To round off our 3 month recuperation in Thailand, we headed for its famous southern beach islands, and as we’re more fond of a good night’s R&R than all-night R&B, that meant the less party-orientated island of Koh Lanta.

At least, that’s what our research led us to believe.

As much to the distress of our hosts for their guests as for their own 2 year old daughter, the neighbouring bar had their house band play every night from 9pm until midnight – against the generally understood policy of one late night per venue, per week. Our room was the closest to the stage, though I doubt it mattered – even with the ill-fitting door and windows closed, we still had front-row fidelity. And volume. The band, from another of Thailand’s islands leaned towards the heavier side of classic rock; Metallica, Hendrix, Dire Straits – it could have been a lot worse.

Our otherwise delightful abode was at the southern end of Phra Ae beach, which is also known as Long Beach, because, well, it’s a beach.

Early morning runner on Long Beach, Koh Lanta

We spent a couple of lazy days on and around the beach, then on our last full day we hired a scooter to visit the Old Town on the other side of the island.

Koh Lanta Old Town (clockwise top-left): Shops and cafes back out into the bay on stilts; Fishing boat tied to the main pier; Smaller boats beached at low tide; Filling the scooter at an automated pump; Old Town’s sign

As with most places we’ve visited thus far, Koh Lanta is somewhere we could easily spend twice as long exploring. We loved its laid-back, no trouble vibe, its scenery and its beaches – all of which draws an eclectic mix of visitors and expats.

Sunset on Koh Lanta. Not pictured, barbecued fish and beer