Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta, Thailand

The next stop on our journey took us to a larger and sleepier Island full of lovely beaches, delicious food and ultimate beauty. In Koh Lanta, just a hop skip and a jump from Koh Phi Phi, we stayed in beachside huts and hopped around the Island by loading our two families each onto a motorbike with our babies tucked safely between us. If I was to return to Thailand in search of relaxation and the good life this is the Island I would choose. By day we explored and swam and by night you could find us at Kwan's eating fresh fish and chatting with her and her lovely husband. We strolled the lovely main street in Old Town and rode our bikes down to the pier where we found a perfect, colorful playground community area for the little ones to let off some steam before dining on the waterfront. We stumbled on local markets full of fresh fish, fruits and plenty of treats, explored untouched beaches and biked down to paths leading to waterfalls in the jungle. Koh Lanta is a retreat  I hope to return to in the future when life is weighing too heavy and you need a place to remind you of the simplicity and beauty of it all. 

..Tips for Families..

- Rent a motorbike so you can have your freedom and explore thoroughly. Added bonus, kids will be enthralled with the experience and therefore the ride becomes part of the adventure

(equalling well behaved and content little thrill seekers!).

- Bring a good book (for you!) for the inevitable downtime of traveling with small ones 

(i.e. nap time, early nights, etc.).

- Teach your little ones a couple of words in the local language, this way they can socialize in their surroundings. Greetings and Thanks are always good ones, we taught our 2 year old to say Thank You in Thai and not only is it adorable but she can interact with the locals in the country she is visiting. 

- Bring a USB stick loaded with movies, many hotels (and we are staying budget) have televisions you can plug them into. This takes up no space and it is perfect for little tired bodies at the end of the evening or for those unfortunate days when they're not feeling great. 

More photos Here. 

Stills: Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta, Thailand

1. Sand cakes by Lottie cakes

2. Beach bums

3. Leafy swims

4. Colorful downtime

5. Spice
6. Biker bug

7. Thai family transpo

8. Angry snacks

9. Fruit shopping

10. Sweethearts

11. Local colors

12. Sand, sun, fun

Linking up with The Beetle Shack

27/52

"A portrait of my daughter once a week, every week in 2014"
Koh Lanta, Thailand

Lottie Cakes: This week I had a photo picked out and ready to go but then last night something special happened. We started out a lovely evening by riding motorbikes around Koh Lanta Island, stopping to check out the local market before ending up at a waterfront restaurant in Old Town. After dinner you and your little friends giggled and chased kitty's while we settled up the bill and prepared for the long ride home. On the walk down main street you stopped in front of a Buddhist family in the midst of prayer and quietly walked up to the them, without entering their space, while we stayed behind watching. Gently you sat down, entranced and while we whispered to you we should go, you sweetly smiled and refused. After their prayer time was finished they turned to you, asking you questions, tickling your little tummy. The other children surrounded you and you darlings communicated in a way small ones who speak none of the same words can do.  It was such a lovely experience, you knew something sacred was going on and your usually wild, energetic, talkative self sat there respectively taking it all in. After hugging the little ones goodbye we rode off with you wrapped in my arms and chatting endlessly the whole way home. 

Linking up with Practising Simplicity and Living Arrows.