Hackerbeach Wiki - User contributions [en]

Hacker Beach Episode 14

2025-12-19T08:52:56Z

Jan: /* Accommodations */Adding OSM links to common places

== Location: Koh Lanta, Thailand ==

We'll be gathering on the island paradise of [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ko_Lanta Koh Lanta] in the south of Thailand.

== Date: January 2026 ==

As always, we'll be hanging out somewhere on the island during the month of January.

You can drop by anytime in January and someone else should be there already (at least from a few days after NYE onwards). Some people join only for a week, others for two or even the whole month. Whatever floats your boat.

== What to Expect ==

https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach/101187541935745175:

* Hacking, not cracking
* FOSS creation and contribution galore (non-programmers welcome)
* Exchange ideas and knowledge, demo your projects, have workshop or hackday sessions
* Also get your day job done if you want/must
* Fantastic weather (i.e. no freezing winter)
* Outdoor activity options like e.g. hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and floating down the nearby river
* Explore the wider region, esp. before/after your time at the official location
* Whatever you want to make it. Hacker Beach is just people.

== Getting There ==

* The nearest airport is Krabi (KBV). See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krabi_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations Wikipedia] for direct routes. Connections via BKK, KUL, SIN for example.
* From KBV, many shuttles (from 400THB) or private taxis (from 2500THB) are available to take you anywhere on the island. There is a short water crossing, but very minimal compared to the Phuket option.
* You can take a speed boat from Phuket (big intl. airport) to Koh Lanta (around 4 hours). If rough weather and seas is predicted (as it is to the months leading up to January), an alternate method is recommended.
* ...

There are a few good travel wikis which cover more detailed info:

* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ko_Lanta
* https://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Lanta

=== Visa & Arrival Card ===

Citizens of 93 countries are exempt from having to get a visa, and visa on arrival is available for many more countries at the arrival port with no fee. For other countries there is a 3000THB fee associated with an e-visa. Typical periods to stay are 30 to 60 days.

Full list and info: https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/RzaiZWKBzF/consular/Visa/Visa_Exemption__Visa_on_Arrival.pdf

Payable by US dollars, Euros, or Thai baht (THB) at the immigration counter

=== Digital arrival card ===

All tourists are now required to submit a digital arrival card (replacing paper arrival cards) before they can enter Thailand. It's recommended to do this online before landing, because otherwise you may have to wait in a long queue to fill it in at a kiosk before immigration:

https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/

=== Vaccination requirements ===

If you are traveling from a country with high risk of Yellow Fever infection, you may be required to show a proof of vaccination against it (i.e. an entry in your little yellow booklet). There was absolutely no validation or check of anything for the people that already arrived.

== Getting Around ==

Most places on Koh Lanta Yai can be reached via the main road stretching about 20 km from Sala Dan (where the pier is) in the north to Koh Lanta “Old town” in the south.

The different neighborhoods are named after the beaches, e.g. Klong Dao, Phra Ae, Klong Khong, Klong Nin, Nui, Klong Hin, Kantiang, etc.

Many people rent a scooter (Honda Click type) with prices ranging around 250-350 THB per day these days. There are discounts for longer rentals that can be negotiated. The rental places will ask for a passport or other id as a deposit during the rental which should be avoided. A cash deposit is usually possible as an alternative.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory and highly recommended even though it’s not always enforced by police. Many locals usually don’t wear one. But please be safe and do. There are many road accidents every year, some fatal. Due to the remote location, an ambulance may take a while to get to you.

You can also rent e-bikes or normal bicycles. The latter can be a challenge though, esp. towards the south of the island where it gets a bit hilly.

Taking a tuktuk is easy and safe. You can hail them on the main road. Be sure to negotiate a price before the trip. Should be in the 50-100 THB range for trips within a neighborhood, or 150-250 THB for trips to the next beach over.

Renting a car is very uncommon. Thailand is driving on the left.

== Accommodations ==

You can coordinate sharing on the XMPP channel, if you're not already planning to join with a small group.

Some people in the group have expressed a preference for the Phra Ae (aka “Long Beach”) area for accommodation and gatherings. Previous non-hackerbeach episodes usually centered around this area. It has a popular coworking space ([https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/9366861447 kohub]) which is good for concentrated work and socializing and a ton of nice beach bars/restaurants to spend the day with a laptop, such as the [https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/703061123 funky fish].

There are plenty of options to stay in Phra Ae and it’s easily reachable by scooter (which is the preferred mode of transport for many) from Klong Dao beach to the north and Klong Kong beach to the south which are two alternative favourable areas for accommodation.

== Power sockets ==

US 2-prong outlets are common throughout Thailand, as are hybrid sockets for other types: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/thailand/

== Internet ==

LTE and 5G internet access is available throughout the island. Someone might also bring a Starlink terminal. The island does not have fiber internet except as backhaul (AFAIK)

== SIM cards ==

The popular cell carriers provide eSIM packages online.

There are also international eSIMs available online for Thailand. The usual vendors of those should have you covered. Topups for all providers are available on Bitrefill as well.

== ATMs ==

ATMs are available at convenience stores and are safe to use but will add a small fixed surcharge for withdrawals making it more economical to withdraw higher amounts.

Credit cards are accepted in many places but cash is still preferred in the smaller restaurants and food stalls.

Currency is Baht (THB) which is widely used. Some places will accept $ or € but it’s not as common as in other places.

== Invite-only XMPP chat for participants ==

We have a more private communications channel for people who actually want to drop by in January. It's an XMPP channel at [xmpp:hackerbeach@kosmos.chat?join hackerbeach@kosmos.chat]. Please ask someone to invite you, in case you don't have access yet (e.g. on IRC, or DM us [https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach on the fediverse]).

