Koh Lanta Beaches

Koh Lanta's Beaches

Located about 80 km south of Krabi Town by road, Koh Lanta Yai is the second largest island of a large archipelago consisting of four island groups in Krabi Province including more than 80 islands. Commonly known simply as "Ko Lanta", it is the main tourist destination of archipelago and one of Thailand's top seaside destinations. The island is famous for its pristine beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Six kilometers in width and 30 km in length, Koh Lanta is characterized by limestone hills covered by rainforest vegetation. Located on the north western tip of Koh Lanta Yai, Ban Saladan is the administrative center, the main village and home of the only ferry pier on the island. It is a small harbour town which is full of quaint cafes, great seafood restaurants and local souvenir shops. The most beautiful beaches of Koh Lanta are spread on the west coast, separated by rocky headlands and inlets. Those located to the north, close to Ban Saladan, are the most developed, those situated further south are more remote and quiet. The east coast is formed by limestone shoals with a few sandy beaches not suitable for swimming. The island is relatively small, there is almost no crime and the police are very permissive allowing the many pubs on the beaches to remain open until late at night. Koh Lanta Yai does not have roads connecting it directly to the mainland, but is served by regular car ferries throughout the year. The crossing is made in two stages, first from Baan Hua Hin located on Koh Klang, which is often mistakenly thought of as part of mainland, to the Krabi Pier in Koh Lanta Noi and then from a second pier on Koh Lanta Yai, 5 km to southwest, to Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta Yai. Since 2016, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi are connected with a bridge, which avoids the second crossing by boat. Departures from Hua Hin Pier are frequent throughout the day, from 7 am to 10 pm; the crossing takes about 20 minutes and it cost is about 130 THB for two people and car per one-way. There are plenty of minivan services which connect Phuket, Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and the nearby airports of Krabi and Trang to Koh Lanta. The cost varies depending on the company, normally about 500-600 THB from Krabi and 700-800 THB from Phuket, including the cost of ferry ticket. Most companies offer the transfer up to your hotel in Koh Lanta Yai. In high season, from November to late April, several private company operate boat services connecting Koh Lanta Yai to Krabi, Ao Nang and the surrounding islands, such as Phi Phi Don, Phuket and even the furthermost Koh Lipe. For more information on timetable and fares please refer to the page: Koh Lanta Ferries.Read More