Koh Lanta signs showing the design of the new bridge

For the last two years posters and signs showing the new bridge and design have been going up. Many important meetings have come and gone and it seems a disaster where funds where needed, new government, machines still in use in Phuket all added to the bridge’s delay and also added to the doubts of many if a bridge would come or not.

Start of the bridge on Koh Lanta

The start of March 2012 started seeing some changes tho. On Lanta Noi near the ferry you can see signs of trees been felled and cleared making a new road on each side of the original road. Then on Koh Lanta they broke some of the cement on the pier had a large meeting and celebration announcing the start of the bridge.

Start of large machinery arriving and assembling

In May 2012 large machinery has arrived and started work – so now the bridge is under way no more speculation it is finally happening. They say it will take 2 years to build the bridge and the ferry company has 2.5 years left of there contract so the timing is right. After the bridge is built the ferry will then operate from the mainland to Koh Lanta Noi offering more boats to ferry the cars.

I maybe a true romantic I really enjoyed travelling to an Island by boat. I hope it does not take any of its character and charm away in the future. With more and more tourists arriving on Koh Lanta and its growth will a bridge help with the waiting time from the ferry or will it only congest in another area? Will the roads on Koh Lanta take the strain of more traffic? will crime escalate if people can escape from an island. We can only hope it becomes a better solution and way of life.

Homer Simpson Island - looks like Homer is sleeping

There are some fantastic restaurants on Koh Lanta. Panorama is probably one of the best-kept secrets Lanta has to offer. It is a small place built on the side of the hill with stunning views, but it’s not well-known to tourists due to its location. It is on the East coast of Koh Lanta and if you follow the road past the Old Town towards the hospital, Panorama is another 3 km. Those who are lucky enough will find it – and be greeted by Homer Simpson when they get there – sort of

Panorama Restaurant - found near the Old Town

The view is out to the East coast of Lanta with a direct view onto another island with a small beach, it is pretty breath taking. They have named this island Homer Simpson Island due to its incredible resemblance to Homer in the lying down position. Pretty cool to see and quite funny.

I have added Panorama onto my guide of Best Koh Lanta Restaurants and Places To Eat page under Best Koh Lanta Restaurants With A View.

Spring Rolls served at Panorama Restaurant

Many restaurants with good views get their custom just because of the view, however this restaurant has a few touches that keeps it special. There is an extensive selection on the menu. Due to only passing and wanting a snack we ordered the Spring Rolls which are normally very crispy but these where like a doughnut mix (probably for Homer) and very tasty. The coffee we ordered was also especially good coming from Chiang Mai – Jack the owner told me his sister owns a coffee farm in Chiang Mai and he also supplies other restaurants on the Island with coffee.

Frozen glass helps to keep the beers cool

Looking for a cold beer?
Having a nice cold beer on a hot day is one of life’s pleasures and I was very happy when they served the beer chilled but also the glass they gave me was frozen. This was great as it kept the beer very cool and was not like having ice inside the glass it did not make my drink watery.

Another nice touch is when I was eating they put a cover over the seat for me to keep the seat cool. No more burnt skin when we went home. The owner Jack is a very friendly guy who is always chatting to guests and making sure everyone is OK. It makes the difference when you have a personal connection. I am definitely going back for more.

However, I found myself being bit by a dog a few days ago. This dog was not a stray – the dog was asleep and I stood a few meters away chatting to friends so I did not provoke the dog in any way. Maybe the dog got spooked as it ran over, bit into my leg, then ran away. Wow sounds like a horror story already but it’s not.

Besides being in a little pain with blood trickling down my leg the first reaction is – what to do? The first thing is to seek medical help. Thailand still has rabies and you need a vaccine – every good hospital in Thailand has the vaccine so it’s readily available. There are 5 injections needed and they are administered in to the arm over a staggered period of time.

Emergency Ward at Koh Lanta Hospital

It was late at night so I travelled along Koh Lanta. First I checked in to the new Siam clinic which is situtaed in Phra Ae Long Beach – they offer the vaccine but this new super 24 hour clinic ( Lanta needs more medical facilities ) is quite costly costing 1,200 Thai Bhat per injection times by 5 = 6,000 Thai baht. Living here that is very expensive for me. So I then headed over to the Old Town hospital. They cleaned the bite gave me a tetanus and also the first vaccine for 1,100 Thai baht. When I go back for my next injection it only cost me 640 Thai baht each time so there is a huge difference in costs.

Hopefully it won’t happen to you but if it does, go straight to a hospital.

Price per person:
Adult 1,500 Thai Baht
Child age 4 -12 years 750 Thai Baht
Children under 4 are free

Koh Rok a perfect place for snorkeling

Enjoy Koh Rok surrounded by emerald green water which normally has visibility exceeding 30 meters. Just of the shore you will find beautiful soft corals and numerous different species of tropical fish.

The 4 Island trip lets you enjoy snorkeling at Koh Cherk and Koh Ngai with pristine clear waters, lunch on the white powdery beach at Koh Kraden. But for most the highlight of the day is entering Emerald Cave at Koh Mook.

