Saturday, November 21, 2009

Ko Lanta

Koh Lanta is one of the most romantic places in Thailand.If you want some quiet and cozy beaches but with some facilities nearby, then Ko Lanta is an excellent choice for you and also one of the most spectacular and romantic sunsets in Thailand can be seen in Ko Lanta too.This island has some white sandy beaches with turquoise-green waters and lots of palm trees covering the hills, giving it a very tropical look.

The pristine beach in Ko Lanta(Photo by ash)
The pristine beach in Ko Lanta.


The romantic sunset at Ko Lanta(Photo by JonasPhoto)
(Photo by TinaTeens)
(Photo by tengo gusto de sueños)
The romantic sunsets at Ko Lanta.



(Photos by LeeLeFever)
Ko Lanta bay.

Where is Ko Lanta
Here


Ko Lanta Map

Koh Lanta map

Mu Ko Lanta National Park ( Lanta Archipelago )
Covering a total area of 152 square kilometres, Mu Ko Lanta National Park is located in Amphoe Ko Lanta and consists of many islands. Some major islands are Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta Noi, Ko Taleng Beng, as well as, other surrounding islands like Mu Ko Ha, Mu Ko Rok, and Ko Ngai.

Attractions within the National Park
Ko Lanta Noi

Ko Lanta Noi was the former settlement of the Ko Lanta community, where a district office, school, as well as, traditional lifestyle, and houses are still currently available.
Ko Lanta Yai
Ko Lanta Yai’s topography is long and narrow. This island is home to "Chao Le" or sea gypsies who continue to maintain their traditional lifestyle and beliefs, such as setting a boat a drift to drive out evil and bring good luck, which is practiced during the full moon in June and November. Sala Dan Pier is where tour operators, shops and banks are situated. Several beautiful beaches are in the west such as Hat Kho Kwang, Hat Lo Bara, Ao Phra Ae, Hat Khlong Khong, and Hat Khlong Nin. A paved road runs along the beaches all the way from the northern part of the island to the headquarters of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park in the south. The landscape is dominated by a series of mountains covered with virgin rainforest. To the east features an old community. The district office was previously here and later relocated to Ko Lanta Noi. Most people on the island are Muslim. The communities of Ban Sang Ka-u still maintain their traditional Loi Ruea Ceremony. Not far from the headquarters, Laem Tanot features a lighthouse, where visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of a pebble beach merging with a white sandy beach. At the end of the cape features Ko Mo, an ideal diving spot. Besides Laem Tanot, tourists can enjoy the Andaman Sea’s spectacular view from many hilltop restaurants located in the central part of the island.

Accommodation is available. High season is from November to May. Camping in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park is allowed but must notify the park in advance at No. 5, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi, 81150, Tel. 0 7562 9018 - 9. Alternatively, contact the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Tel. 0 2562 0760
Admission to the national park area : Adult 400 baht, Child 200 baht

How To Get There
By Car: This is served by a car ferry from Ban Hua Hin to Ko Lanta Noi.
Then, proceed by the second car ferry to Ko Lanta Yai. Ferries operate between
8.00 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.
Ferry: Fares and Departure Times
Ban Hua Hin – Ko Lanta Noi
Departs Ban Hua Hin: 7.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Departs Ko Lanta Noi: 6.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Travelling time: 15 – 20 minutes
Fares: car is 50 baht/motorcycle is 10 baht
Ko Lanta Noi – Ko Lanta Yai
Departs Ko Lanta Noi: 6.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Departs Ko Lanta Yai: 6.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Travelling time: 15 – 20 minutes
Fares: car is 40 baht/motorcycle is 10 baht
Ferries operate between 7.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Remarks: Fares are subject to change without notice.

