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0846420841The Thai islands are often lumped into one endless, sunny, party-town. Images of white sand, blue seas, and palm trees come to mind, as do beer, debauchery, and beaches filled with endless crowds.
The oft-overlooked and misunderstood Ko Lanta, just a couple of hours away from Krabi airport by a combination of car and ferry, or by speedboat from the effervescent Phuket, defies all those stereotypes.
Ko Lanta is really made up of two islands – Ko Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai. Noi means small, and those who come from Krabi have to take a car ferry to the island and drive across it in a matter of minutes, then board a second car ferry which will bring you to Ko Lanta Yai. Yai – the bigger counterpart- is about 6km wide and 30km long, and that’s where a discerning tourist can stay.
Small But Bustling Thai Island
Ko Lanta’s population is only upwards of 10,000. The island is equipped to deal with the crowds, yet the crowds have yet to find their way there. There are countless bars, restaurants (from high-end to home-run), cafes (anything from a flat white to gelato can be found on the island), a few cooking schools, and hotels and accommodation for every budget. The scene is modern enough to have all the amenities you may need, yet rustic enough for beaches to be one long, golden, empty stretch.
Most visitors stay on Long Beach or Klong Dao, close to the northern tip of the island where the ferry arrives and departs. The area is lively without being crowded, and incredibly laid back despite the numerous beachfront bars and restaurants that dot the coast. If you want beaches that are even more isolated, check out the south part of the island, where the beaches are whiter and monkeys are aplenty!
Fresh Seafood on the Cheap in Thailand
Those why love fresh seafood and want to have it on waterfront restaurants on stilts should stay near the town of Sala Dan, or at least visit once during your stay. Dozens of seafood restaurants form a promenade, and just $10 USD per person is sufficient for a good meal and a beer. Set aside a little more money if you’re planning to go all out and splurge, but it shouldn’t cost you more than $20 USD. Wine is a little costly here, so be prepared to pay almost the same price as in Western countries for a single glass.
Island-Hopping in Thailand
There are several islands nearby that are inhabited, and even more renowned for their beauty. Divers and avid snorkelers make their way there to see manta rays, reef sharks, and turtles. Kok Rok, known for emerald waters and fine white sand, is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon sunbathing. Komodo dragons, a huge but harmless reptile, are commonly spotted here. Ko Haa is also a hot favourite for those who like to dive deep and get a look good at the wondrous marine life under the water. If not for Ko Lanta, it would mean an extremely long and tiresome boat ride to get to these islands.
