Travel Guide Thailand: Koh Lanta

The beautiful double island of Ko Lanta lies in the southwest of the southern region of Thailand. It consists of the larger island Ko Lanta Yai and the smaller, quieter island Ko Lanta Noi.

Compared to nearby Phuket or the Koh Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lanta is characterized by tranquillity and relaxation. It is one of the most picturesque islands in the country and impresses with its fantastic beaches, turquoise waters and idyllic bays. Ko Lanta radiates a very special magic and will certainly make the heart of every visitor beat faster.

Profile

Name
Ko Lanta (Thai: เกาะลันตา)

Location
In the southwest of the southern region of Thailand, at the transition of the Strait of Malacca into the Andaman Sea

Size
approx. 340 km²

Best travel time
End of November to April, especially January

Highlights
Snorkeling, diving or kayaking in the turquoise blue sea or relaxing on the many small beaches – Ko Lanta is a real natural paradise

Visiting Ko Lanta

Location, geography and climate

The island Ko Lanta belongs to the western coastal region Krabi, which lies at the Andaman Sea. Strictly speaking, the island consists of two islands: The northern island Lanta Noi and the southern main island Lanta Yai. Mostly covered by dense forest, Ko Lanta is characterised by numerous long sandy beaches. In total, Ko Lanta has over 50 small islands, most of which are uninhabited. The interior of Ko Lanta is also predominantly uninhabited. The entire island region has a population of 20,000, most of whom live from fishing. At the moment mainly the island Ko Lanta Yai is touristically developed.

Due to the division into two parts, Ko Lanta is also known as a double island. The two islands are separated by a natural seawater path that is about one kilometre wide. Ko Lanta consists mainly of limestone. The landscape also features typical karst forms such as dolias, karst towers and caves. On the coasts as well as in the interior there are also sand-lime rocks.

Ko Lanta lies within the tropical climate zone. Average annual temperatures are between 23°C and 35°C. On Ko Lanta you can distinguish between a dry, hot season between December and April and a monsoon season between May and December. The monsoon season has the highest rainfall between September and October.

Flora and fauna on Koh Lanta

Besides the numerous white beaches, you will also find unique mangrove forests and dense jungle on the double island. On the coast you will find colorful coral reefs.
Ko Lanta is part of Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Animals like deer, muntiaks and even tigers can be found here. It is also home to a number of bird, reptile and amphibian species. Last but not least, the waters of Ko Lanta and the surrounding islands impress with their extensive stocks of saltwater and freshwater fish as well as fascinating colourful corals.

Highlights

Water sports enthusiasts will find a paradise for snorkeling and diving or to go on a kayak exploration tour. Tourism on Ko Lanta is not yet as pronounced as in other regions of Thailand and is aimed rather at recreation seekers than party enthusiasts. The numerous beaches are a highlight of the island, but it is also worthwhile to explore the other islands by boat or kayak or to visit the Khao Mai Kaew caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites in the interior. The island is part of Mu Koh Lanta National Park which comprises a total of 50 small islands. You can find a lot more interesting information on the website of the park.