Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta, 68 km from Krabi town, has a group of 52 islands, the largest of which are Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Klarng. ‘Pulaotatak’ is the original name for Koh Lanta. In the language of the Chao Ley sea gypsies, it means simply ‘island with long beach’. The Chao Ley have a long history of living in Koh Lanta. Although many Chao Ley today seem to live no differently from the ethnic Thais on Lant, they proudly keep alive some traditions, such as the celebration of ‘Loy Rua Chao Le’ (The setting adrift of the Chao Ley boats). Visitors wanting to learn more about the Chao Ley sea gypsies and their traditions should take a look at the village of Sangaua on the southernmost tip of Koh Lanta Yai’s West coast. Koh Lanta Yai’s geography consists mainly of limestone mountain, with the Lanta Range running through the middle of the island. It is covered in lush rainforest, home to many species of fauna and flora. The magnificent beaches of the West coast draw increasingly more travellers in search of rest and recreation. The sub-district of Saladan on Koh Lanta Yai is the center of tourist facilities. Some of the most popular activities on Koh Lanta are swimming, sunbathing, cave exploration and scuba diving.

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