Thailand

Koh Lanta is a small archipelago consisting of two main islands located in the Andaman Sea. Discovered by the French through the famous television show bearing the same name, Koh Lanta still resists the invasion of large infrastructures and has managed to preserve its beautiful wild beaches. Whether for a family trip or a romantic getaway, Koh Lanta charms visitors with its lush nature, coconut-fringed beaches, and turquoise waters.

History

In ancient times, the island was known as "Pulau Satak" (Malay), which means "the island of the long beach." Its current name, Koh Lanta, was officially adopted only in 1917. It is believed to be derived from the Javanese word "lanta," which refers to a utensil used for grilling fish. The origin of the name could also come from the Thai "lan taa," which, combined with "koh," translates to "the island with a million eyes." Furthermore, archaeological remains discovered on this archipelago have shown that the islands were already inhabited during prehistoric times.

Today

Koh Lanta is a destination particularly appreciated by travelers from all walks of life for its paradisiacal and relaxing setting. The local landscapes are composed of white sandy beaches, tropical vegetation, wooded hills, and rubber plantations, among others. This archipelago became known to the majority of the French public through the eponymous reality TV show that has been broadcast since 2001 on TF1.

Description

Koh Lanta is located in the south of Thailand. It is an archipelago composed of several islands, including two main ones, namely Koh Lanta Noi to the north and Koh Lanta Yai to the south. These are separated by a mangrove.

Koh Lanta Yai is the largest. It stretches for about 30 km long and about 6 km wide. This island is also where most of the tourist infrastructure of the region is located: hotels, restaurants, or youth hostels.

Koh Lanta Noi, on the other hand, is the smaller island. More local, it features small, friendly, authentic fishing villages.

Culture

In general, the majority of the rural population of Koh Lanta is Muslim. However, some inhabitants practice Buddhism, while others follow Thai or Chinese culture. Despite their cultural differences, the islanders live in perfect harmony.

Must-see attractions in Koh Lanta

Beaches

When mentioning Koh Lanta, one often thinks of its beautiful beaches with fine sand, translucent waters, and rows of palm trees. With guaranteed postcard landscapes, visitors love to relax and sunbathe under the blazing sun.

Klong Dao

This tranquil beach is undoubtedly the most well-known on Koh Lanta due to its calm atmosphere. The white sand stretches for about 3 kilometers, and the waters are clear. Along the shore, several hotels of all categories have been set up.

Klong Nin

This beach, with fine sand bordered by coconut trees and pine trees, is divided into two by a river. The waters are suitable for swimming, but it is preferable to swim in the northern part of the shore, where there are fewer rocks.

Pra-Ae

This beautiful crescent-shaped beach is about 4 km long. It is located in the north of the island and is also known as Long Beach. Travelers are particularly numerous to visit between November and April.

Kan Tiang

A small beach barely 1 km long, here tourist infrastructures are scarcer, and that's all to its credit. It is pleasant to relax or take a quiet walk. Head there at sunset for an incredible spectacle!

Khao Mai Kaew Cave

In addition to the beaches, Koh Lanta hides some small natural gems, like the Khao Mai Kaew Cave. This natural wonder is located in the center of the island, and its walls are formed by stalactites and stalagmites. For visiting the site, it is recommended to hire the services of a local guide (around 200 baht per person).

Discovering Lanta Old Town

As its English name suggests, it is an old, small village located to the east of Koh Lanta Yai. This former village was a trading place for Arab and Chinese merchant sailors before they sailed back to Phuket and Malaysia. Nowadays, you can still see the many traditional wooden houses lining its main street.

Moreover, the population is very cosmopolitan, with Chinese, Muslim Thais, or the famous Chao-Lay, commonly known as "sea gypsies.".

Snorkeling in Koh Lanta

To indulge in this activity, the address to choose is the island of Koh Haa, whose waters are frequented by various species of reef fish.

Scuba diving in Koh Lanta

The island of Koh Lanta itself does not have diving spots on its beaches; the sites are mostly grouped near the surrounding islands.

Hin Daeng

This spot, recognized worldwide, is located about fifty kilometers south of Koh Lanta. The boat trip takes an average of 2 hours. In this area, you can mainly see manta rays as well as various species of sharks, such as the gray reef shark, the leopard shark, or even the whale shark.

Hin Muang

Just like Hin Daeng, this spot is also internationally renowned. It is notably famous for its purple coral, where marine life abounds. Among the species that can be observed are the fusilier, the manta ray, the yellowtail snapper, and the majestic whale shark.

Climate

The island of Koh Lanta has a tropical climate divided into two seasons, namely the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season generally falls between the months of January and April. This is the best time of year to plan a vacation there. As for the rainy season, it usually starts in May and ends in December. Heavy rains mostly occur from June to October. In addition, the average annual temperature often ranges from 25°C to 32°C. As for the sea temperature, it is generally around 29°C throughout the year.

How to get there?

Koh Lanta is only accessible by sea. The planes bringing tourists from Bangkok usually land at one of the three nearest airports. These airports are respectively located on the island of Phuket and in the cities of Krabi and Trang.

Boats that directly connect Koh Lanta regularly depart from the cities of Krabi and Trang.

From Phuket, you can take the express transfer, a formula that combines travel by minivan and speedboat. There is also a ferry, but the journey will be longer.

Means of transport in Koh Lanta

Most resorts and local tourist operators have private vehicles that they make available to their clients.

It is also possible to rent bicycles or scooters on-site for easy transportation. However, be sure not to neglect wearing a helmet.