The Island Collage
Yesterday, I wrote about why versatility is the most prominent strength of Koh Pha Ngan. I wanted to try and encapsulate that appeal in a brief snippet of a day. Life on the island feels like a collage, constantly meshing together different pieces to form a very unique daily image.
To start said day, we woke up in our lovely, very affordable bungalow. Not that it will really drive any traffic their way, but we’re at Moonway Bungalows—can definitely recommend, especially for a longer stay. Made breakfast in our kitchen. Sat out on the deck, overlooking the ocean. Completed the Wordle.
Decided to jump on the e-Bikes we rented out for the month and cycle up and down some hills for about seven minutes to get into Srithanu, the closest major town, and a unique cultural melting pot orbiting around all things wellness. It truly offers the whole spectrum of however wellness could be interpreted. Nevertheless, into and through Srithanu we ventured, turning past the night markets and off the bumpy road towards a board game café we’d spotted.
We hadn’t visited before, but we certainly will again. The café/games shop, Wallaby Werks, is an absolute gem. They have maybe 150 games lining the shelves. Whatever you are searching for, whether that’s chess, or Catan, or Carcassonne, they’ll have it. There’s plenty if you don’t have a game in mind. So many options, in fact, that I felt a little sad knowing I wouldn’t have enough days left to play everything I wanted to.
They’re incredibly accomodating, too. Large tables, comfortable seating, cool air conditioning. Barista coffee and smoothies. Snacks. But even if you’re not after a drink, you don’t even have to buy one to play. You’re welcomed to bring your 7-11 snacks, fresh fruit juice, or takeaway Pad Thai and eat it there. I respect the openness. I might be there right now, as you’re reading this.
Once we finished our mandatory Catan game, we hopped back on our bikes for about two minutes and rode to Fat Boy, perhaps the best spot to eat we’ve found so far on the island. Very unassuming roadside tent, run by a family. For the second straight day, we pull up and order a delicious pork bone noodle soup, generous Pad Thai, and a drink for less that $7 total. Therein lies the beauty of this place. Eat where the locals do, and you’ll find incredible Thai food, at bargain prices. Equally, you’ll just easily stumble across that avocado toast you’ve been craving from home, or nourishing vegan food, or perhaps something Middle Eastern. Pick whatever you feel like.
After setting off again, we came home, sat under the fan and relaxed. I projected the NBA finals on the TV. What an incredible lifestyle. I shouldn’t get used to it. Then, as the sun set, we whizzed on down to the beach, Pinky bringing up the rear, and jumped into the warm water. Quick 7-11 stop on the way back up the hill and then dinner at home.
Each day we can just decide what random thing we’d like to do, on the fly. Everything is here and, now that we know the place pretty well, just a short bike ride away. Freedom is an incredible luxury.
