Koh Lanta, Thailand // Travel Diary

After spending x days in Phuket, we then took a ferry to Koh Lanta, where we were going to stay for 4 nights.

Because I much prefer to have as much pre-booked ahead of time for my own peace of mind (I will just get overwhelmed and stressed if I have to figure things out on the day), I booked tickets through Direct Ferries and travelled with Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club (there are cheaper options, but check the reviews first! there are some horror stories).

It was super windy that day which meant the 1.5 hour boat ride was extremely bumpy and uncomfortable, especially when we stopped to pick up more passengers and it got even more cramped.

Once we were (thankfully) on solid ground again, a driver from Twin Lotus Resort - where we were staying for the next 4 nights - came to pick us up.

We stayed in the Private Pool Deluxe Room and… it was amazing. It honestly looked even better in real life. Everything was so clean and welcoming.

The resort actually has 3 pools (one of which is a small infinity pool overlooking the beach which we also swam in), but having our own plunge pool was heavenly. We spent as much time as possible in that pool in between all the eating…

We were also here celebrating Kevin’s birthday and it was such a lovely, relaxing time (and a nice change from the more fast-paced Phuket). Definitely a highlight from our entire trip.

One of the resort’s pools

One of the most memorable dinners we had on the entire trip

On our first night at the resort, we wandered onto the beach and saw that there were several restaurants on both sides. I was a little skeptical at first - assuming that these places would be expensive because of the proximity to the beach and the resort but it was actually really affordable! We ate at Kaw Kwang Bistro on the first night and it was slightly more expensive than typical, but only by a couple of dollars, and it was absolutely worth it to be able sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Plus, we made it just in time for happy hour.

We were seated at regular chairs and tables initially because all the lounger-style tables (no idea what they’re called) were taken, but someone left not long after and I quickly asked if we could move. I am so glad I did, because the sunset was breathtaking.

There was a bike rental place literally right in front of the resort, with the friendliest lady who spoke excellent English and helped us pick out some bikes. I can’t remember exactly how much we paid, but it was super affordable!

We rode our bikes to Lanta Animal Welfare which, if I recall correctly, took about 30 mins one way. I’m somewhat confident riding a bike but riding on the side of a busy road with cars and motorbikes (and in public with my social anxiety) made me really nervous, especially with the uneven paths but made it there and back without any issues or accidents!

On one of the days, we had lunch at Friendly Lanta Restaurant just down the road from the resort - an open, unassuming place. I ordered a seafood glass noodle salad which was one of the spiciest dishes I have ever had… and I loved it! I remember sweating profusely, but not being able to stop eating.

We ate at some other local places (some of which have unfortunately closed down and been replaced with more modern places) but there definitely wasn’t a shortage of options when we were there. Now that it’s been over 2 years later, there are probably so many more available.

We were heading to Bangkok afterwards so I booked a private airport transfer (I paid just under $150 AUD) through Klook for a 6:30am pick up. Totally seamless and pain-free - our driver even messaged on WhatsApp the day before to confirm.

The next blog post will be the last one in the 2020 Thailand travel diaries where we wrap up our trip in Bangkok!