My roommate and I are two college students living in Norman, Oklahoma (USA) and we seek a change of pace away from commercialism and its downfalls. We are already going to Chiang Rai August 1st to volunteer with a hills tribe for a month. After that month we plan on spending two months in Thailand.

After doing an extensive amount of research Koh Phangan seems to be an ideal destination for us. I suppose we could be classified as "hippies" though not the dirty type (at least our bodies aren't dirty...our house on the other hand is a bit messy... ) We are very easy going and enjoy the company of other nice people. It seems that this board has a stigma against the crazy partying "hippies" that come for the FMP. While we do love to dance and listen to music we are not into the rowdy party scene. Though going to one of the FMPs would be something I could see us doing.

As for places to stay I think the Baan Panburi Village would be ideal for us, as it seems to be away from all the madness. Basically all we want to do is relax by the beach, read, hike in the interior, snorkle at the various beaches and eat glorious food; but I won't deny that I would be open to drinking a mushroom shake the island sounds like the perfect place for a spiritual adventure through consciousness.

Does Koh Phangan sound like the place for us? And would there be any other places to stay on the beach that rent out for 1-2 months (We don't need electricity) Is it possible to avoid all the rowdy/mean people I have been reading about on this board? Koh Tao is another place that we might venture to, maybe one month on each island, who knows.

Many thanks for the help, and any comments/suggestions things that we should know would be greatly appreciated.

-Alex and Heather

Hello, and welcome to the forum. Either Samui or KP would be fine for long term stays. I wouldn't say Koh Tao, even if you are a diver you'll run out of things to do. Maybe a month on Samui and a month on KP, everything you need is there. You say you don't need electricity, why? You'll need A/C unless you're very used to extreme heat, also, I don' know of even the cheapest accommodation that doesn't have electricity. Maybe someone else can comment on this.

Have a great time.

Hello, and welcome to the forum. Either Samui or KP would be fine for long term stays. I wouldn't say Koh Tao, even if you are a diver you'll run out of things to do. Maybe a month on Samui and a month on KP, everything you need is there. You say you don't need electricity, why? You'll need A/C unless you're very used to extreme heat, also, I don' know of even the cheapest accommodation that doesn't have electricity. Maybe someone else can comment on this.

Have a great time.

Thanks for the reply!

Well we are used to very hot weather in Oklahoma's summers and we are used to camping out a lot in hot places without A/C. It regurally gets over 110 degrees in the summer here, though the humidity isn't as high as on the islands. We'd be there in september/oct. is it still real hot then? Also, I doubt we'd get bored there is absolutely nothing to do here and the only things in nature to enjoy are sunsets and old wise trees (and a river that is crowded with rednecks shooting off their guns), we could spend everyday on the beach just doing the same old thing and enjoying the environment and not get bored.

wouldn't think baan panburi would be the place for you guys, it is beautiful, but they are quite a bit higher end, especially for a self professed hippie on an extended stay.

i would look into some stuff on haad chao prao. jungle huts springs to mind

dolphin on Thong nai pan might be an option, i have always enjoyed my time there.

I would also look into malibu in chaloklam, but chaloklam is just my personal preference. it is pretty quiet by night.

If you really want to dance and party stay in haadrin (not in haadrin proper, but on the outskirts) or ban tai.

paradise garden resort on thong nai pan yai sounds good for you- bungalows are something like 3500b a month, some with kitchens if you pay a bit more. also thai terrace resort is along the same lines, and has an herbal sauna. both have nice people around.

p.s. check out makkar bar near the waterfall

You are going away from "commercialism" to Chiang rai.

And then come here?

You will find everything expensive.

Commercialism is like a mantra here.

You are going away from "commercialism" to Chiang rai.

And then come here?

You will find everything expensive.

Commercialism is like a mantra here.

We are specifically wanting to escape American commercialism which basically controls most people's souls here. Dictacting how they should act, think, what to watch, read, play, wear, and eat; all in the name of a some product. It is very sad.

Thank you for all the responses everyone, and anymore help would be great!

Thong Nai Pan Yai does sound wonderful!

No worries! You will love it on KPN! And if you are bored with the local hillbillys you can more relax on Koh Tao, Saitong Bay.

AND THEN THERE'S A FRIENDLY FACE, FROM YOUR STATE THERE TOO!

You might not know me, but if ya do, write me when ya come, espesially ya girl-friend! LOL

You are going away from "commercialism" to Chiang rai.

And then come here?

You will find everything expensive.

Commercialism is like a mantra here.

We are specifically wanting to escape American commercialism which basically controls most people's souls here. Dictacting how they should act, think, what to watch, read, play, wear, and eat; all in the name of a some product. It is very sad.

Bloody Hippies!

Joking of course, yep TNP is probably best for you, enjoy your break away from American commercialism, something to discuss over a bottle of pepsi at the beach hut I suppose.