Ko Lanta

The main island is 6 km wide and over 30 km long, and approximately 70 km from Krabi Town. The island has 9 attractive white sandy beaches and splendid scenery. Off the coast are more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and sea life. The geography of the island is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches and rugged tree-covered hills.

A paved road runs along the beaches from the northern part of the island almost all the way to the southern tip. The last 8 km leading to the headquarters of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park in the south are quite hilly and aren't yet paved so can become quite tricky to navigate if it rains. The landscape is dominated by a series of mountains covered with rainforest. To the east is an old settlement.

Ban Saladan (near Saladan pier, approximately 3 km from Klong Dao Beach) — is the tourist centre of Ko Lanta. Facilities include inexpensive and easy to find transport, diving trips, banking and shopping.

Weather in the region is tropical and there are two basic monsoons:

During the months of November - April the island experiences the dry monsoon, northeasterly prevailing winds come overland and bring dry air. Temperatures rise during March/April and it gets quite arid and dusty on the island after many months of no rain.

May - October is the wet monsoon season, where southwesterly winds bring wetter weather from the Indian Ocean. Around April the season changes and the increase in rain helps revitalise the island to its tropical lushness, everything regrows and the cool wet spells brings relief from the heat of the dry season.

Temperatures during the year average 25ºC to 32ºC (77ºF to 89.6ºF) and the yearly rainfall averages 2569 mm. Unlike in say Europe, the rain in this region comes down heavily and quickly over short periods. The sea stays at a warm 29°C all year round.

Krabi and Ko Lanta are a melange of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. Most of the people speak with a thick southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand.

With this kind of mixture, Krabi is always celebrating something be it part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese or Thai-Islamic tradition.

The unique lifestyle of the Chao-Le (sea-gypsy) in Ko Lanta particularly is well-worth seeing, a life-style that has been almost completely unaffected by the booming tourism on the island.

The nearest airports are Krabi, Trang and Phuket. Krabi and Trang have direct road and boat connections to Ko Lanta, and are the best options if you're only visiting Ko Lanta. Flying into Phuket is a better option if you're intending to spend time in Phuket and nearby islands, or, since Phuket has many more international flights, if you don't want to have to organize a domestic flight to Krabi or Trang from Bangkok. As an alternative to Bangkok, there are daily flights to Krabi directly to and from Singapore, as well as Kuala Lumpur.

There is scheduled van service from Krabi Airport taking roughly 2.5 hours, 250 baht if prearranged and 400-500 baht if arranging it at the airport (2016). When going back to the airport from the island, van can be booked via any tourist office for 250-300 baht, departs every round hour in the morning.

Private vans and taxis can be chartered to Ko Lanta for about 2,000 baht per vehicle (2,500 baht if you are going to the south end of Ko Lanta).

Air Asia and Nok Air have a special “Island Transfer” offering that includes a flight from Bangkok to Krabi, surface transport to the port, and a ferry to Ko Lanta. It can all be booked at their websites for additional price: Air Asia 470 baht, Nok Air 900 baht (2016).

Alternative to passenger van is an express transfer - the quickest albeit much more expensive way to get from Krabi Airport (2,045 baht per person) and Phuket Airport (3,350 baht per person) to Ko Lanta. It is a combination of minivan and speedboat travel. If you arrive early you will not have to wait for the ferry and if you arrive late at these airports you can still arrive on Ko Lanta the same day. From Krabi airport a 45-minute air-conditioned minivan to the first car ferry port. You then go on board the speedboat which then takes you on a stunning boat ride across the water along the coastline of Ko Lanta. The journey takes around 15 minutes depending on weather and conditions. You will arrive directly in Saladan (alternately written as Sala Dan) on Ko Lanta, where you are then transferred to your hotel by car. That means the total journey time should be 1.5 to 2 hours. This eliminates the waiting time at the car ferry and also if you are going from Ko Lanta to one of these airports allows you more time to enjoy your visit.

There is a minivan service that runs between Krabi Town and Ko Lanta, However it must be booked in advance through your hotel or someone local, the cost is 350-400 baht per person. Book early as it fills up quickly. It will pickup and drop off at the airport or hostel. You should factor in 3-4 hours to get from Ko Lanta to the airport, since the minivan will pickup and drop off other people along the way.

