The glossy green leaves and sinister-looking roots of mangrove trees line a maze of tranquil streams, rivers and inlets on Ko Lanta Yai’s northeast coast, not far from Ko Lanta Noi. Whether you stop in for a stroll, spend a few hours in a boat or settle into a floating homestay, the Thung Yee Pheng mangrove forest provides a worthwhile break from the beaches.
Those who only want a taste of this landscape can stick to a wooden walkway that leads part way into the forest. You don’t have to look far to spot fiddler crabs twisting in the muddy sediment held together by the roots. Cranes, sea eagles and many other types of birds soar over the trees or fish in the shallows. The only sound is the distant hum of longtail boat engines.
Time for some peace and quiet. Photo: David Luekens
Kayaks can be rented for exploring the brackish rivers, or you can hop in a longtail boat for a cruise that winds alongside the mangroves. Either way, you might stop at the Floating House Fish Farm and Homestay, an open-sided log structure where fish swim in saltwater pens until they’re fetched for the barbecue. You’ll also pass spots where monkeys munch on the marine life—easy pickings at low tide.
Kayaks cost 500 baht for up to three hours and can be arranged at the front gate, which is staffed by a company called Sea Kayak Tour. They can also arrange a longtail boat tour, though it’s possible to negotiate these direct with a longtail driver once you’ve entered the forest; we paid 500 baht for a two-hour cruise. Running 1,000 baht per person, half-day group kayaking tours can be booked direct through any Lanta travel agent.
Mr Bangmat shouted bits of knowledge as he steered. Photo: David Luekens
If you feel like sticking around, the aforementioned homestay offers tents set up on the open-air house’s upper deck to go with activities like kayaking, a “water bike” and boat trips to Ko Talabeng and Ko Bu Bu. It’s a lovely spot, made better by the fact that dinner is always swimming beneath your feet. There is no land access to the mainland, so expect to ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
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By
David Luekens.
Last updated on 9th February, 2019.
How to get there
Signs mark the mangrove forest off the main east-coast road, about 10 km north of the Old Town and eight km south of Saladan. If wanting to come straight here from the west coast, take the cross-island road from Haad Phra Ae, then a left at the end. Admission is 20 baht.
Location map for Thung Yee Pheng Mangrove Forest
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