Khlong Nin beach, Koh Lanta

Between all the traveling, jet lag and attack of insects on Ton Sai beach we needed a nice relaxing spot. After some deliberation Jill took me to a place that she had been on her last trip to Thailand...Koh Lanta.

Koh Lanta is an island in southern Thailand on the Andaman Sea. There are several white sand beaches that flank the western shore, each separated by a rocky outcropping. It is these breaks that create distinctive beach cultures on each. The third beach down, about a 20min motorbike ride from the main town, is Khlong Nin. This place is heaven with a laid back traveler vibe! It is even more chilled out right now because the high season has just ended.

I have to admit I was not feeling it the first couple nights. We learned real quick the difference between serious budget travel and just budget travel. The first 2 nights we stayed in a room that cost each of us 4USD per night. With this we got a fan, a bathroom with no flush (just fill the bucket and flush it yourself!), the intoxicating smell of sewer and a mattress where the coils were basically coming through the top. But with a few beers, Jill's thermarest, an amazing beach and the bathroom door closed we managed.

Ahhhh but then we discovered Lanta White Rocks just next door. We were able to bargain so we kept our cost under 10USD per person. The difference was night & day. Things were looking a lot more like paradise. Days here begin with breakfast on the beach. There is nothing like eating a breakfast of fruit, eggs and a banana lassi (fruit and yogurt shake) with your feet in the sand. After breakfast the day is really up in the air! Maybe I will read my book in the hammock or write in my journal. Then again perhaps I will feel like laying out, swimming or napping. The last couple days we rode a motorbike around the island. The possibilities are endless :o)

As for the nightlife. We have found that the Tomahawk Bar at Nice Beach Resort across from our bungalow is a one-stop shop. Tomahawk bar is right on the beach so we have watched the sunset from their outdoor deck that overlooks the water every night. It has an outdoor restaurant with amazing Thai and Indian food. Not to mention they have plenty of chill space to enjoy evening beers. We tend to get there around 6 and not leave all night. Ummm, why would you?

So there you have it, my last week in a nutshell. I have met some great people here that I will miss but I must move on tomorrow. Tomorrow we will leave the chill Koh Lanta vibe for absolute mayhem for one night...the full moon party on Koh Pnang. Poor me, I have to island hop. :o)