Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on February 7, 2023.
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One of my favorite things about the islands of Thailand is that they are easy to explore. A cheap scooter and you're on your way to find a quiet beach, beautiful fields, or an unusual shop.
During my time on the island of Koh Lanta, I took a day pursuing my favorite activity and stumbled upon what is quite possibly the best shop on the island – The Hammock House.
The Best Thai Souvenir
The Hammock House is not unique to Koh Lanta, as the brand of hammocks they sell are available on several other islands including Koh Chang, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Lipe Thailand.
Something about the name of the store just draws you in, and the tiny shack with nearly all walls and surfaces covered with hammocks are sure to keep you there for quite some time, testing out each and every variety.
• Planning a trip? Find a flight deal.
• In need of a room? Check out hotel and apartment prices.
• Taking a cruise? Find a cruise itinerary for your journey.
• Don't overlook picking up a rental car or day tours as well!
Little did I know that upon entering the store that I was about to drop 3,000 baht on one of my favorite purchases of all my travels; however, after just a few minutes of looking around, I was hooked.
Between testing out each of their brightly colored hammocks, and marveling at the ones made especially for cats, I knew I had to leave with one in my possession.
Ironically, the store's resident cats did not even prefer their made-to-size hammocks and would lounge in the full-size ones at any chance possible and have been known to scare the owners and unsuspecting visitors that are about to jump in.
The reason these hammocks are special and are priced higher than your everyday hammock is that they are not your typical mass-produced nylon hammocks.
These wonderful creations are hand woven by the Mlabri tribe in northern Thailand and, quite literally, saved the tribe.
After being displaced from their life in the jungles due to deforestation, the tribe needed a new career to get back to prosperity. They began making hammocks in 1996 after a chance discovery of their little known weaving souvenir trade. Now with their thriving business expanding to other tribes in the region, there is little concern for prosperity in the future.
The Right Hammock is a Bit Expensive
You may still be wondering why my specific hammock was so expensive? Well, I bought the jumbo one that can easily support two adults.
As these hammocks are hand woven, the size of mine was said to take nearly 10 days to complete, and mine was not even the most intricate available.
Other shops in Thailand may sell these hammocks for cheaper than the location in Koh Lanta, but I am not upset. My hammock is now a permanent fixture in our second bedroom and relaxing in it is my favorite activity that instantly transports me back to the islands.
Have you been to Koh Lanta, Thailand, or just love hammocks? Let us know by commenting below!
Looking for things to do in Thailand? Check out the Phi Phi Islands, why we skipped the Full Moon Party, and gorgeous Koh Samui beach options!
About Jeremy
About the Author: Jeremy is a full-time travel writer based in Pittsburgh and primary author of this site. He has been to 70+ countries on five continents and seeks out new food, adventure activities, and off-the-beaten-path experiences wherever he travels.
Hi Jeremy
I was on Koh Lanta recently but didn’t have enough time to visit the shop. Is there a way to get in touch with the owners? I’ve tried email but there has been no reply.
Thanks
Dan
Hi there, may I ask how big the hammock is when packing into a suitcase? I am bringing a carry on size hard case (but will be checking in), do you think it will fit? Thanks!
They compress fairly small in a bag. I think our extra large hammock shrinks down into an area about 4″ x 4″ x 10″ if I had to estimate (and its squishy, so it could go smaller).
Love this post, it takes me back to my time in Koh Lanta earlier this year. I loved Lanta Old Town and all it had to offer. I took part in the cookery class at Time for Lime
If I owned a cat, I’d be sure not to buy them a hammock.. nor would I let them in my hammock either! They only seemed to curl up into tight little balls too rather than stretching out like people.
That is just like a cat to make itself comfortable on the human version. They don’t need no stinkin’ cat hammocks!