Koh Lanta Overview Travel Guide

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Koh Lanta is located in the southernmost district of Krabi Province, approximately 70 kilometers from Krabi Town. It stretches for 27 kilometers in the north to south direction along the western coastline of the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand. The geography of the island is typically mangroves; coral rimmed beaches; and rugged tree covered hills. [more]

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Koh Lanta is actually made of two islands; Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. Koh Lanta Noi is the smaller of the two islands and doesn't have tourist facilities. Visitors traveling by road from the main land pass through the smaller island on the way to resorts on Koh Lanta Yai. The ferry or car ferry will dock at the north most of the Koh Lanta Yai in Ban Saladan (Saladan Town).

All nine beaches of Koh Lanta Yai are located on the west coast of the island along north to south. The east coast is covered in mountains with rich tropical rainforest. The road will end at Ko Lanta Marine national park office where the lighthouse, the symbol of Koh Lanta, is located.

Koh Lanta: paradise for backpackers and individual tourists

For a long time Koh Lanta was the lesser visited backpacker spot in the region, playing second fiddle to the big backpacker magnets of Koh Pha Ngan, Ko Tao and Raileh Beach. Over the last few years Koh Lanta has developed considerably, in part because of sky-rocketing property and real estate prices on the other islands and in part because word finally got out about what a great island this really is.

The scene is considerably less hectic than the busier islands and, due to the smooth beaches and calm waters it is particularly popular with those traveling with young children.

Koh Lanta activities

The green rugged hills offer you the opportunity to take an adventure hike or elephant trek through its lush and green land interior. Several abundant coral beds lie dormant under the emerald water, providing the sentiment of escaping to another realm. They can be visited during snorkeling or diving tours. Birdwatching in combination with kayaking trips offers ample opportunity to experience the nature of Koh Lanta.

Koh Lanta hotels and accommodation

Today Ko Lanta has something for just about every budget -- from high class luxury to basic thatch huts -- in season. In low season much of the island shuts down due to low numbers, but regardless of what time of the year you go, you will always find something.

All accommodation is found along the western shoreline of Koh Lanta and is limited to bungalow style rooms. This is because local law does not permit buildings of more than one storey in height.