Day 21: Transitioning to Koh Lanta

Our day began with an inclusive tuk-tuk ride from our hotel to the pier, a reminder of Thailand’s all-encompassing travel packages. At the pier, amidst the anticipation of our next island destination, we sought out breakfast at Mr. Boy Cafe (Mr. Boy Cafe), where the setting triumphed over taste. The coffee may have been forgettable, but the waterside view offered a serene backdrop. Seeking redemption, Koh Jam Local Cafe, with its passionate barista, restored our faith in good coffee, setting the mood for our ferry journey to Koh Lanta.

Upon arriving in Koh Lanta, the expected 10 baht fee per person for entry mysteriously bypassed us. Our exploration for onward travel options led us to numerous travel agencies lining the pier, a hub of possibilities for our next adventure.

Motorbike Rental – The Shock Of Being Back In Civilization

Our quest for independent mobility introduced us to Wyane, who guided us to a motorbike rental – a stark contrast to our previous laid-back experiences. The formalities of contracts and passport exchanges marked our reentry into civilization, a culture shock of sorts after the laissez-faire island life.
We rented a motorbike for 300 Baht per day, but had to leave our passport there and pay in advance.

Exploring Koh Lanta’s Beaches – LYM’s Bar & Restaurant

Settling in at Hassana Garden Home Resort (Hassana Garden Home Resort), we were impressed by the comfortable room and the expressive bathroom design. Our beach exploration led us to Pra Ae Beach (Pra Ae Beach), where the ESC Café (Escape Café) stood out for its overpriced offerings. In search of value, LYM’s Bar & Restaurant (LYM’s Bar & Restaurant) delivered with enjoyable shakes and a beachfront dining experience, albeit with a rather underwhelming pineapple fried rice which was priced at 180 Baht – pretty expensive compared to fried rice without that type of presentation.

The evening was spent on the beach at “The Beach” bar, relishing shakes and the breathtaking sunset, before venturing to the local food market near the harbor. The street food scene captivated us with its affordable and delectable offerings, from sticky rice and mango shakes to chicken skewers.

Day 22: A German Touch on Koh Lanta

Our breakfast with Dana’s friend Clemens at Ina’s German, also known as Nang Sabai (Nang Sabai), introduced us to a delightful blend of Western and Thai cuisine right on the beach. Ina, a German expat, has created a cozy haven with excellent food and a refreshing shower in her backyard – a testament to the island’s welcoming expat community.

Ending the day, we dined at Cook Kai restaurant (Cook Kai restaurant), close to Ina’s cafe, where reasonable prices and quality meals allowed us to enjoy dinner with our toes in the sand, affirming Koh Lanta’s reputation for beachside culinary experiences.

Reflections on our Koh Lanta Adventures

Days 21 and 22 on Koh Lanta encapsulated the essence of island hopping in Thailand – from the simplicity of local cafes to the complex beauty of its beaches and the gastronomic pleasures in between. Each step of our journey, accompanied by the warmth of new friendships and the discovery of secluded spots, painted a vivid picture of Koh Lanta’s unique charm.

#KohLantaAdventures #IslandHopping #ThaiCuisineExploration

The post Island Hopping to Koh Lanta Adventures: A Tale of Travel, Taste, and Tranquility – Days 21 & 22 appeared first on DANA & WILD - The Bonnie & Clyde Of Music.

Day 19: Simple Breakfast At Simple Life

The day started amazing for us again. In the wonderful surrounding of the Simple Life Bar we enjoyed a great breakfast with excellent coffee. From the shakes to the waffles everything was delicious, although they forgot to deliver a meal we ordered.
To compensate that mistake, they offered us some home made waffles. That’s how you should treat clients when you made a mistake.

Dining at Drift Wood Koh Jum Restaurant

Our culinary journey led us to Drift Wood Koh Jum Restaurant, a mere 10-minute ride south. The ambiance, service, and food were impeccable, with two fruit shakes, two meals, and a salad costing 580 Baht. It was an exceptional dining experience that beautifully concluded our day.

Day 20: Discovering Ting Rai Beach

Thanks to Frank from Luboa, we ventured to the stunning Ting Rai Beach (Ting Rai Beach). Hidden away and accessible via a bumpy road, this beach was a paradisiacal escape, boasting clean sands, minimal rocks, and tranquility. It was a reminder of nature’s untouched beauty.

