The promised land of Koh Lanta...

After our previous days experiences we were now itching to get to koh lanta, an island around 80kms to the south that would take around four hours to get to. Onboard we met a lovely girl called Sam who was travelling alone who we spoke to whilst we set up camp on the bow of the boat to take in the scorching sun and the ridiculously impressive views of Railay beach to our right and Ko Phi Phi to our left. The water was incredibly calm as we sailed on towards the fast approaching Koh Lanta, both looking and feeling like a mirage before us. Almost like a mythical promise land we had been told about but would never be able to reach. All of this with the absolutely perfect soundtrack of Belle and Sebastien coming through our shared earphones.

Arriving at Saladan pier we were greeted by a smiling tuk-tuk driver that held up a chalkboard with 'Tom and fiance' written on in large letters. Shell, understandably wasn't happy with this demotion to a side-note...

Arriving at Baan Rao, our home for the next nine days, we were simply astonished at the location. Although up a relatively steep hill, the views were simply breathtaking. To make things even better, our hosts Aruna and Chaii, were astonishingly friendly. Almost like visiting your favourite aunty and uncle, maybe the ones that had spent their lives doing cool things. Added to this they gave a gorgeous 1 year old boy called Shaan and a loveable rogue of a dog called Sita. From our enormous room we had both a balcony and hammock and just incredible sea views. Again, don't want to get all gushy here but on an emotional level, I could not think of anywhere as perfect. To spend Christmas here is going to be staggering, Aruna is hosting a big party on Christmas eve which I have promised to cook something more, maybe shell could now! we are also having a big brunch on Christmas day. I think we are planning on hitting the crowded Ko Phi Phi on Boxing day.

Anyway, after an incredible Thai meal the night before we headed out in the morning firstly to hire a motorbike for the next ten days. We then rode almost the entire west coast of the island before hitting Kantiang Bay, a perfect arch of beach surrounded by the islands only five star resort. We then visited a place called Drunken Sailor, a place we were recommended to visit and we would not be disappointed in any way. Hands down the best place for food, drink, price, music and feel we have found yet. Just a place where all you want to do is replicate it back home!! If you ever go to Lanta, go here!!

That night back at Baan Rao we were joined by a girl called Lotte, who I spoke to for a while swapping travel tails. After a while it turned out that this girl is quite famous, I mean neither one of us has heard of her but apparently she plays the lead part in a TV series called The Borgias, apparently it's massive in the States. Turns out she had screen sex with Jeremy Irons in most episodes, quite a claim to fame that. Even so, fame certainly hasn't turned her into a nob, she is in fact an incredibly nice girl. I just want old Jezza Irons' autograph, maybe on a photo of him from Die Hard with a Vengeance...

That night we ate at a place called country Lao, a place highly reccomended by Aruna and Chaii. As we had been talking for hours with Lotte and Aruna we had lost track of time and didn't make our way down the hill till nine and as we got there we were the last punters of the evening, this didn't make us feel any less welcomed. The place was completely family run and quite famous island-wide for their barbecued chicken. We duly ordered it, whilst shell opted for barbecued sateh. As we were the last guys in there (actually apart from the worlds most miserable man) they cooked us, I'm not exaggerating here (I never exaggerate), the rest of the meat left over from the day which meant I had to plough seemingly, through an entire chicken. On the plus side, it was absolutely phenomenal, and well worth the high regard in which it is known locally. I think it is all in the tamarind dip. Another to add to the list...

The next morning we rose early to be met by clear blue skies and a sparkling sea in the background so I rustled us up some omelettes and coffee and we sat taking in our surroundings whilst Shaan, Aruna and chaii's boy, did his best to shatter our ear drums!

Before we headed off Lotte asked if she could nip and fetch a bike so I gave her a ride down to the town where she duly rented one but had never driven a bike before. Already shitting myself by the prospect of a Hollywood compensation claim if she were to fall of my bike and smash her face I explained carefully what she needed to do before following her back up the steep dirt track to Baan Rao. I needn't have worried, she was a a natural. I guess, given her day job, some people just find things easy. Which wouldn't be me, I couldn't open a packet of crisps yesterday.

Anyway, sitting here on the beach, we are completely in love with this island already. It is peak season here, in fact everywhere is peak season. Not that you would notice here. What an amazing place this is going to be to spend Christmas and New Year. No presents though, boo!!!!

Much love, my pedigree chums, Tommo and shellface xxx