Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta (เกาะลันตา) is an island off the Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand. Like many other destinations in Krabi Province, it is known for its diving and long white beaches.

Ko Lanta consists of several islands, the two largest of which are Ko Lanta Noi (เกาะลันตาน้อย, "Small Lanta Island") and Ko Lanta Yai (เกาะลันตาใหญ่, "Big Lanta Island"). However, Ko Lanta Yai is where all the tourist action is, so this article will refer to it simply as "Ko Lanta".

Ko Lanta is popular with tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties. It's popular with a significantly older crowd than nearby Ko Phi Phi: more walking on the beach and watching the sunset than drinking and dancing. However, there are plenty of bars and the longer term stayers are friendly and know how to party. It is also popular with families with young children, and of course, with divers. Ko Lanta can provide a party if you know where to look.

Ko Lanta is a little less well-known than Ko Phi Phi, which has become more commercialised and corporate, but it is hardly undiscovered: the several beaches on the west coast of Ko Lanta Yai are each strung with a line of resorts and bungalows, although the farther down the island you venture, the less this is true. And even when the island is at it fullest, there will be a quiet place for you to relax - the beaches are never full. Ko Lanta is especially popular with Swedish tourists: although the "tourist language" is English as it is in most places in Thailand, and you will find menus and so on are translated into English, expect the poolside language to be Swedish much of the time. However, there are still many English and Irish bars and restaurants.

Ko Lanta was hit by the tsunami in December 2004, which killed 20 people, but virtually all businesses are now operating normally again.

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 negotiate 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 get's 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.

• Khao Mai Kaew Caves. Getting away from the beach for the day, tourists can visit the stunning Khao Mai Kaew Caves which are in the centre of the island, offering a wonder of rocks and caverns and housing spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, some of the caves are just huge and one of them contains a pool. For getting around inside the caves you will need a guide, but one is cheap, around 300 baht per person for a two-hour tour. You can also take an elephant ride for around 600 baht per person. Take some good shoes, as the caves are slippery.
• Ko Lanta Noi. Island just north of the main Ko Lanta, with no tourist facilities as such but is well-worth a visit. Hire a motorbike and catch the ferry or longtail from Saladan Pier. There are a few circular roads, all paved, that will take you around the island to see the local way of life. There are a few local restaurants along the way so you can stop for some fried rice. Pick up a map before you go from one of the tourist offices on Lanta Noi, and drive carefully!
• Lanta Old Town. A small village on Ko Lanta's east side. It's one of the region's most culturally diverse, with Chinese merchants, original Thai fishing families, and an ancient sea gypsy community. Many years ago, Ko Lanta's Old Town acted as the port and commercial centre for the island and provided a safe harbour for Arabic and Chinese trading vessels sailing between the larger ports of Phuket, Penang, and Singapore. Today, Old Town is the district capital. It has a post office, Buddhist temple, Chinese temple and the island's hospital as well as a long pier. It's a charming place to visit and boasts many good restaurants and interesting shopping like handmade hammocks and an original batik and art gallery. It's also a great jumping off point to other islands like Ko Bubu and Ko Talenbeng.
• Lanta Orchid Nursery and Butterfly Garden, Long Beach (Pra Ae Beach), +66 85 211 1488. 9:00 - 17:00. This farm is recommended to all orchid lovers. It's easily accessible by bike or motorbike. 30 baht.
• Sea Gypsy Village. Known to Thais as "chao-le", sea gypsies have occupied the area for hundreds of years, settling along the coast in stilted houses erected between the water level of high and low tide. They are unique in that they mix very little with the general population, speak their own language, and have their very own supernatural and traditional beliefs and rituals. An example of the latter is the "loi ruea" (floating boat) ceremony where the village men build a symbolic boat and place wooden statues of themselves in it along with nail pairings, hair and popped rice. By performing this ritual, they ask for forgiveness from the sea gods and for any wrongs that may have done to the sea. It is believed that all evil is carried away in the symbolic boat.
• Ko Lanta National Park, +66 75 660 711. Covering a total area of 135 square kilometres is in Ko Lanta District and consists of many islands. The two major islands are Ko Lanta Yai (เกาะลันตาใหญ่) and Ko Lanta Noi (เกาะลันตาน้อย)It has 2 km trail leading to the small beach and abandoned lighthouse. 200 baht entrance fee + 20 baht per vehicle.
• Klong Jaak Waterfall. A nice spot to cool down in fresh water. Free.
• Khao Mai Kaew Caves – These caves, in the centre of the island, house impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the caves are just very large and one contains a pool.

