As we stepped off the ferry in Lanta, we were accosted by the customary gang of tuk tuk drivers and guesthouse pushers. We sucked it up and accepted a "free ride" to an overpriced bungalow, but the convenience factor was worth it. We only stayed here one night before migrating on to the cheaper, super-chillin' Monkey guesthouse up the beach--only 400 baht seemed the best deal on Klong Khong! The beaches here were not the best, as the lower tide revealed long stretches of rocks and tide pools, but the atmosphere was nothing short of chill.
Our first day we rented a moto to hit some beaches and book some scuba. Below, lounging on Hat Phra Ae, a pristine swimming paradise, and probably one of the longest beaches we encountered in Thailand.
To get a discount on otherwise expensive diving, we booked 3 days of scuba with Kon Tiki, a Scandinavian operator out of Lanta. Our first destination was Ko Bon, famous for its clear waters and groups of garden eels. Fun fact: Ko Bon means 5 islands, although there are really 6.
Our boat moored up to one of the isles, as we awaited sweet submersion. Our favorite sighting here was the sea moth, a small and well-camouflaged fish that scuttles along the ocean floor.
The Kon Tiki dive boat...classic Scandinavian comfort. Also one of the first places we found English as the secondary tourist language!
Our boat moored up to one of the isles, as we awaited sweet submersion. Our favorite sighting here was the sea moth, a small and well-camouflaged fish that scuttles along the ocean floor.
To our dismay, Kaitlin became severely sick during our dives at Ko Bon, and opted to forgo the last dive at Cathedral Cave. We grudgingly forfeited our discount, skipping the dive at Ko Haa the following day to allow her time to recover.
The medicines we acquired at the local pharmacy did their magic, and granted Kaitlin enough fortitude to permit a lax day on the southern beach of Klong Nin (sorry, no pics!). We prayed that Kaitlin's health would return in time to make the trip to the legendary Hin Daeng and Hin Mueng pinnacles, one day hence. As fate would have it, the diving gods smiled upon us and our prayers were answered!
The medicines we acquired at the local pharmacy did their magic, and granted Kaitlin enough fortitude to permit a lax day on the southern beach of Klong Nin (sorry, no pics!). We prayed that Kaitlin's health would return in time to make the trip to the legendary Hin Daeng and Hin Mueng pinnacles, one day hence. As fate would have it, the diving gods smiled upon us and our prayers were answered!
A warm sunrise greeted us aboard the boat before our trip to the pinnacles.
Kaitlin in good spirits after diving Hin Daeng pinnacle, pictured in the background. Its more exciting below the surface, we promise!
This epic trip spanned from sunrise to sunset...a fine conclusion to our Thailand dive experiences.
The following day we caught a ride to Ko Muk on a snorkel tour boat. As we boated from Ko Lanta, our departure was accompanied by these placid waters reflecting verdant mangroves.
A pack of macaques waved goodbye from the mangroves as we set sail for Ko Muk.
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