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Koh Lanta Island is nestled in the Strait of Malacca, off Thailand’s west coast. This is a lesser-known island and a paradise that shows the essence of the region. Palm trees pace up the way along the shoreline of the beaches of Koh Lanta Island. Its colourful coral reefs with marine life offer an atmosphere that invites tourists for relaxation and rejuvenation. This place awaits visitors to appreciate the natural beauty it offers in the form of beautiful sunsets and adventurous water sports. It promises an unforgettable coastal charm that is worth experiencing.
Location Of Koh Lanta Island
Photo: Fabio Achilli / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Lanta is located in the Andaman Sea between Phi Phi Islands and the west coast of Thailand. It is 70 kilometres from the south of Krabi Town and lies in the Krabi Province. This place is reachable via both Phuket and Krabi with multiple ferry services. Koh Lanta Island is further divided into two islands called Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi. The major port city is Ban Saladan connecting Koh Lanta to Krabi, Phi Phi and Phuket through the sea. The route is approximately twenty-five kilometres long.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Phi Phi Island On Your Next Trip
Things To Do At Koh Lanta Island
Photo: Dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Lanta Island is known for its relaxed vibe and one of the prominent reasons to visit this place is the peaceful surroundings. Away from the bustling towns, this place offers an array of activities.
1. Scuba Diving
Photo: Matthew T Rader / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are plenty of diving schools on the islands that offer you watersports with specialised instruction and unforgettable experiences. Dive into the waters of Koh Lanta Island to spot beautiful marine life and colourful coral reefs. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear depths and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. From PADI certifications to secret dive spots, this dreamy destination is a diver’s paradise.
Suggested Read: Top Best Islands In Thailand For An Amazing Experience
2. Thai Massages
Photo: Garonzi Stefania / Wikimedia Commons
It is recommended to try Thai Massages at a peaceful place in Koh Lanta. Amidst the serene beauty of Koh Lanta, indulge in the healing touch of traditional Thai massages. Numerous massage parlours dot the island, each offering a unique blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. You’ll find solace for both body and soul. Let the gentle waves and skilled therapists transport you to a state of bliss.
3. Bamboo Tattoos
Photo: Pattaya Patrol / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bamboo tattoos are an exciting technique through which tattoos are made in Koh Lanta. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this Thai island by getting a traditional bamboo tattoo. Unlike modern machine tattoos, these hand-poked designs are not only visually captivating but also believed to heal faster. Whether you choose a protective yantra or a delicate motif, each bamboo tattoo carries a unique charm that resonates with Koh Lanta’s serene beauty.
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4. Island-Hopping
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Beyond Koh Lanta’s shores lie a constellation of enchanting islands waiting to be discovered. Embark on boat and ferry rides to nearby paradises like Koh Phi Phi, where azure waters meet dramatic cliffs, or tranquil Koh Ngai, known for its soft coral reefs. Don’t miss the mystical Emerald Cave on Koh Mook, accessible only by swimming through a hidden tunnel. Each island promises unique adventures, making Koh Lanta the perfect getaway to island-hopping bliss.
5. Thai Cuisine
Photo: Chunpeang1tan / Wikimedia Commons
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or a vegetarian, the island offers a tantalising array of dishes. Dive into flavoursome creations infused with aromatic spices. Don’t miss the renowned Gaeng Som, a tangy and spicy Thai soup, or the fragrant Khao Mok Gai, a chicken biryani. For a unique experience, indulge in Khanom Jeen, delicate rice noodles served with an assortment of zesty curries. Koh Lanta’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses.
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Places To Visit Near Koh Lanta Island
There are numerous places to visit at Koh Lanta Island. This place also serves as a gateway to other nearby tourist attractions, islands and destinations.
1. Koh Lanta Butterfly Farm
Photo: Andreas.Didion / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koh Lanta Butterfly Farm is a popular place located on Koh Lanta Island. It is located on the western coast of Koh Lanta in the Phra Ae Beach area. This beach is also known as Long Beach. The farm is home to numerous butterfly species which reside in Thailand. These species are native to the region. Visitors are allowed to observe butterflies in different stages of their lifecycle. From caterpillars to fully grown butterflies, the lifecycle is worth noticing. The Butterfly Farm has lush green gardens in the surroundings — species like the Common Rose, Blue Tiger, Common Mormon and Great Eggfly.
