Koh Lanta Natinal park - Beach
Transcription
Koh Lanta Natinal park - Beach
Koh Lanta Natinal park - Beach 2013 BEACHES ISLANDS DIVING EXCURSIONS MAPS MOVIES . . . N O I T I D E A T KOH LAN d d and produce nd is publishe la ai Th al iv rr A nd.com is edition of th In . nd la ai by arrivalthaila yright. from Th tected by Cop d ro an p Arrival guides a e nt ar s La h re tu Ko out Text and pic ions can be nd we write ab land’s publicat ai Arrival Thaila Th al s. iv ce rr la A p by No parts of , electronic, ound and near y form, printed an d what to do ar in an d g, ce in u p d p ro o s, sh used or rep tten permission eaches, island e without wri is . 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Se u ad r yo r Fo fo vities ine full of acti est to: exciting magaz ase send requ le g wherever p in ad re y p p wish you ha om valthailand.c Until then, we info@arri you are :) ailand.com www.arrivalth nd /arrivalthaila facebook.com land m/arrivalthai issuu.co 2013-2014 from Thailand Erawan Waterfall es Free travelguid DAMNUEN SADUAK LL RIWER KWAI MAE KLONG ERAWAN WATERFA ติดต่อการตลาด: สำ�หรับคำ�โฆษณาและเงื่อนไข โปรดส่งคำ�ขอไปที่: IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS KOH LANTA Emergency No. 191 Tourist Police1155 Lanta Police 075 668 192 Hospital 075 697 176 Saladan Medical Center Based just outside Saladan main town Center open Mon – Fri 09:00 till 16:00 Dentist Khlong Dao 075 684 543 There is only one dentist on the Island which is based on the main road in Khlong Dao called Lanta Dente. Open Mon – Sat 09:00 till 22:00 2 [email protected] SIAM CLINIC 075 684 747 LANTA MEDICAL 075 684 064 Saladan Clinic 075 668 170 Dr. Salarin Phra Ae 075 684 522 Siam International Clinic 075 684 747 Nida Clinic This clinic is based in Khlong Nin at the main T-junction. They are open 08:00 till 22:00 www.arrivalthailand.com N E W ! WATCH MOVIe! Watch movie from Koh lanta. Click on the link below to start your movie! https://youtu.be/suI18X9eL4s https://youtu.be/gOcGUPWto6s Koh Lanta aerial 3 THAILAND MAP BURMA Myanmar VIETNAM LAOS Chiang Rai Mae Hong Son Phayao Chiang Mai Lamphun Lampang VI EN T IA NE Nan Phrae Loei Utradit RANGOON HANOI Sukothai Tak Pitsanoluk Kampaeng Phet Bueng Kan Nong Khai Udon Thani Nong Bua Lamphu Petchabun Kon Khaen Maha Sarakham Chayapum Nakhon Sawan Phichit Kalasin Roi Et Uthai Thani Chai Nat Lop Buri Sara Buri AngThong Saphan Buri Nonthaburi Kanchanaburi Ratchaburi Amnat Charoen Ubon Si Sa Ket (Korat) Sa Kaeo Chachoengsao Samut Prakan Samut Sakhon Petchaburi Buriram Surin Mukdahan Pathum Thani Nakhon Nayok Prachin Buri BANGKOK Nakhom Pathom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Phanom Sakon Nakhon Chonburi Pattaya Rayong Cha Am Hua Hin Koh Samet Chantaburi Trat CAMBODIA Koh Chang Prachuap Khiri Khan Koh Maak Koh Kood PHNOM PENH Chumphon VIETNAM Koh Tao Ranong Koh Phangan Koh Samui Surathani Phangnga Phuket Nakhon Si Thammarat Krabi Ao Nang Koh Lanta Trang Phattalung Songkhla Koh Turatao Koh Rawi Koh Adang Koh Lipe 4 Satun Pattani Yala Narathiwat MALAYSIA www.arrivalthailand.com A B C D 4206 E F G 1 Ferry to main land Phuket 90 km 2 6022 Phi Phi 40 km Ferry to Phi Phi Koh Lanta Noi 6022 Sala Dan Lantapura Resort H Crown Lanta Resort H Pilanta Resort H 3 Twin Lotus Resort Klong Dao Beach Ferry Ferry KOH LANTA www.arrivalthailand.com H The Heart Inn H Lanta House 5 kilometer 10 kilometer H Pizza Best Western Premier H Ananda Resort H Maya Koh Lanta H C COFFEE M MASSAGE Holiday Villa H 4 H HOTEL 4245 RESTAURANT Elephant Trekking MOSQUE Maya Koh Lanta H Long Beach 5 Koh Lanta Yai Baan Thong Je Phang Relax Bay Koh Kam Yai 6 2015 Elephant Trekking 2016 edition Viewpoint Hua Hin Beach Baan Je Lee Klong Khong Beach Koh Bu Bu หัวหิน HUA HIN 8 TAKIAB Klong Kloi Beach 7 SUAN SON KHAO TAO Lanta Town CHA AM Mai Kaew Cave Arrival Thailand Free travelguides and hotel booking www.arrivalthailand.com Distance from Koh Lanta to Klong Nin Beach Baan Klong Hin Kantieng Beach - Krabi Town 101 km 2 h. 25 min. 9 Klong Jark Waterfall - Phuket 218 km 4 h. 20 min. - Khao Lak 220 km 4 h. 25 min. - Surathani 209 km 3 h. 51 min. - Hua Hin 636 km 9 h. 16 min. - Bangkok 835 km 11 h. 57 min. Nui Beach Elephant Trekking Klong Jak Beach - Suvarnabuhmi 894 km 12 h. 13 min. 10 Koh Po - Chiang Mai 1540 km 19h. 23 min. Mai Pai Beach - Pattaya 962 km 13 h. 22 min. Thanod Cape Koh Kluang WELCOME TO KOH LANTA South Thailands arcipelagic Koh Lanta is a uniquely beautiful place consisting of two islands on Thailand’s southern coast, Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi. In turn they are surrounded by a large number of smaller islands (around 50), many of them popular day-trip destinations. It