Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta (เกาะลันตา) is an island off the Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand. Like many other destinations in Krabi Province, it is known for its diving and long white beaches.

Understand

Ko Lanta Yai beach

Ko Lanta consists of several islands, the two largest of which are Ko Lanta Noi (เกาะลันตาน้อย, "Small Lanta Island") and Ko Lanta Yai (เกาะลันตาใหญ่, "Big Lanta Island"). However, Ko Lanta Yai is where all the tourist action is, so this article will refer to it simply as "Ko Lanta".

Ko Lanta is popular with tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties. It's popular with a significantly older crowd than nearby Ko Phi Phi: more walking on the beach and watching the sunset than drinking and dancing. However, there are plenty of bars and the longer term stayers are friendly and know how to party! It is also popular with families with young children, and of course, with divers. Ko Lanta can provide a party if you know where to look.

Ko Lanta is a little less well-known than Ko Phi Phi, which has become more commercialised and corporate, but it is hardly undiscovered: the several beaches on the west coast of Ko Lanta Yai are each strung with a line of resorts and bungalows, although the farther down the island you venture, the less this is true. And even when the island is at it fullest, there will be a quiet place for you to relax - the beaches are never full. Ko Lanta is especially popular with Swedish tourists: although the "tourist language" is English as it is in most places in Thailand, and you will find menus and so on are translated into English, expect the poolside language to be Swedish much of the time. However, there are still many English and Irish bars and restaurants to visit.

Ko Lanta was hit by the tsunami in December 2004, which killed 20 people, but virtually all businesses are now operating normally again.

Orientation

The main island is 6 km wide and over 30 km long, located approximately 70 km from Krabi Town. The island has 9 attractive white sandy beaches, splendid scenery. Coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and sea life. The geography of the island is typically mangroves; coral rimmed beaches; and rugged tree covered hills.

A paved road runs along the beaches from the northern part of the island almost all the way to the southern tip. The last 8 km leading to the headquarters of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park in the south are quite hilly and aren't yet paved so can become quite tricky to negotiate if it rains. The landscape is dominated by a series of mountains covered with rainforest. To the east is an old settlement.

Climate

Weather in the region is tropical. There are only two seasons: the hot season from Jan-Apr, and the rainy season from May-Dec. Temperatures during the year average 25ºC to 32ºC (77ºF to 89.6ºF) and the yearly rainfall averages 2569 mm. Unlike in, say, Europe, the rain in this region comes down heavily and quickly over short periods.

Weatherwise, the best time to visit Ko Lanta is between the months Nov-Apr when the area’s climate is less hot than usual. During this period the island gets a lot of dry northeasterly winds, giving dry blue skies and starry nights. Then, down on the beaches one can enjoy nice sea breezes. From May-Oct the area gets a lot of rainfall, more on average than the rest of the country. During this period the island gets a lot of moist southwesterly winds, giving a mixture of dry days and wet ones. The sea stays at a warm 29°C year-round.

Culture

Krabi and Ko Lanta are a melange of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. The area, however, does not suffer from any religious tension and the folk live in peace and harmony. Most of the folk speak with a thick southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand.

With this kind of mixture, Krabi is always celebrating something be it part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese, or Thai-Islamic tradition.

The unique lifestyle of the Chao-Le (sea-gypsy) in Ko Lanta particularly is well-worth seeing, a life-style that has been almost completely unaffected by the booming tourism on the island.

Get in

By air

Air Asia has a special “Island Transfer” offering that includes a flight from Bangkok to Krabi, surface transport to the port, and a ferry to Ko Lanta. It can all be booked at their website [1]

The nearest airports are Krabi, Trang and Phuket. Krabi and Trang have direct road and boat connections to Ko Lanta, and are the best options if you're only visiting Ko Lanta. Flying into Phuket is a better option if you're intending to spend time in Phuket and nearby islands, or, since Phuket has many more international flights, if you don't want to have to organize a domestic flight to Krabi or Trang from Bangkok. As an alternative to Bangkok, there are daily flights to Krabi directly to and from Singapore, as well as Kuala Lumpur.

Express transfer

The quickest service from Krabi Airport [2] and Phuket Airport [3]to Ko Lanta is by using the express transfer which is a combination of minivan and speedboat travel. If you arrive early you will not have to wait for the ferry and if you arrive late at these airports you can still arrive on Ko Lanta the same day.

From Krabi airport a 45 minute air conditioned minivan to the first car ferry port. You then go on board the speedboat which then takes you on a stunning boat ride across the water along the coastline of Ko Lanta. The journey takes around 15 minutes depending on weather and conditions. You will arrive directly in Saladan (alternately written as Sala Dan) on Ko Lanta, where you are then transferred to your hotel by car. That means the total journey time should be 1.5 to 2 hours. This eliminates the waiting time at the car ferry and also if you are going from Ko Lanta to one of these airports allows you more time to enjoy your visit.

By car

Distance from Bangkok

The distance from Bangkok to Krabi is approx 950 km or about 12 hr by car.

• Route 1: Phetburi-Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon-Phang Nga-Krabi = 946 km.
• Route 2: Phetburi-Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon (Hwy 41) to Chaiya (Surat Thani)-Krabi (Viangsra) - Hwy 4035 - Krabi (Ao Luk) and along Hwy 4 again = 814 km.

Ko Lanta does not have roads connecting it directly to the mainland, but is served by car ferries. Take Rte 4206 off Hwy 4 about 20 km southeast of Krabi airport. Drive to the end of the road, where there is a car ferry from Baan Hua Hin to Ko Lanta Noi. From the pier here, turn right and follow the "ferry" signs to the second car ferry to Ko Lanta Yai. Ferries operate 07:00-22:00.

