How Island Hopping in Thailand Can Mend a Broken Heart

As Al Green once beautifully wept: “How can you mend a broken heart?” – and, indeed, how? There are no bystanders; we are all participants in a game called heartache. The pain is inevitable, it seems. We love, we lose. – those are the rules. To quote one of the most potent female singers of all time:
“You don’t know what love is
‘Till you’ve learned the meaning of the blues
‘Till you’ve loved a love you’ve had to lose
You don’t know what love is”
– And you’re right, Ms. Simone. We surely don’t. Heartache suits us. And pining, mourning, grief, and other seemingly daunting verbs are nothing but one of life’s greatest teachers, for, in pain, we find the path to self. The antidote to suffering in love? It’s real. And it works. Solo travel. This is how island hopping in Thailand can mend a broken heart. Follow me.

Why Thailand?

It happened to me. I took time off and bought a one-way ticket to Asia. The plan was: to relinquish all plans. And believe me when I say – Thailand cured all my sorrows. (well, love-related ones, at least) As an undying fan of the Beatles, I decided to follow in their footsteps and landed in India, but the experience only left my emotional apparatus asking more complex questions. And it wanted answers badly. So, I researched and read about the “Land of the Free.” (Considering my “widower” alter-ego at the time, Thailand’s literal translation offered my inconsolable sorrow a glimpse of hope. And boy, did it deliver.)

I bet you didn’t know

Here are some fun facts about the epic country of Thailand:

• There are 1430 islands in Thailand. (yes, you read that correctly)
• The coastline stretches for 1,750 miles (or 2815 km)
• The people of Thailand call Bangkok “Krung Thep,” but it’s actually an abbreviation; Bangkok is just short for “Krung Thep Maha Nakorn Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahidol Pop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchawiwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.” – the full name of Thailand’s capital. I stick with Bangkok.
• Up to 95% of the population identifies as Buddhist
• It’s also known as “The Land of Smiles”; but different kinds. Thai people are pros when it comes to using facial muscles. Each type of smile sends a subtle yet entirely distinctive message; officially, there are more than 13 different smiles in Thailand. How amazing is that?
• And my personal favorite: The year is 2565, not 2022. Indeed, Thailand is 543 years ahead of us. Explanation? Their official calendar is the traditional Buddhist calendar (although the Western one is also in use).

Bangkok and its otherworldly temples were the first on my itinerary. (friendly tip: landing in Bangkok vs. landing on Thai islands is always cheaper) Anyhow. Islands. Yes.

The kindness of strangers

Beauty counteracts all pain. And so does talking to complete, wandering strangers on your heartbreak tour. It’s actually exhilarating. Opening up to life’s passerby on the great island of Phuket. (my first stop) Meeting new people (some were heartbroken, too) had my chakras going. An influx of new, open energies does wonders for our mental and emotional health. The greatest thing about talking to strangers about your wounds? There is no context, no reading into, no projections. It’s just talking. The good, old “I hear you” talk. And it’s beautiful in all its accommodating vastness. I loved Phuket for its sublime juxtaposition of tranquil beaches and thriving nightlife. Most importantly, it’s impossible to feel alone. That’s when I first realized island hopping in Thailand can mend a broken heart. For sure. According to moving specialists from benhur.com, Thailand’s been experiencing a rising number of “transplants.” I wonder why.

Out of sight, out of mind

We all need that physical and emotional distance after separation. The mere idea of running into them, or their friends (or our mutual friends) was a mythological-scale dread. Thailand gave me the freedom to roam. And it healed my wounds. After Phuket, it was off to Koh Samui. From tango-ing tears to basking on the picturesque, jungle-endowed beaches. After getting acquainted with Lamai, Lipa Noi, Bophut, and Chaweng beaches, my weeping heart was finally home. The picture-perfect tropical coastline was all mine. Swimming, diving, snorkeling. My favorite spot? The Secret Buddha Garden and Namuang Waterfall. Me-me time. I also loved the tourist profile diversity, backpackers to A-listers. It was just pure harmony.

Know thyself

Ancient Greek aphorism on the coasts of Thailand. – We’ll let it slide. I won’t lie; traveling can’t heal your heart. Not entirely. But it helps. Tremendously. After years of harmony and dissonance, I was finally alone. Every bit of me suddenly belonged solely – to me. And it was terrifying at first. But Koh Lanta provided a gateway to relearning who I was. Who I am. And it was pure magic. Moped hire. I nodded. Located just off the coast of Krabi (a great spot with stunning coral reef vistas!), I found Koh Lanta to be serene, friendly, bohemian, and, most importantly, quiet – exactly what I needed after my go-rogue motorcycle adventure. The Mu Ko Lanta National Park and its wildlife, followed by a boat ride to Koh Rok Nok and Rok Nai, left me speechless.

The bigger picture

Traveling to Thailand dissolved my bruised ego; it wasn’t until I arrived at Koh Phi Phi Leh that I realized how insignificant and small my pain is compared to nature’s greatness. And what a cognition. After visiting Maya Bay (“The Beach,” Leo DiCaprio, that one), Monkey Bay, Viking Cave, and Pi Leh Lagoon, I was a different man. Something hit the switch. And I felt peaceful for the first time in many months. (Plus, I really enjoyed Thai dancers juggling fire. And cocktails. Got to love those. “Sabai Sabai,” a must)

Final thoughts

Island hopping in Thailand can mend a broken heart. It won’t happen overnight, though. Give it a few days. Or weeks. I promise you its indescribable beauty, as well as its Omni-welcoming philosophy, will make way for your inner Buddha.

 

About the author:
Blake Malone is a full-time blogger blessed with wanderlust. He lives for adrenaline rides, hence, his kart racing obsession. Another coincidence: his favorite fruit is Kiwi. His favorite bird is – Kiwi.