Longtail boating

• Lanta Longtail / Sun Island Tours, 9/1 Moo 1, Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta Yai +66 087 8916619 (info@lantalongtail.com) [1] - private charters, island tours, beach camping and fishing trips.

Sea kayaking

• Rapu Sea Kayaking, 10/5 Moo 2, Ko Lanta Yai +66 92 871 749 (contact Chutima Junsirikamon) - guided sea kayak tours of the mangrove areas.

Diving

There are no scuba diving sites on the island itself, all require a boat trip. However Lanta is the closest island to the famous Hin Daeng and Hin Muang sites, so it is very popular with divers. Here below are the most popular diving sites:

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang near Ko Lanta are perhaps the best dive sites in Thailand (ranking in the world’s top ten) with more than 200 hard corals and 108 reef fish catalogued in a study underway, but thousands more organisms abound. Hin Daeng has the steepest and deepest in the whole of the country with fantastic marine life. Hin Muang next door is completely underwater and it is covered with delicate violet coral. The sites also have one of the world's highest incidences of whale shark sightings.

Hin Muang This is a series of five or more submerged pinnacles heading in a south westerly direction and dropping down to over 60 meters deep. It is one of the deepest drop offs in Thailand. It gets its name from the delicate violet-colored coral covering its walls. Divers can also relish a rich diversity of marine life.

Hin Daeng (Red Rock) Hin Daeng is arguably the best dive site in the country. A large rocky outcrop forms a series of walls and ledges below the surface that are covered in red soft corals (which derives it the name). Due to the isolation of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, they form the only reef feeding ground for a lot of surrounding ocean and therefore attract the bigger pelagics.

Ko Haa A group of five islands around 25km west of Ko Lanta separated by deep water channels. There are six different places to dive here and visibility is usually good. Marine life is plentiful here with all the regular visitors including morays and nudibranchs with the bigger tuna, jacks and trivially hunting in the deeper waters. There is a series of caves at the largest island, Ko Haa Yai, where natural light filters into a large underwater chamber. The entrance is at about 12 meters and you can actually surface inside to view some spectacular overhanging stalactites.

Koh Kraden Wreck This is a small island which lies at the southern tip of the island and is home to the remains of a Japanese destroyer which sunk there during the Second World War. Seahorses are often spotted hiding in crevaces along the wreck.

Other sites visited by dive shops include Ko Haa, Hin Bida, Ko Rok, Ko Waen and the Kingcruiser wreck. There are many dive centers on Lanta offering everything from beginner training on; if you want training, many shops can start any course on demand, particularly Open Water and Advanced Open Water. Courses are offered in English, Swedish, German and Thai at most shops and other languages will be available at some.

There are essentially two choices when travelling to dive sites: a larger, slower boat out of Ban Saladan (1.5 hours to Ko Haa, 3 or 4 to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang) or a speedboat departing from various beaches on the island (as little as 1 hour to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang). The slower boats are recommended for comfort reasons, but you will lose the entire day to the trip. Almost all shops offer free pickup from at least resorts towards the northern end of the island.

Almost all day trips are for two dives. Prices are in the range of 2500–3000 baht for a day's boat diving on the closer sites, 3000–4000 baht for Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Gear hire will be about 500 baht per trip. Certification is all PADI: about 13000 baht for a four day Open Water course, and 10000 baht for a two day Advanced Open Water course (five dives). The speedboats tend to cost extra.

Some dive centers ask for Advanced Open Water or equivalent certifications, or 20 or more dives experience, if you are diving Hin Daeng/Hin Muang.

• Atlantis Diving, 18 Moo 1, Saladan, ☎ +66 75 684 081 (info@atlantis-diving.net), [2]. Atlantis has daily dive trips departing from Saladan on a 21m boat. Training in English and German.  edit

• Blue Planet Divers, 3 Moo 1, Saladan, ☎ +66 75 684 165 (scuba@blueplanetdivers.net), [3]. Daily dive trips departing from Saladon.  edit

• Dive & Relax PADI Dive Resort, 223 Moo 2 Phra Ae, Saladan, ☎ +66 848 422 191 (info@diveandrelax.com), [4]. Speedboat pickup from your beach. Training in several languages.  edit

• Go Dive, 6 Moo 1, Saladan +66 75 684 320 (info@godive-lanta.com) [5] - PADI courses in several languages, pickup from any Ko Lanta hotel/resort. Dive sites: Hin Daeng and Hin Muang; Ko Haa; Ko Phi Phi; Ko Bida; Hin Bida; Shark Point; Anemone Reef and King Cruiser Wreck.

