Koh Lanta
Everything You Need to Know about Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta consists of 52 islands including the largest, Koh Lanta Yai. It's located approximately 70 kilometres south of 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 there!
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 Ba. Read More...
The west coast of Koh Lanta is one long empty beachfront that really gives you the feeling of being isolated from civilization without the inconveniences associated with being miles away from human habitation. Read More...
South of Koh Lanta, close to the coast of Trang Province are a number of smaller islands with great beaches, coral reefs and solitude. Read More...
Local Thai restaurants (good value) have now been joined by pizzerias, a bistro and specialty seafood restaurants in the main beach areas. If you're looking for that special meal, the Baan Pimalai Restaurant inside the upscale resort of the same name, offers great food, attentive service and and the largest selection on wines on the island. 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...
Koh Lanta Yai's unique cultural ambiance derives from the resident ethnic groups - a mosaic of Muslim, Chinese and Sea Gypsies (Chao Ley) who retain their traditional customs. While some locals earn their living from the tourism industry, the livelihood of many is still based on prawn farming, fishing and work on rubber plantations. Read More...
Our interactive map (and satellite views) displays all available hotels with photos, facilities and guest comments as well as attractions, landmarks and other items of interest with links to relevant information pages. The perfect way to find your way around and see where everything actually is. Read More...
Discover more about Koh Lanta through a detailed selection of large and colourful shots illustrating beaches, hotels, nearby islands and local cultural life... Read More...