According to EXISTINGCOUNTRIES, the Lanta archipelago is located 70 km south of the city of Krabi off the southern coast of Thailand. It includes two large islands – Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai, as well as about 50 small islands. There are no beaches or hotels on Lanta Noi, it is completely overgrown with mangroves. The resort area is located on the island of Lanta Yai. This is the largest island in the province of Krabi, its length from north to south is 27 km. You can get to the island by ferry from the city of Krabi or from the island of Phi Phi.
The eastern part of Lanta Yai is mountainous and covered with tropical forests. The main beaches are located in the western part of the island, there are about 9 in total. From the very north of the village of Ban Saladan, where the ferry arrives, and further south for 25 km, sandy beaches stretch along which bungalow hotels lined up. The northernmost beach of the island – Klong Dao – has the most developed infrastructure and is the most popular among tourists. This is a three-kilometer white sand beach. It is located 2 km from Ban Saladan. The coastal waters here are calm, so even children can swim in Klong Dao. Next comes Long Beach. It stretches for 4 km, the hotels are located quite far from it and the coastal waters are not as calm as on Klong Dao. Khlong Kong Beach surrounded by palm trees and famous for its hotels. Here you can find many dive centers. Klong Nin Beach is surrounded by coconut palms, pine trees and tropical forest. It is suitable for a measured, relaxing holiday. The beaches of the southern part of the west coast of the island are less popular among tourists, because it is quite difficult to get here along the local “broken” road. They are surrounded by mountains and rainforest. Beaches such as Ao Nui, Bamboo Bay and Klong Jark are found here. In the very south of the island is Lanta National Marine Park. On its territory you can see two beaches – Beauty Stone and Palm Beach. There are no beaches in the area hotelsand bars, because the protected area begins here. On the beaches, only picnics are allowed. The park itself has many hiking trails, as well as a wide variety of vegetation and birds. At the southern end of the park there is a lighthouse, which is the symbol of the island.
The Lanta archipelago is ideal for diving enthusiasts. The main and best places for scuba diving are small islands of the archipelago. The Koh Ha group of islands is protected by the National Marine Park. Here you can see more than 200 species of colorful corals, underwater caves, about 100 species of tropical fish and even whale sharks. Among divers, the Koh Rok group of islands with its surrounding coral reef is very popular. This place is great for snorkelling. Coastal waters of the island Ko Rok Nai are considered the cleanest in the region – underwater visibility is excellent here. The city of Lanta is located on the southeast coast of Lanta Yai. It has an Art Gallery, Buddhist and Chinese temples, and small markets where locals sell souvenirs. In the center of the island are the Mai Kayu caves, which can be reached by hiking through the forest. The entrance to the caves is a small hole in the mountain, but as you move deeper into the caves, their halls become larger and larger. In the underground labyrinth you can see stalactites, stalagmites and lakes where you can swim. Traveling alone through the caves is not recommended. Not far from here is a Muslim community, whose members willingly volunteer to be guides for a small fee.
In the southern part of the island, several villages are of interest, where Chao Le sea gypsies live. Gypsies live in houses on stilts, at low tide the piles are exposed, and at high tide it seems that the houses are floating on the water. They are engaged in fishing, and not only men, but also women. Having been here, you will get acquainted with their way of life and traditions.
It is also worth going to the Orchid Farm, which is located on Long Beach, take an elephant ride, watch Thai boxing and, of course, experience all the delights of Thai massage.
