Bang Tao, Phuket
Bang Tao:
The next destination after Patong, met solely for the purpose of passing the time in between Honey’s work schedule. After meeting her for the first time since we started talking last year, it was a nice coincidence of meeting up and being acquainted with one another. Intelligent and funny, her attitude is an explosion of Thai spice.
Bang Tao was decent enough to host me, staying at Hotel Coco for long enough, the beachside air had finally called me back to the memories of being on the Florida beaches again. Hot and humid, the Thai sun reminisced my home back in the states. Within days, I found myself renting another scooter while in the latency periods of waiting for Honey to get off of work. At this point, she was working at a resort for an internship throughout the day, so I had for the most part, time to explore whenever she was away.
Bang Tao is a decent city, more so a town than anything, but it is beautiful for the standards that the resorts bring massive influxes of tourists from Russia and Australia. The indiscriminate mix here seemed very off-putting for the authenticity of being in Thailand. In fact, it was weird being surrounded by Russians on a beach in the middle of Thailand. The town is just a place designed specifically for the tourists, as is most of Phuket. The costs are spiked incredibly, and to live is to burn your money on costs that would bankrupt most Thais coming on vacation- it even took me aback, as my money had begun to dwindle throughout the tourist traps, unable to escape the reality of the Post-COVID price hikes.
My days were spent searching for authentic restaurants. As a foodie, even if it is out of the way, my primary goal is to be as authentic and real to the country I am in. Though the language barrier here in Thailand is very difficult, with most Thais being shy to speak English, I would utilize whatever tools necessary to accomplish my tasks of ordering foods and drinks.
You’d be surprised the amount of tourists that have not had a Thai Tea. For me, it was a staple of my travel. A hot motorcycle ride through the town and a stop to grab some refreshing Thai tea sent me soaring from the taste and caffeine.
When I was bored throughout the day I would make my way out to the beach, near the edge of the resorts and past a place called Mr. Tom Yam and SAii Laguna Phuket Resort to a hidden oasis by the two largest trees secluded in an overlook by the beach. These trees harvested the most relaxation from the comfort of my hammock, of which I conveniently packed for moments like this. Through the heat of the Thai sun, I could escape its debilitating grip by seeking shelter beneath the tree’s canopy and rock away into a midday nap.
The adventures awaited me at almost every corner. The freedom of having the motorbike was convenient for my last minute decisions of exploring the beach. To be fair, I was kind of beached out at this point. It was tiring for me to constantly be near the sand. I was waiting for my eventual escape towards the mountains and lush forests that Thailand has to offer. But in the meantime, I was content with where I was at.
At night, Honey would get off of work, and we would ride the scooters to grab some cheap food, and then hit up the local bars to get drinks or just to drive. It was exciting because it seemed as though the adventures never stopped. At one point, as we were leaving the tree oasis near the Laguna, we noticed three cows that had gotten loose from a farm, and being the person I am, took the rope attached to the cow, and the motorbike to steer the cattle to a nearby open pasture, where they could roam freely. By using the horn and the motorbike similar to a horse I could bring them safely into a place with no danger of cars or people. It was a sight to witness for the locals Im sure- a Farang taking care of the cattle like that.
Between the both of us, a recurring theme between Honey and I is the resurgence of Cows and Dogs between the trip. We don’t witness one without the other, as throughout the trip either imagery, or themes or the actual animals there in person, dogs and cows have been very symbolic in its repetition.
Before we left Bang Tao we got to take a very long and borderline scary ride down to Old Phuket Town on the motor bike. I had to learn Thai driving customs quick, as many Thai drivers are impatient. Though it was an arduous journey at first, it was good sight to see, as the Old Phuket Town was full of enjoyable shops, scenery, and people that embraced the melting pot of the multi-ethnic city with those from other countries in search of entrepreneurial endeavors.
After returning from Old Phuket Town, and spending just a few days more in Bang Tao, Honey And I went to an elephant sanctuary and ate local soups, where I learned how to make a delicious Miang Khum from a grandma who shared with me her secret recipe, and told me to live it on in America. After these experiences, Honey and I parted ways for the time being, and she said if I made it to Chonburi, I could get a cheaper, more local experience and that her translation would be very helpful in her side of the country where she studies. I agreed, and with the tip of my hat, said my goodbyes and left for the Rassada Pier in search for bluer waters- Kho Phi Phi Islands.