• Klong Dao. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Kor Kwang. This beach, with its attractively curved shape, has lovely sand and clear aquamarine water.
• 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.
• Pra Ae. 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.

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.
• There are two beaches in the Ko Lanta National Park.

Ao Nui.

There are two beaches in the Ko Lanta National Park.

Klong Dao. 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.

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.

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.

Kor Kwang. This beach, with its attractively curved shape, has lovely sand and clear aquamarine water.

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.

Pra Ae. 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.

• 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.

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.

Khao Mai Kaew Caves. Getting away from the beach for the day, tourists can visit the stunning Khao Mai Kaew Caves which are in the centre of the island, offering a wonder of rocks and caverns and housing spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, some of the caves are just huge and one of them contains a pool. For getting around inside the caves you will need a guide, but one is cheap, around 300 baht per person for a two-hour tour. You can also take an elephant ride for around 600 baht per person. Take some good shoes, as the caves are slippery.

Ko Lanta Noi. Island just north of the main Ko Lanta, with no tourist facilities as such but is well-worth a visit. Hire a motorbike and catch the ferry or longtail from Saladan Pier. There are a few circular roads, all paved, that will take you around the island to see the local way of life. There are a few local restaurants along the way so you can stop for some fried rice. Pick up a map before you go from one of the tourist offices on Lanta Noi, and drive carefully!

Lanta Old Town. A small village on Ko Lanta's east side. It's one of the region's most culturally diverse, with Chinese merchants, original Thai fishing families, and an ancient sea gypsy community. Many years ago, Ko Lanta's Old Town acted as the port and commercial centre for the island and provided a safe harbour for Arabic and Chinese trading vessels sailing between the larger ports of Phuket, Penang, and Singapore. Today, Old Town is the district capital. It has a post office, Buddhist temple, Chinese temple and the island's hospital as well as a long pier. It's a charming place to visit and boasts many good restaurants and interesting shopping like handmade hammocks and an original batik and art gallery. It's also a great jumping off point to other islands like Ko Bubu and Ko Talenbeng.

Lanta Orchid Nursery and Butterfly Garden, Long Beach (Pra Ae Beach), +66 85 211 1488. 9:00 - 17:00. This farm is recommended to all orchid lovers. It's easily accessible by bike or motorbike. 30 baht.

Sea Gypsy Village. Known to Thais as "chao-le", sea gypsies have occupied the area for hundreds of years, settling along the coast in stilted houses erected between the water level of high and low tide. They are unique in that they mix very little with the general population, speak their own language, and have their very own supernatural and traditional beliefs and rituals. An example of the latter is the "loi ruea" (floating boat) ceremony where the village men build a symbolic boat and place wooden statues of themselves in it along with nail pairings, hair and popped rice. By performing this ritual, they ask for forgiveness from the sea gods and for any wrongs that may have done to the sea. It is believed that all evil is carried away in the symbolic boat.

Ko Lanta National Park, +66 75 660 711. Covering a total area of 135 square kilometres is in Ko Lanta District and consists of many islands. The two major islands are Ko Lanta Yai (เกาะลันตาใหญ่) and Ko Lanta Noi (เกาะลันตาน้อย)It has 2 km trail leading to the small beach and abandoned lighthouse. 200 baht entrance fee + 20 baht per vehicle.

Klong Jaak Waterfall. A nice spot to cool down in fresh water. Free.

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 formerly accompanied with a performance of traditional boat songs, but they have since disappeared.

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 formerly accompanied with a performance of traditional boat songs, but they have since 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. Elephant rides are usually arranged to take visitors to the top of the hill in Ko Lanta National Park.

• 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.

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 87 8916619. Private charters, island tours, beach camping and fishing trips.

Lanta Longtail / Sun Island Tours, 9/1 Moo 1 (Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta Yai, +66 87 8916619. 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.

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.

Ko Haa - this is the best site in Thailand for mixed groups of snorkellers and divers. For divers only, it offers amazing swim-throughs. In recent years Ko Haa has seen 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 located 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 eighty 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 across the world and Koh Lanta is not an exception with a number of different tours being offered: 4 island tour, mangrove forest tour, etc.

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 across the world and Koh Lanta is not an exception with a number of different tours being offered: 4 island tour, mangrove forest tour, etc.

