Ko Lanta Island , Krabi , Thailand - All about Ko Lanta

Resorts on Ko Lanta

Beach life doesn't get any better than on Ko Lanta, Krabi. The island's West coast is graced with a series of beautiful beaches with warm clear wate rs and spectacular sunsets. Even in mid-season it's possible to walk several kilometres along some beaches and still pass only a handful of other visitors.

There are nine beaches in total along the sunset coast, stretching for approx. 30 kilometres north to south. There are more than 30 resorts on the island altogether, scattered on all the beaches, with sufficient space to retain enough distance for privacy. Most resorts are family-run, and built with basic, natural materials such as hard woods and bamboos. Some offer full facilities with pool & Jacuzzi, internet, satellite TV and tub with hot shower. There are a few four or five star resorts offering Spa treatments and various luxuries. The majority of beaches have tree-shaded areas adjoining them that are ideal for escaping the midday sun. A wide variety of restaurants offer both Western and Thai Food and a number offer Indian food also. Everyone offers fresh seafood from the Andaman Sea daily.

Many of the resorts have a beach bar as well and offer daytime refreshments and night time entertainment. A few of the Muslim resorts don't serve alcohol, but with bars on every beach it's quick work to locate a drink.

Holidaying towards the northern end of the island, near to Saladan Town and the Pier, provides more convenience. This is the island's main town, and offers a variety of tour agents, banks, dive schools, restaurants and souvenir shops. The road around the island is now paved entirely, making for easier transportation, although the road running from Phra Ae Beach to the East coast remains more difficult to travel by. More southerly resorts can offer less tourists as well as fantastic beaches.

Sightseeing on Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta Old Town Driving or riding around Ko Lanta is a challenge and makes for an excellent adventure. You can explore independently by renting a bike or Jeep 4WD at any of the tour agents on the island. The road conditions are good with paved surfaces, with the exceptions of two roads - the first running across the island to the East coast, and the second the last 10km of road at the southernmost point on the way to national park. This should be attempted by experience riders only.

Ko Lanta's people are a mixture of many races; Muslim, Thai, Thai-Chinese and Sea Gypsies. This diversity means you can see old Chinese style houses, Islamic Mosques, Buddhist Temples and traditional Thai housing styles, all on one tiny island.

Many of the local people work in fishing communities, and you can easily spot large groups of the colourful long-tail boats moored on almost every beach. Further inland, you can see rubber and palm farming set against the back drop of Ko Lanta's mountain range. On the East coast flat lands prawn farming and fish farming using floating baskets continues .

Lanta Island Sightseeing

Sea Gypsies spiritual boat ceremony

Ko Lanta's people refer to this as "Loi Rua" or "Floating Boat". The Sea Gypsies believe this ceremony casts away bad luck and honours their ancestors' spirits.

Ko Lanta Special Events

Climate and Geography

Weather on Ko Lanta is typically that of a tropical monsoon climate. The monsoons change direction twice a year, coming once from the south-west and once from the north-east. This causes Ko Lanta to have only two seasons - the summer season and the rainy season. The tourist season in Ko Lanta runs from October through until May with most visitors arriving from November to March. The temperature on the island doesn't vary much all year, with a comfortable 32-34 degree C daytime temperature and 20-25 degree C night time temperature. Sea temperature similarly stays at around 28 to 30 degrees all year round.

The South-West monsoon brings the rain to the island during low season. Ko Lanta's mountain range blocks some rain and aids jungle regrowth on the west side, as well as filling up the reservoirs. This is a time of rejuvenation and new life for Ko Lanta’s National Park. On the other side of the mountains, lesser rainfall fails to affect the growth of the mangrove forests, which continue to team with all manner of sea life.

Ko Lanta Climate & Weather

Laanta lanta festival

The Laanta Lanta Festival is held every year, generally at Ko lanta old town, and is a celebration of community spirit and harmony,

offering a chance for locals and visitors to enjoy unique cultural facets still prevalent on this unspoiled island today.

Ko Lanta Special Event

Ko Lanta People

Ko Lanta has a very diverse cultural mix well worth preserving. Thai-Muslim, Thai-Chinese and original settlers the Sea Gypsies have lived on the island in harmony for hundreds of years. All are very tolerant to outsiders and most visitors are greeted with a smile.

Ko Lanta's People

Ko Lanta's History

Over one hundred years ago. Ko Lanta was officially registered by the Thai Government within the district of Krabi.

Ko Lanta History

Ko Lanta Quick Links

Ko Lanta : Lanta Beaches : Lanta Activities : Nearby Island : Transfer to Ko Lanta