To Get to Ban Hua Hin Pier:
From Amphoe Mueang, proceed along Highway No. 4 towards Amphoe Khlong Thom (the route to the province of Trang). Take a right turn at Ban Huai Nam Khao Intersection onto Highway No. 4206 for another 20 kilometres.
Air-conditioned Vans:
Take the hourly Krabi - Ko Lanta Yai air-conditioned vans from Amphoe Mueang, which operate between 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. The fare is 250 baht per person. The trip takes 2 hours. On return, the vans depart Ko Lanta Yai between 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. as well. For more information, contact Krabi Lanta Tour in Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 0 7562 2792. Sala Dan, Tel. 0 7568 4121. Alternatively, take the hourly air-conditioned vans from Trang, which operate between 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. On return, the vans depart at 8.00 a.m., 10.00 a.m., 12.00 a.m., 1.30 p.m., and 3.00 p.m. The trip takes 2 hours. For further details, contact K K Tour, which is located in front of the train station, Tel. 0 7521 1198, 0 7522 3664, Fax. 0 7521 1441.
Commuting from Trang to Krabi:
Take the ordinary local bus leaving Trang Bus Station between 6.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m.
The fare is 80 baht per person. The trip takes 2 hours. Alternatively, take the
air-conditioned buses, which leave Trang Bus Station between 6.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m.
as well. The fare is 113 baht per person. The trip takes 2 hours.

Ferry Service during the High Season (November – May):
Two ferries depart daily from Chao Fa Pier in Amphoe Mueang at 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. The trip takes about 2 hours to reach Sala Dan Pier on Ko Lanta Yai. For more information, contact the Chao Fa Pier, Tel. 0 7563 0470 – 2.
From Ko Lanta to Other Islands
Private companies on Ko Lanta operate boat services to many destinations.
Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 350 baht
Ko Lanta – Krabi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 300 baht
Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Phuket: 1.00 p.m. and 2.30 p.m., 700 baht
Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Krabi: 9.00 a.m. and 1.30 p.m., 700 baht
Royal Fern Co., Ltd. operates boat services from Ko Lanta to Krabi via Ko Cham. Two ferries depart daily at 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. The fare ranges from 300 - 350 baht per person. In addition, boat services operate from Ko Lanta Yai to Ko Ngai and Ko Kradan, which costs 450 baht per person, as well as, to Ko Rok, which only offers speed boats (return tickets) costing 1,600 baht. Contact Royal Fern Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7568 4163, 08 1719 4811 and O & M Tourist Centre Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7568 4153, 0 7568 4281. The boat departs at 9.00 a.m. daily.

From : TAT


(Photo by JonasPhoto)
Long-tail Boats in Ko Lanta.
Remark:
The islands in the area of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, including Ko Ma, Ko Hai, Ko Rok, Kong Hin Daeng - Kong Hin Muang and Ko Ha, are yearly closed from May 16 - October 31.

Ko Lanta Beaches :
Ko Lanta has more than 15 beaches but the important beaches are on the west coast of Ko Lanta Yai :
1.Kho Kwang Beach (Deer Neck Beach)
(Photo by prilfish)
- This small curving beach has white sand with refreshing turquoise water and lots of sea pine trees along the beach, located at the northern tip of the island and near Sala Dan Pier.This is a nice beach for an all day relaxation.A hill on Kho Kwang cape gives a good view of sunset.
2. Klong Dao Beach
(Photo by Arun Manamohan)
- Klong Dao Beach is a 3 km long white sandy beach with calm water that is perfect for swimming.This beach is by far the most popular and most developed beach on the island.Located approximately 2 kilometers from the Saladan Pier.The beach has a wide range of accommodations and restaurants.
3. Pra Ae Beach ( "Long Beach" )
Long Beach,Pra Ae Beach, Ko Lanta(Photo by Pretre)
- South of Klong Dao Beach is Pra Ae Beach, known by travellers as "Long Beach", is a nice long strip of white sand with crystal clear water and has some accommodations and restaurants nearby.
4. Khlong Khong Beach
Khlong Khong Beach(Photo by Miek37)
- Khlong Khong is a quiet beach with lots of palm trees.At the northern end of the beach are the rocky spots.
5. Khlong Nin Beach
(Photo by mushi_king)
- This quiet beach has nice sand with crystal clear water and stunning tropical rainforest.
6. Ba Kan Tiang Beach or Kan Tiang Beach
Ba Kan Tiang Beach(Photo by JonasPhoto)
- Ba Kan Tiang Beach is a 800 m long, naturally crescent shaped beach with white sand, South of Khlong Nin Beach and is one of the most beautiful beaches on Ko Lanta.This is a nice place for families and couples wanting to get away from the crowds.

