Koh Lanta Yai is approximately 4km wide and 25km long and boasts 9 fantastic, white sandy beaches, stretching almost the entire length of its sunset west coast.

The east coast of the island is mostly mangrove swamps, which provide an important breeding ground of many marine species, including sharks.

The main village of Ban Sala Dan lies to the north, with a jungle covered hill range running down the length of the island to the south, separating the mangroves of the east coast from the long beaches of the west.

The island population contains a diverse cultural mix with Thai-Muslim, Thai-Chinese and the original Sea Gypsies living together in harmony on the island.

A paved government road runs from Ban Sang Ka Ou, the Sea Gypsy village in the south east of the island, up the east coast to Ban Saladan, and then down the west coast to the national park in the far south western tip of the island. It's impossible to get lost!

With its relaxed atmosphere and slow pace of life, the fast pace of life elsewhere is soon forgotten as the enchanting beaches, thick jungle, stunning sunsets and coral rimmed beaches take over.

The 20,000 inhabitants have a traditional economy of fishing, coconut plantations, rubber plantations, rice paddies, prawn farming and fruit. This economy is now supplemented with the growing tourist industry.

Lanta Noi is the smaller of the two major islands and is slowly starting to develop with limited tourist facilities. The old lifestyle and traditional styled houses can still be seen and make it worth a visit.

Koh Lanta is renowned for its stunning beaches, which are less crowded than those on more popular islands.

Almost the entire west coast of Lanta is dotted with pristine stretches of sand, each offering a unique atmosphere and experience.

Many of the other stunning islands in the Koh Lanta area such as Koh Rok, Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and Koh Mook are also home to spectacular tropical beaches.

Long Beach, or Phra Ae Beach, is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful beach on Koh Lanta. Stretching over 4 kilometres of soft, white sand, Long Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.

The water here is clear and calm, making it ideal for families with children. Along the beach, numerous bars, restaurants, and resorts offer a variety of dining and accommodation options.

Klong Khong Beach is popular among backpackers and budget travellers. The beach has a bohemian feel, with numerous beach bars and affordable accommodations. Klong Khong is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with regular fire shows and live music performances.

Klong Nin Beach is a tranquil beach known for its relaxed atmosphere. The beach is lined with small restaurants, bars, and bungalows, offering a laid-back vibe.

Klong Nin is an excellent spot for those seeking a quiet retreat, where they can enjoy the gentle sound of the waves and stunning sunsets.

Located further south, Kantiang Bay offers a more secluded experience with its crescent-shaped beach and lush green hills. Often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, Kantiang Bay provides some nice snorkelling opportunities.

The bay is also home to several upscale resorts, boutique hotels, and charming beach bars, making it a perfect spot for couples and honeymooners.

Bamboo Bay, or Ao Mai Phai, is one of the most remote and untouched beaches on Koh Lanta. The beach is surrounded by dense jungle, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquillity.

Bamboo Bay is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.

Koh Lanta is the gateway to some of Thailand's best diving and snorkelling sites, and is a fantastic place for scuba diving courses.

The waters around the island are part of the Mu Koh Lanta National Park, home to Koh Haa, Koh Rok, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang, and a huge diversity of marine life.

We also have easy access to all of the dive sites in the Phi Phi Marine Park, including the Bida islands, Koh Phi Phi Leh, the HTMS Kledkeao Wreck, Hin Klai, Shark Point & Anemone Reef.

Koh Haa is a group of six stunning islands with more than 12 dive sites, located around 25 - 30 minutes by speedboat from our office at Castaway Resort.

The islands are famous for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, including colourful fish, octopuses, and even whale sharks.

The underwater visibility at Koh Haa is often exceptional, making it a favourite spot for both novice and experienced divers.

Hin Daeng & Hin Muang are two of the most famous dive sites in Thailand, known for their stunning underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity.

Hin Daeng, or "Red Rock," features steep walls covered in red corals, while Hin Muang, or "Purple Rock," boasts beautiful purple corals.

Both sites are frequented by manta rays and whale sharks, offering divers a chance to witness these majestic creatures up close.

