included some Philippino bands, and some local events that I’ll tell you about when start planning your SE Asia adventure.

From there Johnny and I visited the island of Siargao. We stayed in a beautiful villa with our own plunge pool right on the beach and spent our days lazing around and eating some of the freshest fish I’ve ever had.

Part 2- One I mean four nights in Bangkok

After I said goodbye to Johnny, I was off to Bangkok. You hear all kinds of stories about a place, but until you see it no description does it justice. A city so busy, crowded, and loud simultaneously felt warm, welcoming, and intentional. The Buddhist principals of being mindful are present (see what I did there). Even zipping through the streets in a Tuk Tuk I felt like I was experiencing every sensation. The wind on my face, the smells in the streets, and the joy of being somewhere completely different.

Blessings with the Monks

Receiving a blessing at the Sunrise Temple (Wat Arun Ratchawaramahawihan)

I maximized my time in Bangkok kicking it off with a local guide, Star, taking me to a series of Buddhist temples. Star and I shopped for our offering, made it to morning meditation, and I was blessed by a monk. I’m not all that religious, but Buddhism has always made sense to me — concepts of us being interconnected to everything, our ancestors living through us (I felt like I was seeing it through my Dad’s eyes), and living with intention. Like everything, hearing local stories and seeing it in action gives you new perspective. Buddhism is created by humans and we still have the ability to mess with it as I heard stories of corruption and my Dad’s voice saying “This is like Disneyland for Monks” when I saw all the ways you could make an offering (ahem give money). Still, I would highly recommend making a visit and doing it with a guide. I learned all about what they do for superstitious luck, the history of the temples, and the rituals that helped make sure I honored traditions and didn’t offend anyone.

A food tour fit for Anthony Bourdain

Next up in Bangkok was the most incredible food tour I’ve ever done. I joined a small group, and we had 18 dishes over 3 hours traversing the backstreets of China Town, like we were Anthony Bourdain. Some highlights were Kha Moo (stewed pork leg) that took me back to a dish my grandmother used to make (American style ham but the consistency and the smell made me feel like I was back in her kitchen), Suki Nam Kai (Chicken Soup that could cure any ailment), mangosteen the sweetest local fruit, and of course mango sticky rice. Many of these spots we stopped at aren’t even on google maps but if we’re planning your trip I’ll hook you up! I met two Norwegian women there on a long weekend while working in India. Between courses we bonded and even met up the next night for drinks and another city market where I tried bugs. Yes bugs. A quick connection, but impactful, meeting like-minded travelers who were open to new friendships!

Part 3- Siem Reap to channel Lara Croft Tomb Raider

Angkor Watt the largest (and one of the oldest) religious complexes in the world steeped in Hinduism and Buddhism roots

After Bangkok I headed to Siem Reap, Cambodia to explore the wonder of Angkor Watt. Angkor Watt is massive and worth going with a guide. I joined a small group tour with many other solo travelers and braved the heat. On this day I also decided to wear a bright orange dress and looked like a wannabe monk. The pictures turned out great and the jokes kept coming from my fellow travelers.

Visiting the majestic matriarchs and understanding the gentle people of the region

In Cambodia I also found an elephant sanctuary where I visited 3 retired working females who all had distinct personalities. I visited Kulen Mountain, played in waterfalls, and did one more food tour. Cambodia is a place that was in a civil war when I was in high school. They are still rebuilding education as it was completely stripped from them during this awful time in their history. Meeting people my age who lived in refugee camps while I was going to prom was humbling. The people were so kind and ready to do anything for you to support their families. This region relies heavily on tourism and we were moving into the off season so every taxi ride, tuk tuk, or tour mattered.

Part 4- Uncovering my inner artist in Chiang Mai

From Siem Reap I went back to Thailand where I spent 5 days in Chiang Mai. Here I took an art class with the beautiful Typhoon. She taught me about the art you see in the different temples and the class was at her friends’ coffee shop/art studio on the outskirts of town. I did another food tour. It was a great way to have dinner with someone and get an idea of what I should order when I was on my own. There’s so much more to Thailand than pad Thai! I visited elephants again as my first experience was magical. This tour took us trekking through the mountains with a local tribe that looks after the animals that have been retired from working jobs. It’s always all female and we got to watch each of their individual personalities. In between the tours I spent time at the pool, wandering the night markets, and joined a cooking class.

Part 5- Health & Wellness in Koh Samui

Self Care in Paradise

Finally for my last week of the adventure, I booked myself at a wellness retreat on Koh Samui. Removed from the main part of the island, it was a beautiful sanctuary where you could start the day with yoga or spin class and end with a sound bath. You were encouraged to leave your phone in the room and I did!

Connections old and new

Ang Thong Islands post diving and kayak adventure

Koh Samui was about connection. When I arrived on the island me and some friends I hadn’t seen in at least 10 years realized we were there at the same time. We had dinner with their two almost grown boys I had never met! Then one of my dear friends joined me for the remainder of the week. In between workouts and pool time we ventured to the night markets, saw a fire show on the beach with some new friends, visited a local farm and cooking class, went diving with turtles, and caught a Muay Thai fight. We used Instagram for its original intention (connection), finding my old friends, and staying connected with new friends we made on the island.

Let’s Start Strategizing your Southeast Asia Adventure!

Showing off my culinary creation in Chiang Mai

Southeast Asia has something for everyone. Even though I packed a ton in, I also felt relaxed throughout the adventure. A safe place to travel as a solo female I ran into many families, couples, and groups. Johnny and I are trying to decide on when we do more of this region together including Vietnam. If Southeast Asia is on your list let’s talk! Perhaps it’s an excuse to go together!