Koh Lanta National Park

Covering about 134 square kilometers or 3,750 rai, this southernmost group of 52 islands in Krabi can be divided into 4 groups - those of Rok Island, Ngai Island, Tukonlima Island or Ha Island and Lanta Island. The watershed in Lanta Range at the island center feeds water to these mostly limestone islands. Many types of forests can be found in these islands. Rain forest disperse in the southern part of Lanta Yai, on Lata Range and on Ngai Island. Prairie spreads on Ha Island's mountains, the major varieties of grasses being Imperata grass and Lygoclium. The surrounding sea cradles rich in coral reefs and wonderful varieties of fishes, notably Damsel fish, wrasse, Lineated butterfly fish, grouper, and grouper and sea bass.

Up until about 3/4 years ago, Koh Lanta was virtually cut off from the mainland but since then more and more accomodation and entertainment spots have opened up to a steady stream of visitors. The two main beaches are Khlong Dao and Long Beach but there are also a few more isolated spots around the island, all with places to stay.
Sadly, Lanta has now started to fall victim to the tourist industry and is growing rapidly with more hotels and resorts every year but at the moment still remains fairly quiet. Several travel shops offer boat trips around the island and there are a couple of excellent dive shops for both SCUBA and snorkelling tours.

The Lanta orchid farm makes a good day out and you can also take in some breathtaking nature treks. The main two beaches have a variety of local and foreign cuisine, all at reasonable prices as well as numerous bars and the odd karaoke place.

Lanta is easily accessible by boat from both Trang and Krabi.

Lanta Island

Lanta Islands National Park covers 152 square kilometers of Lanta Islands. This is land forms the most southern district of Krabi Province. It was known long ago by its name in the Malay language, Pelao Satak, which means Long Beach Island, Later so many Thais, both Buddhist and Muslim, came to live on the island that there seemed to be a million eyes, which is what some people think Lanta means in Thai. Others hold that the name is corrupted from Javanese lan tas, and means a fish grill (which is built of wood with a square grill on top where the fish  are set in a circle). Several important islands are in the national park.

 

Lanta yai Island is where the district and National Park offices are located, The island's geography is mountainous and rugged, especially near the southern tip; some beaches are gravelly, others have fine white sands. A clan of Chao Ley, or Sea Gipsies are resident on Koh Yao Yai, and they preserve many of their ancient customs and ceremonies e.g., the setting of ceremonial boats adrift to bring good luck and prosperity on the full moon night of the sixth and eleventh  months.

To visit the island take a regularly scheduled ferry from Ban Hua Hin Pier in Tambon Koh Klahng; Bor Muang Pier in Tambon Sai Kao; or Jao Fah pier in Krabi Town.

 

Taleng Bang Island: This island is in some ways a smaller version of Phi Phi ley: Made of Limestone, honeycombed with caves, inhabited by the some swifts whose nest are made into soup. Small beaches and caves appear when the tide ebbs.

Hah Island: A group of five islands. Hah yai island has a field of grass on its ridgeline. Another island resembles in shape a sailboat; one has water that passes from one side to another beneath it. There is some coral in shallow waters.

Ngai island: A fine sandy beach and coral reefs run down the east side of this island. It is perfect for diving. Regular ferries and charter craft are available from Pak Meng Beach in Trang Province.

Rok Nai Island is composed largely of formidable cliffs. On the east side are a fine sandy beach and coral gardens growing around sea rocks. On the north side are San Jao Bay and Tahng Bay

Rok Nok Island: The southeast and southern ends of this island have fine sand beaches and shallow water corals. Also not to be missed are Man Sai Bay and Talu Beach. Transport to the island is via charter from either Pak Meng Beach in Trang Province or from Lanta Yai  Island.

Read more on Koh Lanta here