LIFE: 10 rules on Full Moon Party

1. Don't get so drunk that you can't remember the awesome party the next morning.

2. Don't go alone. At least in a group of two. Specially if you're a girl!

3. Eat proper dinner before you hit the bar.

4. Try to bring at least stuff with you. You will notice why when you start dancing.

5. Always dance to "YMCA".

6. Cover your body with neon colored body paint.

7. When you buy a drink in a bucket don't dance with it if you're drunk. You'll spill most of it on others anyway.

8. Always smile.

9. Think of your friends and family back home who are probably at work or at the uni. Hahaha.

10. Remember that life is amazing! 

-AJ-

PLACES: Ko Pangan - Full Moon Party

There is always a reason to party! So why not celebrate the full moon? On a small Island by the beach in the Gulf of Thailand? With 40000 people from all over the world? Ko Pangan is definitely the best place to celebrate the full moon. Every month on the day of full moon about 40000 people from all over the world gather on the south coast of Ko Pangan. Most of the party people stay at accommodations on this island but I recommend to overnight on Ko Samui's northern or western coast due to lower prices and more peaceful people. The party begins at about 6 pm and lasts until early in the morning. When entering Hat Rin Nai (the village where the party is) you have to pay 100 THB for the entrance and have to walk through the streets to get to the beach where the actual party takes place. All the streets are covered with stands and shops selling neon colored shirts, body paint, hats, flower necklaces, well anything which is wearable. The village seems to have been busy with the preperations for days. But for sure they are already routined in this after celebrating full moon every month. This is the crazy thing about it. It's such a huge event but still it takes place every month. It's the biggest party I have ever seen.

The special thing about it is the gathering of so many cultures (mostly backpackers, tourists but also many locals) who dance to the same music at the same time at the same place.The idea and specially the location of this event is amazing and it's an unbelievable experience! You notice how music can influence our mood and how easily it connects people. Just by playing "YMCA" e.g. everyone automatically sings the same lyrics and dances the same choreography although everyone has a different ethical background. Everyone is covered in neon colored body paint and wears neon colored clothes and accessories. 

Now I understand why backpackers in Thailand want to go there and always talk about it. 

If you choose to stay at Ko Samui the best way to go there is by speed boat (20 min) from Bo Phut to Hat Rin Nai. The earliest boat going back home after the party departures at 1 am and the last one departures at 7 am the following morning (so there is enough time to dance all night). But riding the speed boat at night can be a bit scary because it's dark and you can't see where you are going. My way back to Ko Samui after the party was so wavy and horrible and made me feel like in a movie of backpackers captured by pirates at night. But the ride is safe and really fast. It only takes 20 min from one island to the other. 

It's definitely worth it to plan your trip to Ko Pangan during the time of the Full Moon Party.

I promise you will never forget this night!

-AJ-

PLACES: Ko Samui - Chaweng

Going from Bangkok to Chaweng, one of the most visited beaches on Ko Samui was more adventurous than I was imagining. It took 17 hours, a tuck tuck, two different buses, a boat, a mini van and a local taxi until we reached the hostel. This is a town for those who need to spoil themselves with cocktails by the beach, food from one of the 12854703 different restaurants and cafes or with a classic thai massage for just 200 THB per hour (which was the best idea after a 17 hour trip!!). Chaweng is a slow place just to feel lazy by the beach. Buy some fresh fruits from the street, grab your towel and spend the early afternoon by the Gulf of Thailand before the midday heat appears. When the sun is going down then head to one of the beach bars and enjoy some drinks while stars slowly appear above you. Yes, this is the best way to spend your day at Chaweng beach.

-AJ-

PLACES: Bangkok - Siam Square and "Demos"

If you want to get out of Bangkok's chaotic street life and you want to discover the upper class society you should spend a day at Siam Square. We took a public boat from Banglamphu near the Golden Mount through a canal straight to Siam Square. The main streets around the big malls (MBK, Siam Center and Central World Palace) were closed for the demostrations. Well, you can't really call them demonstrations. They look more like gatherings of people enjoying the good weather in their tents. There are stands everywhere selling souvenirs and food and all kinds of weird stuff (such as chihuahuas, yes real ones! Glitter iPhone cases and a bunch of fake stuff). Plan a whole day for Siam Square cause the malls are bigger than you expect. And pinch yourself when you are at Siam Center or CWP to be sure you're not dreaming and you're still in Bangkok. I have never seen something that modern except for malls in Las Vegas. It felt like being in year 2030 while the rest of Bangkok is totally delayed. Be well prepared for a culture shock when you visit Bangkok.

-AJ-

this is what they call a demo

looks more like a music festival than a demonstration

this is the coolest public restsroom on earth. Seen at Siam Center

selfie at restroom at Siam Center hihi....

YES, a skating rink in a mall while it's 36 degree C outside!!!

PLACES: Bangkok - China Town

This was definitely my highlight of Bangkok and my favorite place to hang around during day time.Take the Phara Express boat to Ratchawong Pier for 15 THB and discover a world you can't imagine. It's a chaotic place full of market stands, street foot, scooters and tuck tucks trying to pass the narrow crowded streets and ridiculous shops everywhere (such as shops only for Hello Kitty stickers, shops only for disposable plastic plates and cups or shops only for necklaces but no bracelets or earrings).
It's crowded, dirty and chaotic. It's just how I like Bangkok. This won't be my last time to come here.

-AJ-

FOOD: Bangkok's food and street markets

Seen in China Town, Bangkamphu, Siam Square and Ko Ratanakosin.

-AJ-

food market close to Ko Phra Kaew by the river

fried bananas

seen in China Town

seen in China Town

seen in China Town

fried mussels

fancy cup cakes seen at Siam Center... where else.

fancy ice cream, also seen at Siam Center of course.

PLACES: Bangkok - Ko Phra Kaew

This is one of Bangkok's most known symbols and the most beautiful temple over here. Visit the temple and the Grand Palace with one ticket for 500 THB and you will be astonished by all the little details. Don't forget to cover your elbows and knees before entering. If your hostel is close to the river side you can either walk or take the Phara River Express for 15 THB.

-AJ-