Why Thailand Will Always Have My Heart....

With Thailand sitting firmly at the top of everyone‘s travel hit list right now - and completely dominating my social media feed - I‘ve found myself deep in reminisce mode. Every itinerary, beach photo, tuk-tuk ride, and sunset cocktail is giving me serious FOMO and pulling me straight back to a place that has shaped me more than any other.

I've been lucky enough to travel to Thailand several times over the years, experiencing it in many different ways - from raw, budget backpacking to more luxurious escapes. However, the experience that stands out above all else was the time I lived and studied there. That chapter allowed me to step beyond the role of tourist and truly experience day-to-day Thai life, and it remains one of the most meaningful periods of my life.

STUDYING, LIVING AND LEARNING IN CHIANG MAI

With this being my first-ever solo trip and stepping massively out of my comfort zone, my original intention was to travel to Thailand and undergo a full mind, body, and soul detox. (Spoiler alert: that lasted less than 24 hours after landing). Alongside that optimistic plan, I was studying to build on my existing Massage Therapy qualification, to deepen my understanding of massage and learn how to both perform and teach Thai Yoga Massage - yes, the kind where people walk on backs and bend and fold bodies into shapes you didn't know were possible.

What followed was nothing short of life-changing.

During my studies in Chiang Mai, I met some of the most incredible humans - many of whom I still call close friends today and many I will never meet again. I was taught ancient massage techniques by masters of the art - the women of the local hilltribes, who not only taught us, but cooked for us and allowed us to stay in their homes and spend time with their families. I was taught in a specialist school by the most talented teachers who performed massage on us every day (pure bliss). I studied anatomy at Chiang Mai University, learning the most literal way possible through preserved donations to medical science. I received massages and learned from the incredible members at the blind school, who put their hands on your body and instantly find problematic areas without speaking a word to you. It was all humbling, grounding and deeply meaningful.

MINDFULNESS, MOVEMENT AND GIVING BACK

Life during that time found a beautiful rhythm. Mornings and evenings often began and ended with Yoga and Tai-Chi, practised on the guesthouse rooftop or in quiet local gardens. Days were fuelled by endless fresh juices, herbal teas and some of the most unbelievable food I've ever eaten - all 3 meals a day for around £2.50.

I immersed myself in meditation, including a 4-day retreat at a Buddhist Monastery - an experience that challenged me in ways I never expected. I gave Thai Boxing a go and was forced to jog around Chiang Mai City in 38 degree heat as a warm up before the most intense training (I lasted 4 days back to back before becoming unwell and realising I am not built for Thai boxing training), I also taught international students from all over the world and one of the most meaningful parts of my time there was teaching massage skills to young children at a local orphanage. We awarded them certificates for their achievements - a small but powerful way to build confidence, provide skills and offer alternatives to lives of exploitation, which was the unfortunate path that was often ahead for their innocent lives. To this day, some of those students still message asking for help with their English and every single time it fills my heart.

BECAUSE BALANCE MATTERS

Of course, it wasn't all mindfulness and early nights. We were students after all - and students away from home in a tropical country with lots going on. There was plenty of Chang beer, reggae bars, house clubs, music festivals, road trips, hot springs, waterfall jumping, late nights and the kind of friendships you form when you are far from home and living in the moment. Becoming friends with the locals, dancing until sunrise, recovering by the rooftop pool, eating LOTS of pad thai and laughing through the chaos was all part of the magic.

ISLAND LIFE AND LIFELONG FRIENDS

After finishing our studies, we travelled south and made Koh Tao our home for a month. We lived in simple beach huts, unofficially adopted the local dogs, partied with our newfound island family, and fully embraced island life. Full moon and jungle parties happened frequently, and lifelong memories were made. Friendships were formed that are still going strong more than 12 years later. A full blog could be done solely on the island life - but that is one for another time.

WHY I'LL ALWAYS RECOMMEND THAILAND

I've explored Thailand by bus, plane, boat, moped, tuk tuk and even by Elephant for certain parts. Every journey revealed a different layer of the country, but what never changed was the warmth of the people, the richness of the culture and the way Thailand has a habit of staying with you long after you leave it.

So really, my point is simple: travel to Thailand. Whether you're seeking city chaos, island chill, adventure, healing, culture, connection or just an unforgettable holiday with unforgettable food, it is truly unreal.

...and if you have any Thailand travels brewing, I'd genuinely love to chat and help however I can.

Amanda

xxx