Koh Phi Phi tour lets you experience the historic Viking Cave. Maya Bay where they filmed the movie the Beach. Enjoy a buffet lunch on the soft sands at Lolana Bay. Then after head to Koh Phi Phi Don for sightseeing.

Eclipse seen on the 10th of December 2011

At first the skies where clear with a little scattered cloud and very strong winds blowing over the sea was present. Then in the left corner of the moon a slow moving mass started covering it. Slowly the moon was being engulfed and one hour later around 9pm the moon was fully eclipsed.

Eclipse of the moon starting

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Eclipse of the moon moving slowly

Last glimpse of the moon before the full eclipse takes hold

Fire crackers went off in many places and many Thai people started banging things to make noise. I presume this was to make lucky or for the eclipse to go I am not sure but one Thai lady who banged her handbag said money come money come! so she was expected luck.

As the eclipse takes hold an eerie silence was felt

In the pictures above you will see the moon fully eclipsed which gave an amazing red glow. When the moon was fully eclipsed a strange silent kind of eerie silence was felt and many people just left in pure at this marvel. Many times when I have looked at the moon Thai people ask can you see the rabbit – looking at this photo I can see an outline of a rabbit and two long ears.

The moons moony

As you maybe can tell my camera does not have a super lens- how how ever I think I have the best photo ever which was made by moving my camera. In England when you show your bottom its called pulling a moonie! and if you cover part of the above photo with your finger, covering the first part of the moon, it defiantly resembles the moons moony.

The moon slowly appears again after the eclipse

There are several ways which will help you leave Koh Lanta Refreshed and Feeling good.

Recommended Koh Lanta Hotels To Truly Unwind In
Pimalai Kantiang Bay Check Availability | Read Reviews	The Houben Kantiang Bay Check Availability | Read Reviews
Layana Long Beach Check Availability | Read Reviews	Rawi Warin Klong Nin Beach Check Availability | Read Reviews

The obvious one is to spend time in a nice luxury hotel pampering your self and indulging in life’s pleasures. The above hotels offer the best facilities and service I think Koh Lanta has to offer and some also have their own Spa’s which will help you to relax and unwind fully on your vacation.

Private Villas For Rent On Koh Lanta
Villa Alanta Klong Khong Area book now	The Levels Villa Long Beach Area book now	Klong Nin Beach Villa Klong Nin Beach book now	Villa Nui Bay Nui Bay Cliffs book now

If you are looking for more of a family vacation in a home or some where with real privacy and seclusion you know have an oppotunity of renting a Koh Lanta Villa. Above is just a few which we highly recommend but we have a greater selection on our Koh Lanta Villas For Rent page.

Please note if you would like a villa in December and January the “Peak Season” the demand is greater then the Villas Koh Lanta has to offer so looking and booking 4 to 5 months ahead of time is highly recommended.

Koh Lanta express transfer is a combination of minivan and speedboat

Another way to Leave Koh Lanta fully refreshed is to use the Express Transfer which is a quickest most convenient way to travel direct from your hotel to Krabi Airport or Phuket Airport. The time is reduced by not having to wait at the car ferry – using a speedboat to transfer you around the coast.

The Express transfer service is direct and set up for minimal time at the airport which leaves you a longer time to enjoy breakfast and soak in the last moments of Koh Lanta. Also the service is available for pick up from the airport.

Serenity Massage and Spa Shop Interior.

Many people leave Koh Lanta on the afternoon ferries to Koh Phi Phi, Ao Nang and Phuket allowing them time to wake up and enjoy breakfast. But after waht can you do till 13:00? Many guests are now booking in to Serenity Massage and Spa which is based in Saladan 100 meters from the pier and is open from 10:00 everyday. You can store your bags in the shop enjoy a massage or a treatment before going to join the ferry, which really will help you leave Koh Lanta relaxed, happy and feeling refreshed.

You simply sign a rental agreement, your passport is usually held until you return the vehicle and upon return the vehicle will be inspected for any damage. Please be aware damage cost can be quite high so be prepared to be ripped off.

Motor Bikes lined up ready for rental

Motor bikes are the most popular form of transport and the cheapest but please be careful if you are not used to one, having an accident can be very costly and also ruin your holiday. Start of slow and always wear your helmets and cover up in the day the sun will burn you.

Tuk Tuk ready for rental – just enquire

A Tuk Tuk is a motorbike with a side car allowing many guests to travel at the same time. You can hire them on daily or weekly basis and your resort or Villa will be happy to help and organise these rentals for you when you arrive on Koh Lanta. Or simply walk along the road and you will see many places renting these.One place I recommend is in Phra Ae who have many Tuk Tuks for rents – Just Call Nick on 087 883 2572 who can help you out.

Please note the laws in Thailand say all people on a motorbike must be wearing a helmet which will include you if you hire a tuk tuk.

Taxi car can hold up to 10 guests

If you are not comfortable with a bike or car then you can easily travel back and forth on the Island by using the local Tuk Tuk drivers. These can be a lot of fun and the locals with there friendly manner will entertain you as they go. Depending on the amount of people will depend on the cost (a little haggling does not hurt ). How ever even after negotiating a good price this option does start to become expensive as each ride is charged per person.

