Waking up in Phuket: a last day to remember
Waking up in Phuket has the sweet, poignant taste of things about to end. It's a late November morning, and as the light filters through the silence, a subtle melancholy creeps into my thoughts: this will be my last day exploring the island. But there's no room for regret, not yet. Enthusiasm surges in my chest, overwhelming, and pushes me to live every moment intensely, to imprint in my memory every sound, every smell, every nuance of this land that I can already feel slipping away, leaving behind the unmistakable taste of nostalgia.
The air is thick with the warm scent of wood, the same scent that envelops the entire apartment, and for a moment I remain still, lulled by that fragrance that reminds me of home, even though I'm thousands of miles away. I slowly turn over in bed, still wrapped in the warmth of the sheets, and my gaze wanders out the large window. I want to capture that image in my heart, like a perfect photographic composition: the vastness of the ocean framed by the glass, the blue dissolving on the horizon, the waves moving slowly like a breath, enclosed in that small frame.
We're still reeling from jet lag, but in a few minutes we're ready. Breakfast awaits us: a riot of colors and exotic flavors. Among them all, I'm intrigued by those small white spheres with black seeds, wrapped in a reddish skin. I taste them curiously, trying to guess their name, while the sound of the waves accompanies us as we wait for our driver.
Authentic Phuket: Between Elegance and Surprises
I never cease to marvel at the pristine beauty of this place, the gentle elegance of the Thais, their pared-down, unfussy way of life. A minimalism that, however, doesn't apply to their transportation at all. Our driver awaits us in a van that seems to have emerged from a psychedelic dream: interiors decorated with gold details, small Buddhas nestled under the windshield like amulets of good luck, and an array of bizarre objects dangling from the rearview mirror.
Quad Adventure: Adrenaline in the Jungle
The jungle awaits. We've decided to bid farewell to the island with one last adrenaline rush: a quad bike excursion along the dirt roads. The thought of driving an unfamiliar vehicle in such a wild place sends shivers down my spine. But any hesitation dissolves amid the laughter of a small group of young Thais.
Authentic Encounters: Boys from Burma
Barriers break down in an instant, with a smile, with a gesture. And then there's Ludovico, his beard braided with a rubber band that, unwittingly, becomes the perfect hook for a conversation. They tell us their stories in a mix of Thai and a few words of English, and we try to understand them, to make ourselves understood. We discover that three of those young men are from Burma: they fled the war, arriving in Thailand in search of a better future. Their faces reveal the traces of a difficult past, but in their eyes shines a lively light, a genuine joy that needs no words to be understood.
We still understand each other, through gestures, smiles, and a few uncertain words, until the roar of the engines breaks the moment. It's time to go.
Well, the charismatic leader
Guiding us on this adventure is Boh, one of the boys we'd just met. It's impossible not to notice him: his energy fills the space, he moves with a natural, almost theatrical ease. He speaks little, but his eyes sparkle with expressiveness. His broad gestures, quick smiles, and funny imitations immediately put us at ease, as if we'd known each other forever.
He approaches the quad with the confidence of someone who's spent a lifetime on these trails and, without much preamble, shows me the controls with a mix of words, onomatopoeic sounds, and exaggerated demonstrations. It's impossible not to laugh as he tries to explain the braking, leaning backward with a truly theatrical expression. After a few minutes, he gives me a firm nod to let me know I'm ready.
Between mud, speed and discovery
The engines roar and we set off. Boh follows close behind, cheering us on with shouts and claps, cheering at every obstacle we overcome. The ride quickly turns into a game: the wheels sinking into the mud, the splashes of water from the puddles rising around us, the jungle closing in on either side as the wind and the smell of bamboo whip our faces. Every now and then, Boh jogs up to our side, gesticulating like a director directing a scene in an action movie.
