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Koh Lanta is situated in the southernmost district of Krabi Province, approximately 70 kilometers from Krabi. It stretches for 27 kilometers in the north to south direction along the western coastline of Andaman Sea in southern Thailand. The geography of the island is typically mangroves; coral rimmed beaches; and rugged tree covered hills.

Lanta, its name has different origins; the island was long known as Pulao Satak in Malay language, meaning Long Beach. Afterwards, so many Thais, both Buddhists and Muslims came to live on the island that there seemed to be a million eyes which is what some people think Lanta means in Thai. Others hold that the name is corrupted from Javanese lan tas which signifies a fish grill which is made of wood with a square grill on top where the fish are set in a circle.

Koh Lanta consists of 52 islands of which 15 are under control of the Koh Lanta National Marine Park. Twelve islands are inhabited, among those, four are accessible: Koh Klnag, Koh Bubu, Koh Lanta Yai, and Koh Lanta Noi. The two major islands: Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi.

Lanta Yai is the siege of district's headquarter and the biggest island, covered with mountainous and rugged areas. This island is the trading center and the starting point of transportation to beaches and other nearby islands. On the western coastline, the beautiful beaches and idyllic bays lie from north towards the south; some of them are gravely and others have the fine sand. On the east side, the coast is graced by the stunning white sandy beaches together with the fertile mangroves. Also, there locates the settlement of sea gypsies who still live their life in traditional style and preserve well their customs and culture. Most of population on Lanta Island is Muslims. In the southern part of the island, there locates the office of the Koh Lanta National Marine Park.

Lanta Noi used to be a community of local people in the old days. The old life style and traditional-styled- houses can still be seen in this island, offering somewhat charming atmosphere.

Beaches & Attractions

Since Koh Lanta possesses both marine and terrestrial endowment, there are many interesting attractions and activities waiting for your discovery, be it beaches, dense rain forests, or cultural experience in sea gypsies' village. Visitors can start traveling on Koh Lanta at Ban Sala Dan Village, a typical Thai fishing village where most of boats from Krabi and Phi Phi terminate. Motorbikes rentals are available here; you can hire a boat for snorkeling or diving from here as well.

The highlighted spots of Koh Lanta are absolutely its wonderful beaches and crystal clear water. Most of the best beaches of Koh Lanta lie along the western shore of Lanta Yai Island, each of which has its characteristic beauty and provides the excellent sunsets.

Klong Dao: Located two kilometers from Saladan pier, Klong Dao is a two-kilometer-stretch of sand. The beach is straightly lined with casuarinas, offering dazzling sand, tepid and translucent water as well as the panoramic view. This is then a great place for isolation and relaxation.

Pra Ae or Long Beach: Lying on the northern end of the island, the beach is famed for its fine powdery sand and shelving coastline. Accommodations are affordable and the food is delicious and abundant.

Kor Kwang: The beach is well-known for its nicely curved shape and its desertedness. Its aquamarine water together with its finest sand offers you the real sentiment of relaxation.

Klong Koang: Standing nine kilometers from Ban Saladan, the small beach Klong Koang offers extremely peaceful and serene atmosphere. With its small size, the sand is limited; however, there are plenty of coral reefs offshore providing an excellent opportunity for diving.

Klong Nin: Like almost all beaches on Koh Lanta, Klong Nin Beach offers tranquil and peaceful atmosphere; its sand is white and fine. It may not be a place for any water sport activities, but perfect if you need a real secluded and relaxing paradise.

Kantiang: Kantiang beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, lying 18 kilometers south of Ban Saladan. The sparkling sand and iridescent aquamarine water will retain you for long time that you will never want to go anywhere else. There are excellent corals for snorkeling as well.

Klong Jark: This is the southernmost beach on Lanta. Despite its average beauty by most standards, the beach offers its solitude and tranquility, making it a good place to stay. The nearby deserted beach like Mai Pai and the National Park are also the good secluded places. You can go to waterfall in the surrounding area by elephant trekking or self trekking.

Since Koh Lanta embraces more than 50 islands, there are several interesting islands to visit for its excellent snorkeling and diving sites.

Koh Ha: Consisting of five uninhabited islets, Koh Ha is under responsibility of the Koh Lanta National Marine Park. These five islets are visited for their flourishing corals, reef fish, caves and swim-through caverns which cerate a good dive. The large pelagic sharks and whale sharks are often seen here.

Koh Rok Nok: With its crescent shaped bay featuring cliffs, white powdery sandy beach and a stand of banyan trees inland, Koh Rok is extraordinarily magnificent. Camping is permitted on the island. The offshore coral bed is good for snorkeling.

Koh Rok Nai: The sub-division of the Koh Lanta National Marine Park office is located on this island. The island is featured by the sheer towering limestone cliffs facing the white fine beaches on the east side. Its waters are clear aquamarine, so clear that the colorful fish and abundant corals underwater can be seen. The virgin nature of Koh Rok Nai is still intact, and this is one of the most wonderful dive sites of Lanta. The inland area is covered with a dense tropical rain forest which offers a natural walk to appreciate its floras and faunas. There are also the camping sites on the island.

Transportation to Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai can be made from the Pakmeng Pier in Trang, taking about 3-4 hours. Or, you can take a speed boat from Kho Lanta; the boat service is available at tour agencies, hotels and resorts on the island.