Koh Lanta Island, offers nature, quiet, and beaches with white sand and green seas. There is still a feel of the kick-back hippie-esque backpacker about the place served by a 1½ ferry ride from the provincial capital Krabi, the nearest airport, twice a day from September through May. The first 4 star boutique style resort, Sri-Lanta which just opened a few years ago and the even newer 5-star luxury Pimalai resort and Spa compete for the top end of travelers who want to get away from it all. There are no night clubs, cinemas, serious shopping or discos outside of Ban Sala Dan, and only a few there during the high season. The sea, secluded beaches and tranquility are the main attraction. There are two primary activities; scuba diving and snorkeling and both can be arranged by local operators. Koh Lanta’s best diving sites are between Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi, including the beautiful coral at Hin Bidah, where you can see leopard sharks, tuna and barracuda. West and south of Lanta is the Ko Ha island group which offers four different diving sites on each of its five islands, including steep drop offs and caves.

The resorts can also arrange transport to Tham Khao Maikaeo where a complex of caverns and tunnels has been carved from limestone cracks and crevices by monsoon rains over millions of years.

Sri Lanta, on the southern and best bit of Hat Khlong Nin beach, half way down the island. The roomy wooden villas in a hillside garden are above the stylish beachside area with a restaurant and pool.

Pimalai Resort & Spa is set amidst lush tropical forest in manicured gardens interspersed with water features and fountains. The75 luxurious first class rooms and suites all have slick modern Thai furnishings and excellent views of the beautiful bay below.

Here you will find privacy and a quiet escape from the hustle of the city…any city. But with a full range of facilities and services.

Recommended sites are Koh Muk, a 30 minute boat-ride away, to discover
the secret wonders of the undersea world and coral reef. A must-see destination is a further 30 minutes ride to the Emerald Cave, in Trang area. Emerald Cave can be reached only by swimming toward darkness from the entrance of the cave where your boat waits. The swim to the cave requires a lot of energy but the white sand beach inside the Cave is a worthwhile reward and comparable to Blue Grotto at Capri. On the way back to Koh Lanta, you can experience typical southern Thai dishes at Koh Ngai Fantasy Resort.

Getting there

Offers an ideal opportunity to experience the luxury aboard Thai Airways Royal Silk Class which offers the flying in luxury. In the privacy of your cabin, enjoy the individual in-flight entertainment system, with 170 degree recline seat, friendly, personal hospitality. It’s an hour drive from the airport to Sala Dan Pier. The road to Koh Lanta Yai is still rugged, and considered inconvenient to reach Koh Lanta by car. The resorts provide a speed boat service to pick up their guests at Sala Dan Pier and it takes 30 minutes to either resort.

For More information:
Pimalai Resort & Spa: www.pimalai.com
Sri Lanta Resort: www.srilanta.com
Koh Lanta Photo Gallery & Package Tour: www.seabornventures.com/eng/koh_lanta.php
General information on Koh Lanta: www.aonang.com/kohlanta
Koh Lanta Diving Centre www.kolantadivingcenter.com
Koh Lanta Sea Sports Activities: www.kolanta.com/sports/kavaking.htm