Koh Lanta
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=====Islands to the West===== | =====Islands to the West===== | ||
*Ko Ha | *Ko Ha | ||
| + | This group of 5 islands is a very popular dive & snorkeling spot and presents an ideal lunch stop on a day sail from Ko Lanta, or en route from ko Phi Phi to Ko Rok Nok. The islands are small and offer no real protection in either monsoon so overnight anchorage is not recommended. If you are not able to use one of the moorings, '''''please take special care when anchoring to ensure you are not damaging the coral reef.''''' | ||
| + | |||
*Ko Rok Nok/Ko Rok Nai | *Ko Rok Nok/Ko Rok Nai | ||
| + | These two islands lie to the south-west of ko Lanta and offer very good snorkeling over a large area of coral reef. Passage between the 2 islands is possible keeping close in to Ko Rok Nok and a sharp lookout for the highly visible reef in clear water. | ||
| + | |||
| + | There are moorings between the two islands which can be used with caution. Some of the moorings are tied directly to the reef and are too shallow (even for a catamaran) at low water. Other moorings are available on the South of Rok Nai and East of Rok Nok. All are close to the reef but generally in deep water. Always snorkel or dive on the mooring and swing area, especially if you are planing to stay overnight. | ||
| + | |||
| + | You can visit these islands in either season but it can quickly become uncomfortable if the wind picks up from virtually any direction. If you are forced to leave, you have a 20 mile run to the nearest cover. | ||
| + | |||
| + | There is a National Park HQ on the southern side of Ko Rok Nai and they are consistent in collecting the park fee. This can be expensive if you have some friends, or a large family on board, especially if you only plan to stay for a few hours. If you arrive after about 4pm and leave before about 10am, you may get away without paying a fee on the basis that you are just anchoring for the night. If you want to get value for money, provision up and stay for a few days. ''(Tip: if you have some 'gifts' available for park employees, it often helps with the fees!)'' | ||
=====Islands to the East===== | =====Islands to the East===== | ||
Revision as of 02:48, 6 February 2009
Ko Lanta Yai, Thailand
Geocode:
Background
- Ko Lanta Yai is 6km wide and over 30km long, located approximately 70km from Krabi Town. The island has 9 attractive white sandy beaches, with splendid scenery all around the island. The eastern coastline has many small islands with beaches, caves and most are heavily forested. Coral reefs and under water life can be found on the Islands to the W and SE of Ko Lanta Yai. The island is divided by a mountain range that runs from North to South with the beaches and tourist resorts lying to the west of this range. The East side of the island remains largely unchanged by tourism, with communities of Sea Gypsies, Muslims, Thai Chinese and Thai Buddhist all living in harmony, as they have for many generations. The area between Ko Lanta Yai and Ko Lanta Nio is given over to a mangrove forest with many channels that are navigable by dinghy or Kayak.
- A paved road runs along the West coast beaches all the way from the northern part of the island (Ban Saladan) to Kantiang Bay in the South, with partially paved roads from there to the headquarters of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park in the far south. Paved roads also run from Ban Saladan down the East coast through local villages and communities to [Lanta 'Old Town'] and on to the Sea Gypsy village of Sang Ga U. These roads form a 'ring' road of the island with the only break being the National Park area. There are 2 further paved roads that cross the island making access to all parts of the island easy and safe on hired scooters or cars.
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
Local Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Weather
- Weather in the region is tropical - there are only two seasons: the dry season from December to March, and the rainy season from April to November (although May, June and July are often dry). Temperatures during the year average 25ºC to 32ºC (77ºF to 89.6ºF) and the yearly rainfall averages 2568.5mm. Unlike in say Europe, the rain in this region comes down heavily and quickly over short periods. The first rains usually arrive in April and are indicative of the onset of the SW monsoon, the second (heavier) rains usually arrive in September/October.
- Ko Lanta is an all year destination for visiting yachts as the island is big enough to offer good protection from both monsoons. The West coast becomes untenable during the stronger SW monsoon (April - November) whilst the East coast is protected throughout the year, particularly in the SW monsoon. The sea stays at a warm 29 degrees Celsius all year round.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
Details?
Offshore Islands
Islands to the North
- Ko Pu (Jum)
Islands to the West
- Ko Ha
This group of 5 islands is a very popular dive & snorkeling spot and presents an ideal lunch stop on a day sail from Ko Lanta, or en route from ko Phi Phi to Ko Rok Nok. The islands are small and offer no real protection in either monsoon so overnight anchorage is not recommended. If you are not able to use one of the moorings, please take special care when anchoring to ensure you are not damaging the coral reef.