There are plenty of car taxi and minivan taxi services from Krabi and the nearby airport. A seat in a ten-person minivan from the airport to Ko Lanta costs about 300 baht. These minivans usually don't have much room for luggage (although they can usually find room for one or two large suitcases together with backpacks for the rest of the passengers) so if you're not travelling light you might need to get a private taxi.

This is what the dive masters do. A private minivan taxi will usually be quoted as 2,500 baht. It's possible to bargain a few hundred baht off this price but not much more or the tolls will consume too much of the price. Car taxis cost about the same.

When travelling to/from Ko Lanta in the afternoon by road, allow 2–3 hours for the journey as the queues for the vehicle ferries can be lengthy. The passenger ferry which leaves Ko Lanta pier (high season) at 08:00 and arrives at Krabi pier at 10:00 is quicker.

By boat

Private companies on Ko Lanta operate boat services to many destinations.

• Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi: 08:00 and 13:00, 350 baht
• Ko Lanta – Krabi: 08:00 and 13:00, 300 baht (apparently, in high season, at least 400 baht)
• Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Phuket: 13:00 and 14:30, 700 baht
• Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Krabi: 09:00 and 13:30, 700 baht

Ferry services run from Krabi Town, Ao Nang and from Phuket via Ko Phi Phi to Ko Lanta Yai's Saladan pier. During high season, there are sometimes direct ferries as well.Ferry services are subject to weather and to demand: Many ferries have limited room for luggage. Often the ferries dock alongside each other, meaning that to get on and off passengers must clamber onto and across other boats with their luggage.However many times boat staff will be there to help you board your bags.

All ferries can be booked on-line ahead on [4] from all the destinations including Phuket, Krabi, Ao nang, Rai Leh, and Phi Phi as well as hotel pickup service except for Phi Phi where there are no roads.

Services from Krabi are run by P.P. Family Co (+66 75 630165) and depart Krabi pier at 10:30 and 13:30, taking 2 hours to reach Ko Lanta (200 baht including free pickup from Krabi hotels). There's a transit bus from Krabi town centre for 10 baht.

Services from Ao Nang are run by Ao Nang Travel and Tour (+66 75 637730) and depart at 10:30 (280 baht).

Ferries depart from Ko Phi-Phi at 11:30 and 14:00, and take 1 hour. If travelling from Phuket in a single day, you will need to leave Phuket on the 08:00 ferry to transfer to the 11:30 ferry. Tickets to Ko Lanta are 200 baht from Ko Phi Phi and 450 baht from Phuket.

Once you arrive, if you have a booking at a hotel/resort, there should be a person at the ferry exit with a sign giving the name of the hotel you have booked.

By passenger van

All the travel agents in Krabi Town can arrange passenger vans to Ko Lanta. There is no regular, scheduled van service from Krabi Airport, although vans and taxis can be chartered to Ko Lanta for about 2,000 baht per vehicle (2,500 baht if you are going to the south end of Ko Lanta). Taxis (usually vans) are also available at the airport at the same rate.

There is a minivan service that runs between Krabi and Ko Lanta, However it must be booked in advance through your hotel or someone local, the cost is 400 Baht per person. Book early as it fills up quickly. It will pickup and drop off at the airport. You should factor in 3 to 4 hours to get from Ko Lanta to the airport, since the minivan will pickup and drop off other people along the way.

If you want to return to Krabi by van rather than by ferry, ask at your hotel/resort and they will book you on the minibus which will take you there (as a group with others from other hotels), for a reasonable price.

By train

The nearest train station to Ko Lanta is in Trang province just south of Krabi. From there, there are trains to and from Bangkok.

Get around

The main roads on the island are well paved. However the road just north of Mu Ko National Park is still unpaved dirt. That road ends at the park and so it isn't possible to drive from that point up the eastern side of the island.

It's worth knowing the names of the resorts near yours: both the pickup trucks and motorcycle taxis will often want to pick you up or drop you at a nearby resort with a better road.

Resorts and some of the major tourist services (like the dive shops) own large pickup trucks and transport tourists around in the tray. Very occasionally, they own minibuses instead. If you come in by ferry your resort will almost certainly meet you at pier with their truck; if you're travelling with very small children who you don't want to cling to while you bump along sitting on the side of the truck you might want to warn them in advance that you'll want to ride in the cab: it's generally assumed to be the private domain of the driver.

You will find the locals almost exclusively ride motorbikes; you can hire these in several places for a few hundred baht a day. You can also hire motorcycle taxis with sidecars. These will happily take you on the unpaved roads but the ride can be as slow as walking. A typical fare for a ride from Saladan to Klong Dao Beach is 40 baht.

Jeeps can be hired for 1,200 baht per day. Be sure to check insurance, contract terms and the condition of the vehicle. The "roads" of Ko Lanta combined with the driver operation characteristics of some renters are a serious challenge for any car. The frequently available Suzuki Sporty seems primitive and therefore sturdy, and a replacement should cost around 150000 baht.

See

• Ban Saladan Ban Saladan, approximately 3 km from Klong Dao Beach, is the tourist centre of Ko Lanta. Facilities include inexpensive and easy to find transport, diving trips, banking and shopping.

