The blog you are about to read may contain events and images not suitable for all audiences (namely our parents)
As Anne mentioned in the “Big Bangkok Reunion” post, I have had a tradition since March 3rd, 2003 of getting friends together when the day, month, and year all match up. What follows is 12/12/12, the grand finale of a 10-year tradition, celebrated with the convergence of family and friends (Mike, Anne, Ryan, Chelsea, Ashley, Scott, TJ, and Carolyn in the flesh and via Google Hangout with Magic Pete, Mendelsohn, Leo & Markus) in the most ridiculous beach house on the island of Ko Samui, Thailand for three days of unadulterated fun.
Our friends requested that as often as possible during their 12 days in Thailand, that we live and travel the way HoneyTrek does. While we didn’t make them hitch-hike in the back of a banana truck or eat PB&J and freeze-dried coffee on the daily, we did require an overnight train to be on the itinerary. Here, the six of us (my brother Ryan & Chelsea were on a flight from San Fran at this very moment) are geared up in Bangkok train station for our trip to Ko Samui.
When we made the reservation for this beach house we thought to ourselves, “If the house is even half as amazing as these photos lead to believe…everyone is going to be SOOO stoked.” And I think I can speak for all eight of us when I say that the place was even more spectacular than the website suggested (How could they neglect to mention the second infinity pool and 50-foot waterfall!!!). We walked in and our jaws hit the floor, followed by our clothes for a dip in infinity pool number #1 then #2.
The house had four lovely bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and living room but every time we looked out our window, we were drawn to that seamless horizon between pool and ocean. If I told you we paid a grand total of $179 a head for 4-days in this mansion on Samrong beach you probably wouldn’t believe me…but we did. Renting a house is sometimes more economical than hotel rooms, and SO much more fun!
If you have ever partaken in a Day/Month/Year party you will know that the theme is always based on the number, whether it be a poker night for “Lucky 7/7/7”, the “9/9 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” or the “10 Party Commandments on 10/10/10.” So for the “12 days of 12/12/12” party we decided to bring elements from each of the nine previous years together for one legendary night.
Warming up with a few rounds of poker in our beautifully Thai-style living room, Ryan (far left) and Scott (far right) show off their best poker faces and the rest of the crew are just happy to still be in the hand.
If you have been to Thailand then you are well acquainted with the 13th person attending the “12 days of 12/12/12” party….Mr. Chang. At 6.5% ABV and slightly Belgian in style, he can either be your best friend or your worst enemy.
As I mentioned earlier we had a total of 12 people partake in the 12/12/12 festivities, and while four of them didn’t make the full commitment of buying a plane ticket half-way around the world, they shall be commended for waking up at 7am on a workday (the USA is 12+ hours ahead of Thailand) to join the festivities. Here is Magic Pete joining us from Denver, wearing his best spandex Santa costume, for the push-up portion of the physical challenge (later he returned virtually…and helped WIN the Flip Cup Challenge).
When you are at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you will have a mask and snorkel. And when you have a house in Thailand, you will inevitably have Chang in the fridge. Together (with some backwards logic) you get the “The Chang Snorkel,” one of the 12 badges needed to be crowned King/Queen of 12/12/12. Note: To get full credit, all party members must be present in the two-person tub.
The next morning we woke up happy to be in one piece, albeit in slight pain. Food was needed as was more exploring around this big and beautiful island, so we rented motorbikes and set out for a full day of adventure. First stop? The local market for some incredibly spicy Panang Curry and Pad Thai…just the cure we were looking for.
Bellies and gas tanks full (check the slide-show and see the awesome Asian gas stations: Guy on plastic chair with wooden rack of old liquor bottles full of petrol.) we took in a little culture with the Wat Phra Yai Temple, home to the island’s biggest Buddha, and a few other neighborhood temples along the way.
As we got farther south and into smaller villages, the back roads were calling our names. This palm-tree slalom course of sorts was not only a lot of fun but good look into local island life.
We capped off our stay on Ko Samui with some sunset bouldering and beach combing at the infamous Lamai beach beach with its suggestive rock formations.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much it meant to us to have such amazing friends join us in Thailand to celebrate 12/12/12. And while the occasion might be a slightly silly and fictitious holiday, the love between our group of buddies is true as they come! We can’t thank you guys enough for traveling the 17,302 miles to visit us and send this ten-year tradition out with a bang.
Actually, I don’t think what was written in this blog entry was that outrageous (And I’ve had my moments of crazy fun in Thailand). But it was totally awesome your friends could join you in Thailand.
Did you ever to go to the Full Moon Party? I went there roughly nine years ago, and I had a blast. My goal was to make it to another Full Moon Party before I was 30. But I didn’t.
What was the Flip Cup Challenge?
There was some serious photo editing done, we have to keep it kosher for the kids ; ) But shoot us a note with your Thai episodes and we’ll go tit for tat : ) Full moon party post is on the horizon…now that was crazy!
I now know what I’m getting myself into for the next historic gathering. Let the training commence! Thanks so much for having me!
Start doing push-ups, flipping cups, eating bugs, and dancing like crazy…you never know when and where the next party may occur! So glad you came and are game for round 11!
What a great time! I’m glad all the photos didn’t make it into this post 🙂 Great memories – thanks HoneyTrek for throwing such an unforgettable 10-day bash!!
Hi you 2′
It was great to see your brother Ryan. Remember him as a toddler! Thanks for sharing your fun-time together.
Hugs from,
Andrew’s Mom and Dad
This looks like the most fun ever!!!!!
Sooo fun! If you ever looking for an awesome getaway to get-together spot, we would totally recommend Samui Holiday Homes. Their houses are amazing and Ko Samui was gorgeous!
I am so sad there is no 13th month after reading this:( What a blast!
Haha. Us too!
This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any techniques to help prevent content from being stolen? I’d really appreciate it.
With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any techniques to help prevent content from being stolen? I’d really appreciate it.
So funny
Man this made me laugh!
You guys sure now how to throw a party. Have you been back to South East Asia since that trip?
Cherie, thanks for the comment….that WAS a fabulous party, still one of my favorites of all time. And good question on SEA…we spent about 9 months there back in 2012, and then we went on to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, then 3 years road tripping around the USA. Getting back to SEA is very high on our list! Have you been there yourself?