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.

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.

Local Thai (good value) restaurants have now been joined by pizzerias, a bistro and specialty seafood restaurants in the main beach areas. If you're looking for that special meal, the Baan Pimalai Restaurant inside the upscale resort of the same name, offers great food, attentive service and and the largest selection on wines on the island.
Ten years ago, Otto was a Bangkok lawyer. Today, his eponymous bar and bistro on Klong Nin Beach is worthy of a Survivor set. The Watermark Seafood/Grill Restaurant at Rawi Warin Resort presents local produce with a Western twist, while along Ba Kan Tiang Bay, Same Same But Different provides an unforgettable sand-between-the-toes dining experience. Next door at Pimalai Resort & Spa, the Seven Seas restaurant, perched 65metres above sea level overlooking the hotel's spectacular swimming pool, is the epitome of fusion dining.

Ban Saladan, the island's main commercial hub, is a bustling port town and at lunchtime there's the smell of fish drying in the sun. The streets are lined with dive shops, internet cafes and shops selling locally made clothing and trinkets.
The pace is slow as tourists bargain for sarongs and Thai silk at unbeatable prices from remarkably obliging shopkeepers. The early morning weekend market is a popular place to buy souvenirs and local produce.

Diving/Snorkeling

Koh Lanta Dive operators have close access to the dive sites at Koh Phi Phi Ko Ha, Ko Rok, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Dive sites tend to reflect the scenery and marine life of the area with names like Shark Point, Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser Wreck, all within easy reach of dive operators based in Ko Lanta.

Canoeing

Daily paddle trips through the fascinating world of the mangrove forest and local caves are available. The mangroves are seen as especially important as due to their biodiversity and ecological significance. Trips are also available to other areas of the province and Phang Nga Bay's limestone seascape.