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Koh Lanta
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Saladan or Baan Saladan |
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at the north end of Koh Lanta Yai, Salada is a village is the hub of
banks, diving schools, travel agencies, mini-marts and restaurants
scattering about. Here are both the pier of car ferry for visitors
from Krabi and the pier of boat ferry from Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi. |
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Lanta Old Town Village |
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The picturesque old capital town is definitely worth visiting for a
glimpse into the island's past. The Chinese style timber shop
house date back 100 years when it became the commercial center for the
island's fishermen and farmers. At the center of town are the
monument of Majesty Kom Luang Chumpor Ket U Domsak, Koh Lanta's founder
and first formal officers. |
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Jungle Trekking |
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Tham Khao(Cave) Mai Kaew:
A great break from the beach is a trip to this complex of caves in the
centre of Koh Lanta Yai. The adventure begins when you descend
through a small, indistinct hole in the rocks and enter the series
of diverse caverns. Some sections are as large as church
halls, others require you to squeeze through on hands and knees.
Sights en route include impressive stalactites and stalagmites, bats
and even a cavern pool that you can swim in. |
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Waterfall Walk
Take Koh Lanta's waterfall walk and enjoy the magical sight of
fresh, clear spring waters gushing down the mountain. During dry
spells the flow reduces to somewhat, but the one hour, uphill walk near
to Klong Jark Beach follows the stream and is not too strenuous.
It's certainly worth the slight exertion to swim in the cool, refreshing
rock pool situated at the bottom of the waterfall. |
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Kor Kwang Beach (Deer Neck) |
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at the northernmost tip of the island, getting off from the main road.
Nowadays, it is on to a dirt road but don't despair because the reward
is soft white sand and warm water; with only a smattering of small
resorts. Visitors from nearby hotels on Klong Dao may walk around
here occasionally but tend not to wander far, so Kor Kwang is another
sport to keep on the quite beach list. It is also one of the best
beaches in Koh Lanta to watch the sunset. |
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| Klong Dao Beach |
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The most popular beach in Koh Lanta. Klong Dao Beach is a
children-friendly beach thanks to its shallow water, low tides and
spotless sand and is perfect for swimming. When the sea level is lower,
the stretch of the beach widens and becomes great for beach side sports
such as volleyball-it also forms a great natural morning running track.
The 3-km beach is currently one of the most developed beaches on the
island now-the number of high-end resorts has increased in recent years,
joining the family owned bungalows and other middle-range and budget
hotels. Twenty of the largest and most well known resorts, many
with air-conditioned bungalows, swimming pools and hot water are dotted
along this beach, interspersed with charming, inexpensive Thai-Style
bungalows. |
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Pra Ae Beach (Long Beach) |
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Just south of Klong Dao and equally as popular. Its stunning
crescent of pristine white sands some 4 kms long, takes your breath away
with its beauty. The beach is steeper and the water less sheltered than
at Klong Dao, which makes for safe yet spectacular swimming for adults.
Many resorts have settled down on Pra Ae Beach for quite some time,
while vacant lands are still visible as tropical forests spread down to
the beach. A few high-end resorts have moved in and it appears
many more are set to come. |
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Klong Khong Beach |
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With 2km length of the white sand beach with some small rocks
scattering around. Nearby, there is a small canal so called "Klong
Khong". Comparing the above two beaches, it is slightly less popular.
Coconut trees and tropical greenery stretch along the shoreline,
offering tiny charming corners for picnics and sunbathing. Its
true swimming is not possible everywhere but there are enough points for
swimmers to easily dip into the warm and clear water or even snorkel for
small discoveries of marine life. Visitors who seek tranquility
choose this beach to lay back in the small resorts and bungalows, which
are cheaper. |
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Klong Toab Beach |
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smaller beach next to Klong Khong with a feature of a golden sandy
beach. Some part are rocky, but it is set to become more exclusive
as a luxurious resort has just moved in. Klong Toab Beach is quite
wide with good shade and good for swimming in some areas. It is
the last beach on the main road before turning left along the main road.
