If you’ve ever been to Thailand, you know just how beautiful the area is. There is so much to see and endless things to do; it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide exactly how to plan your trip. After you have narrowed down your location to Koh Lanta, now you can start thinking about what you can eat, do, and see while you’re there. This quick and easy guide will help you get the most out of your experience.
Getting There
First, you have to figure out how to get to Koh Lanta. The easiest way is by going to Ao Nang Krabi. There, you get a ferry or a bus. Each method takes around two to three hours, so make sure that you plan ahead. The ferry only goes once a day in the morning from Krabi. It offers beautiful views, and it’s a comfortable ride. You can even put your legs outside of the boat from your spot sitting on the deck if you choose to. A bus isn’t quite as much of an experience, but they will drop you off right at your hotel if that’s what you’re looking for.
Take a Moped
While you’re in Koh Lanta, you’re going to want to travel around on a scooter. The roads are paved, and it’s tough to get lost. It’s pretty much one long road that is safe to travel. You can get a moped from your hotel or a local place pretty cheap. It’s an excellent way to see as much as you can in as little time as possible.
Watch the Sunset
You might think that if you’ve seen one sunset you’ve seen them all, but that isn’t what you get in Koh Lanta. Chances are your resort is already facing the direction that the sun is setting in, so all you have to do is step outside to get a fantastic view. You can do it once, or make it a plan for every single night. After doing it once, there’s a good chance that you’re going to want to do it at least one more time before you leave.
Cooking Classes
Donate to the Lanta Animal Welfare while taking a class at Time for Lime on the local cuisine. Besides learning something new and supporting a good cause, you get to indulge in some of Thailand’s greatest food and culture.
The Food
You are going to find that there isn’t a whole lot of street food to be had in Koh Lanta compared to other places in Thailand. If that’s what you’re looking for, you might be a bit disappointed. Regardless of that, you can get a meal from just about anywhere for only a few pennies. If you don’t want the more traditional Pad Thai and green curry, there are some places to get western foods so you can feel like you are more at home.
Local foods to try are:
- Maang massaman (Massaman Curry)
- Penang curry
- Pad Thai
- Sticky rice and mango
While you’re enjoying a day at the beach, look around, and you will see a variety of places to get food from there as well. It’s decent, and you can enjoy it with your toes in the sand and a fantastic view of the water. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch a fire show performed by the locals.
Fresh fruits and vegetables can be gathered at various farmers’ market type places throughout the week usually in the evenings. Grab something to take back to your room for munching on later.
Long Beach
Many say that Long Beach (Pra-Ae) is the best place to stay in Koh Lanta. It’s on the northern part of the island surrounded by pine trees. The golden sand and clear water make for an amazing view and some of the best swimming opportunities. It’s about 10 minutes away from the pier, but it never feels crowded with other tourists. There are plenty of restaurants and other accommodations in the area as well.
Beach Days
You need to spend as much time as possible on the beaches while you are in Koh Lanta. The further south on the island you go, the quieter the beaches get. If you’re looking for a day trip, Kantiang Bay, Waterfall Bay, and Bamboo Bay are all excellent choices. You can even do some hiking and visit a waterfall nearby if you decide to head in the direction of Waterfall Bay.
National Park
Koh Lanta’s National Park is another must-see destination. There is a small fee required at the spot located at the end of the only road, but there are so many things to do when you get there. You can visit the lighthouse, hike the trails, or sit and relax on the beach. There are monkeys here which are great to watch but don’t feed them because they may attack.
Author Bio –
This guest post is a work of John Frost promoting Phuket Ferry. If you’re looking for a ride from Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta, making a booking on PhuketFerry.com is your best bet.