The long, slender island of Ko Lanta, or Ko Lanta Yai to be exact, was once one of the lesser-visited backpacker spots in southern Thailand. It played second fiddle to the grand traveller magnets of Ko Phi Phi and Railay Beach on the west coast, and Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao on Thailand's east coast. But for those in the know, a bit of second fiddle was just what the doctor ordered.
As travellers moaned about packed out beaches and overpriced bungalows on Ko Phi Phi and Railay, Ko Lanta was awash with near-deserted beaches and surprisingly good value accommodation -- with an ample supply of both budget bungalows and more mid-range hotels and resorts.
But, like all the best secrets, word about just how great Ko Lanta slowly spread and the last few years has seen substantial development on the island. But don't panic: Just because there's a six-star boutique over the headland doesn't mean all the bamboo shacks have gone the way of the dodo. The swish upmarket resorts have blended in quite well, with some so discreet that you wouldn’t know they were there unless you were looking for them. The budget accommodation on the beaches is also less obtrusive compared with other popular Thai islands.
Ko Lanta Yai (Big Lanta Island) is the largest island within the Ko Lanta archipelago, a grouping of some 50 mostly uninhabited islands. The southern reaches of this group, including the southern tip of Ko Lanta Yai itself, form the quite well regarded Mu Ko Lanta National Marine Park. The main island is home to some 10,000 indigenous residents -- most of whom are Muslim -- and who have busied themselves for generations in fishing and agriculture. Tourism is a relatively new scene.
While it is easy to see the hotels, resorts, bars and restaurants lining the northern beaches of Ko Lanta Yai and assume an "anything goes" style attitude prevails here, that would be a mistake. The locals, especially the older generation, are quite conservative, though many of the people you'll deal with day to day may hark from elsewhere in Thailand and be more cosmopolitan in their views.
This conservative vibe has helped solidify the island's reputation as a safe, family-friendly destination. Indeed, this is further buttressed by the generally calm waters and broad open beaches along Ko Lanta’s west coast. If you're travelling with small kids in tow, you'll likely find Ko Lanta to be a winning choice.
While the western coast is lined with fine, open beaches, the island's east coast is more given over to mangroves and small riverine inlets. You're unlikely to find yourself in this part of the island except as a part of one of the popular kayak excursions or perhaps if you're doing a bit of exploration by bicycle. The villages on the east coast, like pretty much anything off the main tourist strip, are old school and conservative. Expect lots of friendly reactions, but dress -- and behave -- with consideration.
Today, Ko Lanta has accommodation for just about every budget, from luxurious hideaways to backpacker bungalows, and everything in between. In a nod to it remaining off the package tour radar, the island remains seasonal, with some guesthouses, resorts and restaurants shutting down in low season. There's an upside to low season of course: If you don't mind coming out of the ocean to the occasionally soggy beach towel, you'll get some astounding cheap deals from those places that do stay open, and more than likely have the beach all to yourself. The low season is slowly luring more tourists though, and most restaurants and accommodation in the larger areas are now open all year.
In season, Ko Lanta offers stacks of ways to keep busy, from sunbathing (yes, you can be busy sunbathing) through to snorkelling and diving trips, kayak trips, elephant rides, afternoon volleyball matches, back-country explorations by bicycle or just slowly but steadily wearing out your hammock.
The diving in particular is worth a mention. Many look no further than Ko Phi Phi and Ko Tao when it comes to selecting a diving location in Thailand, but with the main season running from October through to April, there's ample time to fit some diving in around Lanta as well. Reefs lie directly off some of the main island's beaches, but dive trips also go out to some of the many other islands in the archipelago, as well as to sites between Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi, meaning you'll often have a less crowded diving scene than at the aforementioned dive spots. It's also popular with dive live aboard trips. Note that snorkellers can often join a dive trip at a reduced fee.
Escape-Cabins
Lanta Castaway Resort
Kaw Kwang Beach Resort
Sayang Beach Bungalows
Lanta Marine Park View Resort + Spa
Lanta Bee Garden Bungalows
Lantawadee Resort and Spa
Lanta Thip House
Pada Hotel
Sincere House
Gooddays Lanta Chalet + Resort
Mook Lanta Boutique Resort + Spa
Lanta Island Resort
Papillon
Lanta Palace Hill ResortHere are some discussions off the Travelfish forum, perhaps related to Ko Lanta. You can find the full forum here.
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