• Drunken Tailors, Kantiang Bay (behind the Drunken Sailors Coffee shop. 10:00-21:00. A colourfully funky collection of men's and women's clothing and jewellery with an emphasis on unique, hand-made items. Great location to shop for vibrant lady's evening wear as well as one-of-a-kind gifts.
• Hammock House, 35 Moo 2, Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta Yai, +66 75 697098. Unique hammocks. Handwoven in Thailand by the Mlabri tribe. Largest selection of quality hammocks on the island.
• A Little Handmade Shop, 2 Moo 5, BaKantiang Village, Ko Lanta Yai (100 m past 7-Eleven, +66 84 9489688. All about handmade inspiration, creating original items for you and your home. Goods such as clothing, toys, ceramics, jewellery and art.
• Batiks. Even though it is Indonesian in origin, the art of batik has embedded itself in the local culture. There are also a lot of handicrafts such as pineapple paper.

Drunken Tailors, Kantiang Bay (behind the Drunken Sailors Coffee shop. 10:00-21:00. A colourfully funky collection of men's and women's clothing and jewellery with an emphasis on unique, hand-made items. Great location to shop for vibrant lady's evening wear as well as one-of-a-kind gifts.

Hammock House, 35 Moo 2, Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta Yai, +66 75 697098. Unique hammocks. Handwoven in Thailand by the Mlabri tribe. Largest selection of quality hammocks on the island.

A Little Handmade Shop, 2 Moo 5, BaKantiang Village, Ko Lanta Yai (100 m past 7-Eleven, +66 84 9489688. All about handmade inspiration, creating original items for you and your home. Goods such as clothing, toys, ceramics, jewellery and art.

Batiks. Even though it is Indonesian in origin, the art of batik has embedded itself in the local culture. There are also a lot of handicrafts such as pineapple paper.

Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian, and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (khanom chin), and khao mok kai (chicken biryani). Pad Thai is one of the most favoured dishes and is available throughout the island group.

The wing shell (หอยชักตีน) is Krabi's famous cuisine. It is eaten with a spicy dip. In addition, stir fried spotted babylon (หอยหวาน), which is found in mangrove forests, with chilies and basil is also famous. This cuisine is common in Ko Lanta's restaurants. The Ko Lanta beach areas have several restaurants with the "catch of the day" displayed on ice outside. One can find all kinds of fish: juicy crabs and langoustines; shellfish, including giant oysters; as well as squid and lobsters.

• Abdul's Pancakes. A crêpe stall run from a motorcycle sidecar. You can most often find him in Moo 1, Saladan, opposite Lanta Diver when the dive boats come back (around 15:00). His chocolate and banana crêpe and his chicken crêpe are especially tasty.
• Baan Laanta Bay View Restaurant. Serves great fresh seafood BBQ. Enormous tiger prawns, fresh squid, snappers galore. All fish & seafood is caught fresh, locally each day, and cooked in any style you like, served with baked potatoes and a free salad bar (with the best dressings you can imagine). The regular menu is also good, with stir frys and curries at 100 baht, only a little more than the 70-80 baht you'd pay on the road. The juices are small, though. The view out over Kantiang Bay is beautiful and you can request a table on the beach. Aqua Bar, the in-house cocktail bar, serves what may be the freshest and most adventurous cocktails on the island, including mango daiquiris and fresh lime margaritas.
• Citrus Restaurant & Bar, 557 Moo 3 (On Klong Dao roadside, nearly opposite the 7-Eleven shop next to the Royal Lanta Resort, +66 837 474 673. Daily, 10:00-22:00. A casual restaurant and bar with a great vibe on the main road in Klong Dao. Selection of Western dishes and Thai food and delicious desserts. Kids menu. Citrus owner and chef Aoy is expert at cooking Swedish dishes like Toast Skagen and homemade meatballs served with mashed potato and homemade cream sauce and lingonberry sauce.
• Cook Kai. Wholly built of wood and beautifully decorated, it offers a spacious open dining area and bar. The restaurant, run by the cook, his brothers and sisters, serves bland Thai food at 140 baht for curries and soups.
• Drunken Sailors Coffee Shop, 116 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta Yai (On the main road 100m N of 7-Eleven, +66 75 665076. 08:30-21:00. Aspires to be nothing more than a laid-back café. Serves Western dishes such as pasta and burgers as well as Thai dishes and fusion creations.
• Kampong, 80 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta Yai (On the main road 100m uphill from 7-Eleven and opposite Drunken Sailors, +66 89 9085977. 09:00-21:00. Southern Thai restaurant with the best "juices" in town, for size, taste and price. "Juices" are always blended, but Kampong gives you a good amount of fruit. 40 baht for most juices, 60 baht for the Kampong juice (nice combo). Breakfast. Also has a travel agent and some simple rooms (300 baht in off season).
• Mary Ann's Bar & Restaurant, Moo 1 Saladan (Near 7-Eleven in Saladan. Fun place to start the evening. Good food and a lively place in the evening.
• Rio's Kitchen, +66 90 6611880. Seres burritos and quesadillas made with homemade tortillas. Has great daily specials as well as delicious grilled and fresh wholewheat sandwiches using imported cheeses. Vegan and vegetarian friendly, everything is made fresh from scratch. Rio's Kitchen only delivers. Free delivery to Kantiang Bay, delivery available to other locations for a fee.
• River Restaurant. A friendly, family operation. They have a delicious menu: lots of Thai dishes and a few Western ones as well. The pad Thai is excellent. It is very popular with families and the owner's children often play with tourist children.
• Spices and Herbs, Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta Yai (On the main road a few metres uphill from 7-Eleven (almost opposite). 09:00-21:00. Excellent food at a modest price (80 baht for a standard dish). Includes Western options like hamburgers, pizza and pasta. Also offers cooking classes, or 100 baht extra to help cook your meal.
• Sunset Restaurant. A very small restaurant. The Thai food is arguably the best on Klong Dao Beach and is cheap. Real Thai-style eating with the tables directly on the sand and no decorations at all, but a nice view and cool breeze from the sea.
• Thai Cuisine. A long-established favourite. The menu features a wide selection of wonderful Thai dishes and Chinese as well. The "special" spring roll is excellent. There is bar service and a small artisan boutique.
• Time for Lime Restaurant, Bar, Bungalows. open all year. Well-known professional Thai and fusion cooking school, it also has a beach and tree-top restaurant where you can relish the sunset and breeze while peeking at what the cooking “students” are creating down below. More and more people are checking out the great food, atmosphere and mojitos. They offer a filling 6-course tasting menu for 495 baht, year-round. Personal and friendly place with 8 cosy fan-cooled bungalows. Free Wi-Fi. You will love the food and you must love dogs also, as the Norwegian owner is the organiser of Lanta Animal Welfare. Bungalows from 750 baht.