As a mobile chat client, we can recommend [https://conversations.im Conversations for Android], and [https://monal-im.org Monal for iOS].

== Sessions ==

Unconference-style sessions, i.e. anything from short talks to longer workshops, are always a nice addition to Hacker Beach.

Please suggest and coordinate on XMPP. Once we have a couple of sessions confirmed, we can use the WordPress events plugin again.

== Participants ==

As an unorganized, informal gathering, there's nothing to register or RSVP for. However, it would be much appreciated if you entered some kind of name (ideally your IRC or XMPP nick, but can also just be anon) in the following list, in case you plan to join us. You can also add a timeframe, so we know who to expect when.

* bkero
* jansh
* raucao
* hcs0
* sandiego
* ''(your name/alias here)''

Hacker Beach Episode 14

2025-12-12T20:53:05Z

Jan: /* Participants */Adding sandiego

== Location: Koh Lanta, Thailand ==

We'll be gathering on the island paradise of Koh Lanta in the south of Thailand.

== Date: January 2026 ==

As always, we'll be hanging out somewhere on the island the whole month of January. You can drop by anytime in January and someone else should be there already (at least from a few days after NYE onwards). Some people join only for a week, others for two or even the whole month. Whatever floats your boat.

== What to Expect ==

https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach/101187541935745175:

* Hacking, not cracking
* FOSS creation and contribution galore (non-programmers welcome)
* Exchange ideas and knowledge, demo your projects, have workshop or hackday sessions
* Also get your day job done if you want/must
* Fantastic weather (i.e. no freezing winter)
* Outdoor activity options like e.g. hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and floating down the nearby river
* Explore the wider region, esp. before/after your time at the official location
* Whatever you want to make it. Hacker Beach is just people.

== Getting There ==

* The nearest airport is Krabi (KBV). See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krabi_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations Wikipedia] for direct routes. Connections via BKK, KUL, SIN for example.
* From KBV, many shuttles (from 400THB) or private taxis (from 2500THB) are available to take you anywhere on the island. There is a short water crossing, but very minimal compared to the Phuket option.
* You can take a speed boat from Phuket (big intl. airport) to Koh Lanta (around 4 hours). If rough weather and seas is predicted (as it is to the months leading up to January), an alternate method is recommended.
* ...

There are a few good travel wikis which cover more detailed info:

* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ko_Lanta
* https://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Lanta

=== Visa & Arrival Card ===

Citizens of 93 countries are exempt from having to get a visa, and visa on arrival is available for many more countries at the arrival port with no fee. For other countries there is a 3000THB fee associated with an e-visa. Typical periods to stay are 30 to 60 days.

Full list and info: https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/RzaiZWKBzF/consular/Visa/Visa_Exemption__Visa_on_Arrival.pdf

Payable by US dollars, Euros, or Thai baht (THB) at the immigration counter

=== Digital arrival card ===

All tourists are now required to submit a digital arrival card (replacing paper arrival cards) before they can enter Thailand. It's recommended to do this online before landing, because otherwise you may have to wait in a long queue to fill it in at a kiosk before immigration:

https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/

=== Vaccination requirements ===

If you are traveling from a country with high risk of Yellow Fever infection, you may be required to show a proof of vaccination against it (i.e. an entry in your little yellow booklet). There was absolutely no validation or check of anything for the people that already arrived.

== Getting Around ==

Most places on Koh Lanta Yai can be reached via the main road stretching about 20 km from Sala Dan (where the pier is) in the north to Koh Lanta “Old town” in the south.

The different neighborhoods are named after the beaches, e.g. Klong Dao, Phra Ae, Klong Khong, Klong Nin, Nui, Klong Hin, Kantiang, etc.

Many people rent a scooter (Honda Click type) with prices ranging around 250-350 THB per day these days. There are discounts for longer rentals that can be negotiated. The rental places will ask for a passport or other id as a deposit during the rental which should be avoided. A cash deposit is usually possible as an alternative.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory and highly recommended even though it’s not always enforced by police. Many locals usually don’t wear one. But please be safe and do. There are many road accidents every year, some fatal. Due to the remote location, an ambulance may take a while to get to you.

You can also rent e-bikes or normal bicycles. The latter can be a challenge though, esp. towards the south of the island where it gets a bit hilly.

Taking a tuktuk is easy and safe. You can hail them on the main road. Be sure to negotiate a price before the trip. Should be in the 50-100 THB range for trips within a neighborhood, or 150-250 THB for trips to the next beach over.

Renting a car is very uncommon. Thailand is driving on the left.

== Accommodations ==

You can coordinate sharing on the XMPP channel, if you're not already planning to join with a small group.

Some people in the group have expressed a preference for the Phra Ae (aka “Long Beach”) area for accommodation and gatherings. Previous non-hackerbeach episodes usually centered around this area. It has a popular coworking space (kohub) which is good for concentrated work and socializing and a ton of nice beach bars/restaurants to spend the day with a laptop, such as the funky fish.

There are plenty of options to stay in Phra Ae and it’s easily reachable by scooter (which is the preferred mode of transport for many) from Klong Dao beach to the north and Klong Kong beach to the south which are two alternative favourable areas for accommodation.

== Power sockets ==

US 2-prong outlets are common throughout Thailand, as are hybrid sockets for other types: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/thailand/

== Internet ==

LTE and 5G internet access is available throughout the island. Someone might also bring a Starlink terminal. The island does not have fiber internet except as backhaul (AFAIK)

== SIM cards ==

The popular cell carriers provide eSIM packages online.

There are also international eSIMs available online for Thailand. The usual vendors of those should have you covered. Topups for all providers are available on Bitrefill as well.