Vans going to Ao Nang cost 450 baht (2016), 3 hours, number of vans greatly varies during a year.

Buses can be booked at Surat Thani train station (Phun Phin) to Saladan pier includes ferry for 600 baht.

The distance from Bangkok to Krabi is approx 950 km or about 12 hr by car.

• Route 1: Phetburi-Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon-Phang Nga-Krabi = 946 km.
• Route 2: Phetburi-Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon (Hwy 41) to Chaiya (Surat Thani)-Krabi (Viangsra) - Hwy 4035 - Krabi (Ao Luk) and along Hwy 4 again = 814 km.

Ko Lanta does not have roads connecting it directly to the mainland, but is served by car ferries. Take Rte 4206 off Hwy 4 about 20 km southeast of Krabi airport. Drive to the end of the road, where there is a car ferry from Baan Hua Hin to Ko Lanta Noi. From the pier here, turn right and follow the "ferry" signs to the second car ferry to Ko Lanta Yai. Ferries operate 07:00-22:00.

There are plenty of car taxi and minivan taxi services from Krabi and the nearby airport. A seat in a ten-person minivan from the airport to Ko Lanta costs about 300 baht. These minivans usually don't have much room for luggage (although they can usually find room for one or two large suitcases together with backpacks for the rest of the passengers) so if you're not travelling light you might need to get a private taxi. This is what the divemasters do. A private minivan taxi will usually be quoted as 2,500 baht. It's possible to bargain a few hundred baht off this price but not much more or the tolls will consume too much of the price. Car taxis cost about the same.

When travelling to/from Ko Lanta in the afternoon by road, allow 2–3 hours for the journey as the queues for the vehicle ferries can be lengthy. The passenger ferry which leaves Ko Lanta pier (high season) at 08:00 and arrives at Krabi pier at 10:00 is quicker.

Private companies on Ko Lanta operate boat services to many destinations.

• Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi: 08:00 and 13:00, 350 baht
• Ko Lanta – Krabi: 08:00 and 13:00, 300 baht (apparently, in high season, at least 400 baht)
• Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Phuket: 11:45 - 13:00 and 14:30, 950 baht (2022)
• Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Krabi: 09:00 and 13:30, 700 baht

All ferries can be booked on-line or at any tourist agent.

Ferry services run from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and from Phuket via Ko Phi Phi to Ko Lanta Yai's 🌍 Saladan pier.  During high season, there are sometimes direct ferries as well. Ferry services are subject to weather and to demand: many ferries have limited room for luggage.

• A ferry departs from Krabi pier every day at 11:30, taking 2 hours to reach Ko Lanta (400 baht including pickup from Krabi hotels), making two stops on the open water where passengers transfer from and to longtail boats that connect the smaller islands on the route. Alternatively, for 300 bath a package is available from Krabi where the majority of your trip is spent in a minivan traveling further south, with only a short part on a vehicle-ferry.
• Services from Ao Nang are run by Ao Nang Travel and Tour (+66 75 637730) and depart at 10:30 (280 baht).
• Ferries depart from Ko Phi Phi at 11:30 and 14:00, and take 1 hour. A speed boat departs at 15:20 for 600-700 baht. If travelling from Phuket in a single day, you will need to leave Phuket on the 08:00 ferry to transfer to the 11:30 ferry. Tickets to Ko Lanta are 200 baht from Ko Phi Phi and 450 baht from Phuket.

All above routes operate only during high season, while during low season only 1-2 daily ferries to Ko Phi Phi remain.

The nearest train station to Ko Lanta is in Trang province just south of Krabi. From there, there are trains to and from Bangkok.

