The marine park of Koh Lanta consists of 15 offshore islands, most surrounded by coral reefs. The major islands are Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta Noi, Ko Talengbeng, Ko Ha, Ko Rok and Ko Ngai. Located in the southernmost district of Krabi Province, approximately 70 kilometres from Krabi town, it offers perfect peace and relxation.

Low key development and unspoiled nature are Koh Lanta's main attractions. Mountainous and rugged in some areas, especially near the southern tip, its green forested hills, gravel and sandy beaches, beautiful coral reefs, clear emerald water and the 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 a mixture of 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. Luckily traditional houses and friendly people still remain.

Koh Lanta Beaches

Klong Dao Beach
South of Baan Saladan extends the shallow and relatively hard consisting sandy beach of Klong Dao. The beach is about 2 km in length and is also widely known as Lanta Beach. Good for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing. 

Klong Dao Beach
North-west of Ban Saladan. The northern inlet consists out a very shallow mangrove swamp, quiet dry during low-tide. The southern shallow, but very beautiful shallow sand beach pass into Klong Dao Beach. 

Long Beach
Also named as Phra-Ae Beach is located about 3.5 km from Baan Saladan, close behind Klong Dao beach. It is a powdery, sandy beach and offers the best place to swim. The beach is about 3 km long.

Things to do on Koh Lanta

Dive/Snorkeling
Dive operators on Ko Lanta have close access to the dive sites of Koh Phi Phi Ko Ha, Ko Rok, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Dive sites tend to reflect the scenery and marine life of the area with names like Shark Point, Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser Wreck, which are all within easy reach of dive operators based in Ko Lanta.

Exploring
Hire a car, rent a bike, or better still go with a local guide. Tours are available (small minibus) giving you an insight into the local area, stopping at rubber plantations, taking a short kayaking tour through the mangroves and visiting local sea gypsy villages.

Elephant Trekking
A traditional symbol of Royal power and an essential feature of Buddhist art and architecture, elephants are part of Thailand. Although not indigenous to Ko Lanta, the island provides a perfect habitat for them and a wonderful way for visitors to view the island. You can find elephant trekking close to Phra Ae Beach and at Nui Beach.

Caneoing
Take a daily paddle trip through the fascinating world of the mangrove forest and local caves. The mangroves are seen as especially important as due to their biodiversity and ecological significance. You can also find trips to other areas of the province and Phang Nga Bay's limestone seascape.

Island Hopping
Each island is different with its own character. Some inhabited, others just provide places for fishing boats to anchor. Some are rocky inaccessible outcrops with an exciting hidden undersea world beneath, other islands have beautiful beaches, mountains, waterfalls and mangroves.

Go Island Hopping on a day trip. Going with a snorkeling or dive trip is an excellent way to see some of the islands above and below. If you want to plan a more ambitious itinerary, take the regular ferries that run between Ko Lanta, the mainland and the neighbouring Phi Phi Islands.

Nightlife
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.

Basic services like ATM machines, mini-marts and western restaurants can be found in the main resort areas of Khlong Dao and Phra Ae (Long Beach.)

Where to Eat
Local Thai (good value) restaurants 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.

Getting There

By boat from Krabi: During the high season, two ferries depart from Chao Fa pier on Uttarakit Road daily at 10.00 and 13.00 hrs. The trip takes about 2 hours to reach Saladan pier. Double check the times as Thai people often change them!

From May to October the boats from Krabi to Ko Lanta do not operate due to strong winds and high waves in the monsoon season. During this time, public minibuses take over the transportation between Krabi and Ko Lanta.

By road: Minibuses to Ko Lanta leave Krabi town at 11.00 and 13.00 hrs, taking about 2 hours. There is a vehicle ferry between Ban Hua Hin on the mainland and Ban Saladan on Ko Lanta Yai.

From Trang
Access by road from Trang is easy. An extensive network of local buses, ferries and private transport operates throughout the province. Public minibuses leave daily at 12:00 opposite the train station in Trang Town. During high season additional buses leave at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30 and 15:30 from Trang. You can book a seat at any of the local tour agencies. Journey time approx. 2½ hours to Ko Lanta.

From Phuket
There is no direct ferry from Phuket to Lanta.
Take a ferry (2 per day, morning and evening) to Phi Phi Island and then from Phi Phi to Lanta. (Ferries operate high season only. - Nov - April.)

Koh Ngai is south of Ko Lanta Island, close to the coast of Trang Province are a number of smaller islands with great beaches, coral reefs quiet and solitude. Koh Ngai (Hai) is a small island measuring 4 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide. Mountainous, covered by tropical forest, much of the coastline is indented with rocky headlands, while the eastern part has some beautiful sand beaches, backed by coconut plantations.

Don't be surprised to see crab-eating monkeys and monitor lizards coming down from the mountains. In the uninhabited western and northern parts of the island, bird watchers should have a field day looking out for migrating birds. Snorkeling is easy along the western and southern coast, where some reefs can be accessed directly from the beach.

Accommodation
Koh Ngai accommodation is limited to a few resorts which offer a choice of fan cooled huts to deluxe air-conditioned bungalows. Bungalows are charmingly constructed to blend in with the natural surroundings.

How to Get There
From Pak Meng , located 15 kilometres away on the mainland opposite, in Trang Province. Standard ferry takes about one hour, Boats leave Pak Meng pier in Trang for Ko Ngai daily at 10.00 and 14.00 hrs. A faster speedboat connection from Pak Meng Pier is also available, departing around the same time. It takes just 20 minutes. These islands are best visited during the non-monsoon months from November to April.

From Ko Lanta Island
There is no scheduled ferry service from Lanta Island to Ngai Island although it is possible to rent a private longtail boat from Saladan (Koh Lanta Island) during the high season (Nov - April)

Accommodation
Koh Kradan offers a few private bungalow developments, with both fan cooled and air-con bungalows. Accommodation in tents can also be booked with the National Park Office. Electricity is available from 18:00-20:00 during weekdays and until 22:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Getting There
There is no scheduled ferry service from Lanta Island to the islands of Ngai, Muk or Kradan. You can, however, rent a private longtail boat in Saladan (Lanta Island) or join a snorkeling excursion from Lanta Island and get off the boat at your preferred island. Check the snorkeling destinations first to ensure you go to the right island before booking!!