Koh Lanta Yai

Koh Lanta is divided into Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta District, Krabi Province.

"Koh Lanta Noi" is closer to the mainland. Most of the island is used for agriculture, communities, and government offices.

"Koh Lanta Yai" is located south of Koh Lanta Noi. The east coast of the island is home to local communities, including the old community of Sri Raya Village. The west coast of the island has many beautiful beaches, such as Klong Khong Beach, Klong Dao Beach, Phra Ae Beach, Klong Khong Beach, Klong Nin Beach, Klong Hin Beach, Bakantiang Beach, Nui Bay, Klong Jak Beach, and Mai Phai Beach. These are bustling with tourists. The southernmost part of the island is home to the headquarters of Mu Ko Lanta National Park. The island's landmark, Pachot Vachiraphan Lighthouse, is located at the tip of the cape within the park area. Additionally, the eastern coast of the island is home to local communities, including the old community of Sri Raya Village. There are also native sea-dwelling communities, the Urak Lawoi, who are the indigenous people who have lived on Koh Lanta for over 500 years. These communities include Toh Baliw Community (near Saladan Pier), Sangka-oo Village, Laem Nuea Village, and Laem Klang Village (in the southern part of Koh Lanta Yai). The local villagers in these communities lead simple lives, connected to the sea, and adhere to their traditional customs and culture.

Tourist attractions on Koh Lanta Yai

"Sirilanta Bridge" is a concrete bridge for vehicles to travel between Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. It is approximately 1 kilometer long with two traffic lanes and a pedestrian walkway for enjoying the scenery from the bridge.

"Old Town Lanta Community" (Sri Raya Village) is located on the east coast of Koh Lanta Yai. Hundreds of years ago, sea-dwelling ethnic groups made their living and lived on various islands in the Andaman Sea. Later, they migrated and settled on Koh Lanta. Meanwhile, Chinese traders also began to arrive and settle. In 1901, Koh Lanta was elevated to district status, and the Koh Lanta District Office was built in the area of the Old Town Lanta Community. It is a two-story wooden building, combining Southern Thai local architecture with Western architectural styles. The area where the district office was built and its surroundings were called "Pa Tai Ya" by the sea-dwelling ethnic groups, meaning "royal beach" or "lord's beach." Later, the pronunciation changed to "Sri Raya," which has been the name of the original community on the island to this day. Sri Raya Village (Old Town Lanta Community) still preserves its old wooden buildings. These have been adapted from the original residential homes of the community into restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and guesthouses for tourists. Near Sri Raya Village, there is also a pier for traveling to nearby islands such as Koh Por.

"Phra Ae Beach" is located on the west coast of Koh Lanta Yai. The beach is kilometers long with a wide sandy shore of fine white sand and a beautiful turquoise sea. It is popular with tourists. Phra Ae Beach has good quality resorts interspersed with restaurants and bars along the entire stretch of the beach. However, due to its wide shoreline, the atmosphere does not feel crowded and is visually pleasing.

"Klong Nin Beach" is located on the west coast of Koh Lanta Yai. The beach is kilometers long. The sand at Klong Nin Beach is darker than at Phra Ae Beach but is fine and soft underfoot. The seawater is clean and clear. Along Klong Nin Beach, there are sun loungers, restaurants, and beach bars. Partygoers and those who enjoy lively atmospheres will likely enjoy this beach. At night, there are fire-spinning shows and beach parties.

"Bakantiang Beach" is located on the west coast of Koh Lanta Yai. The beach has a crescent shape, with clear, clean seawater suitable for swimming. The atmosphere at Bakantiang Beach is quite peaceful. Along the beach, there are accommodations, mostly cottage-style bungalows, spread out and not too crowded. This beach has gentle waves, making it suitable for swimming and water sports. It is also an ideal beach for family vacations.

"Nui Bay" is located on the west coast of Koh Lanta Yai. It is a small beach situated south of Bakantiang Beach. From the main road, you have to park your car on the side and walk down a slope of about 20 meters to reach Nui Bay. Nui Bay has no accommodations but has one beach bar.

"Laem Tong National Park, Mu Ko Lanta" is located at the southernmost tip of Koh Lanta Yai and is the site of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park headquarters. The most prominent highlight and landmark of Koh Lanta is the "Pachot Vachiraphan Lighthouse" located on Laem Tong. This lighthouse was built in 1927 and was named by His Majesty King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). Later, the lighthouse fell into disrepair and could not be repaired. The authorities then rebuilt it near the original site and opened it for use on March 23, 1971. It used an acetylene gas lamp and was later converted to a solar-powered lamp. It is a white light that flashes three times consecutively every 15 seconds and can be seen from a distance of 12 nautical miles. Currently, this lighthouse is under the care of the Hydrographic Department, Royal Thai Navy.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park Entrance Fees

Thai citizens: Adults 40 Baht, Children 20 Baht

Foreigners: Adults 200 Baht, Children 100 Baht

Cars 4 wheels: 30 Baht, Motorcycles: 20 Baht

At the National Park headquarters, there is a campsite and a camper van parking area for tourists. If you bring your own tent, the site fee is 80 Baht/person/night. If you rent a national park tent, it costs 450 Baht/tent/night (excluding bedding) and can accommodate 2-3 people. No prior booking is required; you can walk in. Camper van parking fees range from 200-600 Baht/vehicle/night, depending on the type and size of the vehicle. The National Park headquarters has a canteen open daily from 08:30 to 16:30. For inquiries, call 0 7565 6576.

"Thung Yee Peng" or Thung Yee Peng Eco-Tourism Village is located on the eastern side of Koh Lanta Yai, 7 kilometers from Saladan Pier. A road leads to the Thung Yee Peng Village Tourist Service Center. It is a Muslim community that settled here about 100 years ago. The village name comes from "Toh Yee Peng," an ancestor who traveled and settled here. The main occupations of the villagers are traditional fishing and rubber tapping. The surrounding area is a mangrove forest rich in natural marine life.

Village tourism activities include "Sunrise Boat Trip." This is a non-motorized wooden boat trip, propelled by a local villager who also serves as a local guide. The boat departs from the village pier early in the morning, before sunrise, and sails through canals surrounded by mangrove forests to the estuary connecting to the sea, coinciding with sunrise. Tourists can experience the colors of the sky changing from dawn to sunrise, along with the lush green of the mangroves.

The Sunrise Boat Trip has 2 rounds per day:

Morning round: 05:30 - 07:30

Evening round: 16:30 - 18:00

One paddle boat can accommodate up to 6 people. A local villager, acting as a local guide, will paddle and take care of the trip throughout. Service fees:

Morning trip: Thai and Foreigners: 850 Baht/person (if arriving at the pier independently) / 1,500 Baht (if the community provides shuttle service between the accommodation and the pier).

Evening trip: Thai and Foreigners: 750 Baht/person (if arriving at the pier independently) / 1,400 Baht (if the community provides shuttle service between the accommodation and the pier).

Additionally, during the day, there are activities such as renting kayaks to paddle along the canals through the mangrove forests, available from 08:00 to 16:00. The rental fee is 400 Baht per kayak, which can accommodate 2 people.

For inquiries, contact the Thung Yee Peng Eco-Tourism Village Service Center at Tel. 08 9590 9173 (Mr. Narathorn, Community Coordinator).