I had the luxury of seeing most of Thailand from a yacht which made for a memorable experience. I’m very aware that my Thailand experience was very different than most people’s.
Yacht Life
One of my husband’s dear friends not only lives in Phuket, Thailand – he owns a fleet of liveaboard dive yachts. While we did not stay on one of his boats (they were booked), we had the pleasure of renting one of his friends.
This was my first time staying overnight on a boat. Being prone to sea sickness, I wasn’t sure how I would do. Of course I ended up having one of the best vacations of my life. Here are 5 things I learned during this week-long boat trip. Correction, yacht trip.
No Itinerary, No Problem
When was the last time you woke up and you had absolutely nothing to do? Unfortunately I don’t think it happens too often for most people. For 7 days straight we had no itinerary. Wake up, eat, swim, scuba dive, eat, snorkel, eat, go to island, play games, eat…you get where I’m going here.
We mapped our course at night and let sea take us. I thought I would get bored but I did not. I read a lot of good books, I colored, and I learned how to play chess. Which brings me to my next point…
Disconnect
Middle of the ocean with no cell signal. Sadly, it was scary at first. We’re so wired all the time, it’s hard to unplug. We literally had to be forced to do so. After the first 24 hours when you realize the world is still functioning, your family is safe, your work is still making money. Then you go back to the basics.
I was reminded of how much I enjoyed playing that didn’t involve electronics. Sometimes I did nothing. Ever take a nap on the water with the Thai breeze on you?
Minimal Clothing Needed
My husband warned me not to overpack. But of course I showed up with 2 big suitcases. Mistake! Here’s the thing about being on a dive boat in Thailand – you spend 90% of the time in a bathing suit. All those poor clothes in that second bag were shipped right back to the US without being worn.
If anything, I learned how to not overpack anymore! If you’re going to spend a week on a boat, you will not need a lot of clothes. Stick to majority swim suits and cover-ups.
Good, Fresh Food
Chef Gomp. I just licked my lips thinking about her food. I’ll just say this. My trip to Thailand was almost 6 months ago and I have yet to have Thai food back here in the States. Why? Because I’m afraid it will never top Chef Gomp’s food. It was seriously the best food (not Thai food, food) I have ever had. And to think she did it all in a small galley! Basic ingredients are all you need for good, fresh food.
Be Prepared
We were blessed with a safe trip but that’s not always the case. The one thing we were all aware of is that things could have gone wrong at any given time. We never once took our safety for granted. As a result we had an amazing trip.
We also had a crew watching over us:-)
3 comments
I was hoping you would post more about this trip! I’m so jealous that you were on a yacht:-)
I’m taking my wife to Thailand this fall for our anniversary. Will you share the name of the yacht company you used?
I need to vacation with you! My trip to Thailand was nowhere near like this lol