• The flying time from New York to Bangkok is approximately 22 hours.
  
• November through February is the best time to visit. Avoid April and May, the hottest months.
  
• Book early. Costa Lanta resort fills up during high season.
  
• Exchange currency before arriving to the island — credit cards are rarely accepted and there are a few banks.
  
• Getting around is difficult. Hire a car with a driver for about $40 a day.
  
• Guides will help with the language, but English is rarely spoken.

Resources:

Costa Lanta
Lanta Yai Island, Thailand
Phone: +11 66 2662 35501
www.costalanta.com
Cost: $60-$180 per night, depending on the season
There are 22 cabanas at the resort, all connected by a central boardwalk. All meals are served in an open-air pavilion.

Guided kayak tour
Blue Andaman Travel
Krabi, Thailand
Phone: +11 66 7563 1857
meekul@cscoms.com
Cost: Guided kayak tour for two, around $70, elephant trek, $20 per person

Time for Lime, cooking school
Phone: +11 66 9967 5017
www.timeforlime.net
Cost: Around $40 per five-hour class, packages and group classes available

Malaysia Airlines
800-552-9264
www.malaysiaairlines.com

The Peninsula Bangkok
Klongsan, Bangkok, Thailand
Phone: +11 66 2861 2888
www.peninsula.com
Cost: $300-$340 per room per night