To find a taxi driver just wait next to the road and they will stop instantly. When you are in Saladan the main Koh Lanta Shopping area, if you walk out of the centre there are many queing up to take you home. How ever later at night this service can become sparse and getting home from a party can become a challenge.

Tuk Tuk driver numbers who we trust and will take you home safely any time of the night is Mr.Farook who drievs one of these 10 seater taxi’s. MR.Farook 0899 096 310.

To hire a car just ask your receptionist who will have a brochure of jeeps and cars for daily rent. Please note they do not like you taking them off the Island tho.

Gasoline sold on the street in bottles

Road side gasoline station

Self service Gasoline station

When driving around the Island you will have to fill up with gasoline. There are several large gasoline stations found in Khlong Dao, Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Kantiang Bay, how ever at night you may find these closed early ( they are not 24 hour ). So finding an alternative is a must. Just look out for Gasoline signs you should see one every Kilometer or so, many people sell gasoline outside there shops and restaurants.

The best how ever is the self service stations. Just read the instructions add you money and help your self.

Best House Koh Lanta - Twin Room

Best House, one of Koh Lanta’s best budget guesthouses, is now available to book online through Agoda, allowing you to instantly check availability. Best House has one of Koh Lanta’s best locations, situated right in the middle of Long Beach, just a few steps away from the beach itself. It’s a large, airy building that that gets lots of sunlight and the sea breeze going through each room, so much so that a fan room is perfectly fine to keep cool.

Best House Koh Lanta Lobby Area

Each room is a spacious 25 metres square and well-kept. The ensuite shower is also powerful, enough to make up for it being cold water only. (Bathrooms have a Western-style toilet too). There are rooms with aircon available too, but they are not as nice as those in the main building. Best House is a popular choice with people who stay long term on Koh Lanta, such as Divemaster Trainees and Instructors. Besides the rooms, there’s also a very relaxing large, semi-open-air lobby with sofas and chairs along with tea and coffee where you can hang out with friends.

Here’s a video walkaround of one of Best House’s rooms (click here if you can’t see it):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtgOCD2Fvk4

You can check availability and pricing online with Agoda.

You can see more of our recommended cheap Koh Lanta hotels and guesthouses and also more info about what’s on Koh Lanta’s Long Beach by following the links.

There is also a cheaper option which uses an overnight bus. These can be taken from a few different areas and takes 12 hours to Krabi. From krabi you may take the public minivan or ferry.

I have written an article on Bangkok to Koh Lanta – how to get there which goes in to more depth about your options. Travel in Tahailnd is very easy not like some other Asian countries.

The M/V Flying Seahorse Koh Lanta liveaboard

When going on a live aboard the first thing you notice is there is always limited space. It is not possible to take your suitcase and backpack on the trip ( you can leave them locked safely at the diveshops) down sizing from your normal travel supplies to a smaller bag is recommended but what do you need to take on the live aboard remembering there are no shops out at sea.

Below is a few Essential items to bring on a live aboard trip:

Towel – although most hotels supply you with towels a lot of liveaboards do not. Many people may join the trip to only realize this, so please take one with you.

Warm clothes – the days are usually nice and warm but at night with air con rooms it can seem pretty chilly. A set of nice warm clothes like a jumper, jogging bottoms is highly recommended and these are also good of the weather changes.

Suntan lotion, hats and glasses – although this may seem obvious a lot of guests find they run out of lotions on the trips, reflection of the water increases the chance of getting sunburn so think about how much you have.

Scooby snaxs – the food on the dive boats is plentiful and delicious but sometimes an urge for a chocolate cookie or some crisps may arise so a good stock will keep you happy.

Battery adaptor – most of Thailand liveabaords have two pin sockets which may either be round or flat pin. To save any confusion please bring your adaptor with you.

Camera – what fool would go on a trip and not take his camera? Me obviously. All the diving I recently did on the 7 day 6 night trip was exceptional but I wish I had remembered my camera. Then I would have some nice pictures of the seahorse, ghost pipe fish, manta ray, Turtle……….

Medicine – although the boats are fully equipped with oxygen and medical supplies in case of emergency, you may need to think about your own personal medicine stock.There are days when you may have a runny nose form the air conditioning unit and need some nasal spray, talcum powder or your prescription medicine.

Toiletries- it’s quite surprising how quickly your facial hair grows. I have just completed a 7 day trip and 4 of those days I found my mask to leak due to the new growth so remembering suitable toiletries is essential, especially razor and cream, shower gel and deodorants.

If your looking for quality trips to the Similans Islands check out the MV Flying Seahorse which departs from koh Lanta and offers 5 and 7 day trips.The MV Dolphin Queen is another cheap boat offering exceptional services which operates 4 day 4 night trips departing from Khao Lak.

* Booking all Liveabaords in advance is strongly recommended due to only having limited spaces. Have fun and please don’t forget anything.