Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta Marine National Park

Covering a total area of 152 sq.km., this marine park consists of 15 offshore islands, most surrounded by coral reefs. Some major islands are Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta Noi, Ko Talengbeng, Ko Ha, Ko Rok and Ko Ngai.

Ko Lanta Yai

Ko Lanta Yai, the main island in the park, is where the National Park's Office is situated and is also home to sea gypsies. The mountains in the northern part and southern tip of the island are covered with virgin rain forests. Several beautiful beaches are along the north and the south of its west coast, i.e. Khlong Dao beach, Khlong Nin beach, Phra Ae beach and Khlong Khong beach, where various styles of accommodations are available. There are coral reefs along some parts of the western side and Laem (cape) Kho Kwang at the northern tip.

Saladan Pier at the northern tip of the island is where tour operators, shops and banks are situated. The peak tourist season is from November to April.

Getting There

From Krabi town : During high season from Nov. 1 to April 1, a high-speed ferry departs for Ko Lanta's Saladan pier from Khlong Jilat pier in Krabi town at 11:30. The trip takes around 1.5 hours.

From Ao Nang : A high season ferry departs Ao Nang at 10:30 and takes 2 hours.

From Ko Phi Phi : A year-round speedboat runs from Phi Phi to Lanta at 11:30 and takes 1 hour. In high season, an additional speedboat runs from Phi Phi to Lanta at 15:30.

From Phuket : In high season, speedboats run directly from Phuket to Ko Lanta, departing at 8:30, taking 1.5 hours.

Also in high season only, the Tigerline ferry departs Phuket's Rassada pier for Lanta at 8:00.

By Road : Minibuses to Ko Lanta leave Krabi town at 11.00 and 13.00 hrs, taking about 2 hours. There is a vehicle ferry between Ban Hua Hin on the mainland and Ban Saladan on Ko Lanta Yai.

Ko Rok Nok

Ko Rok Nok to the south of Ko Lanta Yai, has a lovely curved bay with a white sand beach and a lot of coral reefs to the southeast and the south of the island. Tourists can contact tour operators on Ko Lanta Yai for an excursion to Ko Rok Nok by speedboat.

Ko Rok Nai connecting to Ko Rok Nok is an island that is mostly steep cliffs. It offers superb beach and plentiful unspoiled coral reefs among rocks.

Ko Ngai (Hai)

This small island has white fine sandy beaches in the east and plentiful coral reefs lying along most parts of the coast. It is easily accessible from Trang province. Boats leave Pak Meng pier in Trang for Ko Ngai daily at 09.00 hrs. These islands are best visited during the non-monsoon months from November to April.