- Ko Rok Nok/Ko Rok Nai
These two islands lie to the south-west of ko Lanta and offer very good snorkeling over a large area of coral reef. Passage between the 2 islands is possible keeping close in to Ko Rok Nok and a sharp lookout for the highly visible reef in clear water.
There are moorings between the two islands which can be used with caution. Some of the moorings are tied directly to the reef and are too shallow (even for a catamaran) at low water. Other moorings are available on the South of Rok Nai and East of Rok Nok. All are close to the reef but generally in deep water. Always snorkel or dive on the mooring and swing area, especially if you are planing to stay overnight.
You can visit these islands in either season but it can quickly become uncomfortable if the wind picks up from virtually any direction. If you are forced to leave, you have a 20 mile run to the nearest cover.
There is a National Park HQ on the southern side of Ko Rok Nai and they are consistent in collecting the park fee. This can be expensive if you have some friends, or a large family on board, especially if you only plan to stay for a few hours. If you arrive after about 4pm and leave before about 10am, you may get away without paying a fee on the basis that you are just anchoring for the night. If you want to get value for money, provision up and stay for a few days. (Tip: if you have some 'gifts' available for park employees, it often helps with the fees!)
Islands to the East
- Ko Po (Por) (07° 32N 099° 07E)
Ko Por is only a few hundred metres from the anchorage in Old Town and offers good protection if the wind gets strong from the NE. Anchor on the west side of the island near the pier (either side). Ko Por has a registered population of around 450 but many people have migrated to Lanta or elsewhere to seek employment, leaving around 250 full time residents. There are roads and tracks that can take you across and around the island and there are lots of deserted beaches to relax on or have a BBQ. There is a colony of ‘flying foxes’ that frequent the island and the friendly locals will be happy to show you the way, or take you on a tour of the island. Ko Por is a Muslim island so please ensure that you are appropriately dressed when visiting the island and be ready to ‘cover up’ if you’re on the beach and someone comes. Alcohol is not allowed on the island.
- Ko Bubu. (07° 33.5N 099° 08.5E)
This is a privately owned island with a small and rustic resort and restaurant. There is a lovely beach on the west coast making this an ideal lunch stop while you’re cruising the eastern isles. If you don’t use the resort’s restaurant you may be asked to pay 50baht /head to use the beach. On Bubu you can often find Southern Pied Horn-bills flying around dusk.
- Ko Kam Yai. (07° 35.4N 099° 08.4E)BBQ Beach
There used to be a resort here some years ago but all that remains are the concrete pads and the swimming pool. Anchor on the west coast at the North end of the island where you can see the beach in 4-5 meters with good holding. There is a large sand spit extending west from the North end of the beach which makes a good basin and offers potential for careening. When you approach to anchor, it is advisable to check the depth within the whole of your swinging circle as the sea bed shoals rapidly to three sides of the basin.
- Ko Kam Noi. (07° 34.6N 099° 08.3E)
This is another privately owned island and I am told the owners discourage visitors to the beach, however I have visited a few times and nothing has been said. To the northern end of the island you will see a beach that goes across to the other side and nearly divides the island in 2 at HWS. There is good holding here in 3-5m.
Do not attempt passage between Ko Kam Noi and Kam Yai as there are submerged rocks in this channel.
- Ko Talebeng (Cave 07° 36.5N 099° 08.8E)
The 2 Talebeng islands offer very good protection in both seasons and anchoring is possible anywhere around the islands. These are truly beautiful limestone islands, similar to those found in Phang Nga bay and are great for dinghy exploration in flat calm waters. The smaller island has a very large cave on the west side and some secluded tidal beaches. The cave can be accessed by dinghy at all states of tide and has a beach in the entrance to leave your dinghy while you explore. The first chamber is enormous and you can climb to the top quite easily as there is a rope to assist you. This stage is possible for most people and you’ll be rewarded with a great view back down to the twin entrance. For the more adventurous, the next climb (also with a rope) is more vertical but with good footholds and takes you to the ‘gallery’ formed by stalactites and stalagmites, giving you a ‘framed’ view of the cavern below. Beyond this you’ll need strong flashlights and better footwear to continue. What lies beyond are more big caverns, with freshwater pools, and another exit cave high on the island, but not for the feint hearted!
Common sense should prevail, don’t attempt to go further than you feel comfortably able and don’t go on your own, this would be a bad place to have an accident!
Next door to the cave is a small beach to relax on or have lunch and, for the adventurous, it is possible to climb high into the interior of the island.
I have not passed in the channel between the 2 islands (other than with the dinghy) but all indications suggest that this should be navigable.