Location: Koh Lanta Butterfly Garden Phra Ae Beach (Long Beach) Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta Krabi Province, Thailand
Distance From Koh Lanta Island: 8 km
Entry Free: 200 BAHT
2. Mu Koh Lanta National Park
Photo: Wanjak Atikomchakorn / Wikimedia Commons
This national park is located at the southern tip of Koh Lanta Island. The place is highly recommended and should be a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The park has trekking and hiking trail routes through the tropical rainforests of the region. At the tip of this park lies the beautiful Ta Noad Beach. Standing at the tip of Mu Koh Lanta National Park offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding lush greenery and waters of the Andaman Sea. Ta Noad Beach is known for its soft white sand. There are many popular spots in the vicinity of this park including Baan Sang Ga U and a lighthouse viewpoint at Laem Tanod.
Location: Mu Koh Lanta National Park Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta Krabi Province, 81150 Thailand
Distance From Koh Lanta Island: 21.6 km
Entry Free: 400 BAHT for adults
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3. Khlong Chak Waterfall
Photo: Stéphane Bidouze / Wikimedia Commons
This waterpark is located within Mu Koh Lanta National Park. The waterfall is situated in between the tropical forests and offers a peaceful environment for tourists to immerse themselves in. There is a small plunge pool where the water falls making it a spot for swimming and bathing. Proper care shall be taken as lizards and scorpions can be found sitting on the rocks near the waterfall. A small cave near the waterfall is also open for visitors to explore. Take a look at how these rock caves have been preserving the region and heritage around the waterfall for ages. Khlong Chak Waterfall invites all tourists to have a soothing time by taking a refreshing dip in the waters and enjoying the natural setting of the waterfall in Mu Koh Lanta National Park.
Location: Khlong Chak Waterfall Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta Krabi Province, 81150 Thailand
Distance From Koh Lanta Island: 18.7 km
Entry Free: No entry fee
4. Krabi Town
Photo: Stefan Fussan / Wikimedia Commons
Krabi Town is the provincial capital of Krabi Province in Thailand. This town is situated along the Krabi River which offers scenic views and numerous options for riverboats and cruise tours. The place is known for its night market where tourists and visitors can taste local street food, shop for clothes and handicrafts and appreciate the Thai night markets. The town also has a Buddhist Temple called Wat Kaew Korawaram where tourists can feel the aura. There are two cliffs of limestone, Khao Khanab Nam, which are iconic landmarks of Krabi Town. Thai cuisine and local dishes can be tasted in the chain of hotels and restaurants in the town.
Location: Krabi Town, Krabi Province, Thailand
Distance From Koh Lanta Island: 100 km
Entry Free: No entry fee.
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5. Koh Phi Phi Island
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Phi Phi Island is a popular tourist destination which can be reached by boat from Koh Lanta Island. Koh Phi Phi comprises two main islands called Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The place is also known for its ‘Maya Bay’ which is very famous due to the movie ‘The Beach’. Phi Phi Don has numerous beaches, nightlife and many water sports activities to be performed. Two of the most preferred water sports activities are snorkelling and scuba diving. Tourists often perform scuba diving to explore the deep waters with extravagant marine life. Scuba divers come across beautiful landscapes, coral gardens of both soft and hard coral reefs and many unexplored corners.
Location: Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Distance From Koh Lanta Island: 33 km
Entry Free: No entry fee
How To Reach Koh Lanta Island
Photo: Dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
From Phuket or Krabi, take a ferry to Koh Lanta which might take at least an hour and a half to reach. The ferry starts from Phuket’s Rassada Pier and ends at Koh Lanta’s Saladan Pier. Ferry services are available from Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi too. It is recommended to visit during the dry season from the months of November to April which is considered as an ideal time for not only exploring the place but also to try out a number of water sports as the water is clear.
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Koh Lanta Island offers something that leaves the visitors in awe. Discover unique beaches along Koh Lanta Island that are unexplored and secluded. The island is surrounded by tropical rainforests in the very famous Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Embrace the local Thai culture at one of the vibrant markets with amazing nightlife and cuisine that is brought to your table from an array of restaurants. Plan your trip with TripXL which promises you an unforgettable experience at Koh Lanta Island, Thailand.
Cover Photo: Dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