Sunset and Sounds at Sun Smile Beach Bungalows

Our day extended into the evening at Sun Smile Beach Bungalows (Sun Smile Beach Bungalows), where we indulged in Thai cuisine against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Despite the watery shake and diminutive cocktail, the dinner and service left us content. The Wi-Fi connectivity allowed us to work amidst nature’s embrace.

An Evening of Music and Fire

The night was young, and the sound of music led us to a beachside live band performance. Surrounded by open fire, the intimate setting and heartfelt music created an atmosphere of joy and community. We stayed, enchanted, until the late hours, fully immersed in the island’s vibrancy.

Reflections on Koh Jum Hidden Gems

Days 19 and 20 on Koh Jum were a testament to the island’s ability to surprise and delight. From the authentic living at Blue Sky Bungalows to the serene beauty of Ting Rai Beach and the spontaneous musical night, each moment was a discovery. Koh Jum, with its blend of untouched landscapes and warm community, offered us experiences that went beyond the typical tourist path, capturing the essence of our adventurous spirits.

#KohJumExploration #IslandAdventures #ThaiCuisine

The post Koh Jum Hidden Gems: Authentic Thailand and Beach Serenades – Days 19 & 20 appeared first on DANA & WILD - The Bonnie & Clyde Of Music.

Day 17: Ferry Adventures, Coral Bay Resort And Sunset Dining

Our journey from Krabi to Koh Jum was nothing short of an adventure.
When we arrived at Krabi we went to a travel agency on the bus terminal.
It’s very common in Thailand to just go to any travel office you come across. They are well organized and can support you in getting from A to B very well.

We booked the ferry to Koh Jum for 1.000 Baht (ca. 26€) there including pickup from the hotel and transfer to Krabi for 2 persons.
As you can see in the pictures, if you are Thai, you pay 250 Baht for the ferry and if you are a foreigner, you pay 450 Baht. But no transfer from the hotel included (which would have cost us additional 100 Baht per person). That makes the way how we booked the most affordable.

The ferry ride from Krabi to Koh Jum introduced us to the novel experience of switching to a longtail boat mid-sea, delivering us directly to the shores of Coral Bay Resort (Coral Bay Resort). The resort welcomed us with its breathtaking sea view bungalow for 28 Euro per night, promising a stay enveloped in nature’s embrace.

However, the island revealed its rocky secrets at low tide, transforming the beach into a rugged landscape and making sea entry a careful dance. Despite this, the allure of the island remained undiminished, with its secluded charm and sparse population.

Simple Life Amazing Dinner – At The Simple Life Resort

Our quest for dinner led us to Simple Life (Simple Life), where the ambiance was as inviting as the promise of a meal. The evening exceeded our expectations, offering us a beachside table and a Thai-style white snapper for 700 Baht. The dinner, complemented by cocktails and the slow descent of the sun, marked one of the most memorable evenings of our trip. Yet, patience was key, as our exquisite meal took its time, embodying the island’s laid-back spirit.

Day 18: Bonhomi Bliss and Coconut Beach Disappointment

The following day was dedicated to beachside productivity at Bonhomi (Bonhomi), where the friendly owner, delightful smoothies, and a simple breakfast set the tone. While the coffee was basic, the setting was anything but, providing a perfect backdrop for a day of work with the soothing sounds of the sea.

Our afternoon exploration to Coconut Beach (Coconut Beach) unveiled a less pristine side of the island, with its brown foam-tainted waters and litter-strewn sands, challenging our beach idyll.

Seeking solace, we discovered Rockview Terrace (Rockview Terrace), a spot that captivated us with its scenic views and warm ambiance. Here, sundowners and dinner felt like an exclusive event, costing us 530 Baht for a delightful end to the day.

The journey back to Coral Bay Resort under a starlit sky was a trek of intrigue, culminating in a spontaneous nightcap at Peace Paradise Resort (Peace Paradise Resort), where a mango daiquiri and a jovial waiter added a touch of whimsy to our night.

Reflections

Days 17 and 18 on Koh Jum were a testament to the island’s dual nature – from its serene mornings to its rocky revelations, and from culinary feasts to beachside retreats. Each experience, with its unique charm and challenge, wove into the fabric of our adventure, reminding us of the beauty and unpredictability of island life. Stay tuned for more tales from Dana & Wild as we continue to explore the wonders of Thailand.

#KohJumBeachAdventure #IslandLife #CulinaryJourneys

The post From Krabi To Koh Jum Beaches: From Serene Shores to Culinary Delights – Days 17 & 18 appeared first on DANA & WILD - The Bonnie & Clyde Of Music.