Koh Lanta is actually an archipelago of over fifty islands of which only three are inhabited. The biggest one is Lanta Yai, a paradise for the discerning travellers. There're many information from the Internet and travel books on Lanta, but I'll write only on what I'd learnt firsthand from people who live there that I'd the privilege to talk to. Though I wanna write and tell so much on the charming island which left an impression on my heart, I do hope the island remains unknown and unspoilt, as much as possible.
The sea gypsies were the ones who founded Lanta, they're the indigenous settlers. They still have rights on strategic locations of the island which the government cannot take away. They're the Untouchables. I was told they're of the chinese origin. But Lanta is now predominantly muslims. The gypsies now mainly occupy the eastern side of the island which is less developed with fishing and farming their main occupations, whereas the west coast is where all the beautiful long stretch of beaches and resorts are found. The western side has better roads, which were built only about five years ago when the tourism industry really began. You probably won't read that the gypsies were the heroes during the 2004 Tsunami. They've the uncanny ability (sort of like a sixth sense) to read the sea conditions. Hours before the first tsunami hit, they sensed something strange from the sea and began to warn everyone at the beaches. Initially nobody heeded their warnings until the gypsies themselves started packing everything and headed to the hills. Everyone else then followed. Contrary to what you read on the Internet, only two people died: a woman who was doing yoga on the beach all by herself with earphones on, and a boy who was picking up abandoned wallets, watches and other "treasures" found at the beach. Miraculously Koh Lanta was spared the devastation suffered by neighbouring Koh Phi Phi where many died.
Lanta is still an unspoilt paradise, very serene and peaceful, with a sleepy and laidback feel to it where you can easily (very easily!) lose track of time. It's very common for travellers to overspend their time there, pass what they originally planned. Lanta Yai is not as conveniently accessed as other more tourist-friendly destinations like Bangkok and Phuket. Took us about two hours for the journey from Krabi Airport to Lanta Yai with two ferry rides in between.
I wanted a holiday destination where I could break away from everything, relax and nurse my injuries, and I was glad that Lanta provided all that. The squash injuries I'd been carrying for months were totally unfelt by the last day, and memories of other accumulated pains were easily forgotten as well. Instead, my heart was filled with the warmness from the people of the island, all the laughter, fun and adventure we had. In general, I felt that people from Lanta are the most warm and friendly compared to every other part of Thailand that I'd experienced, even Krabi. Although many of them still can't speak proper English, they're extremely hospitable and friendly, even strangers.
I was just sinking into the island life when it was time to return home! Sure, the thought of returning to city life was dreadful, but I could carry the relaxation and warmness back with me, and the messages from a book I was reading at the island which was The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream....
(To be continued with pictures and more)
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