Ko Lanta was the perfect base for Christmas. The island is big enough to have lots to do but quite enough to do nothing. I have heard that Ko Lanta is Phuket 20 years ago, before it was overdeveloped. We had five glorious nights on the beach. Jon and I had not had that much time in one place since Easter Island in September.
The first few days we spent enjoying the beach, lounging in the comfy beach beds and diving. Justyne chose to snorkel and it was neat for me to be at the bottom but still see her snorkeling around on the top. Best of all, no panicking this time! I actually enjoyed diving for the first time. The beach was perfect except for the sea lice which are jellyfish larvae. As you swam you got little stings that did not hurt just weird. The best was the day we saw a little boy run screaming out of the water scratching himself everywhere.
Justyne and Jon enjoying some R&R
Our dive spot.
Jon and I diving and some beautiful sea life.
Jon chose to dive again giving Justyne and I time to do what every woman loves to do when there are no men around. Shop! I had a grad idea of taking a scooter to Old Town on the other side of the island but as soon as I came close to running over Justyne’s toes and some parked bikes while I was practicing she refused to get on the back of the bike with me. I hardly think that is fair since those were only my practice runs but tuk-tuk it was for us.
Justyne and I in Old Town.
Christmas eve we had a wonderful Thai dinner at a local restaurant wearing sundresses and flip-flops. Different from our usual huddling around the fireplace. Christmas day Justyne and I visited the local animal shelter and spent time cuddling kittens and puppies and learning about the shelter. It was a perfect Christmas except for missing the annual showing of National Lampoons Christmas. All I need to do is convince my parents that they are not to “old” to fly long distances and this could be an annual thing!
Jon and I Christmas eve.
Justyne with one of the kitties at the shelter.
Where we stayed, Lanta Castaway, we had a large bungalow with air and a bathroom and a porch to laze away the afternoon. The property had great breakfast which was included in the price and had a fabulous restaurant directly on the beach serving Thai and Tex-Mex food. The nachos were out of this world. There was also a dive site directly on the property.
Our bungalow and beach side restaurant.
Journey with Christina 