• Scuba Diving at Koh Rok and accommodtion [6]

• Ko Lanta Diving Center, 1/3 Moo 1, Saladan +66 75 684 065, (info@kolantadivingcenter.com) [7] - PADI courses. The first dive shop on Ko Lanta, founded in 1992; dive sites: Ko Haa; Ko Bida and Hin Bida; Ko Phi Phi; Shark Point, Anemone Reef and King Cruiser wreck; Hin Daeng and Hin Muang; also 2-day trips to Ko Ngai and Hin Daeng.

• KrabiDivers.com, Sea of Love Plaza (opposite McDonalds), Aonang, Krabi, 8100, ☎ +66 075-695-480 (info@krabidivers.com), [8]. 24hr. Located in the heart of Aonang, the beachside town of Krabi, in the Sea of Love PLaza. KrabiDivers.com provides dive courses, trips, liveaboards, dive equipment sales and also helps customers with hotel bookings and other arrangements.  edit

• Just Dive It, info@justdiveit.com [9] - Connects to Lanta Diver and can arrange all PADI dive courses as well as transport from Bangkok to Koh Lanta.

• Laguna Fun Divers, 147 Moo 1, Saladan +66 75 684 528 (lagfund@gmx.de) [10] - PADI courses. Speedboat trips: Hin Daeng; Ko Rok; Ko Haa; Ko Ma; Hin Bida and Ko Bida; Ko Phi Phi.

• Lanta Discovery Diver +66 75 684 035. [11] - offers speedboat trips to various locations, with boat pickup from all the beaches.

• Lanta Diver, 197/3 Moo 1, Saladan +66 75 684 208 (fax +66 75 684 057 scuba@lantadiver.com) [12] - PADI courses. Founded by a Swedish couple and staffed mainly, but not exclusively, by Scandinavians; dive sites: Ko Haa; Ko Bida and Hin Bida; Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Lanta Diver is one of the better known dive shops and is popular with moderately experienced divers (although they do everything from beginner certification on). Book their Hin Daeng/Hin Muang trips in advance.

• Lanta Diving Safaris, 289 Moo 1, Saladan +66 87 88 96 802 (manta@lanta-diving-safaris.com) [13] - The M/V Flying Seahorse is Ko Lanta's only live-aboard.

• Narima Diving, 98 Moo 5, Klong Nin Beach +66 75 662 671 (fax +66 75 607 709 [14]) [15] - Nestling in a quiet corner of Narima’s Resort, this truly friendly dive centre promises a relaxed & safe diving environment. Offering the shortest journey times to some of Thailand’s best dive sites, they are an ideal dive base, whether you're starting out, fun diving or continuing your dive-education. Narima Diving is fast becoming the dive centre of choice for divers in the south of Ko Lanta and returning guests to this area.

• Pimalai Divers 99 Mu 5, Kantiang Bay, Tel: 0 7560 7999 Fax: 0 7560 7998, E-mail: diving@pimalai.com, [16]

• Scubafish, 152/3 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay +66 75 665 095 (fax +66 75 665 096 [17]) [18] - A small & personal, eco-friendly, PADI 5 Star, Gold Palm IDC Dive Centre. If comfort, safety, small groups and fast journey times are important to you, this has to be the dive centre for you. Departing from Kantiang Bay in the south of Ko Lanta, Scubafish is ideally located to reach some of the best dive sites in Thailand and still have you back on the beach by 2.30pm. A relaxed and professional atmosphere, genuine commitment to the environment and experienced guides who know the dive site’s secrets will ensure this dive holday will rank as one of your best.

Trekking

Ko Lanta’s pristine virgin forests with the finest flora and fauna are ideal for trekking. Elephant riding can be arranged to take visitors to the top of the hill in Ko Lanta National Park.

Elephant Trekkings

• Sumate Koh Lanta Yai Safari

Kayaking

The east side of Ko Lanta with its rich mangrove is just about perfect for those who love kayaking in peace and quiet while admiring the lush natural surroundings. It is also the best way to explore caves. Kayaking can also be done on Ko Talabaeng, the limestone cliff near Ko Lanta.

• Rapu Sea Kayaking 10/5 Mu 2, Koh Lanta Yai, Tel: 08 9287 1749

Fishing

Wanna-be fishers can catch the likes of marlin, sailfish barracuda, red snapper and tuna. Three different kinds of fishing trip are offered by private long tail boat: both half-day, full day and night fishing.

