Ko 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 coast. Most of the island is used for agriculture, communities, and government centers.

"Koh Lanta Yai" is located south of Koh Lanta Noi. The eastern side of the island is home to local communities, including the island's ancient community, Sri Raya Village. The western side 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 Bay, Nui Bay, Klong Jak Beach, and Phai Beach, all of which are bustling with tourists. The southernmost part of the island is home to the headquarters of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. The island's landmark, the Pachot Wachirapha Lighthouse, is located at the tip of the cape within the national park area. The eastern side of the island is home to local communities, including the island's ancient community, Sri Raya Village. Additionally, there is a local sea-faring community, the Urak Lawoi, who are an indigenous group that has lived on Koh Lanta for over 500 years. This community includes To Bliew Village (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 live simple lives, deeply connected to the sea, and adhere to their traditional customs and culture.

Attractions on Koh Lanta Yai

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

"Lanta Old Town" (Sri Raya Village) is located on the eastern side of Koh Lanta Yai. Hundreds of years ago, ethnic sea-faring people made a living and settled on various islands in the Andaman Sea before coming to establish roots on Koh Lanta. Simultaneously, Chinese maritime traders began to arrive and settle. In 1901, Koh Lanta was elevated to district status, and the Koh Lanta District Office was constructed in the area of the present-day Lanta Old Town. It is a two-story wooden building, blending Southern Thai local architecture with Western influences. The area where the District Office was built and its surroundings were called "Pa Tai Ya" by the sea-faring ethnic group, meaning royal beach or chief's beach. Later, the pronunciation shifted to "Sri Raya," which remains the name of the original community on the island to this day. Sri Raya Village (Lanta Old Town) still preserves its old wooden buildings well. The original community residences have been adapted into restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and guesthouses for tourists. In the vicinity of Sri Raya Village, there is also a pier for traveling to nearby islands such as Koh Poda. 

"Phra Ae Beach" is located on the west side of Koh Lanta Yai. The beach stretches for kilometers with a wide sandy frontage, fine white sand, and beautiful turquoise waters. It is popular with tourists. Phra Ae Beach features good quality accommodations interspersed with restaurants and bars along the entire stretch of the beach. However, due to its wide sandy frontage, the atmosphere does not feel crowded and is visually pleasing.

"Klong Nin Beach" is located on the west side 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 the entire Klong Nin Beach, there are sun loungers, restaurants, and beachside bars. Those who enjoy parties and lively atmospheres will likely appreciate this beach. At night, there are fire-spinning shows and beach parties.

"Bakantiang Bay" is located on the west side of Koh Lanta Yai. The beach has a crescent shape, with clear, clean seawater suitable for swimming. The atmosphere at Bakantiang Bay is relatively quiet. Along the beach, there are accommodations, mostly cottage-style bungalows, spaced apart and not too crowded. This beach has calm waves, making it suitable for swimming and water sports, as well as family vacations.

"Nui Bay" is located on the west side of Koh Lanta Yai. It is a small beach south of Bakantiang Bay. Visitors must park their vehicles along the main road and walk down a slope of about 20 meters to reach Nui Bay beach. Nui Bay has no accommodations but features one beach bar. 

"Laem Tong, Mu Ko Lanta National Park" is located at the southernmost point of Koh Lanta Yai. It is the site of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park headquarters. The prominent highlight and landmark of Koh Lanta is the "Pachot Wachirapha Lighthouse," located on Laem Tong. This lighthouse was built in 1927 and was graciously named by His Majesty King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). Later, the lighthouse deteriorated beyond repair. The authorities rebuilt it near the original site and opened it for service on March 23, 1971. It used an acetylene gas lamp, which was later converted to a solar-powered lamp system. It emits a white light, flashing three times consecutively every 15 seconds, visible from 12 nautical miles away. Currently, the lighthouse is under the care of the Hydrographic Department, Royal Thai Navy.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park Entrance Fees
Thai citizens: Adult 40 Baht, Child 20 Baht
Foreigners: Adult 200 Baht, Child 100 Baht
4-wheeled vehicles 30 Baht, Motorcycles 20 Baht 

The national park headquarters area offers a campsite and motorhome parking for tourists. If you bring your own tent, the site fee is 80 Baht per person per night. If you rent a national park tent, it costs 450 Baht per tent per night (excluding bedding). Each tent can accommodate 2-3 people. No advance booking is required; you can walk in. Motorhome parking fees start from 200-600 Baht per vehicle per night, depending on the type and size of the vehicle. There is a welfare shop at the national park headquarters 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 "To Yee Peng," the ancestor who traveled and settled here. The main occupations of the villagers are traditional fishing and rubber farming. The area around the community is a mangrove forest rich in natural aquatic life. 
The community's tourist activities include "Dawn Boat Trip," a non-motorized wooden boat trip propelled by local villagers who also serve as local guides. The boat departs from the village pier early in the morning before sunrise, navigating through canals surrounded by mangrove forests until reaching the mouth of the bay connected to the sea, just in time for sunrise. Tourists can experience the colorful sky gradually changing from early dawn until the sun shines, along with the lush green of the mangrove forest. 

The Dawn Boat Trip has two daily departures: 
Morning trip: 05:30 - 07:30
Evening trip: 16:30 - 18:00 
Each boat can accommodate up to 6 people. A local villager, acting as a guide, will paddle and oversee the entire trip. Service fees:
Morning trip: For both Thai and foreign visitors, 850 Baht per person (if you come to the pier yourself) / 1,500 Baht (includes community vehicle transfer from your accommodation to the pier). 
Evening trip: For both Thai and foreign visitors, 750 Baht per person (if you come to the pier yourself) / 1,400 Baht (includes community vehicle transfer from your accommodation to the pier).

In addition, during the day, there are kayak rentals available for exploring the canals and mangrove forests, operating from 08:00 to 16:00. The rental fee is 400 Baht per kayak, accommodating 2 people.
 
For inquiries, contact the Thung Yee Peng Eco-Tourism Village Service Center at Tel. 08 9590 9173 (Khun Narathorn, Community Coordinator).