Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( in Bangkok 0 2561 4292;
www.dnp.go.th
; with own tent per person 30B, with tent hire 225B, 2-/4-room bunga-
lows 1500/3000B)
The secluded grounds of the national park headquarters are a wonderfully
serene place to camp. The flat camping areas are covered in shade and sit in the wilds of
the tropical jungle. Out front lie craggy outcroppings and the sounds of the ocean lapping
up against the rocks.
There are toilets and running water, but you should bring your own food. You can rent
basic but decent bungalows or get permission for camping on Ko Rok or Ko Ha. National
park entry fees apply.
Ban Ko Lanta
There are a handful of inns open for business in Lanta's oft-ignored, wonderfully dated
and incredibly rich Old Town.
Sriraya
OFFLINE MAP
( 0 7569 7045; Ban Ko Lanta; r with shared bathrooms 500B)
Sleep in a simple but beautifully re-
stored, thick-beamed Chinese shophouse, that's possibly the very best value on the is-
land. Walls are brushed in earth tones and bathrooms are shared. Angle for the street-
front balcony room that overlooks the old town's ambient centre.
GUESTHOUSE
$
Mango House
OFFLINE MAP
GUESTHOUSE
$$
( 0 7569 7181;
www.mangohouses.com
;
Ban Ko Lanta; suites 1500-3000B; Oct-April)
These 100-year-
old Chinese teak pole houses and former opium dens are stilted over the harbour. The ori-
ginal time-worn wood floors are still intact, ceilings soar and the four, house-sized rooms
are decked out with satellite TVs, DVD players and ceiling fans. One has a full kitchen.
There are plans for an additional suite and two smaller studios in the coming year.
Maid service is just twice weekly here and 50% discounts are offered in the low season.
Eating
The best places to grab a bite are at the seafood restaurants along the northern edge of
Ban Sala Dan. With tables on verandahs over the water, they offer fresh seafood sold by
weight (which includes cooking costs).
