Imechapishwa: 04.12.2018
I'm spending a few very relaxing hours on the dreamy island of Ko Lanta. From here, you can easily go island hopping. So I book a 4 Island Tour and will be picked up at 8 a.m. In the small town of Old Town, our expedition starts. We take a seat on a so-called 'longtail boat' and start off to the first small island called Koh Chuek in beautiful sunshine. The boat is powered by a propeller attached to a long rod and motor, which the captain directs with his hands and feet. It's pretty noisy, but still the number one means of transportation in Thailand. Whether as a ferry, excursion boat, or for fishing, this type of boat can be found everywhere. Arriving at the first spot, we jump into the incredibly clear water armed with goggles and a snorkel. As soon as you dive in, you are surrounded by countless colorful fish. Whole shoals are swimming around the reef, and I feel like I'm swimming in an aquarium. After an hour, everyone climbs back on board and we are taken to a very special place. The Emerald Cave takes visitors into another world and gives the impression of standing in a volcano. Through an 80-meter long cave, you can only swim to the hidden little beach behind it. It is surrounded by overgrown rocks in 360 degrees. Pirates are said to have hidden their treasures here once, and I can believe that immediately with this spectacular view. Thanks to our guide's flashlight, we can also admire the fascinating and somewhat eerie vault of the cave. What also surprises me is that some nations participate in this excursion even though they can't swim properly. In their life jackets, they cling to a lifebuoy and still manage to move forward. Impressive but also incomprehensible at the same time. After this experience, we go snorkeling again and then have lunch. And not just anywhere, but on a beach with the clearest water I have ever seen. The island of Koh Ngai is known for its paradisiacal beaches. The boat anchors about 200 meters from the beach, and we wade through knee-high water to reach the beach. In the meantime, our boat guides carry crates and containers with the lunch. It is excellent, and the location contributes to it, by the way. A really, really beautiful spot on earth. After 1.5 hours, we have to say goodbye to this beautiful beach and are brought back to our taxis to Ko Lanta. I let the day end, as usual, in my favorite beach bar. They also serve the best Pad Thai with chicken that I have ever eaten in Thailand. It is the national dish and popular throughout the country. It once gained this status to reduce the rice consumption of the population. Even I now choose rice very rarely, as after nearly three months my need for this food is satisfied ^^