• 🌍 Klong Dao (just 2 km from Saladan Pier). Over the years, Klong Dao has developed into the most popular beach on the island with a spectacular 3 km long beach of fine white sand and shallow clear water. Yet, because of its length, it is never really that busy. The beach has an abundance of accommodation ranging in cost from just a couple of hundred to a few thousand. It is more than ideal for those who like a quiet beach, but prefer to have all the usual tourist amenities such as international food, music and bars, etc. (updated May 2016)
• 🌍 Klong Khong. For most of the length of Klong Khong Beach there is a klong (small canal) running opposite the beach and an old coconut plantation. Towards the south end is an area where the local fishermen tie up their boats to the shore. A rocky reef runs along the length of the shore making it difficult for swimming, but great for admiring the sunset. (updated May 2016)
• 🌍 Klong Nin. This beach is separated by a klong that runs down to the beach at the northern third of the beach dividing it in two. The beach is covered with coconut and pine trees and the back end is tropical rain forest. Like almost all beaches on Ko Lanta, Klong Nin offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere and its sand is white and fine. The northern stretch is the best for swimming as it has far fewer rocky paths than the southern part of the beach. (updated May 2016)
• 🌍 Kor Kwang. This beach, with its attractively curved shape, has lovely sand and clear aquamarine water. (updated May 2016)
• 🌍 Kantiang Bay. A kilometre long beach on a gently curving shoreline, Kantiang Bay is home to a limited number of hotels and resorts, leaving the pristine beach with an uncrowded feeling even during the busy holidays. There are excellent corals for snorkeling as well. Lying 18 kilometres south of Baan Saladan, Kantiang beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and was voted one of the "Top Ten Tropical Beaches in The World" by the Sunday Times of London. (updated May 2016)
• 🌍 Pra Ae (Long Beach). This beach, in the north of the island, is a stunning crescent of sand about 4 km long. There is a lot of accommodation there, but since it is spread out, visitors get the feeling that place is peacefully quiet. (updated May 2016)

There are a few beaches in the south of Ko Lanta. All are small, just a few hundred metres long. The beaches are very quiet with little in the way of accommodation, ideal for those who want to get away from it all. They are:

• 🌍 Ao Nui (Nui Bay). (updated May 2016)
• There are two beaches in the Ko Lanta National Park.

• Likae Pa (ลิเกป่า) An adapted play, Likae Pa follows the adventures of an Indian merchant from Calcutta who married a local girl named Yayi. The story is then followed by other plays. Likae Pa is accompanied by the music of folk instruments such as various kinds of drums, cymbals, and gongs. The lyrics are a mixture of the traditional Manora and Buranyawa songs. With its long history of popularity in Krabi, Like Pa performers are abundant here. It is believed that the play originated in this province.
• Shadow Plays (หนังตะลุง)This is an Indian influence. There are many shadow play or nang talung companies in Krabi.
• Manora (มโนราห์) This is a dance performance, native to southern Thailand, which reflects its traditional culture.
• Rong Ngeng (รองเง็ง) and Phleng Tanyong (เพลงตันหยง) A Malaysian adaptation, of Portuguese origin, rong ngeng is a traditional folk dance and music customarily performed in noble houses. It was later performed by the locals with Thai lyrics called phleng tanyong.

There are no scuba diving sites on the island itself, all require a boat trip. However Lanta is the closest island to the famous Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, and Ko Haa sites, so it is very popular with divers.

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang near Ko Lanta are perhaps the best dive sites in Thailand (frequently ranking in the world’s top ten) with more than 200 hard corals and 108 reef fish catalogued in a study underway, but thousands more organisms abound. Hin Daeng has the steepest and deepest in the whole of the country with fantastic marine life. Hin Muang next door is completely underwater and it is covered with delicate violet coral. The sites also have one of the world's highest incidences of whale shark sightings.

For details refer to Diving in Ko Lanta.

• Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival (งานกระบี่เบิกฟ้าอันดามัน) Held annually in November to inaugurate the tourist season. Water sports competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are on the schedule.

• Laanta Lanta Festival (เทศกาลลานตา ลันตา) The festival is usually held in March every year in Lanta Old Town, which has a history of more than 100 years. Old Chinese-style houses can still be seen here. In this festival, tourists can see the traditional culture, previously unseen ceremonial demonstrations, local performances, folk games, water sports competitions, and enjoy the tastes from various kinds of food booths which are provided by hotels on the island.