is to Koh Lanta Yai, all tourists arrives to relax and enjoy the timeless magic and tranquility without modern distractions. On the western side of the island all the resorts and the lovely beaches are located. On the eastern side, time has stood still. Here you can take advantage of the genuine Lanta with old traditions and culture. In the villages old Lanta tribes (sea gypsys)lives in harmony with the sea. The other island, Koh Lanta Noi is inhabited mainly by locals who subsist on fishing, rubber plantations and coconut groves. Tourism has in recent years taken over as the main nutrient. In low season Lanta more or less at pauses. Many resorts close completely because of the low occupancy and opens in October again. On the northern part of the island is the village Sala Dan Village from where the regular boat traffic goes, ferries to and from Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi. If you continue south from Sala Dan you reach to Koh Lanta’s most popular beach Khlong Dao Beach. The next beach is Long Beach, or Pra Ae Beach in Thai which is the longest beach on the island (almost 3 kilometers long). A beautiful beach surrounded by tropical jungle vegetation and hotels/resorts. There are another 10 or so beaches on the western side of the island. In our mind the most stunning beaches are to find in the south, when you entering the National Park. Pleasant stay in paradise! s nd la is 0 8 an th e or m of ts is ns co ic Krabi arciphelag 6 arrivalthailand.com | 12 | alltomthailand.com www.arrivalthailand.com FACTS KOH LANTA NORTH NORTH EAST CENTRAL SOUTH SOUTH EAST Area: Province: Population: Tourists/year: Hotels appr: Best time to travel: Green season: Air temp. average: Water average: 339,8 km2 Krabi 31 000 900 000 220 nov - apr maj - okt 28° 27° 7 Take a step into the underwater world! DIVING AROUND KOH LANTA 8 Thailand is a real snorkeling paradise, and Koh Lanta is no exception. There are a variety of diving and snorkelling companies on the island who will be happy to book your underwater adventures. Stunning coral and colorful fish contributes to a great experience. www.arrivalthailand.com Diving in Koh Lanta The numerous dive sites around Koh Lanta archipelago offers home to many diverse micro-life that can be found throughout Thailand today. Here you can see different kinds of Seahorses, Pipe Fish and Nudibranchs. If you are lucky you can even spot Bamboo Shark, Black Tip Reef Sharks and Razor Fish at the various dive sites arranged by the different companies in Koh Lanta. Phi Phi Islands There are around 25 different dive sites surrounding Phi Phi Islands suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. The beautiful view of the huge limestone cliffs rising up from the ocean is just an experience in itself. Phi Phi islands can be dived all year round and offers both varied and spectacular dive sites that also considered belonging to some of the best dive sites in Thailand. King Cruiser wreck & Shark Point The 85 meter passenger ferry ‘ King Cruiser ‘ sank on May 4, 1997 during a trip to the Phi Phi Islands. It was close to nearby Anemone Reef which brought an end to King Cruisers continued life above the water which today lies at approximately 30m depth as a popular dive site. The most interesting part of the wreck is the passenger deck and wheelhouse which ranges between 18 and 24 meters depth. Take the opportunity to visit some of the most spectacular reefs nearby, Shark Point and Anemone Reef. These places are suitable mainly for more experienced divers and for those who will make the Advanced Open Water course. Anemone Reef sticking up just a few feet above the surface but extends down to more than 25 meters. It is covered with anemones that harbor several species of corals. Here you can spot various Crustaceans, Anemones, Crabs and Seahorses. Shark Point is a place to get a glimpse of Leopard shark, one of the world ‘s most beautiful species. The dive site consists of three cliffs with around ten meters between each other. They are dressed by soft and hard corals. Here you can see shoals of Barracuda, Tuna and other beautiful species. Koh Haa Yai The five islands in Thai! A group of islands which many consider to be the original untouched paradise, and also completely uninhabited. A great place that you can find about a 3 hour boat ride south of Ao Nang, Krabi. Koh Haa offers crystal clear turquoise waters of a sheltered lagoon with beautiful limestone rocks jutting out of the sea. It also gives the possibility to discover majestic caves. A place you late will forget with fish in rainbow colors, crustaceans, turtles and a whole landscape full of beautiful under water Best places to dive: 1. Koh Haa 2. Hin Daen g & Hin Mua ng 3. Koh Rok 4. Koh Phi P hi Best snorkeli ng spots 1. Emarald cave 2. Koh Cherk 3. Koh Ngai 4. Koh Rok 9 ISLANDS A R O U N D KO H L A N TA Chilled drink, anyone? A holiday on Koh Lanta can easily be extended by excursions to nearby islands. Day trips or longer stays with snorkelling and other sightseeing makes your vacation more varied. The possibilities for island-hopping is large. Here you can read about nerby islands to visit. 