Koh Lanta in brief
Area: 152 sqkm
This island 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, so many Thais, both Buddhist and
Muslim, came to live on the island that there seemed to be a million
eyes, which is what some people think Lanta means in Thai. Others
hold that the name is corrupted 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). Several islands are in the National
Park:
Lanta Yai Island
is where the District & National Park offices are located. The
island geography is mountainous and rugged, especially near the southern
tip; some beaches are gravelly, others have fine white sands. A
clan of Chao Ley, or "Sea Gypsies" are resident on Koh Yao 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 open to view. To visit the island take a
regularly scheduled ferry from Ban Hua Hin Pier in Tambon Koh Klahng,
Bor Muang Pier in Tambon Sai Kao or Jao Fah Pier in Krabi Town.
Taleng Beng Island
This island is in some ways a smaller version of Phi Phi Leh; made of
Limestone, honeycombed with caves, inhabited by the same swifts whose
nests are made into soup. Small beaches and caves appear
where the tide ebbs.
Hah island
A group of five islands. Hai Yai island has a field of grass on its
ridgeline. Another island resembles in shape a sailboat; one has
water that passes from one side to another beneath it. There are
some corals in shallow waters.
Ngai island
A fine sandy beach and coral reef run down the east side of this island.
It is perfect for diving. Regular ferries and charter craft are
available from Pak Meng Beach in Trang Province.
... map
Rok Nai Island
is composed largely of formidable cliffs. On the east side are a
fine sandy beach and coral gardens growing around sea rocks. On
the northern side are San Jao Bay and Tohng Bay.
Rok Nok Island
The southeast and southern ends of this island have fine sand beaches
and shallow water corals. Also not to be missed are Man Sai Bay
and Talu beach. Transport to the island is via charter from either
Pak Meng Beach in Trang Province or from Lanta Yai Island. There are
tents for rent, contact Lanta National Park Tel.: +66 (075) 629018-9.
Hin Dang
This submerged open water reef in the Andaman features a multiplicity of
colorful corals to attract serious scuba divers.
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