• Loi Ruea Chao-Le Festival (ประเพณีลอยเรือชาวเล) This old ritualistic tradition takes place on Ko Lanta during the full moon of the sixth and eleventh month in the lunar calendar. This is a religious rite performed by the sea gypsies of Ko Lanta, as well as neighbouring areas, who gather on the beach near Sala Dan Village. They dance their famous "rong ngeng" round the boats of misfortune to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature singing and dancing. This festival is held to bring prosperity and happiness to the participants.

• Sat Duean Sip Festival or Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month (งานประเพณีสารทเดือนสิบ) This is the southern traditional merit-making occasion to honour one's ancestors. Food offerings such as khanom la, khanom chohu, khanom phong, khanom ba, and khanom kong or khai pla, are made offer to Buddhist monks.

• Chak Phra Festival (งานประเพณีชักพระ) The original waterborne procession, where images of Buddha are put on elaborately decorated pulpits on boats pulled along the river, has been replaced by a land procession. The festival was used to be accompanied by a performance of traditional boat songs, but they have disappeared.

Wannabe fishers can catch the likes of marlin, sailfish, barracuda, red snapper and tuna. Three different kinds of fishing trip are offered by private long tail boat: half-day, full day and night fishing.

Elephant rides can be arranged to take visitors to the top of the hill in Ko Lanta National Park. However, travellers should be aware that treatment of elephants is usually poor, and elephant riding is discouraged as very unethical. Ko Lanta's forests with excellent flora and fauna are suitable for hiking.

• The east side of Ko Lanta with its rich mangrove forests and caves is a great option for off-the-beaten-path kayaking. Kayaking can also be done on Ko Talabaeng, the limestone cliff near Ko Lanta.
• Rapu Sea Kayaking, 10/5 Moo 2, Ko Lanta Yai +66 92 871749 (contact Chutima Junsirikamon) - guided sea kayak tours of the mangrove areas.

• Lanta Longtail / Sun Island Tours, 9/1 Moo 1 (Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta Yai), ☏ +66 928343093, info@lantalongtail.com. Private charters, island tours, beach camping and fishing trips. 

• Lanta Massage, Moo 3, Saladan (Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach). Walking towards the water, it's on your left, near where the road meets the beach). Open late. A wonderful, humble little studio with a wall fully adorned with photos of happy customers. Very relaxing, good massage, with care and attention. You may have some difficulty finding this place. 

• Serenity Massage and Spa, 147 Moo 1, Saladan (Travel into Saladan and turn right at the water's edge), ☏ +66 81 5 699852. 10:00-22:00. Open all year. Built entirely on the sea on wooden stilts and enjoys a private pier where you can relax before and after your treatments. 

Most operators only offer ko haa and ko rok day tour as one. price 1500-2000 bhat including 400 bhat for park fee via speedboat (~1h trip one-way). You may focus on one through diver shop but often at a more expensive price. Be aware than jellyfish may appear, especially between late January and April.

Ko Haa - this is the best site in Thailand for mixed groups of snorkellers and divers. For divers only, it offers amazing swim-throughs. There has been a large increase in the number of fish present at the reefs, due to committed conservation policies.

Ko Rok - some of Thailand’s finest snorkelling spots are off Lanta's coast. Ko Rok, 47 km south of Lanta, is considered by most to be the pick of the bunch, though other people say they rate Ko Haa's snorkelling even more highly. Ko Rok consists of two islands, Ko Rok Nai and Ko Rok Nok, both graced with powdery white sand beaches and with an extensive bed of coral in between. This sheltered and shallow channel is an ideal habitat for reef fish, and the place swarms with innumerable shoals of them. Visibility is very good, and many interesting species of reef fish can be found in these waters. Many snorkellers are most amazed by the sheer numbers of fish here, which swirl and swarm around the swimmers.

4 Island Trip - Ko Mook's amazing Emerald Cave is the highlight of this trip. The cave is a window into a lagoon through which safety-vest-clad swimmers are towed by local guides. The swim into the lagoon is fully 80 metres in length and a real adventure.

• Beach hand tennis. A game with a tennis ball and a net played in front of Hans Restaurant every day from 16:30. It's great fun. 

• Thai boxing: There is one small boxing stadium on the island which hosts regular events. It also holds training camps, which are popular among tourists who wish to learn Thai boxing.

