Koh Lanta — The Relaxed Counterpart

Koh Lanta is the island for those tired of Phuket's hustle and Phi Phi's party excesses. The elongated island (30 km north-south) has retained its relaxed, uncomplicated charm: No jet skis, no neon parties, no crowds. Instead: long, empty beaches, excellent food, a friendly backpacker scene, and the most beautiful sunsets on the Andaman Coast.

★★★ Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach)

Koh Lanta's main beach — 4 km of fine golden sand, gentle entry, calm waters. Enough restaurants and bars for comfort, but never crowded. In the evenings, tables are set in the sand, lanterns are lit, and dinner becomes a romantic event. Accommodations range from simple bamboo bungalows (500 ฿) to boutique resorts (3,000–6,000 ฿).

★★★ Klong Dao Beach

The island's most family-friendly beach — wide, flat, with fine sand and gentle waves. Located in the north, close to the ferry pier and the small village of Saladan. Perfect for families with young children. The sunset here is legendary.

★★ Kantiang Bay

A beautiful crescent-shaped bay in the south — more secluded, quieter, and with the best snorkeling directly from the beach. The Pimalai Resort (one of Thailand's best hotels) sits on the hillside above. Budget travelers will also find cheap bungalows here (from 600 ฿). The restaurant "Same Same But Different" at the southern end is a hidden gem (fish BBQ from 200 ฿).

★★ Mu Ko Lanta National Park

At the southern end of the island lies the national park with a beautiful rocky beach, a lighthouse with panoramic views, and a short nature trail through mangrove forests. The main attraction: snorkeling at the offshore rocks with turtles and colorful reef fish.

Entrance: 200 ฿. Daily 8 AM–6 PM. Accessible by scooter (steep road at the end).

★★ Old Town (Ban Si Raya)

On the east coast lies Koh Lanta's historic center — an atmospheric village on stilts over the water. Chinese trading houses, a few cafes, a community museum, and a pier where fishermen land their catches. No tourist attractions in the classic sense, but an authentic insight into the island's original life. Small night market on Friday evenings.

★ Koh Rok — Day Trip

The uninhabited Koh Rok Islands, 30 km south of Lanta, offer the best snorkeling in the entire Krabi province: visibility up to 25 m, intact coral reefs, reef sharks, and turtles. Only accessible by organized day trip (speedboat: 1,500–1,800 ฿ from Koh Lanta, including national park fee, lunch, and snorkeling equipment). Open only from November to April.