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The
powdery white beaches and enchanting crystal
clear waters off the west coast of Koh Lanta
entice tourists to this island
70
kilometers
south of Krabi.
It is on
the east side of Southern Thailand's Phang Nga
Bay. It stretches for 27 kilometres in the
north-south direction. A sinuous mountain range
covered by virgin rain forests traverse Ko
Lanta and natural beauty abounds.
The
name Lanta is derived
from a kind of rack (Lantan), that the people of
the South used, to grill the catch that they
regularly found in the waters off these islands
when travelling along the Andaman Coast. |
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Koh
Lanta has a population
of approximately 20,000 people, who make their living
on fishing, rubber farming and prawn breeding. Today
many are working in the tourism industry. The
local trade, especially in Saladan is predominantly
under the control of Thai's from Chinese descent.
The
island can easily be reached by 2 car ferries that now
operate from 6 am to 11pm most of the days.
Some paved streets exist in the two villages but most
roads are still unsurfaced.To
get around Ko Lanta you'll have to
rent a motorbike or car and this can be done at most
resort counters.
Make
sure that you
are familiar with the vehicle and test the front and
rear brakes, the lights and horn. Drive with extra
care when passing through or by villages and schools.
Swimming suits and naked upper body are fine
for the beach, but not the right attire for a drive
through the local villages.
Since
1996 the island has
been connected to Thailand's southern electrical grid
and since 2001 to the telephone network. |
