The next island was waiting for us: our journey continued from Koh Jum to Koh Lanta adventures, exploring Koh Lanta’s hidden beaches, indulging in local culinary delights, and experiencing the warmth of Thai hospitality. Days 21 & 22 are filled with scenic travels, unexpected café finds, and serene beach sunsets.

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