10 www.arrivalthailand.com K oh Mook After a trip of about 28 km (1.5 to 2 h.) from Koh Lanta lies this small island. It is a peaceful place with beautiful beaches and turquoise water. Perfect for day trip for those who just seek for some calm and maybe some snorkeling. The island is surrounded by reefs that offer groovy snorkeling. Another incredibly attraction on the island is the cave Pirates once used as a hideout for their prey, the Emerald Cave. Emerald Cave After a swim through a 80 meter long, dark cave you will reach the fine sandy beach with crystal clear water and beautiful cliffs. Together with a guide, flashlight and a waterproof bag for your camera and other belongings is what you need. However, it is important to keep control of time when you’re here, so the tide not locks you inside. A Koh Mook - Sivalai Resort Koh Rock Approximately one hour by speedboat from Koh Lanta rises this paradise island. With its velvety sandy beaches and its clear green water the island is really worth a day trip. The island is also ideal for snorkeling, there are many opportunities for that around the island. There is no accommodation facilities on this island but its allowed to camp for those who who happen to carry a tent in the trunk. Phi Phi Island Phi-Phi is a real paradise island. With its stunning beaches and beautiful turquoise blue water surrounding the islands, it is hard not to love this place. It’s easy to really relax and there are many ways to disable the reality. For example there are no roads on the island, so you have to hit the longtail to get around. Some resorts, such as the lovely Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island, has taken off TV-sets in the rooms to really be able to let go of reality. Koh Mook Koh Mook Koh Jum Koh Jum Longtail boats or a regular ferry-boat trip takes you north to Koh Jum. Here you are exempt from most other tourists and modernity as airconditioning, there is a calm over the island. There are bungalows for those who want to over-night between somersaults and other activities on the beach. 11 เกาะลันตาเกาะ KOH LANTA ISLANDS Koh Mook about 28 km south from Koh Lanta 12 www.arrivalthailand.com Koh Mook and the Emerald cave From an almost blind swim through the narrow passage you will end in a small lagoon with palm trees, surrounded by cliffs that rise high into the sky. On the lush little island of Koh Mook (island measuring just over 4.4 km from north to south), you will find, in addition to white sand, The Emerald Cave. It is said that the cave, or “Tham Morakot” as the Thais say, long ago was the place where pirates hid their prey. Koh Mook, located about 60 kilometers from Krabi Town and 30 kilometers from Koh Lanta, consists of a small fishing village and a handful of resorts. Here, far from eager beach vendors you can concentrate on finding peace. After only a few hours on the island you’ll be down to the villagers pace and can fall into the mantra “take the day as it comes.” There is no need to rush. The island’s 1500 inhabitants are busy with their own. Some of them screws on his motorbike, some other laws of a fishing net, and a third wandering toward the island’s small shop. Despite the limited supply, it seems the store owners still manage to provide all you might need during your stay on the island. Many people travel to find the perfect sandy beach and it actually can be found here on Koh Mook, specifically here at Charlie Beach Resort. The powdery white sand crackles like potato flour under your feet, and the sense of perfection is undeniable. The resort, located on the east side of the island, has a shallow beach that is friendly for the hole family. It offers both children’s and adult pool. Easier resorts, like “Koh Mook Resort” is also on the island. Even bungalow hotel ‘Charlie Beach Resort “may be recommended. Koh Mook is probably best known for its “Emerald Cave” - an oasis well protected and hidden from the outside world. To reach the cave it requires a swim through a 80-meter long and narrow passage through the mountain. Here, the expression “I see light in the tunnel” comes to the right! The narrow passage opens up to end in a fabulous