Spa & Thai Massage

Traditional Thai massage, characterized by its holistic approach to health, is aimed at enhancing not only one’s physical and emotional state but also to allow one to grow spiritually. There are many spa places on this island. However, massage on the beach is also possible – you won’t know however, if she is well-trained (otherwise there could be risks involved)

Spa

• Dreamy Spa (ดรีมมี่ สปา) Klong Dao Beach, Saladan, Koh Lanta, Krabi Tel: 08 9725 1101
• Lanta Sand Spa (ลัตา แซนด์ สปา) 279 Mu 3, Long Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi
• Layana Spa (ลายาน่า สปา) 272 Mu 3, Long Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi
• Pimalai Spa (พิมาลัย สปา) 99 Mu 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi
• Rawiwarin Spa at Langham Place Eco Resort + Rawiwarin
• Royal Lanta Spa (รอยัล ลันตา สปา) 222 Mu 3, Klong Dao Beach,Koh Lanta, Krabi
• Sri Lanta Spa (ศรีลันตา สปา) 111 Mu 6, Klong Nin Beach,Koh Lanta, Krabi
• Twin Lotus Spa (ทวิน โลตัส สปา) 199 Mu 1, Klong Dao Beach,Koh Lanta, Krabi

Events & Festivals

Krabi Berk Fa Andaman Festival (งานกระบี่เบิกฟ้าอันดามัน) This is annually held in November to inaugurate the province’s tourist season. Water sports competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are the schedule.

Laanta Lanta Festival (เทศกาลลานตา ลันตา) The festival is usually held in March every year at the Old Community in Koh Lanta called Ban Sanga-Au, which has a very old history of more than 100 years. Ancient Chinese style houses can still be seen here. In this festival, tourists can see the traditional culture, previously unseen ceremonial demonstrations, Southern local performances, folk games, water sports competitions and enjoy the tastes from various kinds of food booths which are provided by prestigious hotels on the island.

Loi Ruea Chao-Le Festival (ประเพณีลอยเรือชาวเล) This old ritualistic tradition takes place on Ko Lanta during the full moon of the sixth and eleventh month in the lunar calendar. This is a religious rite performed by the sea gypsies of Ko Lanta, as well as, from other neighbouring areas, who gather on the beach near Sala Dan Village. They dance their famous "rong ngeng" round the boats of misfortune to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature singing and dancing. This festival is expected to bring prosperity and happiness to the participants.

Sat Duean Sip Festival or Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month (งานประเพณีสารทเดือนสิบ) This is the southern traditional merit making occasion to honour one's ancestors. Food offerings such as Khanom La, Khanom Chohu, Khanom Phong, Khanom Ba, and Khanom Kong or Khai Pla, are made offer to Buddhist monks.

Chak Phra Festival (งานประเพณีชักพระ) The original waterborne procession, where Buddha images are put on elaborately decorated pulpits on boats are pulled along on the river, has been replaced by a land procession. The festival was formerly accompanied with a performance of traditional boat songs. However, the traditional waterborne songs have since disappeare

• Lanta Old Town is a small village on Ko Lanta's East side. It's one of the region's most culturally diverse with Chinese merchants, original Thai fishing families and an ancient Sea Gypsy community. Many years ago, Ko Lanta's Old Town acted as the port and commercial center for the island and provided a safe harbor for Arabic and Chinese trading vessels sailing between the larger ports of Phuket, Penang and Singapore. Today, Old Town is the district capital; it has a post office, police station, Buddhist temple, Chinese temple and the island's hospital as well as a long pier. It's a charming place to visit and boasts many good restaurants and interesting shopping like handmade Hammocks and an original Batik and Art Gallery. It's also a great jumping off point to other Islands like Ko Bubu and Ko Talenbeng.

• Ban Saladan Ban Saladan, approximately 3 km from Klong Dao Beach, is the tourist center of Ko Lanta. Facilities include inexpensive and easy to find transport, diving trips, banking and shopping.

• Khao Mai Kaew Caves Getting away from the beach for the day, tourists can visit the stunning Khao Mai Kaew Caves which are located in the centre of the island, offering a wonder of rocks and caverns and housing spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, some of the caves are just huge and one of them contains a pool. For getting around inside the caves you will need a guide, but one is cheap, around 50baht per person. The caves are located just off the lower of two cross-island roads, down a narrow 1.5 kilometer dirt path through the rubber plantations.

