How I Recharged My Soul in Thailand: A Journey of Connection, Culture, and Clarity

This wasn’t just a vacation, it was a reset. For the first time, I traveled without a plan, without an itinerary, and with only one intention: to visit my brother. What unfolded was far more than I expected. It became a deeply nourishing retreat, one that recharged my energy, reconnected me with nature, and reminded me of the joy in simply being.

Despite having lived in Thailand for nearly 15 years, I had never visited Krabi. Life, work, and routine always seemed to take priority. But this time, I said yes to the unknown. And what a gift that turned out to be.

Krabi welcomed me with its serene beauty, lush limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and a pace of life that invites you to breathe more deeply. I spent meaningful time with my brother, something we hadn’t done in years. We snorkeled in crystal-clear waters, kayaked through mangrove forests, and stayed at the lovely Varana Hotel, where every detail was thoughtfully arranged. Their hospitality made our stay feel effortless and restorative.

One unexpected blessing: although it was the rainy season, the skies were mostly clear. The sun followed us almost every day, as if nature itself was encouraging us to slow down and savor the moment.

Another highlight was a Thai cooking class with a professional chef at Varana. I learned to prepare some of my favorite dishes, (meals I’ve enjoyed for years but never attempted to cook myself). Now, I’m excited to recreate them here in Europe, bringing a little piece of Thailand into my kitchen.

As a photography enthusiast, I also had the chance to capture stunning macro images, delicate orchids, buzzing bees, and vibrant flowers whose names I couldn’t even recall. Each frame felt like a meditation on nature’s quiet brilliance.

One moment in particular touched me deeply. In Thai culture, butterflies are believed to be messengers from the spirit world, visits from loved ones who have passed. I’ve always felt this connection. Every time I travel and think of my grandparents, a butterfly seems to appear. In Krabi, one gently landed on my foot. I greeted it softly, as I always do, and managed to capture the moment in a photo. It felt like a quiet blessing, a reminder that we are never truly alone.

What struck me most was how deeply I felt connected to nature. As I floated in the sea or watched the sun dip behind the cliffs, I realized how priceless these quiet moments have become. With time, I’ve come to value peaceful destinations far more than cosmopolitan ones.

That said, Bangkok still had its charm. I made time to reconnect with friends and even found myself dancing to Latin rhythms (just like I used to). It was a beautiful reminder that joy can be found in both stillness and movement.

And speaking of Bangkok... did you know it holds the Guinness World Record for the longest city name in the world? The full ceremonial name is:

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

It translates to something like “The Great City of Angels, the Immortal Jewel of Indra…” and continues with poetic references to royal palaces and divine spirits. I still remember learning it at university—it was the first time I truly understood the richness of Thai culture.

Thailand’s history is equally captivating. Formerly known as Siam, it is one of the few countries in the region never colonized, preserving its unique identity through centuries of change.

Krabi, in particular, has roots that stretch back to prehistoric times. Today, it remains a haven for those seeking peace, nature, and a slower rhythm of life.

And in a modern moment of pride, Thailand recently celebrated a new milestone: the newly crowned Miss Universe 2025 is Thai. A beautiful reminder that this country continues to shine on the global stage.

One of the most enriching parts of my time in Thailand has always been the food. I’ve made it a personal mission to taste every meal and inhale every aroma. From fragrant jasmine rice to spicy curries and delicate flower infusions, food in Thailand is a sensory journey. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of experiencing homemade dishes from across Asia (Japan, Burma, Bangladesh, India, and of course, Thailand). Each meal told a story. Each flavor became a memory.

If there’s one message I’d love to share, it’s this: be grateful for every single thing life gives you. Sometimes life brings challenges...unexpected turns, difficult decisions, or moments of doubt. But we grow through them. For me, the key has been to keep learning, stay adaptable, accept feedback with grace, and do what truly works for me.

People often talk about self-care and self-love. For me, it means listening...really listening to my body and my inner voice. It means knowing what nourishes me, what energizes me, and what I need to say no to. It’s not always easy, but it’s powerful. I encourage everyone to tune in to themselves and choose what makes them feel alive and at peace.

And above all, I will always be grateful for my friends in Thailand those who opened their arms and treated me like family. They helped shape the person I am today. Just Gigi.

My biggest takeaway? Embrace love for people, for nature, for food, for your inner voice, and for every moment of free time. Life doesn’t always need a plan. Sometimes, it just needs an open heart.