Everything You Need to Know about Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta consists of 52 islands including the largest, Koh Lanta Yai. It's located approximately 70 kilometres south of Krabi Town.

Koh Lanta's scenic beauty may not quite compete with some other areas in the province. However, if you're looking for complete peace and quiet away from the bustling tourist areas, with a few home comforts, head there!

Low-key development and unspoiled nature are Lanta's main attractions. Mountainous and rugged in some areas, especially near the southern tip, its green forested hills, gravel and sand beaches, pretty coral reefs, clear emerald water and traditional lifestyle, provide a charming retreat from modern life. Only 20,000 people live on Lanta including a clan of Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies. This distinct ethnic group still follow their traditional customs and culture. Along with the Muslim and Chinese locals they give the island its unique ambiance.

Although more locals are becoming involved in the tourism industry, many remain unaffected by tourism, still earning their living from rubber, prawn farming and fishing. Traditional houses and friendly faces still remain. A little to the south of Koh Lanta lies Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan and Koh Muk which offer stunning beaches, great snorkelling and total seclusion.

Koh Lanta Information

Dining, Driving, Weather and Maps

Koh Lanta Yai's unique cultural ambiance derives from the resident ethnic groups - a mosaic of Muslim, Chinese and Sea Gypsies (Chao Ley) who retain their traditional customs. While some locals earn their living from the tourism industry, the livelihood of many is still based on prawn farming, fishing and work on rubber plantations. This unpretentious tropical island is developing steadily, and you don't have to survive without ATM machines, mini-marts and quality international restaurants - these can be found in all the main resort areas. And there is an official post office at Lanta Town in the southeast of the island. Because it isn't yet a frenzied tourist hub, Lanta is very family-friendly - a great destination for people who want to share quality time with loved ones - of any age! Koh Lanta Weather and Climate Koh Lanta's temperatures range from 20°C- 36°C, April and May being the hottest months. November through April are the best months to visit (high season). September and October see some rain, but May is the wettest - that's monsoon season. From May to October there are very strong winds and high waves. Dining in Koh Lanta Authentic Thai restaurants serving fresh and inexpensive seafood have been joined by pizzerias and other restaurants offering cuisine from around the world - every resort has one. From basic to deluxe, the choice is yours. And many tourists say the coffee tastes extra delicious on Koh Lanta. Getting There & Around Koh Lanta is accessible by land and sea, depending on your starting point. Koh Lanta Yai itself boasts a vehicle-friendly road system so, once there, you can cross the island from north to south in about 20 minutes. It's easy and cheap to rent a motorbike on the island. Taxis (looking like motorized rickshaws) are also available in Saladan Town (nothern Koh Lanta), or you could thumb a lift from a local. There are various ways to get to Koh Lanta and however you get there you can look forward to a refreshing change of pace. From Krabi A regular passenger ferry operates twice daily (November to March) from Krabi's Khlong Chilat pier, located approximately three kilometres (20 minutes by car) west of Krabi Town centre. It takes two hours, costing about 200 baht. Some resorts offer a convenient car-boat transfer. From May to October public minibuses provide transportation between Krabi and Koh Lanta. It takes two to three hours, and costs about 180 baht. Koh Lanta also can be reached from Koh Phi Phi (90 minutes, about 200 baht) and Railay Bay by express boat. However, this option is not available during the monsoon season (May to October), due to severe winds and high waves. From Trang Minibuses depart for Koh Lanta Yai from a stop opposite the train station in Trang Town, every day. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. During high season there are additional buses. You can book a seat at a local tour agency. Should you rent a car, you can get a car ferry to the Saladan ferry port in the north of Koh Lanta. From Phuket No ferries currently travel direct from Phuket to Koh Lanta. You must catch a ferry to Phi Phi Island first (available only twice a day, morning and evening) and then go from there to Lanta. Bear in mind that ferries only operate during the high season, November to April. Visas People holding a valid passport from a country on Thailand’s approved list may enter the Kingdom for thirty days without a visa. Those wishing to stay longer must apply for a 60-day tourist visa, available at any Royal Thai embassy or consulate. Tourist visas are not available once you are already in Thailand, so make the necessary arrangements before you leave your home country. Within Thailand, it is possible to apply at immigration checkpoints for a ten-day extension of stay. Maps of Koh Lanta