Resort Hotels Network
independent travel resource

Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand

Covers 152 square kilometers of Lanta Islands. This Island forms the most southern district of Krabi Province. It was known long ago by its name in the Malay language, Pulao Satak, which means Long Beach Island. Later so many Thais, both Buddhist and Muslim, came to live on the Island that there seemed to be a million eyes, which is what some people think Lanta means in Thai. Others hold that the name is corrupted from Javanese Lan Tas, and means a grilled fishes (which is built of wood with a square grill on top where the fish are set in a circle). Several important Islands are in the national park.


Lanta Yai Island

Is where the District and National Park offices are located. Island geography is mountainous and rugged, especially near the southern tip; some beaches are gravelly, others have fine white sand. A clan of Chao Ley, or sea gypsies are residence on Koh Yao Yai, and they preserve many of their ancient customs and ceremonies; e.g., the setting of ceremonial boats adrift to bring good luck and prosperity on the sixth and eleventh months. This and other features of their lives are open to view. To visit the Island take a regularly scheduled ferry from Ban Hua Hin Pier in Tambon Koh Klahng. Bor Muang Pier in Tambon Sai Kao;or Krabi Passenger port in Krabi Town.



Taleng Beng Island

This Island is in some ways a smaller version of Phi Phi Ley: Made of limestone-honeycombed with caves, inhabited by the same swifts whose nests are made into soup. Small beaches and caves appear when the tide ebbs.



Hah Island

A group of five Islands. Hah Yai Island has a field of grass on its ridgeline. Another Island resembles in shape a sailboat; one has water that passes from one side to another beneath it. There is some coral in shallow waters.



Ngai Island

A fine sandy beach and coral reefs rundown the east side of this Island. It is perfect for diving. Regular ferries and charter craft are available from Pak Meng Beach in Trang Province.



Rok Nai Island

Is composed largely of formidable cliffs. On the east side are a fine sandy beach and coral gardens growing around sea rocks. On the north side are San Jao Bay and Tohng Bay.



Rok Nok Island

The southeast and southern ends of this Island have fine sand beaches and shallow water corals. Also not to be missed are Man Sai Bay and Talu Beach. Transport to the Island is via charter from either Pak Meng Beach in Trang Province or from Lanta Yai Island. There are tents for rent, contact Lanta National Park Tel. 0-7562-9018-9.



Hin Dang

This submerged open water reef in the Andaman features a multiplicity of colorful corals to attract serious scuba divers.