Ever had one of those trips where you embrace the unexpected and let the adventure unfold naturally? That’s exactly what happened during my three days on Koh Lanta. From forest bungalows to secret beaches, here’s how to spend the perfect long weekend on this laid-back Thai island.

Day 1: Surviving Sun Poisoning and Finding Paradise

Let me start with a pro tip: WEAR SUNSCREEN. I learned this the hard way, arriving at Koh Lanta’s port with legs so swollen from sun poisoning, I looked like I’d just finished a marathon in a sauna. But hey, even that couldn’t dim the adventure I was going to embark on.

Where to Stay

Slackline Hostel turned out to be the perfect choice – imagine cozy bungalows nestled in the forest, complete with those good traveler vibes we all chase. Plus, the people you meet here? Absolute gems.

Food Food Food!

• Bonnie’s Deli: Our first stop, chosen mainly for the blessed AC (98°F is no joke!). Their chicken sandwich on fresh sourdough ($250 baht) was heaven-sent.
• Fruit Tree Lodge & Coffee Shop: Found our afternoon sanctuary in their bean bag-filled loft. The matcha was great, but the air conditioning was better!
• Yawee Restaurant: THE find of the day! Chicken egg rolls and pad thai for just $100 baht. Spoiler alert: this place becomes our regular spot.

Evening Adventures

Ended the day with:

• A sunset walk on Long Beach (including a failed attempt at crossing a water outlet – sometimes taking the long way is the only way!)
• A banana Nutella Thai pancake ($60 baht) that made everything better
• A tuk-tuk driver who decided to give us the “scenic route” home 😂

Day 2: Scooter Adventures & Local Festivals

Morning

Started the day right with our 7-11 breakfast in bed (pro tip: Yakult and banana make a surprisingly good breakfast combo).

Scooter Adventures ($200 baht well spent!)

Our route included:

• A quick stop at the stunning Bakantiang Beach
• Cliff Sunset Restaurant and smoothies (the name doesn’t lie – those views!)
• Bamboobay Halal Restaurant for fresh coconuts
• A failed lighthouse mission (decided $200 baht was better spent on food)
• A quick dip at Nui Beach (minus me smacking into a rock incident 😅)

Evening at Laanta Lanta Festival

Hit the jackpot with timing – caught the local Laanta Lanta festival in Old Town! Think hundreds of vendors, local parades, and the best Thai tea ($30 baht) you can imagine. Grabbed a chicken kebab with fries ($80 baht) and soaked in the atmosphere.

Day 3: Island Hopping & New Friends

Morning Fuel

Tree Top Cafe’s avocado toast and matcha ($250 baht) set us up for our biggest adventure yet.

4 Islands Tour ($1000 baht – worth every baht!)

The tour included:

• Snorkeling at Koh Chuek
• More snorkeling at Koh Ma (watch out for those purple jellyfish!)
• The incredible Emerald Cave on Koh Mook (swimming through a dark cave to a secret beach!)
• Lunch stop at Koh Ngai Island

Perfect Last Night

• Return visit to our beloved Yawee Restaurant
• Mini Uno games while waiting for food
• Late-night Werewolf games at the hostel with our London friends and some Swiss travelers

Tips for Your Koh Lanta Adventure:

Must-Try Foods:

• Yellow noodles at Yawee ($120 baht)
• Fresh coconuts at Bamboobay
• Mango sticky rice from the walking street ($60 baht)

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book tours through your hostel
• Stock up at 7-11 for breakfast
• Share tuk-tuks when possible

Don’t Miss:

• The 4 Islands Tour (especially Emerald Cave!)
• Sunset from Cliff Restaurant
• Local festivals if you’re lucky with timing

Koh Lanta might not be as famous as some other Thai islands, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and chill vibes, with enough hidden gems to make you feel like you’ve discovered something unique. Just remember to pack your sunscreen (I cannot stress this enough!) and be ready to go with the flow – some of the best moments happen when you least expect them!