This old town of Lanta in the old days was like an Ampher Muang-prosperous with overseas freighters that usually stopped over at the pier in Tumbon Koh Lanta Yai making it the freighter ? center between Phuket ? Kantang of Trang and Koh Lanta's center point. Later after Petchakasem Road was cut, this pier was fallen in to disuse until 1997 the District Office and important governmental offices were moved to Koh Lanta Noi. Talad Saladan Pier built as the main port for all passenger boats to stop. Saladan market has become Koh Lanta's new center point.
Nevertheless, that was over 100 year ago, today Lanta Old Town in Tumbon Koh Lanta Yai has come back to life and become more attractive with its significance in history and culture that remains for tourists to experience one again.
Long ? stay tourists are so fascinated with this small town, as they may choose to do any activities they like ? eating, sleeping, going out to the sea fishing or driving to tour the city viewing government offices and old district office built in 1901. At present, the old building in blue made the Office of Sanitation District. Going out pay homage to the Statue of HRH Prince Chumpon Khet Udomsak and staying overnight at huge local wooden houses with things from oversea freighters are pleasurable.
Never to miss is diving for corals viewing at Koh Por and Koh Bu Bu or the ?Blue Pearl of the Andaman? that can be done by local boats at the pier in Tumbon Koh Lanta Yai as a half ? day or one ? day tour including a visit to the islands of the Trang's Sea. Coming to Koh Lanta without a visit this Lanta Old Town is not worth the travel a long way?
Koh Lanta Yai
Koh Lanto Yai has two Districts ? Saladan sub District and Koh Lanta Yai sub District. In the old days, Koh Lanta Yai sub District was the island's hinterland with important pier for overseas freighters to pass, making its economy prosperous.
In high season, it is not surprising why Koh Lanta Yai is so crowded with tourist, as it is easy to tour either by hiring motorcycle or by jeeps. If still enjoying, just drive to see the local life styles of the Lanta Old Town and further to the original sea gypsies at Ban Sang Ka ? U, now that the island is done.
Koh Lanta Noi
In the old days, Koh Lanta Noi was just a pass way for travelers from Krabi and Trang on their way to Koh Lanta Yai by private cars or vans.
Koh Lanta Noi, with on resorts, luxurious restaurants and other facilities as good as Koh Lanta Yai, though, has one thing better that is the prosperity with a perfect nature and real islander life styles ? rubber tearing rice growing and fishery.
If not satisfied yet, try another round of adventure by motorcycle in the next morning tour in the longest and most beautiful beach on Koh Lanta Noi ?Long Sord Beach ? and end it by taking a fisherman boat to see the abundant mangrove, this is almost what should be done at Koh Lanta Noi.
I learned about Lithuania for the first time from my friend who had just arrived back from his vacation in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. He was full of pleasant impressions and affectionately described it as "a chocolate box city of three-storey baroque buildings". At that time I didn't know anything about the country, except that Lithuania is one of the Baltic States, which heroically gained its independence back from the former Soviet block in 1991.
I was looking for my next holiday destination and instead of returning back to my favourite places I decided to give Vilnius a go, which sounded just as charming and romantic. I was also looking for something new, a refreshing break from some of Europe's mass tourism destinations. In a couple of weeks I flew to Vilnius.
My first impression of the town was pretty, homely and somehow unpretentiously elegant. It isn't exactly for those who are looking for a big turbulent metropolis city, which it isn't. Vilnius? charm lies in its medieval roots. Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Eastern Europe and because of its numerous historic buildings it is classified as a World Heritage site.
According to the history, in the Middle Ages Vilnius was a blossoming city and one of the largest in Eastern Europe. The city was built during different centuries, therefore you will find a blend of architecture with baroque and gothic dominating. The whitewashed Vilnius Cathedral and its belfry, medieval defence fortress, the intricate Gothic Church of St. Anne's, to name just a few, creates a postcard-perfect town.
I found Vilnius Old Town undoubtedly the most charming part of the city. Quaint shops and cosy cafes set amongst a blend of intricate spires, domes and towers are some of the first images that come to my mind. I especially loved exploring the atmospheric lanes of the back streets, where you can absorb the true spirit of medieval Lithuania.
I also loved its charming restaurants and cafes tucked away in the pretty courtyards. Some of the restaurants are set in the old atmospheric cellars and carry medieval deco themes. The food is usually of a high quality and well presented and is inexpensive for most European travellers. Overall the city provides high standard restaurants, hotels and entertainment, yet everything here is affordable at low prices in comparison with Western European countries, which makes Vilnius even more appealing.
And last but definitely not the least, the laid back atmosphere and the welcoming attitude of the locals make the city even more pleasant. Especially in the warm season the people of Vilnius love to spend as much time as possible outdoors strolling along the Old Town streets and sit at the lovely pavement cafes. Most of them are welcoming and friendly to foreigners. Especially younger people with the majority speaking English will gladly assist you with directions, help you if you are lost and sometimes even recommend to you the best places in town.
All in all Vilnius is a charming place to experience some living history, wandering among the medieval cobblestone streets; enjoy its diverse dining scene and elegant bars and also get to know its welcoming people. The city is a refreshing, not fully discovered yet and memorable destination.
Both Francisco Faulkner & John L Watson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Francisco Faulkner has sinced written about articles on various topics from Aging, Food and Drink and Kitchen Home Improvement. Francisco Faulkner is the professional freelance writer. He's also the webmaster of . Francisco Faulkner's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.
John L Watson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure. John Watson is the publisher of a website called He and his wife share their travelling experiences in Vilnius and Lithuania, recommen. John L Watson's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.