Koh Lanta Hotels

Hit the sands of Kawkwang, Khlong Khong and Khlong Toab for paradise-style beach experiences and follow it up with a good post-beach feed in Ban Saladan. Want more water time? Hin Muang is one of the best spots for deep-sea diving in the world, while tamer activities like snorkelling can also keep you happily occupied.

Koh Lanta hasn’t been spoilt by overdevelopment, meaning high-rise resorts (and the people they attract) don’t exist here. So all you’ve got to worry about is working on those abs…

Koh Lanta’s Top 10

Koh Lanta History

• Lanta Old Town – This historical port town was a stop for shipping vessels.
• 2. Chao Le –These sea gypsies can be seen performing their ancient rituals in June and November during a full moon.
• Koh Lanta National Park – Come see what the island looked like before development.
• Laanta Lanta Festival – Held in March in Koh Lanta Old Town, this festival offers a chance for tourists to see traditional Thai culture.
• Sat Duean Sip Festival – This traditional ceremony hasn’t changed in hundreds of years.

Koh Lanta Art & Culture

• Chak Phra Festival – What started as a river parade has morphed into a land procession of Buddhist images on Koh Lanta.
• Loi Ruea Chao-Le Festival – This full-moon ceremony is performed by the sea gypsies of Koh Lanta to bring good luck.
• Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival – This November festival rings in the tourist season on Koh Lanta with games and water sports.
• Lanta Gallery – This Koh Lanta gallery features the works of local artists.
• Likae Pa – This traditional story is accompanied by traditional southern Thai instruments.

Koh Lanta Shopping

• Koh Lanta Hammock Shop – Located in Old Town, this unique shop literally sells relaxation.
• Weekend Market – This local market has a central Koh Lanta location and sells just about everything.
• Baan Lanna Art and Culture – A great place to buy local artwork.
• Catfish – Selling an array of new and used books.
• Handmade Batik Shop – This small shop is nothing more than a shed, but the man inside makes beautiful Batik sarongs.

Gay & Lesbian Koh Lanta

• Lanta Cha Da Resort – This gay-friendly resort is located on Klong Dao Beach.
• The Houben – This beautiful and unique hotel caters to the gay and lesbian community.
• Lanta Mermaid Boutique House – This Koh Lanta resort offers beautiful views and a gay-friendly environment.
• Relax Bay – This gay-friendly Koh Lanta resort lives up to its name.
• Twin Lotus Resort and Spa – Come get pampered for the day or stay the night.

Koh Lanta Events

February’s Macha Bucha is an important Buddhist holiday. Expect hordes of Thai-filled temples, colourful parades and a great buzz.

The Laanta Lanta Festival in March is one of the biggest events of the year. Experience authentic Thai culture through traditional performances, food, craft workshops and markets.

Combine singing, dancing, a drizzle of traditional rituals and a shipload of Buddha and what do you get? October’s Chak Phra Festival, of course!

The Loi-Rua/Boat Floating Ceremony held every October is a fun and meaningful event. Watch locals cast their bad luck out to sea via colourful boats decorated with flowers. When that’s all done and dusted? Party time!

When To Go

There are two distinct seasons in Koh Lanta – hot/dry and not-as-hot/wet. Expect 34°C (93°F) days during the former and 28°C (82°F) days in the latter.

There’ll be storms, storms and more storms if you’re visiting in September and October.

The humidity can get intense in Koh Lanta, often reaching 100 per cent. If you’re sensitive to this, avoid jungle treks and visits to the National Park

Getting Around

Taxis are cheap but unregulated, so be wary of shifty drivers who hike up their prices.

The lack of public transport means hiring a car is the best way to go in this town. You can also hire motorbikes and scooters, but the roads are pretty awful and accidents are common.

If you’re venturing out to the National Park, make sure you’re in a suitable vehicle as the roads are muddy, potholed and steep.

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