Baan Phu Lae Bungalows on Ko Lanta Island

This was by far my favorite place to stay so far... and only $18 per night!:  Baan Phu Lae

http://www.baanphulae.com

The view from my thatched bungalow where I was feet from the crashing waves that lulled me to sleep:

Ao Mai Pai beach... totally secluded at the very souther tip of Ko Lanta, this beautiful beach had only one other establishment on the beach.

The lounging deck:

My daily indulgence: mango and pineapple smoothies.

Easily the best Pad Thai I have ever had, wrapped in an egg omelet.  (Reading Bangkok 8... thanks, Terry!)

A hike into the Ko Lanta National Park and Ao Mai Pai bay behind.  The little thatched hut over my shoulder on the beach is Baan Phu Lae:

 

Saturday night we all went to the "Why Not?" Bar... a laid back Thai Tiki bar whgere the local Thais sang covers of western pop songs in their thing melodic accents.

The "Why Not Bar?" Slogan:

Most people see the world as it is and ask Why?

We see the world as it isn't and ask Why Not?

A typical local family at home:

A roadside Muslim pad thai eatery:

My first wild elephant encounter.