• Thai cooking: Thai cooking courses on Ko Lanta offer foreign tourists the chance to learn to cook their favourite dishes such as tom yum kung, sweet green curry, and chicken with cashew nuts.

• SUP: Stand-up paddle boarding is gaining its popularity around the world and Koh Lanta is not an exception with a number of different tours being offered: 4 island tour, mangrove forest tour, etc.

• 🌍 Time for Lime, 72/2 Moo 3 (Klong Dao Beach), ☏ +66 75 684590, lanta@timeforlime.net. Professional and fun evening Thai & fusion cooking classes right on the beach. It's run with a passion, usually only 1 class per day. What is most unique is that all the profit goes to Lanta Animal Welfare, founded by the owner, to help the sad situation of the animals on the Island. Classes start at 16:00 (introduction, making curry paste, 4 dishes, mostly seafood. 2,000 baht. 

• 🌍 Lanta Muay Thai Gym, 245 Moo 2, Saladan (Near Phrae Ae Beach opposite Relax Bay Resort Rd, a dirt road off main road to the gym), ☏ +66 89 7397399. 08:00-18:00. A professional, exciting place to train in muay Thai. They welcome any ability from beginners and children. They have a range of trainers, some ex- and current-champion fighters from all over Thailand. The skills and techniques are taught in a personal, approachable style. They also have fights every Sunday at Williams Stadium, and a lot of foreigners who stay in the area and train may have the option of fighting. 500 baht per lesson. 

• ChaDa Beach Resort & Spa, 278 Moo 1, Saladan, ☏ +66 75 668124-7, fax: +66 75 668123. On 8 acres of white sandy beach front. From 5,600 baht, Emerald Suite Room. 
• D.R. Lanta Resort, 206 Moo 3, ☏ +66819706904, fax: +66 75 684383. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. Rooms 1,800 baht, air-con bungalows from 2,000 baht. (updated Nov 2022)
• 🌍 Lanta Mermaid Boutique House, 333 Moo 3, Klong Dao Beach, Saladan (Across from Mermaid Beach Front Resort), ☏ +66 81 6430864, lantamermaid@yahoo.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:30. Amazing hotel that is not on the beach, but extremely clean, very comfortable beds, very helpful staff, well-managed. The rooms look like the ones posted on their site, unlike some other hotels. A five min walk to Klong Dao Beach, just cross the street. Prices are excellent, especially in low season. The staff will arrange for a motorbike for you and have it brought to the hotel. Open all year round and close to many good restaurants. 1,000-2,100 baht, includes breakfast. 
• Lanta Sand Resort & Spa, 279 Moo 3, ☏ +66 75 684633, fax: +66 75 684636, lanta@lantasand.com. 48 bungalows. Villas from 7,000 baht. 
• Lanta Summer House, 208 Moo 3, ☏ +66 75 684099, lantasummer@yahoo.com. Typical beach-side bungalow resort with three-bed air-con bungalows. The restaurant is in the lower price range but the offerings, while extensive, are very watered down (they don't do spicy). Nice and friendly staff. 1,300+ baht. 
• Maya Lanta Resort, info@mayalantaresort.com. Hotel-style building on the beach. They have a fancy (by Lanta standards) restaurant. 4,400+ baht. 
• 🌍 Royal Lanta. Luxury villa with beautiful bungalows in the Thai architectural style, pool, and laundry service. 3,700+ baht. 

