From Koh Lanta Life

[edit] Koh Lanta - A brief summary

Koh Lanta (Officialy named Koh Lanta Yai, or Big Lanta Island) is an Island on Thailands West Coast. Located in the Andaman sea, Koh Lanta is easily accessible by boat from Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, Trang, Koh Lipe, Koh Jum and many more islands. A car ferry also serves Koh Lanta, crossing Koh Lanta Noi (Little Lanta island) and reaching the mainland roughly halfway between Krabi and Trang.

The population here is a combination of Traditional Thai's (a mix of Buddhist and Muslim), Chao Ley (Sea gypsys, Koh Lanta's first residents) and a wide variety of foreign residents as well. One thing many visitors comment on is the extremely friendly community on Koh Lanta. It is very easy to make new friends, whatever your background or nationality. The Swedish have a large community with several schools teaching all ages. You will also find English, Germans, French, Spanish, Irish, Canadians, Dutch, Danish, Finnish and many more nationalities that live on Koh Lanta most of the year.

Many things on Koh Lanta run at "Island time", which comes from the very laid back lifestyle everyone on the island enjoys. When you feel like leaving your hammock or beach bar you have a wide variety of activities to choose from: >> Explore the caves, jungle and national parks around the island, maybe including a ride on the back of an elephant.

>> Discover the underwater world with a diving trip to one of the fantastic coral reefs nearby. PADI, SSI, CMAS and TDA courses are available, or if scuba diving sounds like too much, there are plenty of snorkelling trips on offer too.

>> Take a course in one of the many Thai specialities. Learn the basics of Thai cooking or Thai massage and thrill your friends back home when you show off your new skills. Or for the more energetic traveller Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) courses are available at the Lanta Muay Thai Gym, owned and run by a former world champion.

>> Other popular activities include a variety of sports ranging from beach volleyball to windsurfing, shopping for traditional Thai products in Saladan, taking a motorbike tour of the island, watching the amazing sunsets with a cocktail or simply topping up a tan.

>> Check out Koh Lanta's beaches and towns which have something to offer everyone!

Koh Lanta has something to offer for everyone, but words and pictures cant explain it all. To truly understand Koh Lanta you have to experience this amazing island for yourself!