== ATMs ==

ATMs are available at convenience stores and are safe to use but will add a small fixed surcharge for withdrawals making it more economical to withdraw higher amounts.

Credit cards are accepted in many places but cash is still preferred in the smaller restaurants and food stalls.

Currency is Baht (THB) which is widely used. Some places will accept $ or € but it’s not as common as in other places.

== Invite-only XMPP chat for participants ==

We have a more private communications channel for people who actually want to drop by in January. It's an XMPP channel at [xmpp:hackerbeach@kosmos.chat?join hackerbeach@kosmos.chat]. Please ask someone to invite you, in case you don't have access yet (e.g. on IRC, or DM us [https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach on the fediverse]).

As a mobile chat client, we can recommend [https://conversations.im Conversations for Android], and [https://monal-im.org Monal for iOS].

== Sessions ==

Unconference-style sessions, i.e. anything from short talks to longer workshops, are always a nice addition to Hacker Beach.

Please suggest and coordinate on XMPP. Once we have a couple of sessions confirmed, we can use the WordPress events plugin again.

== Participants ==

As an unorganized, informal gathering, there's nothing to register or RSVP for. However, it would be much appreciated if you entered some kind of name (ideally your IRC or XMPP nick, but can also just be anon) in the following list, in case you plan to join us. You can also add a timeframe, so we know who to expect when.

* bkero
* jansh
* raucao
* hcs0
* sandiego
* ''(your name/alias here)''

Hacker Beach Episode 14

2025-12-11T12:47:24Z

Jan: /* Getting Around */Driving on the left

== Location: Koh Lanta, Thailand ==

We'll be gathering on the island paradise of Koh Lanta in the south of Thailand.

== Date: January 2026 ==

As always, we'll be hanging out somewhere on the island the whole month of January. You can drop by anytime in January and someone else should be there already (at least from a few days after NYE onwards). Some people join only for a week, others for two or even the whole month. Whatever floats your boat.

== What to Expect ==

https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach/101187541935745175:

* Hacking, not cracking
* FOSS creation and contribution galore (non-programmers welcome)
* Exchange ideas and knowledge, demo your projects, have workshop or hackday sessions
* Also get your day job done if you want/must
* Fantastic weather (i.e. no freezing winter)
* Outdoor activity options like e.g. hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and floating down the nearby river
* Explore the wider region, esp. before/after your time at the official location
* Whatever you want to make it. Hacker Beach is just people.

== Getting There ==

* The nearest airport is Krabi (KBV). See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krabi_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations Wikipedia] for direct routes. Connections via BKK, KUL, SIN for example.
* From KBV, many shuttles (from 400THB) or private taxis (from 2500THB) are available to take you anywhere on the island. There is a short water crossing, but very minimal compared to the Phuket option.
* You can take a speed boat from Phuket (big intl. airport) to Koh Lanta (around 4 hours). If rough weather and seas is predicted (as it is to the months leading up to January), an alternate method is recommended.
* ...

There are a few good travel wikis which cover more detailed info:

* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ko_Lanta
* https://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Lanta

=== Visa & Arrival Card ===

Citizens of 93 countries are exempt from having to get a visa, and visa on arrival is available for many more countries at the arrival port with no fee. For other countries there is a 3000THB fee associated with an e-visa. Typical periods to stay are 30 to 60 days.

Full list and info: https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/RzaiZWKBzF/consular/Visa/Visa_Exemption__Visa_on_Arrival.pdf

Payable by US dollars, Euros, or Thai baht (THB) at the immigration counter

=== Digital arrival card ===

All tourists are now required to submit a digital arrival card (replacing paper arrival cards) before they can enter Thailand. It's recommended to do this online before landing, because otherwise you may have to wait in a long queue to fill it in at a kiosk before immigration:

https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/

=== Vaccination requirements ===

If you are traveling from a country with high risk of Yellow Fever infection, you may be required to show a proof of vaccination against it (i.e. an entry in your little yellow booklet). There was absolutely no validation or check of anything for the people that already arrived.

== Getting Around ==

Most places on Koh Lanta Yai can be reached via the main road stretching about 20 km from Sala Dan (where the pier is) in the north to Koh Lanta “Old town” in the south.

The different neighborhoods are named after the beaches, e.g. Klong Dao, Phra Ae, Klong Khong, Klong Nin, Nui, Klong Hin, Kantiang, etc.

Many people rent a scooter (Honda Click type) with prices ranging around 250-350 THB per day these days. There are discounts for longer rentals that can be negotiated. The rental places will ask for a passport or other id as a deposit during the rental which should be avoided. A cash deposit is usually possible as an alternative.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory and highly recommended even though it’s not always enforced by police. Many locals usually don’t wear one. But please be safe and do. There are many road accidents every year, some fatal. Due to the remote location, an ambulance may take a while to get to you.

You can also rent e-bikes or normal bicycles. The latter can be a challenge though, esp. towards the south of the island where it gets a bit hilly.

Taking a tuktuk is easy and safe. You can hail them on the main road. Be sure to negotiate a price before the trip. Should be in the 50-100 THB range for trips within a neighborhood, or 150-250 THB for trips to the next beach over.

Renting a car is very uncommon. Thailand is driving on the left.

== Accommodations ==

You can coordinate sharing on the XMPP channel, if you're not already planning to join with a small group.

Some people in the group have expressed a preference for the Phra Ae (aka “Long Beach”) area for accommodation and gatherings. Previous non-hackerbeach episodes usually centered around this area. It has a popular coworking space (kohub) which is good for concentrated work and socializing and a ton of nice beach bars/restaurants to spend the day with a laptop, such as the funky fish.