• Khao Mai Kaew Caves Getting away from the beach for the day, tourists can visit the stunning Khao Mai Kaew Caves which are located in the centre of the island, offering a wonder of rocks and caverns and housing spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, some of the caves are just huge and one of them contains a pool. For getting around inside the caves you will need a guide, but one is cheap, around 200 baht per person. You can also take an elephant ride for around 600 baht per person. Take some good shoes, as the caves are slippery. The caves are located just off the lower of two cross-island roads, down a narrow 1.5 km dirt path through the rubber plantations.

• Ko Lanta Noi. Lanta Noi has no tourist facilities as such but is well-worth a visit. Hire a motorbike and catch the ferry or longtail from Saladan Pier. There are a few circular roads, all paved, that will take you around the island to see the local way of life. There are a few local restaurants along the way so you can stop for some fried rice. Pick up a map before you go from one of the tourist offices on Lanta Noi, and drive carefully!

• Lanta Old Town is a small village on Ko Lanta's east side. It's one of the region's most culturally diverse with Chinese merchants, original Thai fishing families, and an ancient sea gypsy community. Many years ago, Ko Lanta's Old Town acted as the port and commercial centre for the island and provided a safe harbour for Arabic and Chinese trading vessels sailing between the larger ports of Phuket, Penang, and Singapore. Today, Old Town is the district capital. It has a post office, Buddhist temple, Chinese temple and the island's hospital as well as a long pier. It's a charming place to visit and boasts many good restaurants and interesting shopping like handmade hammocks and an original batik and art gallery. It's also a great jumping off point to other islands like Ko Bubu and Ko Talenbeng.

• Orchid nursery farm This farm is recommended to all those who like flowers. At Long Beach (Pra Ae Beach) and the entry fee is 30 baht per person. It’s easily accessible by bike or motorbike.

• Sea-Gypsy Village Known to the Thais as Chao-Le, sea gypsies have occupied the area for hundreds of years settling along the coast in stilt-built houses erected between the water level of high and low tide. They are unique in that they mix very little with the general population, speak their language, and have their very own supernatural and traditional beliefs and rituals. And example of the latter is the Loi Ruea (floating boat) ceremony where the village men build a symbolic boat and place wooden statues of themselves in it along with nail pairings, hair and popped rice. By performing this ritual, they ask for forgiveness from the sea gods and for any wrongs that may have done to the sea. It is believed that all evil is carried away in the symbolic boat.

Beaches

• Klong Dao. Over the years, Klong Dao has developed into the most popular beach on the island with a spectacular 3 km long beach of fine white sand and shallow clear water. Yet, because of its length, it is never really that busy. It is located just 2 km from Saladan Pier. The beach has an abundance of accommodation ranging in cost from just a couple of hundred to a few thousand. It is more than ideal for those who like a quiet beach, but prefer to have all the usual tourist amenities such as international food, music and bars, etc.

• Klong Khong For most of the length of Klong Khong Beach there is a klong (small river) running opposite the beach and an old coconut plantation. Towards the south end is an area where the local fishermen tie up their boats to the shore. A rocky reef runs along the length of the shore making it difficult for swimming, but great for admiring the sunset.

• Klong Nin This beach is separated by a klong that runs down to the beach at the northern third of the beach dividing it in two. The beach is covered with coconut and pine trees and the back end is tropical rain forest. Like almost all beaches on Ko Lanta, Klong Nin offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere and its sand is white and fine. The northern stretch is the best for swimming as it has far fewer rocky paths than the southern part of the beach.

• Kor Kwang. This beach, with its attractively curved shape, has lovely sand and clear aquamarine water.

• Kantiang Bay A kilometre long beach on a gently curving shoreline, Kantiang Bay is home to a limited number of hotels and resorts, leaving the pristine beach with an uncrowded feeling even during the busy holidays. There are excellent corals for snorkeling as well. Lying 18 kilometres south of Baan Saladan, Kantiang beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and was voted one of the by the Sunday Times of London "Top Ten Tropical Beaches in The World"

• Pra Ae (Long Beach) This beach, in the north of the island, is a stunning crescent of sand about 4 km long. There is a lot of accommodation there, but since it is spread out, visitors get the feeling that place is peacefully quiet.

Far southern beaches

There are a few beaches in the south of Ko Lanta. All are small, just a few hundred metres long. The beaches are very quiet with little in the way of accommodation, ideal for those who want to get away from it all. They are:

• Ao Nui (Nui Bay)
• Ko Lanta National Park — there are two beaches in the national park.

Art

• Likae Pa (ลิเกป่า) — an adapted play, Likae Pa follows the adventures of an Indian merchant from Calcutta who married a local girl named Yayi. The story is then followed by other plays. Like Pa is accompanied by the music of folk instruments such as various kinds of drums, cymbals, and gongs. The lyrics are a mixture of the traditional Manora and Buranyawa songs. With its long history of popularity in Krabi, Like Pa performers are abundant here. It is believed that the play originated in this province. Many companies are still performing this dramatic art such as Mr. Truek Plodrit who won a cultural award.

• Shadow Plays (หนังตะลุง) — this is an Indian influence. There are many shadow play or nang talung companies in Krabi.

• Manora (มโนราห์) — the performance is native to southern Thailand, which truly reflects its traditional culture.

• Rong Ngeng (รองเง็ง) and Phleng Tanyong (เพลงตันหยง)— a Malaysian adaptation, which is of Portuguese origin, rong ngeng is a traditional folk dance and music customarily performed in noble houses. It was later performed by the locals with Thai lyrics called phleng tanyong.

Do

• Beach hand tennis. . A game with a tennis ball and a net played in front of Hans Restaurant everyday from 16:30. If you have hands, come and play. its great fun.