Abdul's Pancakes. A crêpe stall run from a motorcycle sidecar. You can most often find him in Moo 1, Saladan, opposite Lanta Diver when the dive boats come back (around 15:00). His chocolate and banana crêpe and his chicken crêpe are especially tasty.

Baan Laanta Bay View Restaurant. Serves great fresh seafood BBQ. Enormous tiger prawns, fresh squid, snappers galore. All fish & seafood is caught fresh, locally each day, and cooked in any style you like, served with baked potatoes and a free salad bar (with the best dressings you can imagine). The regular menu is also good, with stir frys and curries at 100 baht, only a little more than the 70-80 baht you'd pay on the road. The juices are small, though. The view out over Kantiang Bay is beautiful and you can request a table on the beach. Aqua Bar, the in-house cocktail bar, serves what may be the freshest and most adventurous cocktails on the island, including mango daiquiris and fresh lime margaritas.

Citrus Restaurant & Bar, 557 Moo 3 (On Klong Dao roadside, nearly opposite the 7-Eleven shop next to the Royal Lanta Resort, +66 837 474 673. Daily, 10:00-22:00. A casual restaurant and bar with a great vibe on the main road in Klong Dao. Selection of Western dishes and Thai food and delicious desserts. Kids menu. Citrus owner and chef Aoy is expert at cooking Swedish dishes like Toast Skagen and homemade meatballs served with mashed potato and homemade cream sauce and lingonberry sauce.

Cook Kai. Wholly built of wood and beautifully decorated, it offers a spacious open dining area and bar. The restaurant, run by the cook, his brothers and sisters, serves bland Thai food at 140 baht for curries and soups.

Drunken Sailors Coffee Shop, 116 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta Yai (On the main road 100m N of 7-Eleven, +66 75 665076. 08:30-21:00. Aspires to be nothing more than a laid-back café. Serves Western dishes such as pasta and burgers as well as Thai dishes and fusion creations.

Kampong, 80 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta Yai (On the main road 100m uphill from 7-Eleven and opposite Drunken Sailors, +66 89 9085977. 09:00-21:00. Southern Thai restaurant with the best "juices" in town, for size, taste and price. "Juices" are always blended, but Kampong gives you a good amount of fruit. 40 baht for most juices, 60 baht for the Kampong juice (nice combo). Breakfast. Also has a travel agent and some simple rooms (300 baht in off season).

Mary Ann's Bar & Restaurant, Moo 1 Saladan (Near 7-Eleven in Saladan. Fun place to start the evening. Good food and a lively place in the evening.

