One of the lesser-known gems in the south of Thailand is Ko Lanta island. Reached by ferry, this island is not one to be missed when visiting the south of Thailand.
There are many things to do while you’re on this beautiful island from watching gorgeous sunsets to exploring the different towns and markets. And you are never far from the beach.
Here are five suggestions to get you started:
Get a happy hour cocktail and watch the sunset at Diamond Cliff
Diamond Cliff is on the west side of the island and boasts the best place to view the sunset. Up above the beach is Diamond Cliff Restaurant that has a sunset happy hour where you can get a mixed cocktail for 150 THB (4.30 USD). Opt for the mango rum where the mangos are fresh from the island mixed with a generous pour of rum, simple syrup, and ice. You can also order food, which ranges from 80 - 120 THB (2.30 - 3.44 USD) per dish.
After your dinner and drink take the steps down to take an evening stroll on this private beach. It is something you might get addicted to and make an every night ritual.
Spend a day visiting the Old Town
This cute fishing town is known for the fresh seafood that the fishermen deliver to the local restaurants every morning. This one-street town has plenty of stores to check out and shop for souvenirs. There is also a market every Sunday morning that sells fresh fruit, vegetables, curry paste and fish.
Walk out on the pier and take in the view of the town and all the fishing boats out on the water. You can also hire a boat to give you a tour of the local islands that you can see from the pier. Make sure you grab lunch or dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants, where you can sit outside at a table over the water.
Go scuba diving in the Andaman Sea
Do you love snorkeling? Try a discover scuba class with Scubafish or one of the other many dive shops on the island. Your first class will be in a pool learning some skills. The next day your instructor will take you over to Koh Phi Phi where you will dive to 10 meters (33 feet) deep and see some of the most colorful coral the Andaman Sea has to offer.
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Visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park and hike up to the lighthouse
Head to Mu Ko Lanta National Park in the morning to hike up to the lighthouse where you’ll get a view of the beach down below. The entrance fee is 400 THB (11.47 USD) for foreigners. Be careful with your bags. Monkeys roam the beaches, and they are looking for food. If you leave your bag unattended, it will become a target for them to scavenge for food.
There are no monkeys on the hike up to the lighthouse. The water surrounding the lighthouse is in a protected marine park, established in 1990. It is off-limits to snorkelers and divers from May to October so the reef and marine life can rest and recover from the human underwater traffic.
Spend a day at one of the many beaches
Ko Lanta is known for its gorgeous beaches on both sides of the island. On the west side, you’ll find many public beaches where both locals and tourists will be laying out on the white sand. Head over to the east side to find private beaches and many that offer hammocks to relax on for free.
Rent a motorbike to see it all on your own
The best way to see Ko Lanta is to rent a motorbike. You can ride around the whole island in 45 minutes. Bike rentals range from 200 - 300 THB (5.75 - 8.61 USD) per day. All motorbike prices are negotiable, and you can get a better rate if you rent for a week or longer. With a motorbike, you can tour the island at your own pace and sometimes take a road for a chance to find your own hidden gem. Anywhere you go on Ko Lanta you’re sure to be in awe of the beaches and beautiful sunsets. Arrange your trip to Ko Lanta when you next visit Thailand.
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