Diving

There are no scuba diving sites on the island itself, all require a boat trip. However Lanta is the closest island to the famous Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, and Ko Haa sites, so it is very popular with divers.

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang near Ko Lanta are perhaps the best dive sites in Thailand (frequently ranking in the world’s top ten) with more than 200 hard corals and 108 reef fish catalogued in a study underway, but thousands more organisms abound. Hin Daeng has the steepest and deepest in the whole of the country with fantastic marine life. Hin Muang next door is completely underwater and it is covered with delicate violet coral. The sites also have one of the world's highest incidences of whale shark sightings.

For details refer to Diving in Thailand and Diving in Ko Lanta.

Fishing

Wannabe fishers can catch the likes of marlin, sailfish, barracuda, red snapper and tuna. Three different kinds of fishing trip are offered by private long tail boat: half-day, full day and night fishing.

Kayaking

• The east side of Ko Lanta with its rich mangrove forests and caves is a great option for off-the-beaten-path kayaking. Kayaking can also be done on Ko Talabaeng, the limestone cliff near Ko Lanta.

• Rapu Sea Kayaking, 10/5 Moo 2, Ko Lanta Yai +66 92 871749 (contact Chutima Junsirikamon) - guided sea kayak tours of the mangrove areas.

Longtail boating

Long tail boat

• Lanta Longtail / Sun Island Tours, 9/1 Moo 1, Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta Yai. +66 87 8916619 ([5]) [6] - private charters, island tours, beach camping, and fishing trips.

Massage and Spa

• Lanta Massage A wonderful, humble little studio with a wall fully adorned with photos of happy customers. Very relaxing, great technical massage, with care and attention. On Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach), Moo 3, Saladan. Walking towards the water, it's on your left, near where the road meets the beach. You may have some difficulty finding this place. Open late.

• Serenity Massage and Spa, [7] 147 Moo 1, Saladan +66 81 5 699852. Open all year from 10:00-22:00. Built entirely on the sea on wooden stilts and enjoys a private pier where you can relax before and after your treatments. Travel into Saladan and turn right at the waters edge.

Snorkelling

Ko Haa - this is the best site in Thailand for mixed groups of snorkellers and divers. For divers only, it offers amazing swim-throughs. In recent years Ko Haa has seen a large increase in the number of fish present at the reefs, due to committed conservation policies.

Ko Rok - some of Thailand’s finest snorkeling spots are located off Lanta’s coast. Ko Rok, 47 km south of Lanta, is considered by most to be the pick of the bunch, though other people say they rate Ko Haa’s snorkelling even more highly. Ko Rok actually consists of two islands, Ko Rok Nai and Ko Rok Nok, both graced with powdery white sand beaches and with an extensive bed of coral in between.

This sheltered and shallow channel is an ideal habitat for reef fish, and the place swarms with innumerable shoals of them. Visibility is very good, and many interesting species of reef fish can be found in these waters. Many snorkellers are most amazed by the sheer numbers of fish here, which swirl and swarm around the swimmers.

4 Island Trip - Ko Mook's amazing Emerald Cave is the highlight of this trip. The cave is a window into a lagoon through which safety-vest-clad swimmers are towed by local guides. The swim into the lagoon is fully eighty metres in length and a real adventure.

Trekking

Elephant rides can be arranged to take visitors to the top of the hill in Ko Lanta National Park.

Learn

Cooking

• Time for Lime, 72/2 Moo 3 Klong Dao Beach, ☎ +66 75 684590, e-mail: lanta@timeforlime.net. Professional and fun evening Thai & fusion cooking classes right on the beach. It's run with a passion, usually only 1 class per day. What is most unique is that all the profit goes to run Lanta Animal Welfare [8], founded by the owner, to help the sad situation of the animals on the Island. Classes start at 16:00 (introduction, making curry paste, 4 dishes, mostly seafood. 1,800 baht.

Muay Thai

• Lanta Muay Thai Gym, 245 Moo 2, Saladan (near Phrae Ae Beach opposite Relax Bay Resort Rd, a dirt road off main road to the gym), ☎ +66 89 7397399. 08:00-18:00. A professional, exciting place to train in muay Thai. They welcome any ability from beginners and children. They have a range of trainers, some ex- and current-champion fighters from all over Thailand. The skills and techniques are taught in a personal, approachable style. They also have fights every Sunday at Williams Stadium, and a lot of foreigners who stay in the area and train may have the option of fighting. 500 baht per lesson.

Buy

• Drunken Tailors, Kantiang Bay (behind the Drunken Sailors Coffee shop). 10:00-21:00. A colourfully funky collection of men's and women's clothing and jewelry with an emphasis on unique, hand-made items. Great location to shop for vibrant lady's evening wear as well as one-of-a-kind gifts for folks back home.

• Hammock House, 35 Moo 2, Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta Yai, ☎ +66 75 697098, e-mail: info@jumbohammock.com. Unique hammocks. Handwoven in Thailand by the Mlabri tribe. Largest selection of quality hammocks on the island.

• A Little Handmade Shop, 2 Moo 5, BaKantiang Village, Ko Lanta Yai (100 m past 7-Eleven), ☎ +66 84 9489688, e-mail: info@littlehandmadeshop.com. All about handmade inspiration, creating original items for you and your home. Goods such as clothing, toys, ceramics, jewellery, and art.

Eat

In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (khanom jeen) and chicken birayani.

