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Overview of Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is an island located 70 kilometers away from Krabi with an area around 340 square meters (131 square feet). Koh Lanta consists of several islands, most are two Koh Lanta Noi ("Little Lanta Island") and Koh Lanta Yai ("Big Lanta Island"). However, Koh Lanta Yai is the place for all tourist activities. Koh Lanta is famous in having several beaches with clear veridian green water with Khlong Dao as the most popular beach for tourist.

Attractions

Lanta Old Town is a small town on the east side of Koh Lanta.  the town is one of the most culturally diverse with Chinese merchants, Thai fishing families and an ancient community of sea gypsies. Many years ago, the ancient city of Koh Lanta functioned as a port and commercial center of the island, and a safe haven for ships, Arabic, Chinese and navigation between the larger ports of Phuket, Penang and Singapore. Today, the town become historic capital of the district with post office, police station, Buddhist temples, Chinese temples and hospital. Places to visit are including good restaurants and interesting shops, hand-made hammocks and a gallery of original art of batik. Also the ideal starting point for other islands such as Koh Bubu and Koh Talenbeng.

Ban Saladan, located around 3 kilometers away from Klong Dao Beach, is the tourist center of Koh Lanta. You can find cheap transportation, diving trips, banking and shopping there.

Khao Mai Kaew Caves, tourists can visit the beautiful caves in Khao Mai Kaew that are in the center of the island in daytime. With wonderful rocks and caves hosting spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, some of these caves has a huge pool. To explore the caves, you need tour guide but the price is not expensive. Other method is an elephant riding. Please prepare sport shoes because the caves are wet and slippery.

Sea Gypsy Village commonly known for Thais as Chao Le. The sea gypsies' settlement in the area originated hundred years ago along the coast built Palafito built between the water level in the full tide. They are unique because Chao Le speak their own language and traditional beliefs in supernatural rituals. One of the well-known is Ruea Loy (floating boat) ceremony, where the men of the village to build a symbolic boat and wooden statues, with pairs of nails, hair and puffed rice. Asking for forgiveness to the gods of the sea to carry away the sins and bad things they have done to the sea.

Orchid Nursery Farm is a farm for nursing flowers. The Orchid Nursery Farm is located at Long Beach (Pra Ae beach) with very cheap entrance fee. You can get there by bike or motorbike.

Koh Lanta Noi Lanta Noi island does not have much tourist facilities but is worth to have a visit. You can travel to the island by hiring motorbike, taking ferry or longtail boat from Saladan Pier. There are some roads that will take you around the island to see the local way of life. Few local restaurants along the way if you feel hungry. Map is taking an important role for exploring the island. You can acquire it at tourist offices on the island.

After Dark

There are several restaurants and bars at the port, beaches and most hotels. Since it is a small island free from crime and drunk, the police are more flexible and allow bars to stay open until the last guest goes home.

Charlee BARleys - a friendly bar, restaurant and bungalow in the center of Klong Nin Beach. This is a great place to meet other travelers from every continent. Relaxed sunset Happy Hours everynight. Sometimes live-music from international guests. Check it out.

Mooks Bar - on Klong Dao beach between D.R. Lanta Bay Resort and Sun Fun & Sea Bungalows. A good spot to relax with a drink on the beach, listen to some reggae, and watch sports. Mook, the bar owner is a nice and friendly person.

Oscar's Bar - driftwood terrace on the beach.

Where Else / Feeling Bar - Indian & Thai food, in a clean, friendly, quiet, and above all relaxed atmosphere.

Korner Bar, Long Beach (Far south end of Long Beach, before Relax Bay). Bar on the beach/rocks that often has cheap drink offers on and sometimes guest DJs. Nice atmosphere and open late - axe pillow seating outside and covered seating inside.

Time for Lime's Beach Bar, nice jazzy & chilled out music on the beach.Irie Bar, northern Phrae Ae Beach (on the main road, beach side as you enter Phrae Ae from Klong Dao, next to Mr. Green Restaurant and Chill House). Local guy named Arms plays here with his band 'Lantana'.

Time to Visit

Peak season: late December, early January and for some resorts also around Songkran in April; expect premiums of 25–50% or more over the high season price and on Christmas and New Year's Eve many resorts have a compulsory banquet costing about as much as an extra night's accommodation.

High season: from November until February, excluding peak season

Low season: April/May to October. Many resorts will be as much as 50% cheaper than the high season price. Many places used to close entirely but they tend to open year round recently.

Getting There

The nearest airports are Krabi, Trang and Phuket. Krabi and Trang have direct road and ferry to Koh Lanta, and is the best option to visit the island. Flying from Phuket is a better choice if you plan to spend time in Phuket and nearby islands since Phuket has lots of international flights. It's a choice if you do not want to organize a domestic flight from Bangkok to Krabi or Trang. Otherwise, there are daily flights to and directly to Krabi from/to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

You can book hotels and tour in Koh Lanta with Jumbo Thai.
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