Day 1 in Koh Lanta

Welcome to Koh Lanta! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the island and take a leisurely stroll around Ban Saladan, the heart of the island, where many tourists arrive and depart by ferry. This bustling beachside town offers restaurants built on stilts over the water along with cafes, shops, and other activities. Sit back and enjoy a delicious lunch with a tropical cocktail while taking in the magnificent tropical views.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. Koh Lanta is a stunning tropical island getaway with idyllic beaches along the coastline lapped by the amazing Andaman Seas. Klong Khong Beach is a serene 2 mile stretch of soft white sand on the west coast of the island fringed by palm trees and lined by cozy bungalows as well as restaurants, bars, and beachside spas. Nestle down on the beach and soak up the sunshine, read a book, walk the beach and cool off in the tropical waters while adjusting to island life.

As evening time approaches find a relaxed spot at one of the beach bars and enjoy sundowners as the sunsets over the ocean. Dine on delicious fresh seafood at any one of the many restaurants found lining the beaches or Ban Saladan town on verandas over the water. Fresh catch of the day can be seen displayed on ice outside local restaurants and include all kinds of fish, crabs, langoustines, shellfish, and lobster. There are various other cuisines served on the island including Malay, Indonesian and Indian Food.

After dinner, take in one of the dazzling fire shows held directly on the beach, a popular local attraction. Laze in a hammock and listen to the sounds of the ocean and watch the stars sparkle above.

Day 2 in Koh Lanta

Begin your second day with a stroll along one of the many outstanding beaches of Koh Lanta and sit down and enjoy breakfast beachside.

Go Kayaking in the rich mangrove forests and hidden caves found off the beaten path in Koh Lanta. Head to the east side of the island is brimming with mangrove forests and limestone caves worth exploring, the best way to do this is onboard a kayak through the breathtaking natural surroundings. There is a limestone cliff found at Ko Talabaeng near Koh Lanta. Paddle through the spectacular caves and explore the secluded beaches on your journey.

Fishing is a great activity to partake in while visiting Koh Lanta, you can catch the likes of marlin, sailfish, barracuda, red snapper and tuna in the waters around the tropical island. There are different fishing tours offered around the main beaches providing half day, full day or night fishing.

Spend the afternoon exploring some of the fantastic dive spots found within arms reach of the island. The diving sites found around Koh Lanta provide consistently good visibility reaching depths over 100 feet where an abundance of marine life can be seen and caves can be explored.

Hin Muang `Purple Rock` and Hin Daeng `Red Rock` are two of the best diving sites in Thailand (ranked in the world`s top 10) found off the coast of Koh Lanta. These coral outcrops found in the middle of the sea break the surface of the water and reach up to 230 feet deep. Vibrant delicate purple and red corals provide a feeding station for large pelagic fish, blue manta rays, leopard sharks, barracudas, and tuna. The diving season in Koh Lanta runs from November to April and many tour operators are available to take you on trips to the sites.

Koh Rok is the location of the twin islands, Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok located about 18 miles south of the island. The sister islands are around the same size and feature hard and soft coral in the waters and stunning white sand beaches. Sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling are a few things that can be enjoyed here.

After a busy day of activities enjoy some dinner at one of the local family-owned restaurants or cafes found on the island. You can dine on freshly caught fish or seafood, western style burgers and pizza, Green food or vegetarian dishes.

Enjoy a `Likae Pa` play. This adapted play follows the adventures of an Indian merchant that came from Calcutta to marry a local girl named Yayi. The play is accompanied by the music of folk instruments with various drums, cymbals, and gongs with traditional Manora and Buranyawa songs.

Day 3 in Koh Lanta

On your last day in Koh Lanta visit the sprawling Mu Ko Lanta National Park, nestled at the southern end of the island covering 135 square kilometers in Amphoe Ko Lanta. This beautiful park protects 15 islands and was established in 1990, home to the nomadic sea gypsies `Chao Le` and the Ko Lanta Lighthouse. Wander the stunning white sand beaches and jungle trails to breathtaking viewpoints and natural scenic surroundings. Take a hike to the Klong Chak Waterfall and cave found in the area. The cascading waterfall is found in a jungle setting with emerald green waters in the pool below, take a dip and some pictures and hike along to the hidden cave.

Laem Tanod is situated close by to the National Park, a rugged mountainous tip on the island featuring sheer drops and endless views. The cape here sticks out into the sea forming a beach on one side with sand and a beach on the other side filled with rocks. Visit the lighthouse here and see the rich tropical surroundings brimming with wildlife. This is a great area for birdwatching.

Head over to Kantiang Bay, a gorgeous stretch of beach with a curvy shoreline. This beautiful small bay is filled with sparkling turquoise waters and dotted with idyllic bungalows and resorts. The beach is one of the most amazing on the island and one of the `Top Ten Tropical Beaches in the World`, the waters here are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visit one of the beachfront restaurants here to dine on a delicious lunch, go shopping for some unique local souvenirs and spend your afternoon on the soft white sands.

Check out Lanta Old Town, a quaint traditional fishing village set on the east coast of the island. This was the main port and commercial center of the island for Arabic and Chinese trading vessels. A picturesque port lined by traditional teak stilted houses that stand tall over the water, gypsy villages and temples. Visit one of the many great restaurants found in Old Town many are located along the pier with great views over the water. Check out the quaint gift shops and art galleries and soak in the charming atmosphere here.

Old Town is brimming with traditional Thai Massage parlors and spas. Take a few hours to relax and rejuvenate and treat yourself to one of the amazing treatments they offer. There are also massages offered beachside which is a great experience whilst on the tropical island.

On your last evening take part in a Thai Cooking course. There are different cooking schools found in Koh Lanta that will teach you how to cook traditional Thai dishes such as tom yum kung, sweet green curry and chicken with cashews. Feast on the fruits of your labor and then check out some Thai Boxing.

There are three stadiums on the island (Klong Dao, two in Long Beach) that offer traditional Muay Thai (kickboxing) matches every night. There are big fights between professionals that start around 10 pm.

Additional Days in Koh Lanta

If you are able to spend additional days in Khao Lanta visit the Khao Mai Kaew Cave located in the heart of Koh Lanta. Explore inside the limestone cave and view impressive stalagmites and stalactites and take a swim in the subterranean pool.

Koh Lanta is the host of many festivals including the Laanta Lanta Festival held annually in March at the Old Community called Ban Sanga-Au with traditional culture, ceremonies, performances, folk games, water sports, and various food stalls.

Loi Ruea Chao-Le Festival takes place on Koh Lanta during the full moon of the 5th and 11th months in the lunar calendar. Old rituals are performed by the sea gypsies who gather on the beach near Sala Dan Village to perform their famous `rong ngeng` dance around the boats of misfortune that are then set adrift.

Your Last Day in Khao Lanta

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.