As for Ko Lanta, reasonably priced and tasty seafood is obviously what most tourists long for when visiting a coastal province like Krabi. In this connection, the wing shell (หอยชักตีน) is Krabi’s famous cuisine. It is eaten with a spicy dip. In addition, stir fried spotted babylon (หอยหวาน), which is found in mangrove forests, with chilies and basil is also famous. This cuisine is common in Ko Lanta's restaurants. The Ko Lanta beach areas have several restaurants with the "catch of the day" displayed on ice outside. One can find all kinds of fish: juicy crabs and langoustines; shellfish, including giant oysters; as well as squid and lobsters.

• Abdul's Pancakes is a crêpe stall run from a motorcycle sidecar. You can most often find him in Moo 1, Saladan, opposite Lanta Diver when the dive boats come back (around 15:00). His chocolate and banana crêpe and his chicken crêpe are especially tasty.

• Baan Laanta Bay View Restaurant (in Kantiang Bay) serves great fresh seafood BBQ. Enormous tiger prawns, fresh squid, snappers galore. All fish & seafood is caught fresh, locally each day, and cooked in any style you like, served with baked potatoes and a free salad bar (with the best dressings you can imagine). The regular menu is also good, with stir frys and curries at 100 baht, only a little more than the 70-80 baht you'd pay on the road. The juices are small, though. The view out over Kantiang Bay is beautiful and you can request a table on the beach if you like. Aqua Bar, the in-house cocktail bar, serves what may be the freshest and most adventurous cocktails on the island, including mango daiquiris and fresh lime margaritas.

• Cook Kai is just across the street from Klong Nin Beach. Wholly built of wood and beautifully decorated, it offers a spacious open dining area and bar. The restaurant, run by the cook and his brothers and sisters, serves bland Thai food at 140 baht for curries and soups.

• Drunken Sailors Coffee Shop, 116 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta Yai, Krabi 81150 (on the main road 100 m north of 7-Eleven), ☎ +66 75 665076. 8:30-21:00. Aspires to be nothing more than a laid-back café, but the rave reviews just keep coming. Serving a diverse menu of Western classics such as pasta and burgers as well as Thai dishes and unique fusion creations, this jazzy octagonal pad has become the centre of social life in Kantiang Bay. Locals and tourists alike spend all day chilling in the café’s beanbags and hammocks. Add to the mix the huge selection of real ground espresso drinks and fresh fruit shakes and you can see why it's so popular.

• Kampong, 80 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta Yai (on the main road 100 m uphill from 7-Eleven and opposite Drunken Sailors), ☎ +66 89 9085977. 09:00-21:00. Southern Thai restaurant with the best "juices" in town, for size, taste and price. "Juices" are always actually blended, but Kampong gives you a good amount of fruit. 40 baht for most juices, 60 baht for the Kampong juice (nice combo). Breakfast. Also has a travel agent and some simple rooms (300 baht in off season).

• Mary Ann's Bar & Restaurant, Moo 1 Saladan (Near 7-Eleven in Saladan). Fun place to start the evening. Good food and a lively place in the evening (make sure you get a chat with Aiden, if you want to know more about nightlife on Ko Lanta)

• Rio's Kitchen (Kantaiang Bay), ☎ +66 90 6611880, e-mail: RiosKitchenKohLanta@gmail.com. Serving up burritos and quesadillas made with homemade tortillas. Has great daily specials as well as delicious grilled and fresh whole wheat sandwiches using imported cheeses. Vegan and vegetarian friendly, everything is made fresh from scratch. Rio's Kitchen only delivers. Free delivery to Kantiang Bay, delivery available to other locations for a fee. Ring for delivery, the menu is available by emailing.

• River Restaurant is a friendly family operation located on the beach just south of Narima Resort. They have a delicious menu: lots of Thai dishes and a few Western ones as well. The pad Thai is excellent. It is very popular with families and the owner's children often play with tourist kids.

• Spices and Herbs, Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta Yai (on the main road a few metres uphill from 7-Eleven (almost opposite)). 09:00-21:00. Excellent food at a modest price (80 baht for a standard dish). Includes Western options like hamburgers, pizza and pasta. Also offers cooking classes, or 100 baht extra to help cook your meal.

• Sunset Restaurant is a very small restaurant on Klong Dao beach close to D.R. Lanta Resort beside Mooks bar. The Thai food is arguably the best on Klong Dao Beach and cheap too. Real Thai-style eating with the tables directly on the sand and no decorations at all but a nice view and cool breeze from the sea.

• Thai Cuisine is a long-established favourite. It is in Phra Ae just south of the Opium night club. The menu features a wide selection of wonderful Thai dishes and Chinese as well. The "special" spring roll is excellent. There is bar service and a small artisan boutique. Say hello to the chef/owner, Somkuan. He's a great guy.

• Time for Lime Restaurant, Bar, Bungalows , e-mail: lanta@timeforlime.net. open all year. Well-known professional Thai and fusion cooking school, it also has a beach and tree-top restaurant where you can relish the sunset and breeze while peeking at what the cooking “students” are creating down below. More and more people are checking out the great food, atmosphere and mojitos. They offer a filling 6-course tasting menu for 495 baht, year-round. Personal and friendly place with 8 cosy fan-cooled bungalows. Free Wi-Fi. You will love the food and you must love dogs also, as the Norwegian owner is the organiser of Lanta Animal Welfare. Bungalows from 750 baht.

Drink

There's not much in the way of party nightlife, which, for many, is part of Ko Lanta's appeal. But there is always something going on if you ask around. There are a few restaurant/bars at the harbour, beaches and most hotels. Since it is a small island free of crime and drunkards, the local police are lenient about allowing bars to stay open until the last customer goes home.

