Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, located just off the coast of Krabi. Its watery charms set amid the Adaman Sea added to its divine miles-long powder-white sand coastline are unique and precious to all visitors in love with simple life and beautiful sceneries.
Once the domain of sea gypsies, Koh Lanta consists of two main islands - Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi - with another island in between and sprinklings of other smaller islands and limestone outcrops. This charming island remains more calm and real than its brash neighbour Koh Phi Phi.
Airports at Krabi, Trang and Phuket are the nearest air gateways to the island and tourist season runs from October through April (May to October is called the Green Season with daily rainfall that usually lasts only a few hours).
In addition to beautiful beaches, Koh Lanta boasts inland mountains shrouded in old-growth jungle, a protected mangrove forest and a pristine national park. Relaxing in a hammock and scuba diving are the two most famous activities to do in Koh Lanta.
Accommodations in the island are numerous and we highly recommend to stay at The Houben Hotel, where the sun dives into the tranquil horizon. This hotel is located in Koh Lanta Yai. Run by a Belgian family, the Houben Hotel is a private small boutique hotel comprising of 15 sea view rooms gracefully perched on a cliff. The hotel overlooks a striking panoramic view of the Andaman Sea, just a few steps to Kantieng Bay, the best hideaway sandy beach on Koh Lanta island (see pictures of this beautiful hotel next pages).
Note: from Chiang Mai, it is easy to reach Koh Lanta by plane with Air Asia. The company offers direct flights to Phuket and Krabi with a connection to Koh Lanta. Departures from Chiang Mai airport twice daily for each destination (see schedule page 54).
THE HOUBEN HOTEL :
272 Moo 5, Koh Lanta Yai. Krabi, 81150 Thailand.
Tel. 075 665 144 and 082-800 3880
www.thehouben.com