Famous as Thailand’s backwater and famed for its luscious beaches as well as its amazing dive spots, Ko Lanta has slowly but steadily been catching the international attention. If you are someone looking beyond Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi, consider this budding gem promising sun, sand, sea and a lot more. Below we list 4 ways to experience the mesmerising beauty of this stunning island:
Scooter Tour of the Island
One of the best ways to explore the stunning island is on a scooter, with wind in your hair and sweeping vistas of lush forests on one side and the mighty sea on the other. You can start by exploring the beautiful string of southern beaches – the Kantiang Bay, Waterfall Bay and Bamboo Bay before heading across the mountains to the Old Town and basking in its quaint beauty. Drive by tourist resorts and local villages, stop at attractions that inspire you and choose to snack on sumptuous local cuisine at any restaurant that catches your fancy; all at your own pace.
Spend Time at the Long Beach
While the whole of Ko Lanta is surrounded by stunning beaches, the beautiful four kilometre stretch of white-sand Long Beach remains the most attractive of them all. One can sunbathe, read the latest beach book under the shade of palm and pine or swim in the turquoise waters here for a truly rejuvenating beach time. There are also a number of restaurants, bars and beach shacks here serving lip-smacking seafood.
Explore Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Spanning over 130 square kilometres along the southern tip of Ko Lanta, Mu Ko Lanta National Park boasts verdant trees, clear seas, cascading waterfalls and exotic flora and fauna native to the island amongst a lot more. While Ko Lanta Yai and Ko Lanta Noi are two islands where all the action is, a wide array of adventurous opportunities present themselves at every few kilometres. No matter whether you are choosing to relax on the Laem Tanod Beach or hike to the Tham Khao Mai Kaew Cave, camping and snorkelling in Ko Rok Nok or exploring the vast expanses of Thung Ye Feng Mangrove Forest, you are guaranteed a great time at Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
Leisurely Walks in the Old Town
Exuberating timelessness, the Old Town of Ko Lanta preserves the heritage of the island as well as its quaintness. You will still find Chinese wood-made shops and houses and wooden restaurants on stilts overlooking the east coast of Ko Lanta Yai. Your stroll here will also take through Chinese style markets decorated with lanterns as well as fish markets, reminding of the town’s fishing history. For witnessing the town in all its vibrant glory, visit during the Laanta-Lanta festival, held during the first full moon at the start of March.