Koh Lanta, southern Thailand

Arrived here yesterday after 4 nights on Koh Phi Phi. Everyone had told us Phi Phi horrible, Lanta good, so its a surprise to find that Lanta has its downsides too. No central place to spend the evening, just a 20 km strip containing (perfect white) beaches, resorts, bars, restaurants etc. On Phi Phi, which is Party Island (a downside or an upside depending on your point of view and the location of your bungalow), you can at least walk everywhere and there are no vehicles. Good climbing too, and but few climbers due to the slightly costlier accommodation versus the nearby Railay. Very hot in the sun, climbing possible only in the shade. Snorkelling good (saw 2 sharks and a Moray the other day). Tan consequently rather neglected and patchy.

Thought it wise to go for the first of five rabies jabs today after being attacked by three male macaques on Monkey Beach, Phi Phi. I stood ground but on they came. Nothing but a small scratch, but you never know.

Here there is some caving, complete with bats. Went on a rented a motorbike (with proper manual gears...!!), then on to the cave and also to Lanta Old Town and almost down to the end of the road and the National Park, but the offroading on sand got a bit too technical. Linda bored with beach...first it was shopping, now this. She may be changing. Curly mop too, and I thought she had straight hair until we arrived in Bangkok.

Moving on tomorrow. At least it is only a few hours boat or bus to the next stop, Krabi or Railay, so no need for a multiday epic.