• Chaw Ka Cher Tropicana Lanta Resort, 352 Moo 2, ☏ +66 75 637970, fax: +66 75 637404, info@chawkacherresort.com. Secluded resort with tropical garden. 2,000+ baht. 
• 🌍 Escape Cabins, 438 Moo 3 Saladan, Long Beach. This is one of the only off-beach options on the island. The rooms are large, very comfortable, and stylish. Wi-Fi, TV, DVD player, air-con, private bathroom, free water, swimming pool, friendly staff, mini fridge, patio and all around good value. Large four person guesthouse also available. Smallest "cozy" cabin from 1,000-3,100 baht depending on season. 
• Good Days Lanta Chalet and Resort, 183 Moo 2, ☏ +66 75 684186, fax: +66 75 684187, info@gooddayslanta.com. Fan bungalows from 900 baht, air-con from 1,400 baht. 
• 🌍 Lanta Castaway Beach Resort, 299 Moo 2, ☏ +66 75 684851, fax: +66 75 684790, reservations@lantacastaway.com. Small resort with simple fan bungalows and more luxurious air-con bungalows. The restaurant offers Thai, Western and Tex-Mex dishes. On-site PADI dive centre called Dive & Relax. Fan bungalows from 500 baht, air-con from 3,900 baht. 
• Lanta Casuarina. On Phra Ae Beach which stretches for 2 km along the Andaman sea front. 2,650+ baht. 
• Lanta Pura Beach Resort, 405 Moo 1, Saladan, ☏ +66 75 668300-2. Equipped with air conditioning, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Poolside bar, restaurant and swimming pool with Jacuzzi. 1,190+ baht. 
• Lanta Sunny House, 42 Moo 2 Pha-Ae Beach, ☏ +66 75 684347. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Standard fan, large fan, standard air-con and deluxe triple rooms with balcony, private toilet, and shower and breakfast. Terrace, restaurant, massage service and travel agency. (updated Nov 2022)
• Layana Resort & Spa, 272 Moo 3 Saladan, ☏ +66 75 607100, fax: +66 75 607199, resa@layanaresort.com. 6,800+ baht. 
• Long Beach Chalet Boutique Resort, 472 Moo 3, ☏ +66 87 7076076, fax: +66 75 684805, longbeachchalet@gmail.com. Thai-style villas set in quiet gardens, 100 m from the beach. All rooms have air-con, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, king size beds, fridge and mini-bar. 1,300+ baht. 
• Nakara Longbeach Resort, 172 Moo 3, info@lantalongbeach.com. 141 air-con bungalows (11 by the beach). Pools, bike rental, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. 1,700+ baht. 
• Relax Bay Resort, 111 Moo 2. French-Belgian owned resort on a 1 km beach and Thai-French restaurant, Manao, which has a superb view over the beach and rocky promontory. The fresh local king prawns or daily catch at the restaurant are recommended. Fan bungalows from 1,300 baht, air-con from 1,900 baht, breakfast included. 
• Sanctuary, 186 Moo 2, ☏ +66 81 8913055. Well-designed bamboo bungalows, mosquito nets and good Indian & Thai food from the restaurant. Fan huts up to 800 baht per night. 

• Blue Andaman Lanta Resort, 251 Moo 2 Saladan, ☏ +66 75 667082. 50 rooms and bungalows, all equipped with comfortable bedding and safe. Facilities and services are garden, outdoor swimming pool and barbecue facilities. 600+ baht. (updated Nov 2022)
• Klong Khong Bay Bungalows, 24 Moo 2, Klong Khong Beach, ☏ +66 84 4457140, klongkhongbaybungalows@gmail.com. 12 bungalows and bar at Klong Khong Beach, a 3 km stretch of golden sand and shady palms. The bungalows are clean, cheap and simple. Have a drink in Ting Tong Bar, an authentic Thai style beach bar and famous for its live music. Enjoy your cocktail while watching the stunning sunset. A relaxed and laid back atmosphere and a place that's hard to leave. Bungalows with fan and air-con from 500-800 baht. 
• Lanta Emerald Bungalow, 154, Moo 2, Saladan, ☏ +66 75 667037. A great bar, restaurant, swimming pool and motorbike rental available. 600 baht for a fan bungalow to 1,800 baht, sea view air-con bungalow. 
• Lanta Pavilion Resort, 120 Moo 2, Saladan (N of 7-Eleven on Khlong Khong Beach Rd), ☏ +66 75 667079, info@lantapavilion.com. On the beach. Single, double, and family bungalows with air-con, hot shower, cable TV, minibar, free Wi-Fi in restaurant. Best garden with trees and flowers and the pool is nice with a sea view. Also includes Lanta Pavilion Sunset Restaurant, which offers standard Thai dishes, a selection of European favourites, and a few Indian, Mexican and Japanese dishes. There is also daily seafood BBQ on the beach with a great variety of the fresh seafood done in many styles. They serve pizza, burger and steaks, exotic cocktails, fruit shakes and deserts. Fan bungalows from 800 baht, air-con bungalows from 1,200 baht. 

