70 kilometers south of Krabi.
It is on the east side of Southern Thailand's Phang Nga Bay. It stretches for 27 kilometres in the north-south direction. A sinuous mountain range covered by virgin rain forests traverse Ko Lanta and natural beauty abounds.
The name Lanta is derived from a kind of rack (Lantan), that the people of the South used, to grill the catch that they regularly found in the waters off these islands when travelling along the Andaman Coast.
Koh Lanta has a population of approximately 20,000 people, who make their living on fishing, rubber farming and prawn breeding. Today many are working in the tourism industry. The local trade, especially in Saladan is predominantly under the control of Thai's from Chinese descent.
The island can easily be reached by 2 car ferries that now operate from 6 am to 11pm most of the days. Some paved streets exist in the two villages but most roads are still unsurfaced.To get around Ko Lanta you'll have to rent a motorbike or car and this can be done at most resort counters.
Make sure that you are familiar with the vehicle and test the front and rear brakes, the lights and horn. Drive with extra care when passing through or by villages and schools.
Swimming suits and naked upper body are fine for the beach, but not the right attire for a drive through the local villages.
There are many ways that you can get to Ko Lanta. You could fly from Bangkok to either Phuket, Krabi or Trang (which is the favoured way of many local people) and then transfer here by bus or boat.Alternatively, you could catch the train from Bangkok to the South and transfer by bus from Trang. Similarly, you could do the same from Hat Yai to the North.
Listed below are the different modes of transport that you can opt for. Traveling in Thailand is safe, fun and easy and getting here will be part of your vacation and not a chore.
Airport Transfer Taxi & Van Service
You may order your taxi online for all Krabi destinations. All our taxis are air-conditioned private sedans that comfortably fit 2 guests and luggage. Vans can be ordered for parties of 3 or more persons.
The best time to travel to Ko Lanta is from November to April. November is the coolest month of the year with day temperatures of 28 - 30. The night temperature is regularly 5 - 7 degrees lower.
The temperature slowly rises from November until May, in January, you can expect temperatures of 30 - 33 C, in April the temperatures will climb up to 35 - 37C. Occasional downpours are not rare.
The monsoon season lasts from May through to October with temperatures slowly declining to their lowest level in November. During this period, the sea is rough and swimming is not recommended. Most of the smaller resorts on the island close down during this time as there are very few tourists around. Transport available will be only by minibus from Trang and Krabi via car ferries. Divingis not possible due to rough seas and insufficient visibility during this period.
The monsoon season lasts from May through to October with temperatures slowly declining to their lowest level in November. During this period, the sea is rough and swimming is not recommended. Most of the smaller resorts on the island close down during this time as there are very few tourists around. Transport available will be only by minibus from Trang and Krabi via car ferries. Divingis not possible due to rough seas and insufficient visibility during this period.
Sea View Restaurant
Built on a wooden pier over the water, "Sea View Restaurant" is a favourite place to eat out, when you are in the small village of Saladan. This restaurant on water is a gourmet’s delight. Great Thai Food and really attractive prices are the big draw. While tasting the exotic dishes, you can enjoy the lovely scenes unfolding before your eyes along the coastline and across the waters. The island opposite and the various types of boats cruising among the islands provide enchanting sights.
This family run restaurant offers a great choice of freshly caught seafood, that is prepared to your favourite style and served in the garden area along the beach. If you are staying in the center ofKhlong Dao Beach, "Lanta Sea House" might become your favourite spot for dinner. Come early and ensure seats at the tables, as the restaurant gets crowded during dinnertime.
This family run restaurant offers a great choice of freshly caught seafood, that is prepared to your favourite style and served in the garden area along the beach. If you are staying in the center ofKhlong Dao Beach, "Lanta Sea House" might become your favourite spot for dinner. Come early and ensure seats at the tables, as the restaurant gets crowded during dinnertime.
Baan Pimalai Restaurant.
If you have a special event to celebrate, "Baan Pimalai Restaurant" in "Pimalai Resort" is the right place. Overlooking beautiful Kantiang Bay, you will find the most attentive service available on Lanta together with great food and the largest selection on wines on the island in a romantic atmosphere.
Santos Cafe
For a relaxing coffee break, visit "Santos Cafe" in Saladan
