Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta was much better than Ao Nang! The island consists of Koh Lanta Yai, where tourists stay, and Koh Lanta Noi, where only Thai people live.

My hostel, 'Slacklines Hostel', was very simple (for example, the shower was just a thin pipe with water coming out), but super relaxed and away from the trouble. I stayed in a 10-bed dorm for the first two nights before moving to my own little cottage.

The island was not too big, so it was easy to explore it by scooter. I was mostly hanging out with some guys from the hostel. We went swimming and snorkeling, visited the Old Town of Koh Lanta, watched the sunset at a reggae bar, went out in the evenings, and ate a lot of delicious food.

One day, I went to the northern island of Koh Lanta Noi. It was so beautiful and there were hardly any people besides the few residents. I was at a beach where I was almost alone.

In the afternoon, I attended a meeting of 'Trash Hero'. They exist in many Asian areas and their mission is to do something for the environment. They regularly meet - volunteers are always welcome - and collect trash on beaches and other places. On that day, there were 45 people and we filled many trash bags in two hours. Especially in Asia, (plastic) waste is a huge problem. And I had underestimated it! Even in a 1-meter radius around me, I found many small pieces of plastic and other things, and it didn't stop!

I found it so admirable what these people are doing! It inspired me to pay more attention to the waste I consume! Especially here, every time you get something to drink or eat, you produce a mountain of plastic. And that's just from one person! :-(

After the cleanup action, there was a meditation on the beach.

The next day, I had my first yoga class. It always looks so relaxed and easy - but it's NOT! I was sweating like crazy, my arms were shaking, and I was glad when it was over! :-) But I felt good afterwards and might continue doing it. ;-)

I could have stayed here for days, but then I decided to head north.

It was beautiful!