• Sea-Gypsy Village Known to the Thais as Chao-Le, sea gypsies have occupied the area for hundreds of years settling along the coast in stilt-built houses erected between the water level of high and low tide. They are unique in that they mix very little with the general population, speak their language and have their very own supernatural and traditional beliefs and rituals. And example of the latter is the Loy Ruea (floating boat) ceremony where the village men build a symbolic boat and place wooden statues of themselves in it along with nail pairings, hair and popped rice. By performing this ritual, they ask for forgiveness from the sea gods and for any wrongs that may have done to the sea. It is believed that all evil is carried away in the symbolic boat.

• Orchid nursery farm This farm is recommended to all those who like flowers. The Orchid Nursery Farm is located at Long Beach (Pra Ae beach) and the entry fee is 30 Baht per person. It’s easily accessible by bike or motorbike.

Beaches

• Ko Kwang This beach, with its attractively curved shaped has lovely sand and clear aquamarine water.

• Klong Dao Over the years, Klong Dao has developed into the most popular beach on the island with a spectacular 3km long beach of fine white sand and shallow clear water. Yet, because of its length, it is never really that busy. It is located just 2km from Saladan Pier. The beach has an abundance of accommodation ranging in cost from just a couple of hundred to a few thousand. It is more than ideal for those who like a quiet beach but prefer to have all the usual tourist mods and cons such as international food, music and bars etc.

• Pra Ae (Long Beach) This beach, situated in the north of the island, is a stunning crescent of sand about 4km long. There is a lot of accommodation there but since it is spread out a lot, visitors get the feeling that place is peacefully quiet.

• Klong Khong For most of the length of Klong Khong beach there is a klong (small river) running opposite the beach and an old coconut plantation. Towards the southern end is an area where the local fishermen tie up their boats to the shore. A rocky reef runs along the length of the shore making it difficult for swimming but great for admiring the sunset.

• Klong Nin This beach is separated by a klong that runs down to the beach at the northern third of the beach dividing it in two. The beach is covered with coconut and pine trees and the back end is tropical rain forest. Like almost all beaches on Koh Lanta, Klong Nin offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere and its sand is white and fine. The northern stretch is the best for swimming as it has far fewer rocky paths than the southern part of the beach.

• Kan Tiang This small beach is only one kilometer long, so giving visitors more of a feeling of privacy. There are excellent corals for snorkeling as well. Lying 18 kilometers south of Baan Saladan, Kan Tiang beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Beaches Far South There are a few beaches in the south of Koh Lanta. All are the beaches are small, just a few hundred meters long. The beaches are very quiet with little in the way of accommodation - ideal for those who want to ‘get away from it all’. They are:

• Ao Nui
• Ao Mai Pai (Bamboo Bay)
• Klong Jark

Ko Lanta National Park There are two beaches in the National Park, they are:

• Had Hin Ngam
• Tanod

Art

Likae Pa (ลิเกป่า) An adapted play, Like Pa follows the adventures of an Indian merchant from Calcutta who married a local girl named Yayi. The story is then followed by other plays. Like Pa is accompanied by the music of folk instruments such as various kinds of drums, cymbals, and gongs. The lyrics are a mixture of the traditional Manora and Buranyawa songs. With its long history of popularity in Krabi, Like Pa performers are abundant here. It is believed that the play originated in this province. Many companies are still performing this dramatic art such as Mr. Truek Plodrit who won a cultural award.

Shadow Plays (หนังตะลุง) This is an Indian influence. There are many shadow play or nang talung companies in Krabi.

Manora (มโนราห์) The performance is native to southern Thailand, which truly reflects its traditional culture.

Rong Ngeng (รองเง็ง) and Phleng Tanyong (เพลงตันหยง) A Malaysian adaptation, which is of Portuguese origin, rong ngeng is a traditional folk dance and music customarily performed in noble houses. It was later performed by the locals with Thai lyrics called phleng tanyong.

By plane

The nearest airports are Krabi, Trang and Phuket. Krabi and Trang have direct road and boat connections to Ko Lanta, and are the best options if you're only visiting Ko Lanta. Flying into Phuket is a better option if you're intending to spend time in Phuket and nearby islands, or, since Phuket has many more international flights, if you don't want to have to organize a domestic flight to Krabi or Trang from Bangkok. As an alternative to Bangkok, there are daily flights to Krabi directly to and from Singapore.

