Travel Diary #2

KOH LANTA:

THE FINEST PLACE ON EARTH

As mentioned in the previous post I was quite afraid of mass tourism in Thailand, and after the peace and emptiness of Koh Libong, I just hoped that Koh Lanta would be at least as nice. To give it away right away: it is. So much so that instead of four days, I have already been here for a week and will stay for another half week.

Koh Lanta has the perfect blend of emptiness and tranquility on one side and delicious restaurants and fun bars on the other. Without too much effort, you can lie on an almost empty stretch of beach, only to eat ridiculously well or drink perfect cocktails afterward. Khlong Khong Beach is filled with the nicest beach shacks, bars, massage tents, and the food is ridiculously good almost everywhere.

In terms of traveling, it wasn't very exciting. As in: I haven't left the island and the days are intensely relaxing. I've eaten better here than you do in a restaurant in Amsterdam, and there was even a place where they have real French cheese, and I can't tell you how honest it felt to eat cheese again. For the first time in a month.

Because last week was also the day that I had been over the border for exactly a month, which was celebrated with a visit to Lanta Animal Welfare.

That’s right. Here on the island is a dog and cat shelter for the many neglected and abused animals that roam around here. You can get tours there, walk dogs, and play endlessly with cats, so you understand, this was a highlight of the trip.

So if you have a trip to Thailand planned, definitely don't skip Koh Lanta and take your time to enjoy it. And, finally, go eat or drink at the places below. You will be happy about it.