THERAPEUTIC ROAD TRIP IN THAILAND

a month to find each other

An initiatory journey along the Thai coast, in nature, along deserted beaches. Four weeks to share in all simplicity, between land and sea, between oneself and others. Four weeks of discovery, observation (of oneself, others, the regions crossed) punctuated by exercises.

Chapter 1 — Time to Depart: Adopting the Provincial Tempo

It all starts in Bangkok. It's not a particularly relaxing destination, but if we're here, we might as well take the opportunity to get in touch with this vibrant, bustling, and intoxicating capital. We'll only be there long enough to recover from the lag (2 or 3 nights maximum) and do some quiet, restorative sightseeing.

Then it's off to the sea, 250 kilometers south of Bangkok. It's here, on the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan, that the break begins. Time to find a good spot between the sea and coconut trees, a first refuge, to settle down. We sleep under a fan, wake up to the sound of geckos, and share hot coffee by the water. We live in flip-flops and Bermuda shorts, and learn to get around on a scooter (vehicle rentals are available and very cheap). The days stretch out to the rhythm of visits and activities, with a regular and soothing rhythm. Once underway, the schedule and activities are discussed during the discussion circles. Everyone is free to participate or not:

• Walk and exercise at sunrise, the beaches are immense, deserted and magnificent.
• Cooking workshops at local homes; we try to rent houses as much as possible. We look for a good spot together; we don't hesitate to ask.
• Boat trip in the mangroves, in the islands, to go and do a little fishing initiation.
• And every morning, every evening, a time of exercises and a talking circle, walking with your feet in the water on the beach. We let go, we end up not caring about what might be happening elsewhere, by lowering the level of psychological, but also biological, stress. No clock, no notifications — just the breath of the wind and the presence of others.

Chapter 2 — The time of the crossing: the call of the open sea

The road gently heads south. Two hours into the journey, the coastline becomes completely wild, a rare solitude. We enter the province of Chumphon, discreet and authentic, far from the tourist trails. It's up to the group to organize the two or three stages along the particularly preserved coastline. Here, it's the world of fishing and coastal agriculture. The wooden bungalows face the beach. The fishermen return at dawn, the children play under the palm trees. There isn't always a very good phone signal, but we are peaceful and well received.

• Kayak discovery of the mangroves, numerous in the region, a complex and fragile ecosystem
• Snorkeling in the waters of Mu Ko Chumphon Marine Park,
• Bike rides, scooter rides in the villages and the immense coconut groves that abound,
• Breathwork and yoga sessions on the sand, at sunrise and sunset

The afternoons are free: we read, we write, we sleep, we are silent. We learn to do nothing, to remain silent, to contemplate, to listen to the world without wanting to hold it back. The presence of the sea, the sound of the surf, and the chirping of the crickets hypnotize us. Each day, we calm down a little more. And then, we visit two provincial capitals in the heart of Thailand: Chumporn and Ranong, cities through which we transit to reach our ultimate goal, the island of Koh Phayam.

Chapter 3 — The Time of Silence: Bird Island

Last stop: Koh Phayam, a quiet pearl in the Andaman Gulf (in the Indian Ocean). It is reached by boat from Ranong, after a crossing of an hour and a half through the islets and the flocks of seabirds. I fell in love with this island during a previous trip: its silence, its new-age culture, its peaceful local life and, bonus, there is another very wild and magnificent island to visit a few cables away. Upon arrival, everything seems suspended: no cars, just a few scooters, sandy paths and the rustling of the wind in the casuarina trees. The group settles into a previously reserved accommodation, simple and open to the breeze. The days always pass according to the same model:

• Sunrise Meditations,
• Walks in the island's forests,
• Grilled fish, vegetarian lunches and football on the beach,
• Moments of silence and writing,
• Sea bathing, swimming and coastal walking.

The coach will guide each participant through a summary of the trip, the learnings they have learned, and the insights they have gained. A vlog will be created and edited during the trip.

Epilogue — I let the poet speak, because the sea is a matter of poetry (Baudelaire invitation to travel)

Guided by your scent to charming climes, I see a port filled with sails and masts Still all worn out by the sea waves, While the scent of the green tamarind trees, Which circulates in the air and swells my nostrils, Mingles in my soul with the song of the sailors.

🌊 Practical information

• Duration: 1 month (December)
• Group: 10 participants
• Supervision: therapeutic coach local coordinator
• Accommodation: Homestays & Eco-lodges
• Itinerary: Prachuap Khiri Khan → Chumphon → Koh Phayam (Ranong)
• Activities: gentle walking, yoga, meditation, snorkeling, kayaking, group workshops, local immersion