Suddenly, without warning, we see him dart away, like a shadow through the trees. "Come!" he exclaims, beckoning us to follow. The quad jerks to a halt, the engine still roaring beneath our fingers. We exchange a quick glance before running after him, immersed in the beating heart of the jungle.
Boh stops next to a plant with broad, green, stiff leaves and quickly breaks one off. “Dong,” he says with a smile, holding up the leaf to show us. “These… cigars.” He says it in English, with an accent that makes the word almost musical.
He explains to us with gestures—and a few broken words—that these leaves are harvested, dried, and then used as natural paper for local cigars and cigarettes. He tears off another, rubs it between his fingers to demonstrate its texture, then passes it to us, as if it were a small treasure worth guarding.
We watch him, fascinated. In that moment, I understand that for him, it's not just a plant, but a part of his culture, his history. A detail that may seem small to us, but it encompasses an entire world.
I don't know if I'll ever smoke a cigar made with dong, but in that moment, holding a freshly picked leaf in my hands, in the middle of the Thai jungle, is already an experience I'll never forget.
We set off again, the roar of the quads mingling with the sounds of the jungle. The terrain gets rougher, the curves tighter, but by now the initial fear has vanished, giving way to pure enjoyment. Boh continues to cheer us on, laughing out loud every time a cloud of mud rises up as we pass. We feel free, far from every thought, completely immersed in the adrenaline and wild beauty that surrounds us.
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During our tour, we manage to admire, albeit from afar, the majestic silhouette of the Giant Buddha, dominating the hill with its imposing yet serene presence. The road to it was blocked by a recent landslide, and we can't get as close as we would have liked. But no matter. From here, among the trees and the clear sky, the image of the statue takes on an even more mystical allure, as if it wishes to remain distant, untouchable. We pause for a moment to take a few photos, but more than anything to capture this moment in our memory, filled with laughter, dirt under our fingernails, and emotions difficult to explain.
Greetings to Boh: energy and spirituality
It's time to say goodbye to Boh. He hasn't exhausted his energy yet: he hops around, poses for photos, trying to capture the strangest poses, his laughter echoing through the trees. But shortly after, as quickly as he moves through puddles, we find him in a more secluded corner, lighting candles in front of a small shrine.
The contrast between the two images strikes me. The joyful and lively boy who moments before was diving into the puddles with us is now motionless, absorbed, his gaze fixed on the flickering light of the flames. It's an intimate moment, inviting us to remain silent. Boh kneels for a brief moment, his hands clasped in a respectful gesture.
I understand that behind her exuberance lies much more than she lets on. There's a past, a story, perhaps hidden pains she hasn't told us. But there's also a profound soul, capable of laughing and praying with equal intensity.
We watch him from afar, unwilling to interrupt that moment. Then, with a final smile, we say goodbye for the last time. And this is how I want to remember him: an overwhelming energy, a free spirit, but with a heart that shines, like the flame of those candles.
Embark on an authentic adventure in Phuket
Want to experience Phuket differently, off the beaten path? With us, you can:
- Explore the jungle on a quad bike amid breathtaking scenery.
- Meet local people and discover stories that leave a lasting impression.
- Savor authentic experiences, among exotic scents, colors, and flavors.
- Discover hidden places and intimate corners of the island.
Each trip is tailor-made to ensure you experience unique and authentic experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact us To plan your next adventure in Phuket or any other destination you dream of exploring. The perfect trip awaits!
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2 responses
Very nice.
I will definitely plan a trip with you.
Do you have any good deals, in general?
Are there any groups I can join?
Thank you!
Hi! Thanks for your interest!
With Lechuguita, you can plan trips with complete confidence, whether for individuals or groups! We can arrange a consultation to get to know each other and find the perfect trip, evaluate special offers, and find the best times for your needs. We are Evolution Travel Consultants and work with all major tourism operators, especially verified local suppliers worldwide. Contact us at +39 379 305 2307 or send us an email at info@lechuguita.art.
Kind regards,
Ludo & Anto