Koh Lanta consists of 52 islands including the largest, Koh Lanta
Yai. It's located approximately 70 kilometres from Krabi town.
Koh Lanta's scenic beauty may not quite compete with some other
areas in the province. However, if you're looking for complete peace
and quiet away from the bustling tourist areas, with a few home
comforts, head for the island of Koh Lanta.
Low key development and unspoiled nature are Lanta's main attractions.
Mountainous and rugged in some areas, especially near the southern
tip, its green forested hills, gravel and sand beaches, pretty coral
reefs, clear emerald water and traditional lifestyle, provide a
charming retreat from modern life.
Only 20,000 people live on Lanta including a clan of Chao Ley,
or Sea Gypsies. This distinct ethnic group still follow their traditional
customs and culture. Along with the Muslim and Chinese locals they
give the island its unique ambiance.
Although more locals are becoming involved in the tourism industry,
many remain unaffected by tourism, still earning their living from
rubber, prawn farming and fishing. Traditional houses and friendly
faces still remain.
A little to the south of Koh Lanta lies Koh
Ngai, Koh Kradan and Koh
Muk which offer stunning beaches, great snorkelling and total
seclusion.
Koh Lanta's west coast offers stunning white sand beaches and clear
water. In recent years steady tourist development has increased
the range of accommodation from simple and basic bungalows, to more
sophisticated resorts in the 4/5 star category like the Pimalai
Resort overlooking beautiful Kantiang Bay.
Many resorts are concentrated in the main beach areas at Long Beach
(Phra Ae) and Klong Dao along the west coast, with a few resorts
scattered around the southwest. Due to new laws, development has
been designed to blend with the environment and is low rise, protecting
Lanta from the negative impacts of tourism. (Read
more...)
Activities and services have also expanded over the last few years,
with trekking, diving, kayaking, elephant trekking and snorkeling
available in and around most of the resort areas or hotel desks.
(Read more...)
Generally low key. Eat, drink, meet people at the local bars,
sing at the Karaoke, see a local Thai boxing match. Lanta isn't
about a rollicking nightlife but you can have fun.
Many beach bars exist but the only way to find them is walk along
the beach, in high season they often stay open until 3-4am when
the last customers leave. (Read more...)
Getting Around Koh Lanta
Rent a car or a motorcycle from most resort counters. Drive with extra care when passing through villages and remember, that swimsuits and shirtless bodies are fine on the beach, but won't earn you much respect on the road driving through local villages.
Koh Lanta is located in the southern part of Krabi province, almost
facing the mainland of neighbouring Trang province further south,
so it can be accessed from several points. (Read more...)