There are plenty of options to stay in Phra Ae and it’s easily reachable by scooter (which is the preferred mode of transport for many) from Klong Dao beach to the north and Klong Kong beach to the south which are two alternative favourable areas for accommodation.

== Power sockets ==

US 2-prong outlets are common throughout Thailand, as are hybrid sockets for other types: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/thailand/

== Internet ==

LTE and 5G internet access is available throughout the island. Someone might also bring a Starlink terminal. The island does not have fiber internet except as backhaul (AFAIK)

== SIM cards ==

The popular cell carriers provide eSIM packages online.

There are also international eSIMs available online for Thailand. The usual vendors of those should have you covered. Topups for all providers are available on Bitrefill as well.

== ATMs ==

ATMs are available at convenience stores and are safe to use but will add a small fixed surcharge for withdrawals making it more economical to withdraw higher amounts.

Credit cards are accepted in many places but cash is still preferred in the smaller restaurants and food stalls.

Currency is Baht (THB) which is widely used. Some places will accept $ or € but it’s not as common as in other places.

== Invite-only XMPP chat for participants ==

We have a more private communications channel for people who actually want to drop by in January. It's an XMPP channel at [xmpp:hackerbeach@kosmos.chat?join hackerbeach@kosmos.chat]. Please ask someone to invite you, in case you don't have access yet (e.g. on IRC, or DM us [https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach on the fediverse]).

As a mobile chat client, we can recommend [https://conversations.im Conversations for Android], and [https://monal-im.org Monal for iOS].

== Participants ==

As an unorganized, informal gathering, there's nothing to register or RSVP for. However, it would be much appreciated if you entered some kind of name (ideally your IRC or XMPP nick, but can also just be anon) in the following list, in case you plan to join us. You can also add a timeframe, so we know who to expect when.

* bkero
* jansh
* raucao
* hcs0
* ''(your name/alias here)''

Hacker Beach Episode 14

2025-12-11T11:07:55Z

Jan: /* Getting Around */

== Location: Koh Lanta, Thailand ==

We'll be gathering on the island paradise of Koh Lanta in the south of Thailand.

== Date: January 2026 ==

As always, we'll be hanging out somewhere on the island the whole month of January. You can drop by anytime in January and someone else should be there already (at least from a few days after NYE onwards). Some people join only for a week, others for two or even the whole month. Whatever floats your boat.

== What to Expect ==

https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach/101187541935745175:

* Hacking, not cracking
* FOSS creation and contribution galore (non-programmers welcome)
* Exchange ideas and knowledge, demo your projects, have workshop or hackday sessions
* Also get your day job done if you want/must
* Fantastic weather (i.e. no freezing winter)
* Outdoor activity options like e.g. hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and floating down the nearby river
* Explore the wider region, esp. before/after your time at the official location
* Whatever you want to make it. Hacker Beach is just people.

== Getting There ==

* The nearest airport is Krabi (KBV). See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krabi_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations Wikipedia] for direct routes. Connections via BKK, KUL, SIN for example.
* From KBV, many shuttles (from 400THB) or private taxis (from 2500THB) are available to take you anywhere on the island. There is a short water crossing, but very minimal compared to the Phuket option.
* You can take a speed boat from Phuket (big intl. airport) to Koh Lanta (around 4 hours). If rough weather and seas is predicted (as it is to the months leading up to January), an alternate method is recommended.
* ...

There are a few good travel wikis which cover more detailed info:

* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ko_Lanta
* https://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Lanta

=== Visa & Arrival Card ===

Citizens of 93 countries are exempt from having to get a visa, and visa on arrival is available for many more countries at the arrival port with no fee. For other countries there is a 3000THB fee associated with an e-visa. Typical periods to stay are 30 to 60 days.

Full list and info: https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/RzaiZWKBzF/consular/Visa/Visa_Exemption__Visa_on_Arrival.pdf

Payable by US dollars, Euros, or Thai baht (THB) at the immigration counter

=== Digital arrival card ===

All tourists are now required to submit a digital arrival card (replacing paper arrival cards) before they can enter Thailand. It's recommended to do this online before landing, because otherwise you may have to wait in a long queue to fill it in at a kiosk before immigration:

https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/

=== Vaccination requirements ===

If you are traveling from a country with high risk of Yellow Fever infection, you may be required to show a proof of vaccination against it (i.e. an entry in your little yellow booklet). There was absolutely no validation or check of anything for the people that already arrived.

== Getting Around ==

Most places on Koh Lanta Yai can be reached via the main road stretching about 20 km from Sala Dan (where the pier is) in the north to Koh Lanta “Old town” in the south.

The different neighborhoods are named after the beaches, e.g. Klong Dao, Phra Ae, Klong Khong, Klong Nin, Nui, Klong Hin, Kantiang, etc.

Many people rent a scooter (Honda Click type) with prices ranging around 250-350 THB per day these days. There are discounts for longer rentals that can be negotiated. The rental places will ask for a passport or other id as a deposit during the rental which should be avoided. A cash deposit is usually possible as an alternative.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory and highly recommended even though it’s not always enforced by police. Many locals usually don’t wear one. But please be safe and do. There are many road accidents every year, some fatal. Due to the remote location, an ambulance may take a while to get to you.

You can also rent e-bikes or normal bicycles. The latter can be a challenge though, esp. towards the south of the island where it gets a bit hilly.

Taking a tuktuk is easy and safe. You can hail them on the main road. Be sure to negotiate a price before the trip. Should be in the 50-100 THB range for trips within a neighborhood, or 150-250 THB for trips to the next beach over.

Renting a car is very uncommon.

== Accommodations ==

You can coordinate sharing on the XMPP channel, if you're not already planning to join with a small group.