lagoon, with steep cliffs stretching up towards the sky. According to the inscription on a stone beside the shore, this was whre the pirates stored their treasures they had stolen from ships that passed outside. The tide makes the cave to the ultimate hiding place. Most tour agents near Koh Mook organizes excursions to the Emerald Cave, unless you can hire a private longtail boat and make the journey by your self. Guide is recommended, not least to avoid getting stuck in the cave because of the tide. 13 ISLANDS For snorkelling enthusiasts, Koh Phi Phi is the seventh heaven, with a range of snorkel sites to visit. The clear water raises the visibility of the magnificent coral reefs, which enhances the experience. If you travel further to the smaller island of the two Phi Phi islands, Koh Phi Phi Leh, you can experience Maya Bay where parts of Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Beach” was filmed. From Koh Lanta the ferry takes you to Koh Phi Phi Don, in about 1.5 hours. Koh Hai/Koh Ngai Take a long tail from Koh Lanta to Koh Ngai, also known as Koh Hai island. The island offers peace and quiet and the night life is allmost non-existent. Instead, its the coral reefs that attract to dive or snorkel around. Koh Ngai is a small island with a few resorts, there is seven of them to choose from. A good example is the Koh Ngai Resort. If you want to discover the whole island, you can easily get around it by foot. Koh Kradan Koh Kradan Koh Kradan is a small island with magical beaches. With its soft sandy seafront and beautiful waters, the island is great for day trips and snorkeling. There are only two resorts to choose from, Koh Kradan Resort and The Seven Seas, for those who want to stay longer. 10 www.arrivalthailand.com Interested in advertising here? Contact us by email for futher information. [email protected] www.arrivalthailand.com facebook: arrivalthailand 11 เกาะจัม Koh Jum Long beach Golden Pearl Resort Ko Jum is a small island between Koh Lanta and Krabi. While the south end of the island is called Koh Jum (Jam or Cham) the northern part is called Koh Phu (or Pu), which means crab on Thai. There is a road of concrete built as late as 2011 and the work still continues in 2015. Jum concists of three villages and has about 2,100 permanent inhabitants of which most feed on rubber cultivation and fishing. On the west side of the island there are about 25 resorts with pricing from 200 Thb/night. Most travelers arrive by ferry that connects Koh Lanta and Krabi and costs about 400 Thb. Departures take place once a day between November 25 to April 25. From Krabi 11:30 and 7:30 from Lanta (Koh Jum to Krabi 08:30, Koh Jum Lanta 12.30 - 400 Thb). Tickets can be paid on board but pre-booking is recommended because the ferry quickly gets full. Tickets can be purchased at local travel agencies or at your resort in Krabi. You can also buy tickets through the main ferry office at the new pier south of Krabi town on Thanon Khong Ka. There is no dock or pier on the west side of the island. The ferry stops at sea (about 500 meters from the beach) and are met by longtail boats that take you the last bit to Koh Jum Beaches. If you pre-booked ticket you will have pick-up to your resort, if not, the best is to jump off at the southern end of the island, closest to Koh Lanta with most resorts and places that rent out motorbikes. During low season longtail boats take you to Jum. From Krabi or Koh Lanta the price is about 2,500 Thb. one way. You can even make the trip via Laem Kruat Pier which is considerably cheaper. - From Krabi you can take a songthaew (blue / white truck - taxi) to Laem Kruat. They depart from 7- Eleven store or Siam Bank near the Chao Fah pier. You may have to travel via Nua Khlong, price about 20-50 Thb. from Nua Khlong Laem Kruat around 40-50 Thb. 38 Long tai boat arrives The beaches on Koh Jum. The best beaches are on the western side where the water is very clear and nice during the high season, when not strong wind. Long Beach at the southwestern part of the island is the most popular and the longest beach. To find accommodation during the high season we suggest to book early. Beaches on the north part is shorter and with fewer resorts. Ferries from Laem Kruat to Ko Jum 06.30 to 16.00 cost about 100 Thb. The journey takes about 40 minutes. Transportation Nua Klong (departs 2 times / hour) to the ferry. Koh Jum is a relatively small island (as Koh Tao) (19km², 9.5 km long and about 1-2km wide). Most of the locals get around on small motorbikes and can also be rented, about 250 Thb/day. Local taxi service - motorcycle with sidecar (Laem Kruat - Mu Tu Pier 3km=200Thb). The roads between villages