The
beaches are certainly one of the most appealing aspects of the island. Koh Lanta
boasts more than 10 beaches, each of them with its own certain charm. It might,
however, be difficult for you to see them all – it usually happens that you
fall under the spell of one of them, and end up staying there for the duration
of their time on the island (photo
gallery) ! Divers, whether just beginning or more experienced,
will find their paradise in the waters surrounding Koh Lanta. The island is close
to the famous Hin Daeng & Hin Muang pinnacles, where marine life is exceptional
(scuba diving). Boat tours
can be arranged, either individually or by group, to visit the neighboring islands.
Boats or canoes can also be rented to explore the incredible mangrove swamp,
inhabited by crab-eating monkeys.
Other activities
on offer to you include: snorkeling,
jungle treks, waterfalls, orchid farms, and visits to the underground grottoes. Koh
Lanta is often called "sunset island". And, as the entire west coast
offers great views, you can enjoy these spectacular sunsets from the beach of
your choice. But
what exactly makes Koh Lanta such a special island to visit?• a rich
and colourful natural environment
• exceptional dive sites, some of which
are world renowned
• A wide range of lodging options
• A multitude
of land and water sports and activities
• A warm welcome and smiling locals
• The west coast boasts astonishing white sand beaches which stretch for
miles.
• Within the turquoise waters, marine life is abundant and varied.
•
The rest of the island is managed by the Koh Lanta National Park, which protects
the jungle and forested regions. Wood cutting is strictly regulated, and most
resorts have embraced this trend of eco-tourism.
• The twenty thousand
inhabitants of the island have added tourism to their already long list of industries
- including fishing, coconut, rubber tree plantations, rice, fruit trees and shrimp
farming for export.
• Even mid-season it is possible to walk several kilometers
along the beach and only meet up with a handful of other tourists.
• The
islanders have kept their grace and charm, and the island itself remains an authentic
escape in comparison to the other more developed islands and beaches.
•
Most of the beaches on Lanta are edged with trees, which provide you with a shady
escape from the mid-day sun.
The tourist season stretches from October
to April. Most tourists, however, tend to visit the island between December and
March. Each year, an increasing number of people visit during the low season,
and as a result, most resorts now remain open year-round. During the rainy season,
(August through October) there are torrential rains for hours daily, sometimes
even stretching to several straight days of rain (climate). Getting
ThereFrom Phuket, Bangkok, and Malaysia, Koh Lanta is easily accessible.
The island is serviced daily by passenger ferries from Krabi or Koh Phi Phi, and
alternately by car ferries leaving from Hue Hin pier on the mainland. (
information on how to get to Koh Lanta). |