Some people in the group have expressed a preference for the Phra Ae (aka “Long Beach”) area for accommodation and gatherings. Previous non-hackerbeach episodes usually centered around this area. It has a popular coworking space (kohub) which is good for concentrated work and socializing and a ton of nice beach bars/restaurants to spend the day with a laptop, such as the funky fish.

There are plenty of options to stay in Phra Ae and it’s easily reachable by scooter (which is the preferred mode of transport for many) from Klong Dao beach to the north and Klong Kong beach to the south which are two alternative favourable areas for accommodation.

== Power sockets ==

US 2-prong outlets are common throughout Thailand, as are hybrid sockets for other types: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/thailand/

== Internet ==

LTE and 5G internet access is available throughout the island. Someone might also bring a Starlink terminal. The island does not have fiber internet except as backhaul (AFAIK)

== SIM cards ==

The popular cell carriers provide eSIM packages online.

There are also international eSIMs available online for Thailand. The usual vendors of those should have you covered. Topups for all providers are available on Bitrefill as well.

== ATMs ==

ATMs are available at convenience stores and are safe to use but will add a small fixed surcharge for withdrawals making it more economical to withdraw higher amounts.

Credit cards are accepted in many places but cash is still preferred in the smaller restaurants and food stalls.

Currency is Baht (THB) which is widely used. Some places will accept $ or € but it’s not as common as in other places.

== Invite-only XMPP chat for participants ==

We have a more private communications channel for people who actually want to drop by in January. It's an XMPP channel at [xmpp:hackerbeach@kosmos.chat?join hackerbeach@kosmos.chat]. Please ask someone to invite you, in case you don't have access yet (e.g. on IRC, or DM us [https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach on the fediverse]).

As a mobile chat client, we can recommend [https://conversations.im Conversations for Android], and [https://monal-im.org Monal for iOS].

== Participants ==

As an unorganized, informal gathering, there's nothing to register or RSVP for. However, it would be much appreciated if you entered some kind of name (ideally your IRC or XMPP nick, but can also just be anon) in the following list, in case you plan to join us. You can also add a timeframe, so we know who to expect when.

* bkero
* jansh
* raucao
* hcs0
* ''(your name/alias here)''

Hacker Beach Episode 14

2025-12-11T11:07:40Z

Jan: Added getting around section (scooters, tuktuks)

== Location: Koh Lanta, Thailand ==

We'll be gathering on the island paradise of Koh Lanta in the south of Thailand.

== Date: January 2026 ==

As always, we'll be hanging out somewhere on the island the whole month of January. You can drop by anytime in January and someone else should be there already (at least from a few days after NYE onwards). Some people join only for a week, others for two or even the whole month. Whatever floats your boat.

== What to Expect ==

https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach/101187541935745175:

* Hacking, not cracking
* FOSS creation and contribution galore (non-programmers welcome)
* Exchange ideas and knowledge, demo your projects, have workshop or hackday sessions
* Also get your day job done if you want/must
* Fantastic weather (i.e. no freezing winter)
* Outdoor activity options like e.g. hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and floating down the nearby river
* Explore the wider region, esp. before/after your time at the official location
* Whatever you want to make it. Hacker Beach is just people.

== Getting There ==

* The nearest airport is Krabi (KBV). See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krabi_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations Wikipedia] for direct routes. Connections via BKK, KUL, SIN for example.
* From KBV, many shuttles (from 400THB) or private taxis (from 2500THB) are available to take you anywhere on the island. There is a short water crossing, but very minimal compared to the Phuket option.
* You can take a speed boat from Phuket (big intl. airport) to Koh Lanta (around 4 hours). If rough weather and seas is predicted (as it is to the months leading up to January), an alternate method is recommended.
* ...

There are a few good travel wikis which cover more detailed info:

* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ko_Lanta
* https://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Lanta

=== Visa & Arrival Card ===

Citizens of 93 countries are exempt from having to get a visa, and visa on arrival is available for many more countries at the arrival port with no fee. For other countries there is a 3000THB fee associated with an e-visa. Typical periods to stay are 30 to 60 days.

Full list and info: https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/RzaiZWKBzF/consular/Visa/Visa_Exemption__Visa_on_Arrival.pdf

Payable by US dollars, Euros, or Thai baht (THB) at the immigration counter

=== Digital arrival card ===

All tourists are now required to submit a digital arrival card (replacing paper arrival cards) before they can enter Thailand. It's recommended to do this online before landing, because otherwise you may have to wait in a long queue to fill it in at a kiosk before immigration:

https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/

=== Vaccination requirements ===

If you are traveling from a country with high risk of Yellow Fever infection, you may be required to show a proof of vaccination against it (i.e. an entry in your little yellow booklet). There was absolutely no validation or check of anything for the people that already arrived.

== Getting around ==

Most places on Koh Lanta Yai can be reached via the main road stretching about 20 km from Sala Dan (where the pier is) in the north to Koh Lanta “Old town” in the south.

The different neighborhoods are named after the beaches, e.g. Klong Dao, Phra Ae, Klong Khong, Klong Nin, Nui, Klong Hin, Kantiang, etc.

Many people rent a scooter (Honda Click type) with prices ranging around 250-350 THB per day these days. There are discounts for longer rentals that can be negotiated. The rental places will ask for a passport or other id as a deposit during the rental which should be avoided. A cash deposit is usually possible as an alternative.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory and highly recommended even though it’s not always enforced by police. Many locals usually don’t wear one. But please be safe and do. There are many road accidents every year, some fatal. Due to the remote location, an ambulance may take a while to get to you.

You can also rent e-bikes or normal bicycles. The latter can be a challenge though, esp. towards the south of the island where it gets a bit hilly.