• Charlee Barleys - A friendly bar/restaurant/bungalow in the centre of Klong Nin Beach. This is a great place to meet other mellow travellers from every demographic. Relaxed sunset Happy Hours every night. Sometimes live-music from international guests.

• Irie Bar, north Phrae Ae Beach (on the main road, beach side as you enter Phrae Ae from Klong Dao, next to Mr. Green Restaurant and Chill House). Local guy named Arms plays here with his band "Lantana".

• Korner Bar, Long Beach (south end of Long Beach, before Relax Bay). Bar on the beach/rocks that often has cheap drink offers on and sometimes guest DJs. Nice atmosphere and open late - axe pillow seating outside and covered seating inside.

• Layana Resort & Spa-Tides Restaurant, 272 Moo 3 Saladan. 11:30 to 18::00, Dinner-19:00-22:30. This is an upmarket resort in Ko Lanta. The restaurant setting is beach front and beautiful. The staff are friendly and attentive but not intrusive. Delicious menu and good wine list. Although more expensive than other eateries, it still is not that expensive compared to Australian prices and the food is divine.

• Mooks bar - on Klong Dao beach between Sun Fun & Sea Bungalows and Han's Beach Restaurant and a good spot to relaxing with a drink on the beach, listen to some reggae, and maybe watch sports on TV. Mook himself is a person worth meeting.

• Ting Tong Bar / Klong Khong Bay Bungalows, 24 Moo 2, Klong Khong Beach (south end of Klong Khong Beach. Coming from the main road, turn right after the gasoline station after 7-Eleven). Are you ting tong enough?! (;

• Where Else / Feeling Bar - [9] Indian & Thai food, in a clean, friendly, quiet, and above all relaxed atmosphere.

Sleep

Basic wooden bungalows as found in cheaper resorts

Ko Lanta has three tourist seasons:

• Peak season: late Dec, early Jan and for some resorts also around Songkran in Apr; expect premiums of 25–50% or more over the high season price and on Christmas and New Year's Eve many resorts have a compulsory banquet costing about as much as an extra night's accommodation.

• High season from Nov-Feb, excluding peak season

• Low season: Apr/May-Oct. Many resorts will be as much as 50% cheaper than the high season price. Many places used to close entirely but increasingly they're open year round.

You won't have much trouble finding accommodation as late as your arrival at the Saladan pier except in peak season. Standard accommodation on Klong Dao and Long Beaches (the two most northerly beaches) now start at about 1,200 baht for a basic air-con bungalow or hotel room. The places further south offer free transport and can be much cheaper (100 baht for a spotless beach hut with bathroom), but the rides into town will be lengthy, approximately 20 minutes. You can hire motorbikes for 250 baht a day a see lots of the island after a good nights sleep.

Accommodation is arranged by beach, north (most convenient to Saladan) to south (least convenient). Prices quoted here are for the high season unless otherwise specified.

• Lanta All Seasons Beach Resort, 303 Moo 1, Saladan, ☎ 66 75 668299. All equipped with air-conditioning, cable TV, and phone. Restaurant, swimming pool, and massage. From 1,000 baht.

• Sincere Guest House & Restaurant, 150 Moo 1, Saladan (near the passenger pier of Saladan), ☎ +66 81 8285163. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. This little cute wooden house near the sea is located in the middle of Saladan community. It is designed in chic Chinese-style and is divided into 3 zones. The first zone is the guest house room. The 2nd zone is the front coffee bar area that has a tall table and dark brown chairs which look comfortable and relaxing. And if you want an atmosphere of the seaside, behind the coffee shop, you will find a seaside restaurant. There is a wooden terrace which makes it look wide and spacious and it is decorated with oil paintings, adding to the atmosphere of ease and relaxation. 500-1,400 baht.

Klong Dao Beach

• Ancient Realm Resort & Spa, 364 Moo 3, Saladan (next door to Time 4 Lime, south end of Klong Dao Beach), ☎ +66 87 9981336, e-mail: holiday@ancientrealmresort.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Well-managed beach front resort offering 14 beautifully themed air conditioned bungalows. One of the few resorts with all services open all year round. Nice, polite staff, good beach restaurant on the sand, and beach bar with low prices. Free and fast Wi-Fi available in the entire resort area, right down to the sea, and in all villas and suites. Free beach front pool table, tropical day spa and beach massage, Tours and activities office, motorbike and car rental, plunge pool, and Jacuzzis. 588-2,180 baht.

• ChaDa Beach Resort & Spa, 278 Moo 1, Saladan, ☎ +66 75 668124-7, fax: +66 75 668123. On 8 acres of white sandy beach front From 5,600 baht, Emerald Suite Room.

• DR Lanta Resort, 206 Moo 3, ☎ +66 81 0815679, fax: +66 75 684383. Restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. Rooms 1,800 baht, air-con bungalows from 2,000 baht.

• Lanta Mermaid Boutique House, 333 Moo 3, Klong Dao Beach, Saladan (across from Mermaid Beach Front Resort), ☎ +66 81 6430864, e-mail: lantamermaid@yahoo.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:30. Amazing hotel that is not on the beach, but extremely clean, very comfortable beds, very helpful staff, well-managed. The rooms look like the ones posted on their site, unlike some other hotels. A five min walk to Klong Dao Beach, just cross the street. Prices are excellent, especially in low season. The staff will arrange for a motorbike for you and have it brought to the hotel. Open all year round and close to many good restaurants. 1,000-2,100 baht, includes breakfast.

• Lanta Sand Resort & Spa, 279 Moo 3, ☎ +66 75 684633, fax: +66 75 684636, e-mail: lanta@lantasand.com. 48 bungalows. Villas from 7,000 baht.

