Lanta Marine Park

Travelling is good for the soul.
But so many people travel in a rush.
 

 
Cramming in as many excursions and tours as possible so as not to miss out on anything, but I find that if you’re constantly hopping between places, you can end up missing out on all of the hidden gems in-between.
 

 
One of my favourite things  ways to avoid this, is by renting a scooter.
Well. Actuuuuually, that’s kind of a lie.
S rents the scooter (having rode motorbikes since he was 14 I trust him a whole lot more behind the handlebars) and I just strap on my helmet and hop on the back.
 
There’s something wonderful about riding a scooter around a place.
It gives you more freedom, enables you to travel at your own speed and well. There’s just something about having the wind blow through your hair as you whizz along the winding roads. Suuuuuuure your hair looks a little… Shitty by the time you arrive, but there’s nothing quite like it.
 

 
We rode scooters in Koh Samet, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Phuket, and I honestly don’t think there’s a better way to explore an island. But of all of the scooter tours we have embarked upon, Koh Lanta is by far the most picturesque. (Especially Koh Lanta Noi – see here for the post!)
 

 
Located at the southwestern tip of Koh Lanta, past the steep hills, uneven terrain and occasionally unnerving motorbike paths is Koh Lanta National Park. A place that’s just as gorgeously picturesque as the rest of Koh Lanta.
The entrance fee is 100B and once you ride down the steep hill, park the bike up and toss the keys to the valet…
 

 
It’s just a short walk to the coastline.
 

 
The coastline is made up of two bays, divided by a steep hill with a lighthouse on top.
 
  
 
And at the top of the slightly-too-steep-and-dusty-for-your-flip-flops hill, the most gorgeous views await.
 
 
 
And there was only a handful of us there to appreciate them.
Just us, and four other groups of people.
No tour guides, no long tail boats, no hawkers.
Just us and a few others surrounded by serenity.
 

 
It was a last minute decision to embark on a road trip to the other side of the island, and I was gutted that we didn’t pack a picnic, as this would have been the most idyllic spot. But nevertheless we plonked ourselves down on a stretch of sand, kicked off our shoes and just sat, peacefully listening the the gentle roll of the waves.
 

 
From the moment I sat down, it took all of three minutes before I was wriggling out of my shorts and running towards the lure of the blue waters—despite the fact that I only had bikini bottoms, and no towel. Luckily my bra held out and didn’t turn see-through.
 

 
But honestly? It didn’t matter.
The water was clear, relaxing and warm. SO warm.
And no. Nobody peed. Don’t be gross.
 

 
After a quick swim we took a walk along the coastline to dry off.
Well. We were going too…
But then we found this.
 

 
And child instinct took over.
Unfortunately, immaturity soon led to hunger , so we took a stroll to the outdoor shower, rinsed off the sand and, with a sopping wet bum, said goodbye to our little slice of paradise.
 
  
 
Upon our return to the scooter we noticed a few dozen mini monkey-prints over the mirror, our helmets, and the scooter seat.
 

 
So if you’re heading to Koh Lanta National Park, make care not to leave any food or valuables in your bag or scooter… Because if you do, these monkeys will definitely find it.