Next to Klong Toab Beach, the road will be smaller along the beach on
the west side. |
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Klong Nin Beach |
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Small-sized beach with local small tree called "Lam Jieak" different
from other beach. Sand beach with some small rocked, suite for swimming,
but some parts in the sea are quite steeper. Not so crowded, and near
Laem Tanode and Tham Khao Mai Kaew. Klong Nin Beach has a variety of
small local bars with simple decorations and warm atmosphere.
Resorts offering bungalows are scattered up and down the beach, ranging
from simple, inexpensive family accommodation to more upscale pool and
spa resorts.
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Klong Hin Beach |
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Klong Hin Beach is a small calm shore with rocky and sandy beach. It has
less accommodation and entertainment than the northern beaches. It
offers prime soft sand and a relaxing atmosphere. Those who stay
at other beaches should drop by for a picnic or a short swim as Klong
Hin provides some natural beauty and wilderness.
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Nui Beach |
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It takes some dedication and adventure seeking to get to Nui Beach from
the main road as the trail to get to this small beach is high from the
hill. Just follow the sign that will lead you into the jungle. A bit of
trekking is required but there is nothing to worry about as the tropical
footpath is clearly marked. Once there, you’ll discover an un-crowded
tiny half moon bay—perfect for sunbathing and swimming in private. The
unspoilt blue lagoon may not be children-friendly as the wind is strong
and the tides are high. But adults should find this beach a hidden
heaven within the island.
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Ba Kan Tieng Beach |
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Surrounded by the high moutains of Koh Lanta's National park, Ba Kan
Tieng Beach is a fabulous stretch of shimmering white sands with
excellent clear swimming waters. Just a kilometer long, this small
beach is covered with tropical trees enhancing the "desert island" feel
and ensuring real privacy. There are a few resorts on Ba Kan Tieng
Beach making accommodation really secluded and also perfect for
water-sport activities. |
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Ao Nui Beach |
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Next to Bakantiang, the road changes to a dirt road in 5 km length
leading to Mu Ko Lanta National Park. It is difficult to come around
this area and you will need a good quality four wheel drive vehicle or a
bike if you’re a really good rider. From this part onwards there are
basically bungalows and some middle-range establishments on offer. To
get to Ao Nui Beach, you have to climb down the hill and do some jungle
trekking again, but the hill is closer to the beach than the previous
Nui Beach. This beach is a small bay—some people call it Nui Bay for
that matter—charming soft golden sand, calm emerald green water. If
natural beauty is what you’re looking for, it’s worth stopping by. |
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Klong Jaak Beach |
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It is hidden from the tropical green hills and coconut trees. The
fabulous stretch of white sand and the scenic landscape make this beach
an excellent place to stay for a long holiday. Budgeted bungalows and
resorts disperse by the beach—during the high season they are fully
booked so it’s recommended to make reservations well in advance. These
accommodations tend to close down during the green season to renovate,
fix and repair the rooms and prepare for the next high season. If you
choose to be around here, it means you have no interest to go elsewhere
too often due to the bumpy road. |
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Bamboo Bay (Last Beach) |
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It is the last beach on the east side before the national marine
park. A slightly curved beach around five hundred meters long, with
lovely white sand and clear waters. Swimming is suitable here when
the tide is not too deep. The northern part of this beach has rock
pools where it's possible to snorkel and watch the fish. The beach
extremely private and feels cast away from the outside world. There are
a few basic resorts here. Booking accommodation in advance with private
transfer is recommended. |
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Ta Nod Beach and Lighthouse |
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It is the end spot of the island, actually looking more a cape than a
beach. Some call "Laem Ta Nod" meaning Ta Nod Cape. Ta Nod Beach
is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches, delightful and
tranquil beach. Visitors come here to see the Lighthouse, the
symbol of Koh Lanta like I did. It 's hardly to find any visitors here
because of the dirt and sloppy road to go. Once you are here,
don't miss to climb up to the Lighthouse and take a photo. Sunset
here is unique and second to none. Far-view island from this spot is Koh
Ngai. There is no resort here as it is in the national park area. |
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Updated on 30 Apr 06.
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