Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
nets. The Thai-Western beachside terrace restaurant is a little pricey but the view is sub-
lime and portions are big and tasty.
Coco Cottages
( 08 9724 9225;
www.coco-cottage.com
; bungalows 3600-4800B; )
As the name suggests, cot-
tages are coconut extravaganzas with thatched roofs, coconut-wood walls and coconut-
shell lanterns. Decks and interiors catch plenty of breezes, so air-con isn't always neces-
sary. Grab a sea-view fan bungalow if you can. There are bamboo lounges on the beach,
massage pavilions and a terrific restaurant and beachfront bar.
HOTEL
$$$
Thapwarin Resort
( 08 1894 3585;
www.Thapwarin.com
; garden/ocean view bungalows 3500/6500B; )
Expect attract-
ive and spacious bamboo cottages, each with private deck nestled in the trees on its own
dock above the sea. Comfy and cosy with attractive mosquito netting, throw pillows and
paper lanterns, they are a touch overpriced. Still,
Laytrang Diving
, their in-house shop, is the
only dive centre on the island and the bar and restaurant have style.
RESORT
$$$
Ko Ngai Seafood
( 08 1367 8497; mains 100-300B; Nov-Apr; )
One of the best kitchens on the island. The
coconut-milk crab curry with big chunks of de-shelled fresh crab is a dream come true.
They have a collection of bungalows too.
THAI
$$
Getting There & Away
Ko Ngai Villa runs the daily boats from Ko Ngai to Hat Pak Meng (450B, 1½ hours) at
10.30am, returning to Ko Ngai at noon. You can also privately charter a long-tail to and
from Pak Meng for 1500B, as well as Ko Muk (1500B) and Ko Kradan (1800B). Ko
Ngai Seafood and Ko Ngai Villa are the best sources for long-tail charters.
between Ban Sala Dan (750B, 30 minutes) on Ko Lanta and Ko Lipe (1600B, four
hours), stopping at the pier on Ko Muk, where you can connect to Ko Ngai.
Satun Pakbara
Speedboat Club
( 08 2433 0114, 0 7475 0389;
www.tarutaolipeisland.com
)
is the more direct and com-
fortable choice from Ko Lanta (650B, 30 minutes). You can charter a long-tail to Lanta
for 2000B to 2500B.
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