By car

Ko Lanta does not have roads connecting it directly to the mainland, but is served by car ferries. Take road 4206 off highway 4 about 20km south-east of Krabi airport. Drive to the end of the road, where there is a car ferry from Baan Hua Hin to Ko Lanta Noi. From the pier here, turn right and follow the "ferry" signs to the second car ferry to Ko Lanta Yai. Ferries operate 07:00-22:00.

There are plenty of car taxi and minivan taxi services from Krabi and the nearby airport. A seat in a ten person minivan from the airport to Ko Lanta costs about 250 baht. These minivans usually don't have much room for luggage (although they can usually find room for one or two large suitcases together with backpacks for the rest of the passengers) so if you're not traveling light you might need to get a private taxi.

This is what the divemasters do. A private minivan taxi will usually be quoted as 2500 baht. It's possible to bargain a few hundred baht off this price but not much more or the tolls will consume too much of the price. Car taxis cost about the same.

When travelling to/from Ko Lanta in the afternoon by road, allow 2–3 hours for the journey as the queues for the vehicle ferries can be lengthy. The passenger ferry which leaves Ko Lanta pier (high season) at 08:00 and arrives at Krabi pier at 10:00 is quicker.

By boat

From Ko Lanta to other islands

Private companies on Ko Lanta operate boat services to many destinations.

• Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 350 baht
• Ko Lanta – Krabi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 300 baht
• Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Phuket: 1.00 p.m. and 2.30 p.m., 700 baht
• Ko Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Krabi: 9.00 a.m. and 1.30 p.m., 700 baht

Ferry services run from Krabi, Ao Nang and from Phuket via Ko Phi Phi to Ko Lanta Yai's Saladan pier. Ferry services are subject to weather and to demand: many will not run at all during the monsoon season and at a reduced frequency during the low season. Many ferries have limited room for luggage. Often the ferries dock alongside each other, meaning that to get on and off passengers must clamber onto and across other boats with their luggage.

Services from Krabi are run by P.P. Family Co (+66 75 630 165) and depart Krabi pier at 10:30 and 13:30, taking 2 hours to reach Ko Lanta (200 baht including free pickup from Krabi hotels). There's a transit bus from Krabi town center for 10 baht.

Services from Ao Nang are run by Ao Nang Travel and Tour (+66 75 637 730) and depart at 10:30 (280 baht).

Ferries depart from Ko Phi-Phi at 11:30 and 14:00, and take 1 hour. If travelling from Phuket in a single day, you will need to leave Phuket on the 08:00 ferry to transfer to the 11:30 ferry. Tickets to Ko Lanta are 200 baht from Ko Phi-Phi and 450 baht from Phuket.

By passenger van

All the travel agents in Krabi Town can arrange passenger vans to Ko Lanta.

By train

The nearest train station to Ko Lanta is in Trang province just south of Krabi. From there, there are trains to and from Bangkok. 'Distances from Bangkok' The distance from Bangkok to Krabi is approx 950 km or about 12 hrs by car.

• Route 1: Phetburi - Prachuabkirikhan - Chumporn - Phang Nga - Krabi = 946 km.
• Route 2: Phetburi - Prachuabkirikhan - Chumporn (Highway No 41) to Chaiya (Suratthani) - Krabi (Viangsra) - Highway No 4035 - Krabi (Ao Luk) and along Highway 4 again = 814 km.

The main road which loops around the island is recently paved with cement. Some roads are still unpaved dirt. It's worth knowing the names of the resorts near yours: both the pickup trucks and motorcycle taxis will often want to pick you up or drop you at a nearby resort with a better road.

Resorts and some of the major tourist services (like the dive shops) own large pickup trucks and transport tourists around in the tray. Very occasionally, they own minibuses instead. If you come in by ferry your resort will almost certainly meet you at pier with their truck; if you're travelling with very small children who you don't want to cling to while you bump along sitting on the side of the truck you might want to warn them in advance that you'll want to ride in the cab: it's generally assumed to be the private domain of the driver.

You will find the locals almost exclusively ride motorcycles; you can hire these in several places for a few hundred baht a day. You can also hire motorcycle taxis with sidecars. These will happily take you on the unpaved roads but the ride can be as slow as walking. A typical fare for a ride from Saladan to Klong Dao Beach is 40 baht.

