Koh Lanta tourist guide

Almost every resort on Koh Lanta has a beachfront

Koh Lanta is situated about 70kms off the south coast of Krabi, on the eastern side of Phang Nga Bay. It’s the ideal hideaway for escaping the mass tourism found elswhere on the Andaman and although it does get busy in the season, you can expect your resort to have its own uncrowded beach for the whole family to enjoy. A significant part of it are still covered by an unspoilt and untouched rainforest, and is far less developed than Phuket or Krabi’s Ao Nang. If you’re looking for a place where lying on the beach and seldom leaving your resort, with few disturbances then this is it.

On the west side of Koh Lanta, stretching for 25kms, are nine magnificent white powder beaches with crystal clear waters. The more developed areas of the island can be found in the north, around the beaches of Klong Dao and Phra Ae. Most of Koh Lanta’s resorts and tourist services can be found near these beaches, although even at the height of peak season these beaches are never overly crowded.

The beaches become more deserted near the south

Heading south you will find that the beaches become more secluded and some may be completely deserted. There are some basic amenities available for tourists, such as ATMs and tour offices, but Koh Lanta is less developed the nearer you get to the national marine park in the south. Some resorts have exclusive use of the beaches in their private bays, while the lengthier beaches near the north provide you with a bit more company and choices of restaurants and bars.

The main tourist office on Koh Lanta is found at Baan Saladan, the point of disembarkation for many visitors to the island. Here you’ll find banks, medical services and dive and other shops. The main post office is located in the southeast corner of Koh Lanta, in the beautiful Baan Koh Lanta old town.

Most of the beaches on Koh Lanta have golden sands and are perfect for swimming and diving. The island is a diving or snorkelling lover’s paradise with its rich waters, coral reefs, limestone rock outcrops, rock reefs, seamounts, pinnacles, undersea caverns, tunnels and sunken ships. The water temperature around Koh Lanta ranges from 27° to 31°.

Koh Lanta is the sort of island you come to relax on and enjoy the natural environment. There are no raucous bars full of go go girls, no tuk-tuks endlessly hustling for business, and you won’t find souvenir shops or tour guides on every corner. At the height of the season, the most popular resorts might be full but there is room for everyone here. You’re also not confronted with a bewildering choice of activities to empty your wallet, and can simply relax on the beach, go on a late afternoon walk in the national park or arrange an early morning dive.

With its stunning beaches, unparalleled diving, luxurious resorts and spectacular scenery, Koh Lanta is the perfect getaway, particularly for families.

Koh Lanta tourist guide

Attractions & activities:

Hotels

Restaurants & bars

Transportation