Taking a tuktuk is easy and safe. You can hail them on the main road. Be sure to negotiate a price before the trip. Should be in the 50-100 THB range for trips within a neighborhood, or 150-250 THB for trips to the next beach over.

Renting a car is very uncommon.

== Accommodations ==

You can coordinate sharing on the XMPP channel, if you're not already planning to join with a small group.

Some people in the group have expressed a preference for the Phra Ae (aka “Long Beach”) area for accommodation and gatherings. Previous non-hackerbeach episodes usually centered around this area. It has a popular coworking space (kohub) which is good for concentrated work and socializing and a ton of nice beach bars/restaurants to spend the day with a laptop, such as the funky fish.

There are plenty of options to stay in Phra Ae and it’s easily reachable by scooter (which is the preferred mode of transport for many) from Klong Dao beach to the north and Klong Kong beach to the south which are two alternative favourable areas for accommodation.

== Power sockets ==

US 2-prong outlets are common throughout Thailand, as are hybrid sockets for other types: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/thailand/

== Internet ==

LTE and 5G internet access is available throughout the island. Someone might also bring a Starlink terminal. The island does not have fiber internet except as backhaul (AFAIK)

== SIM cards ==

The popular cell carriers provide eSIM packages online.

There are also international eSIMs available online for Thailand. The usual vendors of those should have you covered. Topups for all providers are available on Bitrefill as well.

== ATMs ==

ATMs are available at convenience stores and are safe to use but will add a small fixed surcharge for withdrawals making it more economical to withdraw higher amounts.

Credit cards are accepted in many places but cash is still preferred in the smaller restaurants and food stalls.

Currency is Baht (THB) which is widely used. Some places will accept $ or € but it’s not as common as in other places.

== Invite-only XMPP chat for participants ==

We have a more private communications channel for people who actually want to drop by in January. It's an XMPP channel at [xmpp:hackerbeach@kosmos.chat?join hackerbeach@kosmos.chat]. Please ask someone to invite you, in case you don't have access yet (e.g. on IRC, or DM us [https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach on the fediverse]).

As a mobile chat client, we can recommend [https://conversations.im Conversations for Android], and [https://monal-im.org Monal for iOS].

== Participants ==

As an unorganized, informal gathering, there's nothing to register or RSVP for. However, it would be much appreciated if you entered some kind of name (ideally your IRC or XMPP nick, but can also just be anon) in the following list, in case you plan to join us. You can also add a timeframe, so we know who to expect when.

* bkero
* jansh
* raucao
* hcs0
* ''(your name/alias here)''

Hacker Beach Episode 14

2025-12-11T10:40:47Z

Jan:

== Location: Koh Lanta, Thailand ==

We'll be gathering on the island paradise of Koh Lanta in the south of Thailand.

== Date: January 2026 ==

As always, we'll be hanging out somewhere on the island the whole month of January. You can drop by anytime in January and someone else should be there already (at least from a few days after NYE onwards). Some people join only for a week, others for two or even the whole month. Whatever floats your boat.

== What to Expect ==

https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach/101187541935745175:

* Hacking, not cracking
* FOSS creation and contribution galore (non-programmers welcome)
* Exchange ideas and knowledge, demo your projects, have workshop or hackday sessions
* Also get your day job done if you want/must
* Fantastic weather (i.e. no freezing winter)
* Outdoor activity options like e.g. hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and floating down the nearby river
* Explore the wider region, esp. before/after your time at the official location
* Whatever you want to make it. Hacker Beach is just people.

== Getting There ==

* The nearest airport is Krabi (KBV). See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krabi_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations Wikipedia] for direct routes. Connections via BKK, KUL, SIN for example.
* From KBV, many shuttles (from 400THB) or private taxis (from 2500THB) are available to take you anywhere on the island. There is a short water crossing, but very minimal compared to the Phuket option.
* You can take a speed boat from Phuket (big intl. airport) to Koh Lanta (around 4 hours). If rough weather and seas is predicted (as it is to the months leading up to January), an alternate method is recommended.
* ...

There are a few good travel wikis which cover more detailed info:

* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ko_Lanta
* https://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Lanta

=== Visa & Arrival Card ===

Citizens of 93 countries are exempt from having to get a visa, and visa on arrival is available for many more countries at the arrival port with no fee. For other countries there is a 3000THB fee associated with an e-visa. Typical periods to stay are 30 to 60 days.

Full list and info: https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/RzaiZWKBzF/consular/Visa/Visa_Exemption__Visa_on_Arrival.pdf

Payable by US dollars, Euros, or Thai baht (THB) at the immigration counter

=== Digital arrival card ===

All tourists are now required to submit a digital arrival card (replacing paper arrival cards) before they can enter Thailand. It's recommended to do this online before landing, because otherwise you may have to wait in a long queue to fill it in at a kiosk before immigration:

https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/

=== Vaccination requirements ===

If you are traveling from a country with high risk of Yellow Fever infection, you may be required to show a proof of vaccination against it (i.e. an entry in your little yellow booklet). There was absolutely no validation or check of anything for the people that already arrived.

== Accommodations ==

You can coordinate sharing on the XMPP channel, if you're not already planning to join with a small group.

Some people in the group have expressed a preference for the Phra Ae (aka “Long Beach”) area for accommodation and gatherings. Previous non-hackerbeach episodes usually centered around this area. It has a popular coworking space (kohub) which is good for concentrated work and socializing and a ton of nice beach bars/restaurants to spend the day with a laptop, such as the funky fish.

There are plenty of options to stay in Phra Ae and it’s easily reachable by scooter (which is the preferred mode of transport for many) from Klong Dao beach to the north and Klong Kong beach to the south which are two alternative favourable areas for accommodation.

