KOH LANTA
About Koh Lanta
The serene island of Ko lanta, located south of Phuket and east of Ko Pi Phi, is easily accessible by plane, road and boat. Lanta is separated by the main land by two short bodies of water. The island is 37 km long and has a wide variety of farms and fishing and karaoke/massage sustaining the local population. On the east coast of the island there is mainly local islanders, farms and fishing villages. There is also a large sea gypsy population that >have very unique customs and culture. The island is spread out with 10 beautiful beaches on the west coast with accommodation ranging from bungalows for budget backpackers to villas suited for the sultan of Arabia.
Beaches of koh Lanta
Klong Dao beach is the farthest north and closest to the main town Baan Saladan. It is infested by Scandinavians and has more resort style accommodation well suited for families. Long Beach (Phra-Ae beach), as its name reveals, is the longest beach on the island. Here there are a wide range of lodgings from standard bamboo beach bungalows to five star luxurious resort and spas such as Layana Resort & Spa. There is a large assortment of beaches and restaurants along the beach to choose from. About a third of the way down the island is klong kong beach. Many of the resorts here have beach side pools. Next is klong Nin beach which is also a very long stretch of beach. This beach is very spacious and laid back with cheaper beach side accommodation and many cozy open air beach bars. Kantiang bay and Klong Jak bay are quieter beaches more secluded in the south of the island. With lookout points and quiet stretches of beach, it makes it difficult to leave here.
Night Life
The night life on Lanta isn't one to be reckoned with but there is something for everyone. If you want to party you can always find at least one, or a content group of bucket drinkers that will be happy to start at least one. There are many beach bars across the island that throw parties on alternating nights and a few "clubs" on the main road that have an island atmosphere with some good beats. If you aren't into or up for the party scene the plethora of quiet beach lounges are sure to suit you fancy.
Eating on koh Lanta
The food is great with more restaurants than tourists and 7-11 has soup 24hrs/day.
Diving from koh Lanta
If you are looking for diving Koh Lanta is the best place to be in the Andaman Sea. From here you can visit all the main dive sites within one hour by speed boat, including the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Haa, the King Cruiser ship wreck, Shark point, Anemone reef and the "crème de la crème" of all dive sites in Thailand Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
These two dive sites are often listed in the top ten dive destinations in the world and from Koh Lanta it is only a one hour away by speed boat (which is much shorter than from Koh Phi Phi, Phuket or Krabi). In the Andaman Sea more than 200 different hard corals and 108 reef fish have been catalogued so far and we are still counting. Read more about these dive sites.
How to get on koh Lanta
| Ferry Schedules Nov 2005 - April 2006 |
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| From Krabi to koh Lanta (via koh Jam) |
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| Departure |
Arrival |
Remarks |
| 10:30 |
13:00 |
from Khlong
Chilat Pier-Daily |
| 13:30 |
!5:30 |
from Khlong
Chilat Pier-Daily |
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| From Phi Phi to koh Lanta |
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| Departure |
Arrival |
Remarks |
| 11:30 |
12:30 |
from Phi Phi
Pier-Daily |
| 14:00 |
!5:30 |
from Phi Phi
Pier-Daily |
| 15:30 |
!6:30 |
from Phi Phi
Pier-Daily |
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| From Phuket to koh Lanta (via koh Phi Phi) |
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| Departure |
Arrival |
Remarks |
| 08:30 |
13:00 |
from Rasada
Pier-Daily. |
| 11:00 |
!5:30 |
from Rasada
Pier-Daily. |
| !4:00 |
16:30 |
from Rasada
Pier-Daily. |
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| Minivan Time Table Nov 2005 - April 2006 |
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| From Krabi to koh Lanta |
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| Departure |
Arrival |
Remarks |
| 09:30 |
12:00 |
You can book a
your ticket |
| 11:00 |
13:30 |
in any travel agency in |
| 13:00 |
15:00 |
Krabi town. The price is |
| 16:00 |
18:00 |
250 TBH |
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| From Trang to koh Lanta |
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| Departure |
Arrival |
Remarks |
| 11:30 |
13:30 |
You can book a ticket in |
| 13:30 |
15:30 |
any travel agency in |
| 15:30 |
1730 |
Trang is 200 TBH |
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| From Krabi Airport to koh Lanta |
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| Remarks |
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| You can arrange a taxi to koh Lanta or maybe |
| your resort has a
pick-up service from the air-port |
| Another way is to get a minibus to Krabi town and |
| then arrange your
way to koh Lanta from Krabi |
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National Park
At the southern part of koh Lanta sits the Mu koh Lanta National Park, Thailand's 62nd national park. It is ideal for a picnic, a day-trip swimming or a jungle trecking.The National Park protects 134 square kilometer of unspoiled tropical rainforest, coastal grasslands, dramatic limestone cliffs and twin bays of contrasting shiny pebbles and pure white sand. A huge variety of wildlife have made their home in the National Park including over 100 species of birds, large monitor lizards, deer, wild pigs, langur monkeys, flying lemurs, civets, macaques, pythons, cobras and much more. The Marine Park in this area is as spectacular above water as it is underneath and many divers and snorkellers have a great time exploring the underwater world of the Andaman Sea.
Near by Islands
Koh Rok Island
Koh Rok Nok and koh Rok Nai are two sister islands lying next to each other. The distance between the two islands is a few hundred meters crossing by the water channel. The beaches of the two islands are pristine, unspoiled with white powder soft sand. Koh Rok is a snorkel's paradise and is considered to be the best snorkeling spot in Thailand.
Koh Ngai (Hai)
Koh Ngai may not be the epitome of luxury per se but it represents the ultimate extravagance that no money can buy. If a verdant rainforest, a soft sandy beach and a 1 km long reef around the island are components of a perfect holiday for you, then you will love it.
Koh Muk
Koh Muk is one of the must-see islands on the island hopping list. The main attraction here is the Emerald Cave. To get to the Emerald cave you have to swim or canoe through a narrow path about 80m long. Once on the other side of the tunnel you will be stunned by the secluded lagoon with emerald green water, the pure white sandy beach and the surrounding limestone cliffs. There is no other place on earth like this.
Koh Kradan
Nature is the prime aspect here-the atmosphere is low-key. Kayaking is the most fun activity on koh Kradan. It will take you only a couple of hours to paddle around the island and during your adventure you may find your self saying 'ooh' and 'ahh' as you will discover the most secluded small beaches at the back of the island.
Koh Chuek
If your idea of a perfect holiday is sun, .sand and sea, then koh Chuek is the place to visit. The unmatched white sand beaches and turquoise water with colorful corals will make your day on koh Chuek more than pleasant.
Koh Bu Bu
Koh Bu Bu is a privately owned island located in the east of koh Lanta Yai and is considered to be a secret getaway place as it offers a private swimming experience and it is not featured in the famous island tours.
Koh Po
Koh Po has a long stretch of sandy beach ideal for swimming. It is possible to stay over-night as there are a few bungalows on the island. Koh Po is popular among tourists seeking tranquility and those who don't mind the low-key lifestyle.
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