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Ko Lanta (also Koh Lanta) is an island district off the west coast of Thailand. Like many other destinations in Krabi Province it is known for its diving and long white beaches. The island becomess popular with tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties: more walking on the beach and watching the sunset than drinking and dancing. It is also popular with families with young children, and of course, with divers.
The two largest islands are Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. Although Ko Lanta Noi is inhabited, Ko Lanta Yai is the primary tourist destination.
Koh Lanta is especially popular with Swedish tourists: although the "tourist language" is English as it is in most places in Thailand, Visitors will find menus and so on are translated into English, expect the poolside language to be Swedish much of the time. More info about Koh Lanta
Geography
Koh Lanta is mountainous and rugged, especially near the southern tip; some beaches are gravelly, while the others have fine white sands.
A clan of Chao Ley, or "Sea Gypsies" is resident on Koh Lanta 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 nights of the sixth and eleventh month. This and other features of their lives are opened to view.
History
Koh Lanta forms the most southern district of Krabi province. It was known long ago by its name in the Malay language, Pulao Satak, which means Long Beach Island.
Later, many Thais, both Buddhist and Muslim, came to live on the island making the island known as the island of "a million eyes", which is the literal translation of Lanta in Thai. Others hold that the name is derived 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).
Attractions
Almost all the attractions are located in the west shores of Lanta island. There are various activities for your favorite choices, for example, trekking, diving, sea canoeing, swimming, sight-seeing the old town and the lighthouse at the southernmost side of the island.
Koh Lanta forms the most southern district of Krabi province. It was known long ago by its name in the Malay language, Pulao Satak, which means Long Beach Island.