• Lanta Summer House, 208 Moo 3, ☎ +66 75 684099, e-mail: lantasummer@yahoo.com. Typical beach-side bungalow resort with three-bed air-con bungalows. The restaurant is in the lower price range but the offerings, while extensive, are very watered down (they don't do spicy). Nice and friendly staff. Poolside bungalows with air conditioning from about 1,300 baht.

• Maya Lanta Resort , e-mail: info@mayalantaresort.com. Hotel-style building on the beach. They have a food and a fancy (by Lanta standards) restaurant. From 4,400 baht.

• Royal Lanta . Luxury villa with beautiful bungalows in the Thai architectural style, pool, and laundry service. Bungalows from 3,700 baht.

Long Beach (Ao Phra Ae)

• Chaw Ka Cher Tropicana Lanta Resort, 352 Moo 2, ☎ +66 75 637970, fax: +66 75 637404, e-mail: info@chawkacherresort.com. Secluded resort with tropical garden. From 2,000 baht.

• Escape Cabins, 438 Moo 3 Saladan, Long Beach. The amount saved by staying in the jungle compared to staying on the beach in Ko Lanta is pretty ridiculous. This is one of the only off-beach options on the island. The rooms are large, very comfortable, and stylish. Wi-Fi, TV, DVD player, air-con, private bathroom, free water, swimming pool, friendly staff, mini fridge, patio and all around good value. Large four person guesthouse also available. Double or twin rooms from 450-1,000 baht depending on season.

• Good Days Lanta Chalet and Resort, 183 Moo 2, ☎ +66 75 684186, fax: +66 75 684187, e-mail: info@gooddayslanta.com. Fan bungalows from 900 baht, air-con from 1,400 baht.

• Lanta Castaway Beach Resort, 299 Moo 2, ☎ +66 75 684851, fax: +66 75 684790, e-mail: reservations@lantacastaway.com. Small resort with simple fan bungalows and more luxurious air-con bungalows. The restaurant offers Thai, Western, and Tex-Mex dishes. On-site PADI dive centre called Dive & Relax. Fan bungalows from 500 baht, air-con from 1,500 baht.

• Lanta Casuarina . On Phra Ae Beach which stretches for 2 km along the Andaman sea front. 2,650+ baht.

• Lanta Pura Beach Resort, 405 Moo 1, Saladan, ☎ +66 75 668300-2. Equipped with air conditioning, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Poolside bar, restaurant, and swimming pool with Jacuzzi. 1,190+ baht.

• Lanta Sunny House, 42 Moo 2, ☎ +66 75 684347, fax: =. Standard fan, large fan, standard air-con and deluxe triple rooms with balcony, private toilet, and shower and breakfast. Terrace, restaurant, massage service, and travel agency.

• Layana Resort & Spa, 272 Moo 3 Saladan, ☎ +66 75 607100, fax: +66 75 607199, e-mail: resa@layanaresort.com. 6,800+ baht.

• Long Beach Chalet Boutique Resort, 472 Moo 3, ☎ +66 87 7076076, fax: +66 75 684805, e-mail: longbeachchalet@gmail.com. Thai-style villas set in quiet gardens, 100 m from the beach. All rooms have air-con, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, king size beds, fridge, and mini-bar. 1,300+ baht.

• Nakara Longbeach Resort, 172 Moo 3, ☎ =, e-mail: info@lantalongbeach.com. 141 air-con bungalows (11 by the beach). Pools, bike rental, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant 1,700+ baht.

• Relax Bay Resort, 111 Moo 2. French-Belgian owned resort on a 1 km beach and Thai-French restaurant, Manao, which has a superb view over a the beach and rocky promontory. Try the fresh local king prawns or daily catch at the restaurant. Fan bungalows from 1,300 baht, air-con from 1,900 baht, breakfast included.

• Sanctuary, 186 Moo 2, ☎ +66 81 8913055. Well-designed bamboo bungalows, mosquito nets, and great Indian and Thai food from the restaurant. Fan huts up to 800 baht per night.

Klong Khong Beach

• Blue Andaman Lanta Resort, 251 Moo 2 Saladan, ☎ +66 75 667082. 50 rooms and bungalows, all equipped with comfortable beddings and safe. Facilities and services are garden, outdoor swimming pool and barbecue facilities. 600+ baht.

• Klong Khong Bay Bungalows, 24 Moo 2, Klong Khong Beach, ☎ +66 84 4457140, e-mail: klongkhongbaybungalows@gmail.com. 12 bungalows and bar at Klong Khong Beach, a three km stretch of golden sand and shady palms. The bungalows are clean, cheap, and simple. Have a drink in Ting Tong Bar, an authentic Thai style beach bar and famous for its live music. Enjoy your cocktail while watching the stunning sunset. A relaxed and laid back atmosphere and a place that's hard to leave. Bungalows with fan and air-con from 500 to 800 baht.

• Lanta Emerald Bungalow, 154, Moo 2, Saladan, ☎ +66 75 667037. A great bar, restaurant, swimming pool, and motorbike rental available. 600 baht for a fan bungalow to 1,800 baht, sea view air-con bungalow.

• Lanta Full Moon Bay View Resort, 261 Moo 2, Saladan, ☎ +66 89 6476525, fax: +66 75 667143. Wonderful place, great staff, and low price. Food and drinks are great. Free Internet in lounge, laundry service available, and pool, So many shady places to relax and read. Quiet beach, but really close to the action. The staff can help you with anything you need. Wonderful house cats lounging around. Fan bungalows from 550-800 baht, air-con from 1,000 baht.

