Thailand on one's own: How did touristic Koh Lanta hold up?!
We are testing the popular Koh Lanta!
Koh Lanta Island, which is much larger than little Koh Kradan, is one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations. Most tourists head for the southern part called Yai, where I am also headed. From Koh Kradan, I traveled back by boat and, after an hour-long journey on the sea and past exotic mangroves, I arrived at the port Saladan Pier. This is where an employee of the Golden Bay Cottage hotel picked me up, this hotel became my sanctuary and the discovery of sunny Koh Lanta began.
The possibilities of what to do on Koh Lanta are many, but you don't feel like doing anything
Koh Lanta's dry and windless weather literally tempts one to do nothing but relax by the pool or sea with a cool drink in hand. I did this for a few days before I decided to go out and explore the surroundings. Um, to be honest, it was only after it started to rain for the first time in two months. The best way to get around Koh Lanta is by scooter, but I decided to use the local taxi because I was intimidated by the local traffic “rules or lack thereof”, plus I forgot my driver's license at home. Oops, oh well...
The island offers a lot of entertainment, a Japanese restaurant and a luxurious German bakery
As for shops, there are many of them here, mostly those with souvenirs and food. You can buy food in the popular 7-Eleven store which is also visited by the Thais, or Tesco Lotus. Koh Lanta offers a rich luxurious cuisine - local Thai but also specialized - Japanese or German cuisine, for example. I couldn't not try the German Bakery and decided to order two desserts, just in case one was not enough.
Animal Welfare: A place that will show you the bright side of tourism
During another rainy morning, I decided to go to a local non-profit organization called Animal Welfare, which helps abandoned dogs and cats. Upon arrival, you can walk through the whole area, listen to the stories of the dogs, walk them, adopt, cuddle with cats, or have something good to eat. Right now about 12 adoptions of dogs abroad are being carried out, so it was great to see that tourism has a bright side, too.
I'm in Thailand? So I'll have Italian!
On the way back from Animal Welfare, I stopped at the local Veggy restaurant, which is just a few hundred meters from the organization. I ordered Spaghetti Carbonara and a Coconut Coffee Shake in the cozy and magical natural environment,. After a challenging activity it is necessary to fill up on caffeine! And the Carbonara? Well, you go to Asia to have Italian food. Come to terms with the fact that some things in life simply do not make sense...But if you are a fan of vegan and vegetarian meals, definitely come here!
Go to the National Park or the Old Town on the island
Koh Lanta's most popular locations include the Old Town, but be prepared for the local Thais shouting and trying to lure you into their shops. But if you like historical places and are good at resisting, definitely go there. After a trip to the city, you can relax in Mu Ko National Park, located at the very south of the island. I decided to skip it, but only because I'm looking forward to three days in Khao Sok National Park, 2 hours away from Surat Thani, and I know that I will have the opportunity to enjoy more than enough nature!
Koh Lanta showed me a dragon lizard and treated me to perfect Thai massages
I perceive Koh Lanta as much more touristy. Prices are slightly higher than in Bangkok, but lower than Koh Kradan. The island offers plenty of opportunities and activities, and you can get everything here, from cosmetics to the most luxurious Thai massages. I treated myself to two and departed perfectly rested for my next trip. In the vicinity of the hotel I was able to observe crabs and a dragon lizard, which was intimidating even in its smaller version. Despite all this, Koh Lanta remains slightly inferior to Koh Kradan.
And what's next for me? A great adventure in the form of Khao Sok National Park!
I said goodbye to Koh Lanta with a sweet breakfast in the form of vegetable pancakes and a bunch of jam and set off for another adventure. This time, do not expect any hotels, resorts, or lying by the pool. What lies ahead of me is a trip to Khao Sok National Park, where I will live in a bungalow on the edge of the jungle. You definitely have a lot to look forward to, this will be a very luxurious adventure!