What to do in Koh Lanta
There are a lot of Activities in Koh Lanta that you can enjoy such as :
- Relaxing on the beaches
- Sunbathing
- Swimming
- Long-tail boating
- Diving and Snorkeling
- Trekking
- Kayaking
Muay Thai Ko Lanta(Photo by Alain in Vancouver)
- Thai Boxing
- Thai Massage and Spa
- Elephant Trekking
- Camping
- Rock Climbing
- Canoeing
- Bicycling
- Sailing
- Thai Cooking
Many hotels on Koh Lanta offer some of these Activities.

Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
Most Romantic Luxury resort in Koh Lanta is :
- Pimalai ( the perfect place for honeymoon )


Best Hotels and Resorts in Koh Lanta are :
- Rawi Warin Resort
- Chada Beach Resort
- Layana Resort
- Crown Lanta Resort
- Best Western Premier Maya Koh Lanta Resort


Most popular Hotels and Resorts in Koh Lanta are :
- Lanta Casuarina Beach Resort
- Moonlight Bay Resort
- Lanta Palace Resort


Best Budget Hotels and Resorts in Koh Lanta are :
- Kaw Kwang Resort
- Lanta Castaway
- Lanta Marine Park

All Hotels and Resorts in Koh Lanta



Ko Lanta Video



Top Attraction nearby Ko Lanta

Ko Rok ( the must see place!)

Ko Rok Nok(Photo by apdurruti)
Ko Rok has the whitest and finest sand in Thailand.
Ko Rok Nok beach(Photo by apdurruti)
This attraction is actually comprised of two islands:
- Ko Rok Nai - This is where the Mu Ko Lanta National Park’s Ranger Station is located. Ko Rok Nai is an island that is mostly steep cliffs. To the east, it offers a beach and unspoiled coral reefs among rocks. Laem Thong and Ao San Chao are to the north. Ko Rok Nai offers white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and is still very intact. Nature trails are available, where tourists can enjoy the exercise and various species of plants. A camping ground is available. Contact Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Tel. 0 7562 9018 – 9, Fax. 0 7568 4153.
Sailing at Ko rok(Photo by apdurruti)
Sailing at Ko Rok.
- Ko Rok Nok - Ko Rok Nok is full of soft white sandy beaches and coral reefs in shallow water in the southeast and the south. Hat Thalu and Ao Man Sai are situated at the end of the island.
To get there: Rent a boat from Pak Meng Pier, which takes about 3 - 4 hours. Alternatively, take the speed boat from Ko Lanta. Contact tour operators, resorts or bungalows on Ko Lanta Yai.


Ko Rok beach

Remarks:
- Since Ko Rok is quite far, trips by a long-tail boat is not recommended, especially during bad weather.
- Admission to the Mu Ko Lanta National Park including Ko Rok : Adult 400 baht, Child 200 baht

- The islands in the area of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, including Ko Ma, Ko Hai, Ko Rok, Hin Daeng - Hin Muang and Ko Ha, are yearly closed from May 16 - October 31.
From : TAT

Ko Ha (Five Islands)

Ko Ha Yai(Photo by apdurruti)
Ko Ha(Photo by satane)
Lionfish at Ko Ha(Photo by CADiver)
Lionfish at Ko Ha.
Colorful fish at Ko Ha(Photo by CW Ye)
Colorful fish at Ko Ha.
Diving at Ko Ha

This archipelago has five islands, Ko Ha Yai is where shallow water coral reefs are located.

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang ( Red Rock and Purple Rock )
Leopard shark at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang(Photo by prilfish)
Leopard shark at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
Porcelain crab at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang(Photo by CW Ye)
Porcelain crab at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
Glassfish at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang(Photo by CADiver)
Glassfish at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

Whale Shark at Hin Muang

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang is a best place for diving in Thailand.This place has the best colorful coral reefs and rich marine life.
Leopard sharks, Whale sharks, Porcelain crabs and Lionfish can be found here!

Tips for Ko Lanta
- The best season to visit Koh Lanta is Dec - April.
- Best places for diving are Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Koh Ha.
- The perfect place for Snorkeling and Relaxing is Koh Rok.
- For long trips, you should take speed boat.

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