are narrow and often bumpy and can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. Taxi-ride from Ko Jum ferry port to most places in the south is 50 baht. A taxi ride to see all of the island’s main places costs 400 baht. To do on Jum Sunbathing, swimming and somersaults on the beach. A good book to read. For those who want to stretch the legs there are arranged day trips to hike up to the mountain of Mount Pu in the northern part of the island which is the highest spot, about 422 meters. You can visit the top with a local guide, the walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. www.arrivalthailand.com A B C D E F G 1 Banyan Bay Beach 2 KOH JUM Lo Yai Bay Banyan Bay Villa Coconut Beach Koh Jum 3 Piman Pu Villa www.arrivalthailand.com Pier Ban Koh Pu School Na Village Pu Village Koh Si Mah Pu Mountain 422m. Sabadee Bar LuBoa Hut BAD ROAD! Bonhomie Beach Cottage Koh Pu 4 Valley Resort Sunset Beach Bungalow Coral Bay Resort Bonhomie Beach Peace Paradise Resort Koh Talong Oonlee Bungalows Ting Rai Bay Resort 5 Magic Beach Koh Jum Resort Boat stop 1 (500m. from beach). 28 km. to Krabi Pier 7 Ban Tingrai School Ao Si Beach Ferry to Koh lanta Krabi 6 Ao Si Bungalow Tingrai Village Moske Smile Usa Beach Resort Jungle Hill Beach Bungalow Pier Mo Tu Rock Bar Golden Pearl Resort Taxi MB rental Gasoline Season Bungalow Koh Jum Lodge Koh Jum Divers Lao See Island Prutsaa Bungalows Koh Jum Beach Villas Friendly Restaurant MC rental Andaman Resort 8 8 km. to Laem Kruat Pier Baan Krang Koh Lek Boss Bungalow Boat stop 2 (500m. from beach). Kung Nang Seafood Koh Jum Boutique Woodland Lodge Long Beach 9 25 km. to Ao Nang Beach 19 km. to Sala Dan Pier Pier Koh Jum Seafood Bodaeng Bungalow Yo Tattoo Police Mama Cooking Koh Jum MB rental Koh Jum Divers Ban Koh Jum School Joy Bungalow Mosque New Bungalow Temple Bamboo Bungalow Freedom Hut Resort Yasar Bay Coco Bar Resort 10 1 000 meter 2 000 meter Koh Singh 37 KOH LANTA ชายหาดที่เกาะช้าง Koh Lanta is the calm and relaxed island without jetskis or other distracting noices at the beach. The island’s west coast crawls of delicate white sandy beaches that longs for cooling swims. There is about ten beaches to choose between, everyone with their own charm and nature and something for everyones taste. Klong Dao Beach Located next after Ban Saladan. Klong Dao has developed into the most popular beach on the island with a spectacular 3 km long beach of fine white sand and shallow clear water. Ad beautiful sunsets and its easy to understand why the majority findes their way here. The shallow beach makes it also a good alternative for families with small children. The accommodation alternatives are many with lot of hotels and resorts in different price ranges. Long Beach - Phra Ae South from Klong Dao Beach is Phra Ae Beach, also well-known as Long beach. More than 3 km and Koh Lantas longest beach. With delicate white sand and wide ranges of accommodiation and restaurants makes this beach popular, particularly among young people. Fewer families with children hence the beach sloping steeply, something that creates good basis for snorkling. - Relax Beach - still part of Pra Ae and the perfect location to see the spectacular Lanta sunsets. Klong Khong Beach Serenity dominates over this 2,7 km long white beach. Unlike the two previous beaches this is more rocky. Tourists flock here and accommodation are available for less money than the northern beaches. There is a klong (canal) running opposite the beach and on the southern end is an area where the local fishermen tie up their boats to the shore. Klong Nin Beach Nice beach is covered with coconut and pine trees and almoust empty from tourists as it can be hard to find. White sandy beach with green-blue water and a tropical environment. Small cozy bars and eateries on the beach with low prices on food and drinks. There are a wide range of accommodation. The northern part are best for swimming as it has far fewer rocky paths. The end of the beach passes on to Klong Hin Beach. Kantiang Beach With nice white sand and clear water. This 900 meter long sandy beach is a paradise for all who get here. Youll find a limited selection of resorts and restaurants but the fine, five-star luxury resort, Pimalai Resort & Spa is located up on the hill. The beach is surrounded by the park’s high mountains, which creates a sense of peace and quiet. There are excellent corals for snorkelling as well. 16 www.arrivalthailand.com Kantieng beach Nui Beach Koh Lanta sunset Klong Khong beach Klong Dao Beach Klong Nin Beach All the beautiful beaches stretches on the left side of Ko Lanta Yai Klong Dao Beach Ko Lanta Natinal park beach - Had Hin