As a late arrival to the tourism market 55 mi/88 km south of Phuket, Koh Lanta is still relatively low-key, a refreshing change of pace for travelers hoping to escape the nonstop party of nearby Koh Phi Phi. It is also beautiful, with dramatic vistas and pristine beaches, and it feels welcoming—local families run many of the tourist businesses. The west coast has a number of tourist developments and can get crowded in the high season between November and April. Resorts offer good discounts during low season.
The island offers good diving and snorkeling, and in the center, there is a spooky system of extensive caves (with stalactites and rock formations) where many bats make their home. There are also a few waterfalls.
Koh Lanta is reached by ferry from Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. In the low season, services are scaled down and take longer.
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