Jeeps can be hired for 1200 baht per day. Be sure to check insurance, contract terms and the condition of the vehicle. The "roads" of Ko Lanta combined with the driver operation characteristics of some renters are a serious challenge for any car. The frequently available Suzuki Sporty seems primitive and therefore sturdy, and a replacement should cost around 150000 baht.

• Hammock House, 35 M2, Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta Yai +66 (0)75 697 098 (info@jumbohammock.com) [20] - Unique hammocks in a unique decor. Handwoven in Thailand by the Mlabri tribe. Largest selection of quality hammocks on the island. Worth just the look!
• Cha-Ba Art Gallery (ชบา อาร์ท แกลอรี่) 20 Mu 3, Saladan, Klong-Dao Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi Tel/Fax: 0 7568 4118
• Lanta Art Gallery (ลันตา อาร์ท แกลอรี่) 238 Mu 1, Saladan, Koh Lanta Krabi

• Batik and Watercolor Gallery at Lanta Longtail Office - 8.3 Moo 1, Lanta Old Town, Koh Lanta Krabi 81150

Local product

Batik Even though it is Malay in origin, the art of batik has embedded itself within the local culture. There are also a lot of handicrafts such as pineapple paper.

In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen) and chicken birayani.

As for Ko Lanta, reasonable priced and tasty seafood is obviously what most tourists long for when visiting a coastal province like Krabi. In this connection, the wing shell (หอยชักตีน) is Krabi’s famous cuisine. It is eaten with a spicy dip. In addition, stirred fried Spotted Babylon (หอยหวาน), which is found in mangrove forests, with chilies and basil is also famous. This cuisine is common in Ko Lanta’s restaurants. Another great Krabi taste is, of course, seafood. The Ko Lanta beach areas have several restaurants with the 'catch of the day' displayed on ice outside. One can find all kinds of fish; juicy crabs and langoustines; shellfish, including giant oysters; as well as squid and lobsters.

Ko Lanta has a wide variety of restaurants, the kind that most visitors travel to Thailand for: beach-front locations serving delicious and inexpensive Thai and seafood dishes. Eateries line the beaches in front of the bungalows and no visitor will starve from lack of variety or interesting places to dine.

• Baan Laanta Bay View Restaurant (located in Kantiang Bay) is simply the best, fresh, seafood BBQ on the island. Enormous Tiger Prawns, fresh squid, snappers galore - all fish & seafood is caught fresh, locally each day, and cooked in any style you like, served with baked potatoes and a free salad bar (with the best dressings you can imagine!!). The view out over Kantiang Bay is beautiful and you can request a table on the beach for extra romance! Aqua Bar - the in-house cocktail bar, serves the freshest and most adventurous cocktails on the island - Mango Daquiri and Fresh Lime Margueritas are at the top of my list!

• Sunset Restaurant is a very small restaurant on Klong Dao beach close to D.R. Lanta Resort beside Mooks bar. The Thai food is the best on Klong Dao beach and cheap too. Real Thai style eating with the tables directly on the sand and no decorations at all but a nice view and cool breeze from the sea. And the food... mmm.

• Abdul's Pancakes is a crêpe stall run from a motorcycle sidecar. You can most often find him in Moo 1, Saladan, opposite Lanta Diver when the boat divers come back (around 15:00). His chocolate and banana crêpe and his chicken crêpe are especially recommended.

• Cook Kai is just across the street from Klong Nin Beach. Wholly built of wood and lovely decorated, it offers a spacious open dining area and bar. Run by the cook and his brothers and sisters, their Thai food, which has a bit of an extraordinary note, is probably the best you can get in the area and beyond. Go for the daily specials announced on the board at the entrance! Cook Kai also offers thai cooking classes.

• River Restaurant is a friendly family operation located on the beach just south of Narima Resort. They have a delicious menu...lots of Thai dishes and a few western ones as well. The Phad Thai is excellent. It is very popular with families and the owner's children often play with tourist kids

• Thai Cuisine is a long-established favorite. It is located in Phra Ae just south of the Opium night club. The menu features a wide selection of wonderful Thai dishes and Chinese as well. The "special" spring roll is excellent. There is bar service and a small artisan boutique. Say hello to the chef/owner, Somkuan... he's a great guy.

• Time For Lime restaurant & bar is not just a well known professional Thai & Fusion Cooking School, it also boasts now a Beach & Tree-top Restaurant where you can relish the sunset & the breeze while peeking at what the cooking “students” are creating down below. In just a short time because of the word of mouth, more and more people are checking out the great food, atmosphere and the famous Mojitos. Bungalows are also for rent. Open all Year.