Ngam Relax Bay 17 LANTA Mu Koh Lanta National Park 16 www.arrivalthailand.com Mu Koh Lanta National Park At Koh Lanta’s southern tip, we find the National Park which is home to some very laid-back monkeys, a stunning beach, a lighthouse and one of the most breathtaking views you’ll find on Koh Lanta. In its entirety, the park is more than 130 square kilometers and includes remote diving destination like Koh Rok, Koh Haa and Ko Mook and Koh Kradan in the south. The park boasts the (probably) the best beach on the island. Across the park loons fearless monkeys that lets visitors get up close to snap the best holiday picture. Looking to feed them, think that they can sometimes get a little eager in competition with other monkeys and therefore you should be careful. The park’s highlights are its beaches that stretch out on either side of a high peninsula of rock, called Ta Noad Cape with a picturesque old lighthouse at its highest point. The climb up to the lighthouse is a must for panoramic views of both beaches, the impressive surrounding rocks and several islands. You can distinguish Ko Haa far in the distance. No protective railings or fences are on site and it trails tickles in the stomach when we walk and realize that it is 50 meters down to the water and the rocks. Take it slowly and keep a firm grip on small children. One of the “twin beaches” consists mostly of rocks, while the other is an idyllic crescent of silky white sand fringed by palms and umbrella trees. Although most of the coral is dead, snorkelers still discover an array of tropical fish just off the beach. The lighthouse adds a distinctive touch to the beach paradise photos. The park is open daily 8:00 to 17:00 and is open year round. To get here, follow the southeastern coast road to its end. Admission is 200 baht per person, plus another 20 baht if you want to bring your motorcycle. 17 a variety of festivals 16 Each year Thailand has a variety of festivals which they happily celebrating, also on Koh Lanta. As well as Songkran is celebrated there is Boat Floating Ceremony and Laanta Lanta Festival. you are a foreigner they think it’s even more fun to soak you, so be sure to have comfortable clothing and to wrap your camera in plastic properly! Songkran Songkran means “beginning of a new solar year” in Sanskrit. The Thai New Year is celebrated across Thailand and of course also on Koh Lanta. The national hightime starts att April 13 and ends the 15th. In some places where there are lot of tourists the celebratings can go on longer. They may begin a few days before and quit a few days later, It depends on how the days fall in. Everyone throws water and smear white color (talcum powder) at eachother faces. The water symbolizes - to be clean in the new year, the color symbolizes happiness. When Thai people sees that Laanta Lanta Festival In Lanta Old Town they celebrate this festival annually over three days, usually in March. Thais and foreigners celebrate that people from different cultures and ethnicities can actually be together without being split up or have to fight. Locals and tourists will have a good opportunity to socialize with people outside their own nationality. FOOD There are lots of food sold and foreigners got a chance to try local food and drinks. Like at all other Thai holidays there is entertainment and traditional music with dance presented in different ways. Rong-Ngan & Jazz The dance is called RongNgan and performed by seagypsies who still live on the island. Entertainment is divided into two stages, main stage and a stage on the seafront with both local entertainment and more international such as jazz. Boat Floating Ceremony This ceremony, which in Thai is called Loi Rua, is an ancient ritual tradition that takes place on Ko Lanta during the full moon day of the sixth and eleventh month of the lunar calendar. A religious rite performed by Sea gypsies on Ko Lanta and neighboring areas. They gather on the beach near Sala Dan Village, singing and dance their famous “Rong Ngan” while placing floating boats in the sea. The festival is expected to bring wealth and happiness to the participants. www.arrivalthailand.com The Laanta Lanta Festival that is held in Lanta Old Town every year is a celebration of the cultural diversity of the inhabitants of the islands around Ko Lanta. If we try to translate “Laanta Lanta” it would go something like this ‘a multitude of eyes that behold and are dazzled by the islands and islanders of Ko Lanta’ and offers positive affirmation that communities that comprise a mixture of ethnic backgrounds can thrive and flourish in a timeless fashion. 