• Rawi Warin Resort & Spa, resv@rawiwarin.com. On 35 rai of land, in the foothills of the Ko Lanta Yai and overlooking Klong Tob Bay, this resort offers a choice of rooms, each with its own distinct style and ambience, numerous sports activities, dining options and private swimming pools. 

• Lanta Nature Beach Resort, ☏ +66 75 662560. Beautiful resort with full amenities for only 1,200 baht a night, all bungalows. Air-con in all rooms, incredibly sweet staff, and restaurant + bar with some good music and some performances now and then. Can rent motorbikes, schedule side trips, do laundry, etc., all in the resort for the same price as anywhere else on the island. On the beach, with no rocks, 24 hour swimming. 1,200-1,800 baht. 

• Baan Kantiang See Panorama Villa Resort, 263 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, manager@kantiang.se. Fully equipped villas that sleep up to 6-8 people. 2,250-11,000 baht. 
• Baan Laanta Resort & Spa, 72 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, ☏ +66 75 665091, reservation@baanlaanta.com. Thai-chic luxury bungalows 3 steps from the beach. Air-con, large balcony (with sun loungers), hot shower, fridge & TV as standard, swimming pool with view out over the bay. Open all year with exceptional discounts during the low season. 7-Eleven on the main street, good souvenir and clothes/jewellery shopping at nearby Indigo Gekko Bay View Restaurant and "Aqua Bar" directly on the beach. 3,500-5,500 baht. 
• Kantiang Bay View Resort, 9 Moo 5, ☏ +66 17 87192. Open year-round with some great rates in low season. Restaurant and "Why Not?" Bar on the beach. Wooden bungalows. Good atmosphere and spills out right onto the sand. Not to be confused with the nearby Marine Park View Resort, which is on the hill. Free pickup from Ban Sala Dan to Ao Kantiang, but return to Ban Sala Dan is 500 baht. 600+ baht for fan bungalows, 1,500+ baht air-con. 
• 🌍 Pimalai Resort & Spa, 99 Moo 5, ☏ +66 75 607999, reservation@pimalai.com. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. PADI diving centre and cooking classes. Also includes The Seven Seas wine bar and restaurant, which serves fusion cuisine and has an extensive wine list and nice sea views. 

• Baan Phu Lae (Far from other resorts as it's the last beach of Ko Lanta). Bungalow resort with budget price ranges for fan or air-conditioned bungalows. 650-1,800 baht. 
• Bamboo Bay Resort (Ao Mai Pai), ☏ +66 75 665023, bamboobay@bamboobay.net. Fan bungalows from 500 baht, air-con from 1,300 baht. 
• La Laanta Hideaway Resort (Mai Pai/Bamboo Bay), ☏ +66 75 665066, fax: +66 75 665123, reservations@lalaanta.com. Twenty spacious bungalows on Mai Pai/Bamboo Bay, the southernmost beach. Two beachfront swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, a beach bar, a Thai/Western restaurant, and a beach front dining area. All bungalows include air-conditioning, satellite TV, a mini-fridge, free Wi-Fi, and covered front porches. Most have ocean views. Open year-round with some great rates in low season. 

• Lanta Buri Resort (Next to the hospital in Old Town). There are 9 separate rooms available, each with a shower/WC, TV/cable, and fan or air conditioner. The rooms surround a lovely garden with small pond. The kitchen is available for use by guests as well as the outdoor dining area with ample tables and chairs. 
• 🌍 Mango House Seafront Villa, ☏ +66 86 9486836. All units are built directly over-the-sea in what many describe as Thailand’s most charming and culturally diverse fishing village. Rooms are renovated to feature the original teak structures that served as Chinese shop houses over 50 years ago. 

The major medical facility providers are:

1. Ban Saladan Clinic. Saladan.
2. Ko Lanta Hospital. South of Lanta Old Town in the southeast of the island.
3. Dr Salarin Clinic, the island's main English-speaking private doctor. Phra Ae village.
4. Siam International Clinic. Phra Ae village (open only Nov - Apr).
5. Andaman International Clinic. Next to post office, Phra Ae.