Islands to the South
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
As yet there are no marinas on Ko Lanta
Anchorages
- Anchoring is possible all along the West coast during the NE monsoon (Dec - Mar) with the more southerly bays offering the most beautiful and secluded backdrops, whilst the more Northerly beaches offer a greater range of facilities as these are the most populous tourist spots. There are some rocks (shown on the chart) but these are all within a few meters of the beach. If you stand off at least 300m you will be in safe water.
Holding is generally good on a sand bottom in 3-7m with the exception of Klong Kong beach which has a rocky bottom in places, making it difficult to find comfortable swinging room and more difficult for the dinghy at low water. - Anchoring on the East coast is possible all year round with the best area being near to 'Old Town' in 3-5m with a sticky mud bottom. The pier gives all tide access to the town with it's provisions and restaurants etc, making this an excellent anchorage during the SW monsoon. During the early part of the NE monsoon (Jan/Feb) the wind is occasionally strong and, whilst the anchorage remains safe, it is more comfortable in the lee of neighboring Ko Po(Por) a few hundred meters away.
The area to the North of 'Old Town' is generally too shallow to navigate at anything other than HWS and thus not tenable as an anchorage. - The Islands to the east of Lanta offer good protection in both seasons.
Tourism & things to do ashore
Click for larger view
Tourism
- Ko Lanta is developing quite quickly as a mainstream tourist destination with tourism now providing the mainstay of the islands economy. Marine tourism to the other islands in the archipelago including SCUBA diving, traditional longtail tours and speedboat tours are very popular, whilst on the island itself you can take an elephant trek to one of the waterfalls or caves, see a monkey show, snake show, butterfly sanctuary and Orchid nursery, or you may want to take Thai cooking lessons or learn Thai kick Boxing (Muay Thai). Add to these a host of good eating places and bars and you have enough to keep you occupied from dawn until after dark.
- The two main towns on the island are Ban Saladan in the North; shopping, banks, restaurants, dive shops and the 'commercial' center of the island and 'Old Town' half way down the east coast, which is the 'cultural' center of the island. Old Town has the islands only Chinese temple and Buddhist Wat, the only museum and a host of interesting shops and restaurants set in amongst the 100 year old teak shop-houses that line the main street and stretch out over the sea on stilts. Most visitors to Ko Lanta will find their way to Old Town at some point, either because of its cultural and historical interest, for the Sunday market or simple because of 'beach boredom'. However you look at it, Old Town is one of Ko Lanta's biggest attractions.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel is available in small quantities by jerry can from the many fuel stations on the island. The easiest access is from Old Town as the fuel can be taken to the end of the pier for loading into your tender.
- Drinking water is widely available in bottles. Drinking ice is also widely available in small quantities, with larger quantities being available in the early morning on Old Town pier.
- Shower water can be taken at HW at the end of the pier in Old Town.
Laundry
- Laundry services are widely available on the island.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- There are basic groceries and general supplies available throughout the island. The best variety is available in Ban Saladan at the north of the island or in Old Town on the east coast.
Fresh Markets
- The traveling fresh market is found at Klong Nin village on Friday afternoon/Saturday morning, then Saladan on Saturday afternoon/Sunday morning, and finally Old Town on Sunday afternoon.
Sea Food Market
- In Old Town there are two fresh sea-food markets that supply much of the island, and you can often buy fresh squid from the boats tied up at the side of the pier.
Eateries
- There are a great many restaurants all over the island, from five-star restaurants within 5 star resorts, to no-star local stalls. Menu options cover all the regions of Thailand and western dishes too and prices are generally reflected by the kind of establishment you choose.
Internet/WiFi
- Internet and an increasing coverage of WiFi are available all over the island. The internet shops usually double as tour shops and charge varying amounts from 1bt/min and up. The WiFi services are usually free for patrons.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- Motorbike & Car Rental is available throughout the island both from resorts and specialised outlets.
Marine Stores & Facilities
- Lanta Marine Services Co Ltd. 'Orange House', 15 moo 2, Sri Raya Rd, Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta Yai, Krabi. 81150. Thailand. Tel:- +66 (0) 831043109. Email. Offer secure storage moorings and a range of care packages to keep your boat in tip-top condition while you go traveling or working.
Yards/Repairs
Garbage Disposal
- Garbage can be disposed of in bins provided all around the island.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
- Call Graeme at Lanta Marine Services for local knowledge of available resources, island information, cruising information and up-to-date information on the latest official requirements. (Customs etc). Tel:- +66 (0) 831043109. Email.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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| | HOMEPAGE | WIKI CONTENTS | SE Asia | Thailand | Koh Lanta | |
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