17 Cooking Classes Its easy to find a cooking class as there pretty much is one held on every beach on Lanta and the standards are generally quite high. Most of them start in the afternoon, after beachtime, and offer courses where you can put together several dishes whilst sipping on a cold beer. Check out Time for Lime in Klong Dao (+66 (0)75 684 590) or Spices & Herbs in Kantiang Bay (+66 (0)75 665 058). Elephant Trekking in Koh Lanta Most of the island is covered in lush green forests with tropical birds and gorgeous plant life. What suits better to enjoy than a ride on the back of one of the most impressive animals on the earth? Several companies throughout the island arranges trekking through the forest. best to head to one of the independents for better value. waterfalls and caves and other stuff to do Waterfall Further south, almost at the end of Koh Lanta – you’ll find Ao Klong Jark or Waterfall Bay. There is also a small village here – Ban Klong Jark, a collection of just a few houses with locals who work at the rubber plantations nearby. Klong Jark beach is quiete and is accessible in a few places by smaller dirt tracks. This is a nice white sandy beach. There are a couple of resorts and 2 restaurants. You can buy gas at one of the stores – its your last chance southward. There is a elephant camp here (maybe the best on Koh Lanta) with treks that can include to the only waterfall on Koh Lanta. Walking time is about 40 min each way with some bat caves on the way. Caves The caves has become popular attractions on the island. At Mai Kaeo Cave and the Tiger Cave you will discover beautiful and sparkling stalactites and stalacmites mixed with easier climbing up the mountain walls. A guide is certainly preferable that you do not get lost among all the different rock formations. 16 www.arrivalthailand.com Thai Massage Everywhere in Lanta you will find massages advertised. From easy beach salas to high quality spas, Lanta has a wide range of massage standards. At the beach you can ask around for a recommendation to catch a good one, expect it to cost around 300 baht for one hour. Hotel spas tend to offer a more western-approached massage with an equivalent price tag, so it may be best to head to one of the independents for better value. Lanta Muay Thai Gym Lanta Gym offers professional and exciting Muay Thai training. They have a range of trainers, some of them are current champion fighters from all over Thailand. They got the skills and techniques needed and taught are excellent in a personal, approachable style. Lanta Gym welcomes beginners and children. Genuine fights are arranged every Sunday at Williams stadium. Address: 245 M.2 T.Saladan. Tel: +66 (0)89 739 7399 Yoga There are several well-respected Yoga classes offered on Koh Lanta. One of them are at Relax Bay Resort (Tel: +66 (0)75 684 194), they have regular classes throughout the week. You can also check the classes at The Sanctuary in Phrae Ae and Sri Lanta in Klong Nin (Tel: +66 (0)75 662 688). Klong Jark Waterfall is located in the rainforest and easily accessible about 3km. from the Klong Jark Beach, also known as Waterfall Beach. Take your family on a elephant ride through the djungle to the waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim. 17 Elephant trekking ขี่ช้างในจังหวัดกระบี่ The Interest in elephant riding does not appear to decrease. Families with children gather with couples without children who all want to ride through densely grown jungle and later take a dip in a waterhole where they can play with the elephants and have them scrubbed. Its easy to see that the animals (and humans to) look to thrive big time. Now and then a water cascade from the elephants’ long trunk hits somebody in the face and everybody is laughing, the elephant to. For a while it looks like a challenge for a water fight, believe me, you will lose. If you want to learn more about how to take care of elephants and learn to ride them, there are courses of several days where overnight stay at the camp is included. For us ordinary, a few hours on the elephant back is enough. Go for it, book your trip now! 18 www.arrivalthailand.com 19 Take a adventures ride in the jungle! Get around Tuk Tuk Tuk tuk you will find these in most places from Sala Dan and down along the most popular beaches. Wait along the road and there will soon be a taxi passing. Further south (especially further south than Klong Nin) can however be tricky to find one. The tuk tuk drivers are easy to recognize. If they are registered at the authority they have a west with a number and that they have document showing the correct prices. If you arrive to Koh Lanta without having booked hotel the tuk-tuk drivers can be offering to find