The coral reefs around Koh Lanta are home to a huge variety of marine life, including parrotfish, surgeonfish, stonefish, snapper, wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish, clownfish, barracudas, sharks, and octopus.

Divers can also explore underwater caves and swim alongside turtles, sharks, and huge schools of tropical fish. For those who prefer staying closer to the surface, snorkelling offers a glimpse into this underwater world, with plenty of shallow reefs to explore.

Efforts to protect and preserve Koh Lanta’s marine environments are ongoing, emphasising sustainable tourism practices to ensure that these underwater treasures remain vibrant and accessible for future generations.

For nature lovers, Koh Lanta offers plenty of adventures beyond the beaches.

The island's interior is covered in dense rainforest, home to diverse wildlife and some elusive species.

Visitors can explore these jungles through guided treks, where they might spot monkeys, hornbills, and other native species.

Mangrove tours offer an immersive experience into the island’s unique and vital ecosystems. These tours take visitors through dense mangrove forests, which play a crucial role in coastal protection and provide a habitat for diverse wildlife.

As you glide through the calm waters on a kayak or a longtail boat, you can observe the intricate root systems that support the mangroves and the myriad of creatures that thrive within them, such as crabs, monkeys, and a variety of bird species.

Guided by knowledgeable locals, the tours offer insights into the ecological importance of mangroves and the challenges they face from environmental changes. These excursions are not only educational but also peaceful, allowing visitors to connect with nature in a serene setting.

Exploring the mangroves provides a deeper appreciation of Koh Lanta’s natural beauty and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these essential environments for future generations.

One of the most popular natural attractions on Koh Lanta is the Khao Mai Kaew Cave.

This extensive cave system features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and adventurous visitors can explore its chambers with the help of local guides.

The journey through the cave includes climbing and crawling, making it an exciting and unique experience. The cave is also home to a small freshwater pool, where visitors can take a refreshing dip after their exploration.

The Mu Koh Lanta National Park, located at the southern tip of the island, is another highlight.

The park offers hiking trails with panoramic views, a picturesque lighthouse, and secluded beaches perfect for a quiet day out. It's also a great spot for birdwatching, with many endemic species inhabiting the area.

The national park is home to several species of monkeys, monitor lizards, and other wildlife, providing visitors with a chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat.

Koh Lanta also offers opportunities for waterfall trekking. The island also features a waterfall trek at Klong Jark in the south, located in the jungle.

Reaching the waterfall requires a bit of a trek along the stream to the waterfall and pool, however, the reward is worth the effort, as visitors can enjoy the cool, refreshing waters and the serene beauty of the surrounding nature.

It goes without saying that the best time to visit the waterfall is earlier in the high season when it's wetter, rather than in the hotter and drier months of February, March and April when there won't be so much water.

Koh Lanta has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Thai, Chinese, and Muslim communities.

The island offers several cultural and historical attractions that provide insight into its diverse past.

Lanta Old Town, located on the eastern side of the island, is a charming village with traditional wooden houses built on stilts over the water.

Walking through the Old Town feels like stepping back in time. The town was once a bustling port and commercial hub, and its historical significance is evident in its well-preserved architecture.

Lanta Old Town is also a great place to learn about the island's history and culture, with a small museum and local artisans selling handcrafted goods.

Lanta is home to several Muay Thai boxing gyms and training camps, with weekly fight-nights through the high season.

The island provides an ideal setting for both beginners and seasoned practitioners looking to hone their skills in Thailand’s national sport.

Under the guidance of experienced trainers, participants can improve their fitness, strength, and mental discipline.

Beyond the physical benefits, training in Muay Thai on Koh Lanta allows students to immerse themselves in Thai culture, learning the respect, humility, and dedication integral to the sport.

Taking a Thai cooking class is an excellent way to explore the rich culinary traditions of Thailand while enjoying the island's relaxed atmosphere.

These classes typically start with a visit to a local market, where you can learn about the fresh ingredients and spices that form the backbone of Thai cuisine.

Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll discover how to prepare classic dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and Green Curry.

The classes are hands-on, allowing you to practise techniques such as balancing flavours and creating aromatic pastes from scratch.

Koh Lanta's spiritual side can be explored through its many temples and shrines. Wat Koh Lanta, a beautiful Buddhist temple, offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the surrounding area.

The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and colourful murals depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.

There are also several shrines located around the island, particularly in Old Town, reflecting the history of the island people.

The island also has several mosques, reflecting its significant Muslim population, and visitors are welcome to explore these places of worship and learn about the local customs and traditions.

What truly sets Koh Lanta apart is its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The island has managed to retain its authentic charm despite growing tourism.

The local people are known for their warm hospitality, making visitors feel at home. The island's slower pace of life is a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of more commercialised destinations.

Despite being a less developed island, you can still find pretty much everything you’ll ever need here on Lanta, except McDonalds or Starbucks…

Accommodation on Koh Lanta ranges from budget-friendly bungalows and backpacker hostels to luxury resorts and private pool villas, catering to all types of travellers.

Many resorts and hotels are located right on the beach, offering stunning views and easy access to the sea.

Whether you're looking for a simple beachfront bungalow, a luxurious villa with a private pool, or a backpacker hostel, Koh Lanta has something to suit every preference and budget.

Dive & Relax is located at Lanta Castaway Beach Resort, at the south end of Long Beach.

You won't find a KFC, Starbucks or MacDonalds here, but you will find long sandy beaches with plenty of space to relax, rustic beach bars offering fresh seafood and sunset cocktails, and local family run restaurants by the side of the road selling cheap and delicious Thai food.

The nightlife on Koh Lanta is more subdued compared to other Thai islands, but there are still plenty of bars around the island, mostly on the beaches along the west of the island.

Even though Lanta is not really a party island, you can find a few places open until 3 or 4 am, usually with excellent DJs or live music, such as Korner Bar in Klong Khong or Free Descent on Long Beach.

For those seeking a more relaxed evening, many bars offer cosy settings where visitors can enjoy a cocktail or a cold beer while listening to the sound of the waves.

Koh Lanta is also a great destination for wellness and relaxation. The island offers a range of services, including traditional Thai massages, aromatherapy, and yoga classes.

Several resorts also offer wellness packages that include spa treatments, healthy meals, and yoga sessions, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate. Beach-front traditional Thai massage can be found in many resorts.

Lanta has several markets where visitors can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local produce, with the Saladan Market, located opposite the Medical Center being the biggest.

It's a bustling market offering a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to fresh seafood and street food. The market and street food stalls usually open in the early evening through the high season.

There are also the local fresh/wet markets which run all year. Here you will find fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and meat (pork only available at Saturday market), herbs & species, cooked food, snacks and lots of local southern Thai foods.

The fresh market happens 4 days per week, Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, each day at a different location around the island.

Its easy to get to Koh Lanta by ferry or road from many locations, including Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Jum, Koh Lipe, Phi Phi and Phuket.

The closest airport is Krabi International Airport, from where travellers can take a bus or taxi to Koh Lanta via the car ferry which runs from 5 am to midnight every day.

During the high season, there are also direct speedboat services from Koh Lipe, Phi Phi and Phuket to Koh Lanta.

Minivan transfers from Phuket, Ao Nang, Krabi, Trang, Khao Lak, and Surat Thani (Samui, Koh Phan Ngan, and Koh Tao) are also easy to arrange.

Getting around Koh Lanta is relatively easy. The island has a well-developed road network, and transportation options include motorbike rentals, taxis, and tuk-tuks.

Renting a motorbike is a popular choice for many visitors, as it allows for greater flexibility and the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.

Bicycles are also available for rent, providing an eco-friendly and healthy way to get around.

The best time to visit Koh Lanta is during the dry season, which runs from November to May.

During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with little to no rain. The sea is calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

The wet season, from June to October, sees more rainfall and rougher seas, but it can also be a good time to visit for those looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and activities.

Find out more about Koh Lanta and the Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park.