== Power sockets ==

US 2-prong outlets are common throughout Thailand, as are hybrid sockets for other types: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/thailand/

== Internet ==

LTE and 5G internet access is available throughout the island. Someone might also bring a Starlink terminal. The island does not have fiber internet except as backhaul (AFAIK)

== SIM cards ==

The popular cell carriers provide eSIM packages online.

There are also international eSIMs available online for Thailand. The usual vendors of those should have you covered. Topups for all providers are available on Bitrefill as well.

== ATMs ==

ATMs are available at convenience stores and are safe to use but will add a small fixed surcharge for withdrawals making it more economical to withdraw higher amounts.

Credit cards are accepted in many places but cash is still preferred in the smaller restaurants and food stalls.

Currency is Baht (THB) which is widely used. Some places will accept $ or € but it’s not as common as in other places.

== Invite-only XMPP chat for participants ==

We have a more private communications channel for people who actually want to drop by in January. It's an XMPP channel at [xmpp:hackerbeach@kosmos.chat?join hackerbeach@kosmos.chat]. Please ask someone to invite you, in case you don't have access yet (e.g. on IRC, or DM us [https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach on the fediverse]).

As a mobile chat client, we can recommend [https://conversations.im Conversations for Android], and [https://monal-im.org Monal for iOS].

== Participants ==

As an unorganized, informal gathering, there's nothing to register or RSVP for. However, it would be much appreciated if you entered some kind of name (ideally your IRC or XMPP nick, but can also just be anon) in the following list, in case you plan to join us. You can also add a timeframe, so we know who to expect when.

* bkero
* jansh
* raucao
* hcs0
* ''(your name/alias here)''

Hacker Beach Episode 14

2025-12-03T23:28:52Z

Jan: /* Accommodations */Adding info about locations (beaches)

== Location: Koh Lanta, Thailand ==

We'll be gathering on the island paradise of Koh Lanta in the south of Thailand.

== Date: January 2026 ==

As always, we'll be hanging out somewhere on the island the whole month of January. You can drop by anytime in January and someone else should be there already (at least from a few days after NYE onwards). Some people join only for a week, others for two or even the whole month. Whatever floats your boat.

== What to Expect ==

https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach/101187541935745175:

* Hacking, not cracking
* FOSS creation and contribution galore (non-programmers welcome)
* Exchange ideas and knowledge, demo your projects, have workshop or hackday sessions
* Also get your day job done if you want/must
* Fantastic weather (i.e. no freezing winter)
* Outdoor activity options like e.g. hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and floating down the nearby river
* Explore the wider region, esp. before/after your time at the official location
* Whatever you want to make it. Hacker Beach is just people.

== Getting There ==

* The nearest airport is Krabi (KBV). See [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krabi_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations Wikipedia] for direct routes. Connections via BKK, KUL, SIN for example.
* From KBV, many shuttles (from 400THB) or private taxis (from 2500THB) are available to take you anywhere on the island. There is a short water crossing, but very minimal compared to the Phuket option.
* You can take a speed boat from Phuket (big intl. airport) to Koh Lanta (around 4 hours). If rough weather and seas is predicted (as it is to the months leading up to January), an alternate method is recommended.
* ...

There are a few good travel wikis which cover more detailed info:

* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ko_Lanta
* https://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Lanta

== Visa ==

Citizens of 93 countries are exempt from having to get a visa, and visa on arrival is available for many more countries at the arrival port with no fee. For other countries there is a 3000THB fee associated with an e-visa. Typical periods to stay are 30 to 60 days.

Full list and info: https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/RzaiZWKBzF/consular/Visa/Visa_Exemption__Visa_on_Arrival.pdf

Payable by US dollars, Euros, or Thai baht (THB) at the immigration counter

=== Vaccination requirements ===

If you are traveling from a country with high risk of Yellow Fever infection, you may be required to show a proof of vaccination against it (i.e. an entry in your little yellow booklet). There was absolutely no validation or check of anything for the people that already arrived.

== Accommodations ==

You can coordinate sharing on the XMPP channel, if you're not already planning to join with a small group.

Some people in the group have expressed a preference for the Phra Ae (aka “Long Beach”) area for accommodation and gatherings. Previous non-hackerbeach episodes usually centered around this area. It has a popular coworking space (kohub) which is good for concentrated work and socializing and a ton of nice beach bars/restaurants to spend the day with a laptop, such as the funky fish.

There are plenty of options to stay in Phra Ae and it’s easily reachable by scooter (which is the preferred mode of transport for many) from Klong Dao beach to the north and Klong Kong beach to the south which are two alternative favourable areas for accommodation.

== Power sockets ==

US 2-prong outlets are common throughout Thailand, as are hybrid sockets for other types: https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/thailand/

== Internet ==

LTE and 5G internet access is available throughout the island. Someone might also bring a Starlink terminal. The island does not have fiber internet except as backhaul (AFAIK)

== SIM cards ==

The popular cell carriers provide eSIM packages online.

There are also international eSIMs available online for Thailand. The usual vendors of those should have you covered. Topups for all providers are available on Bitrefill as well.

== ATMs ==

ATMs are available at convenience stores and are safe to use but will add a small fixed surcharge for withdrawals making it more economical to withdraw higher amounts.

Credit cards are accepted in many places but cash is still preferred in the smaller restaurants and food stalls.

Currency is Baht (THB) which is widely used. Some places will accept $ or € but it’s not as common as in other places.

== Invite-only XMPP chat for participants ==

We have a more private communications channel for people who actually want to drop by in January. It's an XMPP channel at [xmpp:hackerbeach@kosmos.chat?join hackerbeach@kosmos.chat]. Please ask someone to invite you, in case you don't have access yet (e.g. on IRC, or DM us [https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach on the fediverse]).

