Just off the mainland at the southern end of Krabi province are the two large islands of Lanta Noi ('Little Lanta') and Lanta Yai ('Big Lanta'). The two big islands are at the center of a group of 52 islands, 15 of which have been designated as the Koh Lanta National Marine Park.
Map of Koh Lanta, Krabi
The west coast of Lanta Yai is lined with resorts and bungalows for almost its entire 25 kilometer length. Despite this, the Lanta islands are much less developed than Phuket or the Phi Phi islands, although many say that the scenery is not as spectacular. Still, the beaches are excellent and the prices are often highly competitive with the other destinations.
There are a number of day trips available from tour desks and shops around the island. The same trips seem to be on offer everywhere, and include day trips around the island, taking in Lanta old town, waterfalls and notable viewpoints. There are also boat trips to Koh Rok and other offshore islands available. Lastly, you can also book trips to the Emerald Pond and Hot Waterfall, which are back on the mainland.
The most direct way to get to Koh Lanta is to fly into Krabi Airport and transfer overland to Koh Lanta. Although "overland", the trip will still involve two short ferry crossings. You can plan on it taking around two hours, depending on where on Lanta Yai you're staying and how long you have to wait for the ferries. A taxi (private car) transfer will set you back about 2,300 Baht (Hotels
Lanta's long southwest-facing coast is home to many resorts. Some are rather isolated, while others are closer to restaurants and shops - such as there are. Note that many shops and restarants, as well as a few of the smaller resorts, close in the low season, from May to September.
The very 'measured' pace of Lanta's development has left it with no real center, so there's really no 'better' place to stay.
Kaw Kwang - the "middle part" - is a beach area at the north end of Klong Dao beach, and backs onto a narrow peninsula the stretches out protecting the channel between Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi. This area is very close to Saladan town, so it can be a good place to base yourself if you want to take boat trips to other islands or dive trips, which usually depart from Saladan.
Klong Dao is at the northern-most tip of Koh Lanta, closest to the ferries and other services of Saladan, such as dive shops. It's quite a pretty little beach, and probably the best place to stay if you plan to do a little diving during your stay. The beach turns into Kaw Kwang beach where it forms a narrow peninsula between Klong Dao and Saladan. Staying on either beach would be the same experience.
Klong Nin is a small fine white sandy beach about midway down the west coast of Lanta. There are some very nice resorts here, as well as some budget options as well. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Klong Nin from Saladan or the care ferry.
Koh Rok are two islands - Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok - about 30 kilometers due south of the Koh Lanta. In the dry season, from around November to May, it's a popular day trip from Koh Lanta. Visitors to the islands, which are part of the Lanta marine park, are greeted with spectacular white sandy beaches and generally clear shallow bays that offer great snorkeling opportunities.
30 May 2008
Pond View Villa room at the Langham Place Resort, Koh Lanta View from the lobby towards the main pool and ocean. The Langham Hotels group became the first international luxury hotel chain to create a presence on Koh Lanta when it acquired the Rawi Warin resort in early 2008. The re-branding of the resort as the Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa Rawi Warin is now more or less complete.
On the almost undeveloped eastern side of Lanta Island is Lanta "Old Town", the island's main city before tourism came. Sri Raya, as it's also known, is still a thriving fishing port, as well as the gateway to the islands of Trang to the south. The town is filled with old wooden shophouses, many of which are built out over the water. It can be quite a pleasant space to spend an afternoon, although it can be difficult to get to.
There are several full service bank exchanges, as well as several ATMs, in Saladan as well as other major tourist centers. See our notes on money, currency and ATM charges for information about using your cards and cash in Thailand.
Phra Ae, or "Long Beach", is one of the most popular beaches on Lanta, with several resorts ranging from budget to luxury, as well as many restaurants and clubs to keep you fed and entertained. Of course 'popularity' is a relative thing on Lanta, so even though it's popular, Long Beach rarely feels crowded.
Saladan is one of the main 'cities' on Lanta. It's where all the ferries from other parts of Krabi dock, as well as where many dive boats and day trip speed boats depart. Saladan doesn't really have much beach to speak of, so unless you plan to spend a lot of time diving or making other offshore day trips, there's not much reason to stay in Saladan, which is why there are so few offerings to choose from.
