After chancing upon our super friendly accommodation in Ko Lanta, our initial plan of staying for 3 nights has extended to 6.

The place we’re staying in is VERY baby friendly and the staff’s love of children is giving my other half and I lots of nice little breaks from ‘the boy’.  The thing is, judging by ‘the boys’ reactions to the staff, particularly Aunty Pop, he’s enjoying the break more than us.

Aunty Pop's big hat - backpacking with a baby in SE Asia

Aunty Pop's big hat

His affection for Aunty Pop is growing rapidly and within a couple of days he’s making a beeline for her as soon as we exit our chalet. He appears to love it here, knows exactly where the toys are located and enjoys roaming around on the beach late every afternoon when the sun is lower.

Ko Lanta is a family hit and it’s going to be hard to leave.

backpacking with a baby in SE Asia

A sunset stroll with Aunty Pop

Top tip of the day:
If you’re staying in a family friendly place ask the staff if they can make food off menu for your baby. Rice porridge is a staple baby dish in both Chinese and Thai families. It’s a broth with soft rice, vegetables and chicken or fish added. Chinese cafes sell this as standard for less than a £1, but we’ve found that Thai cafes/restaurants will make it for you on request.

backpacking with a baby in SE Asia

Eating rice with one of his playmates

backpacking with a baby in SE Asia

Taking a well deserved snooze from playing

backpacking with a baby in SE Asia

'The boy' has his first encounter with an elephant