Koh Lanta
Overview
If Koh Phi Phi is the rambunctious teenager of Thailand’s southern islands, Koh Lanta is the mature older sibling. Koh Lanta (or Ko Lanta) is located off the Andaman Coast in the Krabi province, and the island is known more for its Zen qualities than its party scene. Koh Lanta is made up of many islands, but its largest two are Koh Lanta Noi, which means “Small Lanta Island,” and Koh Lanta Yai, which means “Big Lanta Island.” Most vacationing takes place on the big island, which is approximately four miles wide and 19 miles long.
Getting around is easy because there’s not much space to cover and most roads are paved. Rent a scooter from dozens of locations on the island (your hotel will probably have scooters available for rent at a reasonable daily rate), or request transportation from your hotel’s shuttle system.
While getting around is simple, getting to and from the island can be a little trickier. There are no roads leading to the island, but visitors can ferry a vehicle over or commute as a walk on passenger. The P.P. Family Company has all its sea-faring bases covered with daily trips to and from Ko Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Phuket.
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Koh Lanta
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Things to do in
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta’s Old Town
Koh Lanta’s historic center lies in Lanta Old Town, which was once a commercial hub and secure layover destination for Chinese and Arabic trading ships. Old Town is now the district capital. On your way to Old Town seek out the Khao Mai Kaew Caves, but leave plenty of time for the two-hour jaunt through the jungle and cave system.
Khao Mai Kaew Caves
The Khao Mai Kaew Caves are humid, muddy and worth every second. It’s not a get-in, get-out experience, but instead gives visitors an up-close look at the nature, geology and beauty of Ko Lanta.
Muay Thai Lessons
If you want to get the heart pumping a bit more sign up for muay thai lessons at the Lanta Muay Thai Gym. This gym is home to Mr.William (Decha Rodraksa), who won the Thailand Muay Thai Championship in 2000 and the World Muay Thai Championship in Japan in 2001. Take an hour and a half beginners course for a mere 400 baht.
Cooking Classes in Koh Lanta
Hiking and butt-kicking can work up an appetite so the most appropriate next step would be signing up for a Thai cooking class. Lanta Thai Cookery School offers two classes per day, where students can choose five dishes to make. Come hungry because everything you cook, you eat on the spot. Another option is Time for Lime, which jazzes up the process with music, cocktails and an ocean view. Time for Lime puts a modern, European twist on traditional Thai cuisine, not to mention, all of the profit goes toward the Lanta Animal Welfare program.
Scuba Diving Koh Lanta
If you’ve spent enough time on land, take a trip below the surface. SCUBA diving is a popular extra-curricular activity in Koh Lanta with its abundant marine life and pristine turquoise waters. Get certified in four days or chalk up another dive for the books.
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Hotels in
Koh Lanta
Budget Hotels in Ko Lanta
Lanta Klong Nin Beach Resort – just steps from the Klong Nin Beach, visitors can take off from here on diving or sea kayaking excursions. 324 Moo 6, Koh Lanta.
Seapearl Lanta Cottage – beachfront bungalows situated on Long Beach gives visitors the chance to be one with this tropical oasis. 201 Moo 3, T.Saladan, Ko Lanta. Tel. (66) 075 684 504
Mid-Range Hotels in Ko Lanta
Relax Bay Resort – peaceful retreat on white sand private beach dotted with resort bungalows. Reasonably priced food and massages. 111 Moo 2, Ao Phra-Ae (Long Beach), Ko Lanta. Tel. (66) 075 684 194.
Holiday Villa – pleasant bungalows located on Klongdao Beach, which isn’t a great beach for sunbathing or any other activities for that matter, but the resort is within walking distance of various restaurants and beach bars. 20 Moo 3, T. Saladan, Ko Lanta. Tel. (66) 075 684 370.
Luxury Hotels in Ko Lanta
Pimalai Resort and Spa – this five-star property on its own private beach boasts a full service spa as well as personal pool villa rooms. 9 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Ko Lanta. Tel. (66) 075 607 999.
Layana Resort and Spa – located within the Mu Koh Lanta National Park, the resort has a wide array of marine life, but also caters to those looking for a more casual vacation of lounging, sunning and spaing. 272 Moo 3 Saladan, Long Beach, Ko Lanta. Tel. (66) 075 607 100.
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