As a mobile chat client, we can recommend [https://conversations.im Conversations for Android], and [https://monal-im.org Monal for iOS].

== Participants ==

As an unorganized, informal gathering, there's nothing to register or RSVP for. However, it would be much appreciated if you entered some kind of name (ideally your IRC or XMPP nick, but can also just be anon) in the following list, in case you plan to join us. You can also add a timeframe, so we know who to expect when.

* bkero
* jansh
* raucao
* hcs0
* ''(your name/alias here)''

Hacker Beach Episode 14

2025-12-03T23:18:22Z

Jan: /* ATMs */ATMs, credit card usage and currency usage

Hacker Beach Episode 12

2024-01-05T15:57:15Z

Jan: /* Participants */Add travel dates for myself

== Location: Mahajanga, Madagascar ==

We'll be gathering on the island of Madagascar. Hacker Central will be by the beach around [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Mahajanga Mahajanga] (French: Majunga) on the North-West coast.

== Date: January 2024 ==

As always, we'll be hanging out around the announced location during the month of January. You can drop by anytime in January and someone else should be there already (at least from a few days after NYE onwards). Some people join only for a week, others for two or even the whole month. Whatever floats your boat.

== What to Expect ==

https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach/101187541935745175:

* Hacking, not cracking
* FOSS creation and contribution galore (non-programmers welcome)
* Exchange ideas and knowledge, demo your projects, have workshop or hackday sessions
* Also get your day job done if you want/must
* Fantastic weather (i.e. no freezing winter)
* Outdoor activity options like e.g. hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and floating down the nearby river
* Explore the wider region, esp. before/after your time at the official location
* Whatever you want to make it. Hacker Beach is just people.

== Getting There ==

The easiest way to get to Mahajanga would be to fly into the capital city of Antananarivo (TNR), then taking a domestic flight to Mahajanga (MJN) (only 3 times per week). If you're adventurous, take a bus to Mahajanga, or go around the island first.

There are a few good travel Wikis which cover more detailed info:

* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Mahajanga
* https://wikitravel.org/en/Mahajanga

Tip: a good way to find out about airlines and direct flights, so you can hack yourself a decent travel route, is always the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivato_International_Airport#Airlines_and_destinations Wikipedia page of the airport] in question.

== Visa ==

You will have to apply for a visa on arrival at the airport. There is no visa fee for stays of less than 15 days. However, you will have to pay a 10-euro administrative fee for border control formalities. Prices for the other visas:

* 30 Days: 35 EUR / 37 USD / 115.000 MGA
* 60 Days : 40 EUR / 45 USD / 135.000 MGA

Pay in USD or EUR cash, or card for other currencies, at the visa counter.

=== Vaccination requirements ===

If you are traveling from a country with high risk of Yellow Fever infection, you may be required to show a proof of vaccination against it (i.e. an entry in your little yellow booklet). There was absolutely no validation or check of anything for the people that already arrived.

=== Customs ===

See http://www.douanes.gov.mg/particulier/voyageurs/

== Accommodations ==

There are plenty of apartments and houses/villas for rent around the beach area. A 5-bedroom house can be rented for as low as 50 EUR/night, so if you share one with enough people you can have your own room for as low as 10 EUR/night, or even less if you're sharing one. Or you can also just get something smaller for yourself.

You can coordinate sharing on the XMPP channel, if you're not already planning to join with a small group. (There are currently leftover rooms in reserved houses available.)

== Power sockets ==

Type [https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/c/ C] and [https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/e/ E] (compatible with [https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/f/ F]), at ~220 V.

TL;DR: European plugs will fit (except UK).

== Internet ==

There is cabled Internet with wifi at most accommodations. One of the deep-sea cable connections to Madagascar ([https://www.2africacable.net/ 2 Africa], the newest one) actually comes into Mahajanga. There are 3 telcos operating on the island: Telma, Orange, and Airtel.

== SIM cards ==

There are shops of all 3 telcos directly at the airport. Orange and Telma seem to have better performance and coverage than Airtel so far.

Prices are affordable: 2.5 GB of bandwidth costs ~3 EUR for example.

There are also eSIMs available online for Madagascar. The usual vendors of those should have you covered. Topups for all providers are available on Bitrefill as well.

== ATMs ==

There is an ATM (from BNI) without extra fees at TNR airport. SocGen seems to charge fees at their ATMs.

''TODO: Add more info about closest ATM to beach and ATMs in Mahajanga''

== Invite-only XMPP chat for participants ==

We have a more private communications channel for people who actually want to drop by in January. It's an XMPP channel at [xmpp:hackerbeach@kosmos.chat?join hackerbeach@kosmos.chat]. Please ask someone to invite you, in case you don't have access yet (e.g. on IRC, or DM us [https://kosmos.social/@hackerbeach on the fediverse]).

As a mobile chat client, we can recommend [https://conversations.im Conversations for Android], and [https://monal-im.org Monal for iOS].

== Participants ==

As an unorganized, informal gathering, there's nothing to register or RSVP for. However, it would be much appreciated if you entered some kind of name (ideally your IRC or XMPP nick, but can also just be anon) in the following list, in case you plan to join us. You can also add a timeframe, so we know who to expect when.

* slvrbckt (Jan 11th - Feb 2nd)
* coelis (Jan 11th - Feb 2nd)
* raucao (Jan 4 - ~25)
* hcs0 (Jan 4 - ?)
* K (Dec 30th - Jan 20th)
* maxsan (Jan 4th - ?)
* jansh (Jan 11th - 30th)
* bkero
* chuck (Jan 15th - 31st)
* ''(your name/alias here)''