Somewhere south of Krabi, there is a secluded oasis away from the crowds of overly touristy islands in Thailand. At Ko Lanta, it’s all about enjoying life with simple pleasures. You’ll see tourists resting on hammocks in the island’s rustic Drunken Sailors café, restaurants opening as late as 11 am, and cars cruising along the deserted roads.

This little piece of paradise reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is to sit back and watch the world go by, to enjoy the true meaning of travel.

Look forward to: Removing your shoes before entering any place indoors, as is their custom.

Drunken Sailors 

Where: 116 Moo 5, Ba Kantiang, Ko Lanta 81150, Thailand
What: Pancakes and English breakfast set
For: Breakfast

It’s hard to miss this laid-back café with travellers lazing on the several hammocks and bean bags around tables with plates of American-styled food. You can often find cats lying around on the chairs at Drunken Sailors, seemingly unaware of guests dining just next to them. The homemade fries are top notch, but it’s their breakfast sets that made me fall in love with this casual joint. Two pages long of breakfast options, ranging from English breakfast sets, to fluffy pancakes with tropical fruits, to English muffins with homemade jams.

Red Alert Restaurant

Where: 272 Moo 5, Koh lanta yai, Krabi 81150, Thailand
What: Waffles and salami
For: European flavours

If you’re looking for European flavours, then Red Alert Restaurant is the place for you. The restaurant is located in The Houben Hotel, a boutique establishment owned by a Belgian family. Gourmet European food items such as smoked salmon and salami are part of the breakfast menu. The waffles and pancakes are absolutely delicious – what I would expect for Belgian standards. Enjoying your meal with those around you is extremely important, and the restaurant goes as far as to offer 10% off your bill if you surrender your phones to them.

Phad Thai Rock n Roll 

Where: Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Chang Wat Krabi 81150, Thailand
What: Phad thai
For: Local Thai food

The retro vibe is unmistakable in Phad Thai Rock n Roll. It felt as though I took a step back to the 60s, and the man manning the wok is actually a guitarist who used to be in a rock and roll band. It’s a small place with less than 10 tables. There’s no doubt that the ingredients right down to the limes are fresh, and the phad thais have that authentic Thai flavour.

Greek Taverna 

Where: 665 Moo 2 Klong Khong Beach, Ko Lanta 81150, Thailand
What: Grilled meats and seafood
For: Greek food

Walk along Klong Khong Beach in north Ko Lanta and you’ll find this Greek food haven. Typical Greek specialties such as gyros and moussaka can be found on the menu at Greek Taverna, but the grilled seafood and meat platters sure hits the spot when it comes to soaking in the beach atmosphere. The owner comes from Greece, and you’ll be hard pressed to find something tastier or more unique along this stretch.