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 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:
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 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 Leh; 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.
 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.
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.
 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.
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