Day 5, Saturday 8 February 2014 - Koh Lanta

Undecided..... I'm in no hurry to wake up after last nights' event kept me awake but, I did sleep eventually. It's after 9 am before I think about breakfast as I manage to catch up with my blog. What to do next occupies my thoughts. I've paid a deposit and indicated I will stay on Koh Por for three more nights. However, like for like I calculate that it's cheaper for me to stay on Koh Lanta than it is here with shops, restaurants and other needs readily available. I have to make a decision whether to stay or move on, factoring in the cost of getting off Koh Por. It will require calling in a boat and then a taxi from Lanta Old Town. I discuss my dilemma with the young lady owner and she will refund some money if I decide to leave. I shouldn't feel sorry for the simple folk here and finally decide to go back to Koh Lanta.
Lanta Paradise Beach Resort..... Aside from Lanta Old Town, the next community is across the island at Khlong Nin Beach where I note passengers were dropped off on the way here. This beach has its fair share of up market resorts, restaurants, shops and bars. However, it's nowhere near on the same scale as Ao Nang and will do for me. My only concern is the price. Huts and guesthouses here have long disappeared in favour of more selective accommodation. My fears are well-founded as I make enquiries. Figures of 2000 baht and more are thrown at me when my budget is only 1000.
Fan rooms are almost always full and to get an aircon' room within budget seems impossible. I do get a more respectable 1300 but turn it down wandering onto the next resort. This seems another negative with the beach chalets over 2000 baht, but I get a break. Across the road they are building a retail outlet with accommodation above. Some rooms are ready for occupation if I don’t mind using temporary access. I check out a room which is spacious and modern. The toilet however is out in the passageway, not a problem at the moment as there is no other access. I take it for 1000 baht/night.
Back on track..... Later, when I venture further into the complex I realise what a good deal I have. The resort backs onto one of the nicest beaches in Thailand and is straight out of a holiday brochure. It's still only early afternoon, time for a rest and a late lunch.
I work on my blog till early evening then take a long beach walk taking in a glorious sunset. After picking up some supplies, I head back to Lanta Paradise Beach Resort. This holiday has been full of twists and turns so far, but just maybe now I'm back on track. There are two full days left on this tour and renting a motorbike to explore Koh Lanta is next on my list.
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