accommodation for you. NOTE! Often they take you to a hotel that fits them better than you, where they get commission. Best is to have booked the hotel in advance, then you know what it costs and you end up where you feel best. Book in advance is also usually the cheapest way. Take a look at arrivalthailand.com, where you’ll find most of the hotels available to book on Koh Lanta and elsewhere in Thailand. Car rental Pickup trucks are available to rent from certain companies, talk to the hotel staff they should be able to help you. Expect to pay around 1,500 baht per day for a 4 wheel drive, more if you keep the vehicle overnight. A small jeep will cost around 1,200 baht per day. 44 Motorbike taxi with side car. Max two and two small children before it gets unstable Sometimes, even the owner of the travel agency can rent your their own car if you are just staying on the island and not to run to the mainland. Make sure that the car is properly insured before you rent. There are few gas stations on the island but the most common is to find gasoline in supermarkets, sold per bottle (about 1 liter). Most villages have a motorcycle workshop in the event of a puncture. Motorbike with sidecar “Tuk tuk” can be rented daily, weekly and monthly basis at reasonable prices. Many families use them to get around as a cheaper alternative to rent a car in the long term. This is also safer than trying to fit the whole family on a motorbike. Keep in mind that a tuk tuk can be difficult to control and can fall over, drive carefully and ensure that your family uses the helmet. For your safety. -Use Helmet. It can mess up your hair and interfere your tan but it could save your life. It can also avoid the 200 baht fine at a police check. -Drive Slowly. Some scooters can go pretty quickly, but their brakes can be dodgy. -Where extra attention to other motorists and pedestrians, cows, cats, chickens and dogs that sometimes crop up along the way. -When you make a turn ensure that you do not have other drivers on the inside, especially when turning left. -Be Alert for potholes in the road, sometimes hidden by water. Scooters and motorcycles By far the best way to get around the island is to rent a scooter. These are available to rent from almost every resort - if your do not have its easy to find on the Internet or from any travel agency along the way. Expect to pay about 200 per day for a manual scooter or 300 for an automatic (better if you are a beginner). You should be able to bargain if your rental period extends over a longer period of time. Make sure to check the vehicle for scratches and other damage with the owner before renting, take pictures with your mobile if you find any damage. Follow these tips and you will have a great day and experience some breathtaking views. For the more adventurous there are bigger road bikes available from some motorcycle rental companies. Even off-road bikes can be rented. www.arrivalthailand.com Alley / side street - Soi Beef- Nuea Beer - Bea Bread - Ka-nom-pang Bye - Laa goon Chicken- Kai Coffee / Tea - Gaafee / Chaa Egg - Kai dao Excuse me - Kho tood Fish- Pla Foreigners - Farang Fruit - Pom la mai Hot dog - Sai grok Hello (woman) - Sa-wat-dii ka Hello (man) - Sa-wat-dii khrap Help - Chuey duey How are you - Sabai dii mai I’m OK - Sabi dii ...and how are you? - Leu khun la I do not understand - Mai kao jai I can not speak Thai - Poudd Thai mai pen I don’t want - Mai tong gan Island- Koh It does not matter - Mai pen rai Large / small - Yai / lek Not strongly - Mai pet No - Mai chai Noodles - Kue Tiew Pork- Moo Prawn- Kong Rice - Kaow Red / White wine - Waj dääng / Waj kao Road - Thanon Salad - Salat Small - Noi Soup - Soop Spicy (food) - Pet Stamp - Sateam Temple - WAT Thank you (women) - Khop khun ka Thank you (men) - Khop khun khrap The bill please - Check bin ka/krap ... or Khit tang ka/krap Vegetables Waiter /waitress (young) Waiter /waitress (old) What is the price What is the time Where is the toilet Water Waterfall Will you help me Yes Do you speak English - Grönsaker - Nong ka / Nong krap - Pi ka / Pi krap - Taow rye - We la tao lay - Hong Nam yu ti nai - Nam - Nam tok - Chuey duey - Chai - Khon pot pa-sa ang-crit dai mai Counting One - Nueng Two - Song Three - Sam Four - Sii Five - Ha Six - Hok Seven - Jed Eight - Pad Nine - Gao Ten - Sip Eleven - Sip ett Twelve - Sip song Thirteen- Sip sam Fourteen - Sip sii Fifteen - Sip ha Sixteen - Sip hok 20 21 100 200 1000 2000 2500 10 000 20 000 - Yee sip - Yee sip ett - Nung roi - Song roi - Nueng pan - Song pan - Song pan ha roi - Nueng mun - Song mun 45 Interested in advertising here? 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