• Lanta Pavilion Resort, 120 Moo 2, Saladan (just north of 7-Eleven on Khlong Khong Beach Rd.), ☎ +66 75 667079, e-mail: info@lantapavilion.com. Centrally located on the beach. Single, double, and family bungalows with air-con, hot shower, cable TV, minibar, free Wi-Fi in restaurant. Best garden with trees and flowers and the pool is nice with a sea view. Also includes Lanta Pavilion Sunset Restaurant, which offers Thai standard dishes, a selection of European favourites, and a few Indian, Mexican, and Japanese dishes. There is also daily seafood BBQ on the beach with a great variety of the fresh seafood done in many styles. They've got pizza, burger and steaks, exotic cocktails, fruit shakes and deserts. Fan bungalows from 800 baht, air-con bungalows from 1,200 baht.

• Where Else Resort, 149 Moo 2, ☎ +66 75 667024, fax: +66 75 667024. Funky, chilled out bamboo eco-tourism village surrounded by old coconut palm trees. Each bungalow is unique. Fan bungalows from 500 baht.

Klong Toab Beach

• Lanta River Sand Resort , ☎ +66 75 662660, e-mail: piu@lantariversand.com. Thai-style bungalows, no air-con. 900 baht.

• Rawi Warin Resort & Spa , ☎ =, e-mail: resv@rawiwarin.com. On 35 rai of land, in the foothills of the Ko Lanta Yai and overlooking Klong Tob Bay, this resort offers a choice of rooms, each with its own distinct style and ambience, numerous sports activities, dining options, and private swimming pools.

Klong Nin Beach

• Lanta Nature Beach Resort , ☎ +66 75 662560. Beautiful resort with full amenities for only 1,200 baht a night, all bungalows. Air-con in all rooms, incredibly sweet staff, and restaurant + bar with some good music and some performances now and then. Can rent motorbikes, schedule side trips, do laundry, etc., all in the resort for the same price as anywhere else on the island. On the beach, with no rocks, 24 hour swimming. 1,200-1,800 baht.

Kantiang Bay

• Baan Kantiang See Panorama Villa Resort, 263 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, ☎ =, e-mail: manager@kantiang.se. Fully equipped villas, that sleep up to 6-8 people. 2,250 - 11,000 baht.

• Baan Laanta Resort & Spa, 72 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, ☎ +66 75 665091, e-mail: reservation@baanlaanta.com. Thai-chic luxury bungalows 3 steps from the beach. Air-con, large balcony (with sun loungers), hot shower, fridge & TV as standard, swimming pool with view out over the bay. Open all year with exceptional discounts during the low season. 7-Eleven just opened on the main street, good souvenir and clothes/jewellery shopping at nearby Indigo Gekko Bay View Restaurant and "Aqua Bar" directly on the beach. 3,500-5,500 baht.

• Kantiang Bay View Resort, 9 Moo 5, ☎ +66 17 87192. Open year-round with some great rates in low season. Restaurant and "Why Not?" Bar directly on the beach. Wooden bungalows. Good atmosphere and spills out right onto the sand. Not to be confused with the nearby Marine Park View Resort, which is on the hill. Free pickup from Ban Sala Dan to Ao Kantiang, but return to Ban Sala Dan is 500 baht. 600+ baht and up for fan bungalows, 1,500+ baht air-con.

• Lanta Marine Park View Resort, 58 Moo 5 Ko Lanta Yai. Direct beach access, free transfer to/from Saladan pier, restaurant, bar, motorbike & Jeep rental services, Internet, laundry, scuba diving and island tour, national park camping trips, elephant trekking, waterfall trekking. 1,250-1,750 baht.

• Pimalai Resort & Spa, 99 Moo 5, ☎ +66 75 607999, e-mail: reservation@pimalai.com. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. PADI diving centre and cooking classes. Also includes The Seven Seas wine bar and restaurant, which serves fusion cuisine and has an extensive wine list and nice sea views.

Mai Pai/Bamboo Bay

• Baan Phu Lae (quite far from other resorts as it's the last beach of Ko Lanta.). Bungalow resort with budget price ranges for fan or air-conditioned bungalows. 650-1,800 baht.

• Bamboo Bay Resort, Aow Mai Pai, ☎ +66 75 665023, e-mail: bamboobay@bamboobay.net. Fan bungalows from 500 baht, air-con from 1300 baht.

• La Laanta Hideaway Resort, Mai Pai/Bamboo Bay, ☎ +66 75 665066, fax: +66 75 665123, e-mail: reservations@lalaanta.com. Twenty spacious bungalows on Mai Pai/Bamboo Bay, the southernmost beach. Two beachfront swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, a beach bar, a Thai/Western restaurant, and a beach front dining area. All bungalows include air-conditioning, satellite TV, a mini-fridge, free Wi-Fi, and covered front porches. Most have ocean views. Open year-round with some great rates in low season.

Lanta Old Town

• Lanta Buri Resort (next to the hospital in Old Town), ☎ =. There are 9 separate rooms available, each with a shower-room/WC, TV/cable, and fan or air conditioner. The rooms surround a lovely garden with small pond. The kitchen is available for use by guests as well as the outdoor dining area with ample tables and chairs.

• Mango House Seafront Villa , ☎ +66 86 9486836. All units are built directly over-the-sea in what many describe as Thailand’s most charming and culturally diverse fishing village. Rooms are renovated to feature the original teak structures that served as Chinese merchant shop houses over 50 years ago.

Go next

• Krabi Town