• Restaurant Manao at Relax Bay Resort. Even if for several years relax bay had a restaurant, it went without a name. in 2008 however the restaurant was christened "Manao" or lemon in Thai. Open all year it serves delicious french and Thai food. Superb vieuw over a "private" beach and rocky promontory. Try the famous fresh local King Prauwns or the local daily catch. The French chef himself will be pleased to tell you all about it.

• The Seven Seas wine bar & restaurant, 99 Moo 5, Ba Kantiang Bay, ☎ +66 75 607 999 (reservation@pimalai.com), [21]. Located in Pimalai Resort & Spa, this restaurant provides a sea view that is unparalleled and an elegantly styled facility that is unbeatable. The restaurant and its show kitchen offers a comprehensive "a la carte" fusion style dinner menu which means that superior ingredients from all over the globe are marinated, cooked and served together on the same plate - generating a symphony of flavors in perfect harmony. A wide-ranging collection of international wines has been assembled from which you can select an ideal accompaniment to your meal.  edit

• Abdulla (อับดุลเลาะห์) 75-77 Maharat Road, Tambon Paknam Tel: 0 7562 1534
• Auntie Mae Bakery (อันตี้ แม เบเกอรี่), Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa Klong Tob Beach
• Café Flip Flop (คาเฟ่ ฟลิปฟลอป) 364 Mu 2, Pra Ae Road, Saladan, Koh Lanta, Krabi Tel: 08 3504 0186
• Cat Fish Restaurant (แคช ฟิช เรสเตอร์รอง) Saladan
• Chon Thong (ช้อนทอง) Uttarakit Raod Tel: 0 7561 1028 (Thai Food)
• Dranken Salers (ดรั้งเคนท์ เซลเลอร์) 116 Mu 5, Had Klong Dao Road, Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta, Kribi Tel: 0 7566 5076
• Europe Café (ยุโรป คาเฟ่) Soi Ruamjit, Maharat Road Tel: 0 7562 0407
• Diamond (ไดมอนท์) Naowarat Hotel, Uttarakit Road Tel: 0 7561 1581-4
• Fam De Loup Café and Bakery (แฟม เดอ ลุ๊บ คาเฟ่ แอนด์ เบเกอรี่) Pra Ae Village, Saladan
• Go-Tung (โกตุง) Khong-ka Road Tel: 0 7561 1522
• Kao Yai Restaurant (เขาใหญ่เรสเตอร์รอง) Koh Lanta View Point Tel: 0 7569 7244 (Thai Food)
• Khrua Thippawan (ครัวทิพพวัลย์) Woke Department Store, Maharat Road Tel: 0 7561 2690
• Khrua Yawee (ครัวยาวี) 300 meters after the Relax Bay, Pra Ae Village, Saladan
• Kukkai Restaurant (กุ๊กไก่ เรสเตอร์รอง) Had Klong Nin Road, Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta, Krabi Tel: 08 1606 3015
• Lanta Seafood (ลันตา ซีฟู้ด) Saladan
• Mr. Beans (มิสเตอร์ บีนส์) Saladan
• Mr. V’s (มิสเตอร์ วีซ์) in the south of Long Beach
• Otto Restaurant and Bar (ออตโต เรสเตอร์รอง แอนด์ บาร์) Klong Nin Beach
• Paa Naan Restaurant (พนัน เรสเตอร์รอง) Andaman Lanta Resort, Klong Dao Beach
• Park View Restaurant (ปาร์ค วิว เรสเตอร์รอง) Saladan
• Perm Larp Restaurant (เพิ่มลาภ เรสเตอร์รอง) Saladan
• Red Snapper (เรด สแนปเปอร์) Pra Ae Village, Saladan
• Retro Café (เรโท คาเฟ่) Pra Ae Village, Saladan
• Ruamjai (รวมใจ) 43 Prachachuen Road Tel: 0 7561 2015
• Rueon Mai (เรือนใหม่) Saladan Tel: 0 7563 1796-7
• Rueon Pae (เรือนแพ) 256/1 Uttarakit Road Tel: 0 7561 1956
• Saapaan Hin (สะพานหิน) Saladan
• Sala Thai Restaurant (ศาลาไทย เรสเตอร์รอง) Royal Lanta Resort & Spa, Klong Dao Beach
• Sanctuary (แซนซ์ทูอารี่) at the south end of Long Beach
• Sea View Seafoods Restaurant (ซีวิว ซีฟู้ด เรสเตอร์รอง) 37 Mu 1, Saladan Raod, Koh Lanta, Krabi Tel: 0 7568 4053
• Sahai Kanapnam (สหายขนาบน้ำ) 5 Uttarakit Road
• Suki V (สุกี้วี) 150 Prachachuen Road Tel: 0 7561 1566
• Sunshine Hill Restaurant (ซันไชน์ ฮิลล์ เรสเตอร์รอง) Mu 3, Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta, Krabi Tel: 08 6944 5591
• Tee Yai Restaurant (ตี๋ใหญ่ เรสเตอร์รอง) Saladan
• Thai Cuisine Restaurant (ไทย ครูซีน เรสเตอร์รอง) Pra Ae Village, Saladan
• The Golden Pond Restaurant (เดอะ โกลเด้นท์ พอนด์ เรสเตอร์รอง, Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa Klong Tob Beach
• The Stream Beachside Restaurant (เดอะ สตรีม บีชไซด์ เรสเตอร์รอง), Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa Klong Tob Beach
• The Watermark Seafood Terrace Restaurant (เดอะ วอเตอร์มาร์ค ซีฟู้ด เทอเรซ เรสเตอร์รอง Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa) Klong Tob Beach
• View Point Restaurant (วิว พอยด์ เรสเตอร์รอง) 192 Mu 3, Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta, Krabi Tel: 08 1787

