 Koh
Lanta in Brief (Area: 152
sqkm)
This island forms the most southern district of Krabi province.
It was known long ago by its name in the Malay language,
Pulao Satak, which means Long Beach Island. Later, so many
Thais, both Buddhist and Muslim, came to live on the island
that there seemed to be a million eyes, which is what some
people think Lanta means in Thai. Others hold that the name
is corrupted from Javanese "lan-tas", and means
a fish grill (which is built of wood with a square grill
on top where the fish are set in a circle). Several islands
are in the National Park:
Lanta Yai Island
is where the District & National Park offices are located.
The island geography is mountainous and rugged, especially
near the southern tip; some beaches are gravelly, others
have fine white sands. A clan of Chao Ley, or "Sea Gypsies" are
resident on Koh Yao Yai and they preserve many of their ancient
customs and ceremonies; e.g. the setting of ceremonial boats
adrift to bring good luck and prosperity on the full moon
nights of the sixth and eleventh month. This and other features
of their lives are open to view. To visit the island take
a regularly scheduled ferry from Ban Hua Hin Pier in Tambon
Koh Klahng, Bor Muang Pier in Tambon Sai Kao or Jao Fah Pier
in Krabi Town.
Taleng Beng Island
This island is in some ways a smaller version of Phi
Phi Ley; made of Limestone, honeycombed with caves,
inhabited by the same swifts whose nests are made into
soup. Small beaches and caves appear where the tide
ebbs.
Hah island
A group of five islands. Hai Yai island has a field of
grass on its ridgeline. Another island resembles in shape
a sailboat; one has water that passes from one side to
another beneath it. There are some corals in shallow
waters.
Ngai island
A fine sandy beach and coral reef run down the east side
of this island. It is perfect for diving. Regular ferries
and charter craft are available from Pak Meng Beach
in Trang Province.
Rok Nai Island
is composed largely of formidable cliffs. On the east
side are a fine sandy beach and coral gardens growing
around sea rocks. On the northern side are San Jao
Bay and Tohng Bay.
Rok Nok Island
The southeast and southern ends of this island have fine
sand beaches and shallow water corals. Also not to
be missed are Man Sai Bay and Talu beach. Transport
to the island is via charter from either Pak Meng Beach
in Trang Province or from Lanta Yai Island. There are
tents for rent, contact Lanta National Park Tel.: +66
(075) 629018-9.
Hin Dang
This submerged open water reef in the Andaman features
a multiplicity of colorful corals to attract serious
scuba divers. |