Mook Lanta Eco Resort

Mook Lanta is a small, simple backpacker resort set in a tropical garden traversed via a raised wooden walkway with traditional bungalows set on either side. The lobby is tiny and basic, with a concrete floor and a few chairs and tables enclosed by a wooden railing. This area is not that attractive, but it gets much better out in the garden, where there's plenty of greenery. The resort prides itself on its eco-friendliness and offers free water bottle refills and recycles extensively. Most guests are backpackers and budget travelers looking for a traditional, peaceful Thai experience away from the bustle of the tourism scene. 

Mook Lanta Resort is at the southern end of Long Beach, Koh Lanta's longest strip of sand. The beach area closest to the resort is a couple minutes' walk away, though it's rocky and not that attractive. However, it's just a short walk up the coast to get to some nicer sand. Red Snapper, one of the fanciest dining spots on Lanta, is a five-minute walk up the road, as are a number of other restaurants. It's about a 10- to 15-minute drive to the ferry pier and Saladan town on the northern end of the island. Krabi Airport is 45-minutes away by car, and Phuket International Airport is a four-hour drive away.

There are four room types at the Mook Lanta Resort. Standard Rooms are basic, with only beds, mosquito nets, fans, closets, and simple toilet/shower areas, plus small porches with hammocks. Cosy Rooms are the next step up, and they are indeed cosy, though tiny is probably a better description. These rooms have solid wood floors as opposed to the polyvinyl-style floors used for Standard Rooms, and they do come with TVs. A big step up from these are the air-conditioned AC Rooms, which feature safes, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and pleasant Thai upholstery. The highest category rooms are the VIP Family rooms, which have two bedrooms (including a master bedroom with a large sofa) and two bathrooms plus middle rooms with closet space and large fridges. 

The resort's beach is scenic but incredibly rocky and without loungers or other seating aside from a shaded bench. But sandier beaches are in walking distance. There's no pool on-site. Mook Lanta Resort has a small restaurant and bar just off the lobby with wooden chairs and tables. The bar stays open during the day and into the night, and the restaurant serves breakfasts (included in some rates), along with simple Thai and Western fare for lunch and dinner. The resort also offers motor scooter rentals and can arrange transport and tours around the island. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.