KOH LANTA

The Island of Koh Lanta is Located in the southern part of Thailand province of Krabi, a region famed for its stunning natural, clean sandbeach, beauty and crystal clear waters. The 40 or so kilometers of superb coastline are dotted with four and five star resorts. The island's very close proximity to Phuket province, Phi Phi islands, Krabi province and easy access from Bangkok, currently makes it a great holiday destination and there are many excellent resorts on the island.

Of the two islands, the smaller of the two, Koh Lanta Noi is uninhabited. Koh Lanta Yai is 32 kilometres long and six kilometres wide and has diverse cultural mix of Thai-Muslim, Thai-Chinese and the original inhabitants, an ethnic group of fishermen known as the sea gypsies.

Koh Lanta has a year-round tropical climate but the best time to visit is during the cool season, from November until February. However, as everybody has the same idea it can get very busy. If you can stand the heat try visiting between April and August as there will be fewer people. The rainy season is not the best time to visit as there are frequent storms and the water is not as clear. Be aware that some resorts do close during the low season so it is always worth checking in advance.

Attractions

The old town on Koh Lanta Yai is a sleepy village of homes and shop houses built on stills over the water. Today, Ban Saladan on the northern tip of the island acts as the main business and commercial centre and is the place where most visitors arrive by ferry to the island.

Several beautiful beaches are in the west of the island including Hat Kho Kwang, Hat Lo Bara, Ao Phra Ae, Hat Khlong Khong, and Hat Khlong Nin. A paved road runs along the beaches all the way from the northern part of the island to the headquarters of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park in the south. The landscape is dominated by a series of mountains covered with virgin rainforest.

Situated between Bo Muang Pier and Koh Lanta, Koh Talabeng is a limestone island is similar Koh Phi Phi Le. It consists of lovely beaches and grottoes which become visible during low tide. Some swallows can be seen restling on the island. To the north is Koh Phi, which is an ideal spot for canoeing.

At nearby Koh Rok Nai is the Mu Ko Lanta National Park's Ranger station. To the east of the island is a beautiful beach and unspoiled coral reefs. Visitors can also explore nature trails on the island and a camp ground is available.

On Koh Lanta Yai, visitors can venture inland, hiking through a verdant forest to the site of an impressive cave system. A small opening provides little clue as to the wonders that lie beyond the entrance. Some chambers are massive and feature fabulous stalagmites and stalactites. A pool within the cave also offers the opportunity of a swim. Local people living in the area offer a guide service which is highly recommended as there are a few tights squeezes and it is best not to venture in alone.

Dinning

The island is much more low-key than other destinations in the south of Thailand but that of course is the attraction. There are plenty of good restaurants and bars, and a few shops in Saladan Village. Dinning includes some great Thai seafood restaurants, pizza joints and bistros.

Activities

Koh Lanta is renowed for its outstanding diving around Hin Daeng-Hin Muang and Koh Ha. There are over 200 types of hard corals and 100 species of reef fish in the crystal clear waters. Koh Lanta has several certified dive schools and dive shops, ideal for novices or experts. Game fishing is also popular in the waters around Koh Lanta and Koh Ma. Trips available include half-day, full day and night fishing. The catch can include barracuda, marlin and snapper.

Environs

The island's close proximity to Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and easy access from Bangkok, currently makes it a great holiday alternative to the other increasingly crowded destinations. South of Koh Lanta are many islands with beautiful beaches and great opportunities for diving including Koh Muk, Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan.

How to get there

Visitors to Koh Lanta can take a boat from Tha Jao Fah in Krabi Province. Tho journey to Baan Sala Dan takes around 90 minutes. Boats are also available from Ko Phi Phi from October until April.