There's not much in the way of party nightlife, which, for many, is part of the Koh lanta appeal - Relaxed. But there is always something going on if you ask around - There are a few restaurant/bars at the harbor, beaches and most hotels. Since it is a small island free of crime and drunkards, the local law-enforcers are more lenient about allowing bars to stay open until what time they wish, and that is usually when the last customer goes home.

• Charlee BARleys - Under new management from a local family 2008 - a friendly bar/restaurant/bungalow in the center of Klong Nin Beach. This is a great place to meet other mellow travelers from every demographic. Relaxed sunset Happy Hours everynight. Sometimes live-music from international guests. Check it out.

• Mooks bar - on Klong Dao beach between D.R. Lanta Bay Resort and Sun Fun & Sea Bungalows, and a good spot to relaxing with a drink on the beach, listen to some reggae, and maybe watch sports on TV. Mook himself is a person worth meeting.

• Oscar's Bar - driftwood terrace on the beach.

• Where Else / Feeling Bar - [22] Indian & Thai food, in a clean, friendly, quiet, and above all relaxed atmosphere.

• Atcha Hut (อัทชา ฮัท) on the north end of Klong Nin Beach
• Chaba's Pub (ชบาผับ) Klong Dao Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi
• Funky Fish Bar (ฟังกี้ ฟิช บาร์) in the south of Long Beach
• Groove Garden Cafe' (กรู๊ฟ การ์เด้นท์ คาเฟ่) Pra Ae Village, Koh Lanta, Krabi
• La Luna (ลา ลูน่า) Pra Ae Beach
• Mofo's Club House (โมโฟซ์ คลับ เฮ้าส์) Klong Nin Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi Tel: 08 9472 5619
• Mo Jo’s Sports Bar & Grill (โมโจซ์ สปอร์ตซ บาร์ แอนด์ กริลล์ Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa), Klong Tob Beach
• Nok's Bar (นกบาร์) Klong Dao Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi
• Opium Bar (อ๊อพพิอุ้ม บาร์) 214 Mu 2, Pra Ae, Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150 Tel: 08 1458 7128
• Otto’s Bar (ออตโต้ บาร์) 45/3 Mu 6, Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta, Krabi
• Ozone Bar (โอโซน บาร์) in the south of Long Beach
• Reggae Bar (แรกเก้ บาร์) at the south end of Long Beach
• Sexy Bar (เซ็กซี่ บาร์) Klong Dao Beach, Saladan, Koh Lanta, Krabi
• The Corner Bar (เดอะ คอร์เนอร์ บาร์) Saladan
• The Earth (ดิ เอิร์ธ) Phra Ae Village, Koh Lanta, Krabi
• The Pub (เดอะ ผับ) Lohbara Village, Saladan, Koh Lanta, Krabi Tel: 08 1699 8767
• The Wave Bar (เดอะ เวฟ บาร์), Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa Klong Tob Beach
• Where Else Bar (แวร์ เอ้วส์ บาร์) Klong Khong Beach