Koh Lanta, consisting of 52 islands including the largest Koh Lanta Yai, is located 70 kilometres from Krabi. Lanta's scenic beauty may not quite compete with some other areas in the province; however, if you're looking for complete peace and quiet away from the bustling tourist areas, with a few home comforts, Koh Lanta is the place for you. Low key development and unspoiled nature are Lanta's main attractions. Mountainous and rugged in some areas, especially near the southern tip, its green forested hills, gravel and sand beaches, pretty coral reefs perfect for scuba diving, clear emerald water and traditional lifestyle, provide a charming retreat from modern life.
Koh Lanta is close to all of the popular scuba diving sites of the Andaman Sea such as Hin Daeng & Hin Muang, Koh Bida Nok & Koh Bida Nai, and Koh Haa offering superb diving for all levels of scuba diver. Snorkeling is also a popular activity in Koh Lanta with many outstanding areas contained within the Koh Lanta National Marine Park including Koh Rok, Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, Koh Chuek and Koh Kradan with their white sand beaches, crystal clear water, pristine coral reefs and abundent fish. Only 20,000 people live on Lanta including a clan of Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies. This distinct ethnic group still follow their traditional customs and culture. Along with the Muslim and Chinese locals they give the island its unique ambiance. Although more locals are becoming involved in the tourism industry, many remain unaffected by tourism, still earning their living from rubber, prawn farming and fishing. Traditional houses and friendly faces still remain. A little to the south of Koh Lanta lies Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan and Koh Muk which offer stunning beaches, great snorkelling and total seclusion. Koh Lanta's west coast offers stunning white sand beaches and clear water. In recent years steady tourist development has increased the range of accommodation from simple and basic bungalows, to more sophisticated resorts overlooking beautiful Kantiang Bay. Many resorts are concentrated in the main beach areas at Long Beach (Phra Ae) and Klong Dao along the west coast, with a few resorts scattered around the southwest. Most of the new development has been designed to blend with the environment and is low rise, largely due to recent local laws preventing high rise construction and protecting Lanta from the negative impacts of tourism. The east side of Koh Lanta is rich with mangrove forest providing ampul opportunity for trekking or kayaking. This is also the best way to explore the scenic beauty of the island slowly paddling along cannels observing the pristine forest and animal life. It is also possible to explore by elephant rides through the untouched rainforest of the Koh Lanta National Park. |
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