Rio's Kitchen, +66 90 6611880. Seres burritos and quesadillas made with homemade tortillas. Has great daily specials as well as delicious grilled and fresh wholewheat sandwiches using imported cheeses. Vegan and vegetarian friendly, everything is made fresh from scratch. Rio's Kitchen only delivers. Free delivery to Kantiang Bay, delivery available to other locations for a fee.

River Restaurant. A friendly, family operation. They have a delicious menu: lots of Thai dishes and a few Western ones as well. The pad Thai is excellent. It is very popular with families and the owner's children often play with tourist children.

Spices and Herbs, Moo 5, Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta Yai (On the main road a few metres uphill from 7-Eleven (almost opposite). 09:00-21:00. Excellent food at a modest price (80 baht for a standard dish). Includes Western options like hamburgers, pizza and pasta. Also offers cooking classes, or 100 baht extra to help cook your meal.

Sunset Restaurant. A very small restaurant. The Thai food is arguably the best on Klong Dao Beach and is cheap. Real Thai-style eating with the tables directly on the sand and no decorations at all, but a nice view and cool breeze from the sea.

Thai Cuisine. A long-established favourite. The menu features a wide selection of wonderful Thai dishes and Chinese as well. The "special" spring roll is excellent. There is bar service and a small artisan boutique.

Time for Lime Restaurant, Bar, Bungalows. open all year. Well-known professional Thai and fusion cooking school, it also has a beach and tree-top restaurant where you can relish the sunset and breeze while peeking at what the cooking “students” are creating down below. More and more people are checking out the great food, atmosphere and mojitos. They offer a filling 6-course tasting menu for 495 baht, year-round. Personal and friendly place with 8 cosy fan-cooled bungalows. Free Wi-Fi. You will love the food and you must love dogs also, as the Norwegian owner is the organiser of Lanta Animal Welfare. Bungalows from 750 baht.

There's not much in the way of party nightlife, which, for many, is part of Ko Lanta's appeal. But there is always something going on if you ask around. There are a few restaurant/bars at the harbour, beaches and most hotels. Since it is a small island free of crime and drunkards, the local police are lenient about allowing bars to stay open until the last customer goes home.

• Charlee Barleys. A friendly bar/restaurant/bungalow. This is a great place to meet other travellers from every demographic. Relaxed sunset happy hours every night. Sometimes live music from international guests.
• Irie Bar. Local guy named Arms plays here with his band "Lantana".
• Korner Bar. Bar on the beach/rocks that often has cheap drink offers on and sometimes guest DJs. Nice atmosphere and open late. Axe pillow seating outside and covered seating inside.
• Layana Resort & Spa-Tides Restaurant, 272 Moo 3 Saladan. 11:30 to 18::00, Dinner-19:00-22:30. This is an upmarket resort in Ko Lanta. The restaurant setting is beach front and beautiful. The staff are friendly and attentive but not intrusive. Delicious menu and good wine list. Is more expensive than other restaurants in the area.
• Mook's Bar. A good spot to relaxing with a drink on the beach, listen to some reggae and maybe watch sports on TV. Mook himself is a person worth meeting.
• Ting Tong Bar, 24 Moo 2, Klong Khong Beach (S end of Klong Khong Beach. Coming from the main road, turn right after the gasoline station after 7-Eleven.

Charlee Barleys. A friendly bar/restaurant/bungalow. This is a great place to meet other travellers from every demographic. Relaxed sunset happy hours every night. Sometimes live music from international guests.

Irie Bar. Local guy named Arms plays here with his band "Lantana".

Korner Bar. Bar on the beach/rocks that often has cheap drink offers on and sometimes guest DJs. Nice atmosphere and open late. Axe pillow seating outside and covered seating inside.

Layana Resort & Spa-Tides Restaurant, 272 Moo 3 Saladan. 11:30 to 18::00, Dinner-19:00-22:30. This is an upmarket resort in Ko Lanta. The restaurant setting is beach front and beautiful. The staff are friendly and attentive but not intrusive. Delicious menu and good wine list. Is more expensive than other restaurants in the area.

Mook's Bar. A good spot to relaxing with a drink on the beach, listen to some reggae and maybe watch sports on TV. Mook himself is a person worth meeting.

Ting Tong Bar, 24 Moo 2, Klong Khong Beach (S end of Klong Khong Beach. Coming from the main road, turn right after the gasoline station after 7-Eleven.

The major medical facility providers are:

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

• Ao Nang
• Ko Phi Phi
• Krabi Town