Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park

Covering a total area of 152 square kilometres, Mu Koh Lanta National Park is located in Amphoe Koh Lanta and consists of many islands. Some major islands are Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta Noi, Koh Taleng Beng, as well as, other surrounding islands like Mu Koh Ha, Mu Koh Rok, and Koh Ngai.

Currently less developed than Phi Phi, Koh Lanta is ano-ther of Krabi's island destinations that is rapidly gaining in popularity. In a group of 52 islands, mostly small and un-inhabited, the scenery is characterised by white sandy beaches, coral reefs, stretches of mangrove forest and inland areas of hills and forest.

As part of ongoing efforts to preserve the area's natural beauty, 15 islands in the Lanta group were declared a national marine park in 1990. Among these protected isles, Koh Rok Nok is especially picturesque, with cliffs, a crescent-shaped bay and white sandy beach backed by tropical greenery.

For travellers wishing to stay in the area, Koh Lanta Yai, the biggest of the islands, is now gradually being developed for the visitor with a range of both budget and more up-market bungalow accommodation.

Interesting in Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park

Koh Lanta Noi

Koh Lanta Noi is the former settlement of the Koh Lanta community; a district office, school, as well as, traditional lifestyle, and houses are still currently available.

Koh Lanta Yai

This long and narrow island is the home of sea gypsies (or well-known as "Chao Le" in Thai) who continue to preserve their traditional lifestyle and beliefs, such as setting a boat a drift to drive out evil and bring good luck, which is practiced during the full moon in June and November. Tour operators, shops and banks are located at Sala Dan Pier. Several beautiful beaches and bays, such as, Kho Kwang beach, Lo Bara beach, Phra Ae bay, Khlong Khong beach, and Khlong Nin beach are on the west. A paved road is along the beaches all the way from the northern part of the island to the headquarters of the Mu Koh Lanta National Park on the south. The landscape is dominantly a series of mountains which are covered by virgin rainforest. To the east features an old community. The district office was previously located here and later moved to Koh Lanta Noi. People on the island are mostly Muslim. The communities of Ban Sang Ka-u still maintain their traditional Loi Ruea Ceremony. Not far from the headquarters, Laem Tanot characterizes a lighthouse, where tourists will enjoy the panoramic view of a pebble beach merging with a white sandy beach. At the end of the cape features Koh Mo, an ideal diving spot. Besides Laem Tanot, tourists can enjoy the Andaman Sea’s spectacular view from many hilltop restaurants located in the central part of the island.
 
Accommodation is available. High season is from November to May. Camping in the Mu Koh Lanta National Park is allowed but must notify the park in advance at No. 5, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Koh Lanta, Krabi, 81150, Tel. +66 7562 9018 - 9. Alternatively, contact the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Tel. +66 2562 0760 or visit www.dnp.go.th.

Accommodation in Mu Koh Lanta

Admission to the national park area : Adult 400 baht, Child 200 baht

How to get there

By Car:

This is served by a car ferry from Ban Hua Hin to Koh Lanta Noi. Then, proceed by the second car ferry to Koh Lanta Yai. Ferries operate between 8.00 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.

Ferry: Fares and Departure Times

Ban Hua Hin – Koh Lanta Noi
Departs Ban Hua Hin: 7.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Departs Koh Lanta Noi: 6.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Travelling time: 15 – 20 minutes
Fares: car is 50 baht/motorcycle is 10 baht

Koh Lanta Noi – Koh Lanta Yai
Departs Koh Lanta Noi: 6.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Departs Koh Lanta Yai: 6.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Travelling time: 15 – 20 minutes
Fares: car is 40 baht/motorcycle is 10 baht

Ferries operate between 7.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.

Remarks: Fares are subject to change without notice. 

To Get to Ban Hua Hin Pier:

From Amphoe Mueang, proceed along Highway No. 4 towards Amphoe Khlong Thom (the route to the province of Trang). Take a right turn at Ban Huai Nam Khao Intersection onto Highway No. 4206 for another 20 kilometres.

Air-conditioned Vans:

Take the hourly Krabi - Koh Lanta Yai air-conditioned vans from Amphoe Mueang, which operate between 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. The fare is 250 baht per person. The trip takes 2 hours. On return, the vans depart Koh Lanta Yai between 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. as well. For more infor-mation, contact Krabi Lanta Tour in Amphoe Mueang, Tel. +66 7562 2792. Sala Dan, Tel. +66 7568 4121. Alternatively, take the hourly air-conditioned vans from Trang, which operate between 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. On return, the vans depart at 8.00 a.m., 10.00 a.m., 12.00 a.m., 1.30 p.m., and 3.00 p.m. The trip takes 2 hours. For further details, contact K K Tour, which is located in front of the train station, Tel. +66 7521 1198, +66 7522 3664, Fax. +66 7521 1441.

Commuting from Trang to Krabi:   

Take the ordinary local bus leaving Trang Bus Station between 6.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m.  
The fare is 80 baht per person. The trip takes 2 hours. Alternatively, take the air-conditioned buses,  which leave Trang Bus Station between 6.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m.
as well. The fare is 113 baht per person. The trip takes 2 hours.

Ferry Service during the High Season (November – May):

Two ferries depart daily from Chao Fa Pier in Amphoe Mueang at 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. The trip takes about 2 hours to reach Sala Dan Pier on Ko Lanta Yai. For more information, contact the Chao Fa Pier, Tel. +66 7563 0470 – 2.

From Koh Lanta to Other Islands

Private companies on Koh Lanta operate boat services to many destinations.
Koh Lanta – Koh Phi Phi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 350 baht
Koh Lanta – Krabi: 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., 300 baht
Koh Lanta – Koh Phi Phi – Phuket: 1.00 p.m. and 2.30 p.m., 700 baht
Koh Lanta – Koh Phi Phi – Krabi: 9.00 a.m. and 1.30 p.m., 700 baht

Royal Fern Co., Ltd. operates boat services from Koh Lanta to Krabi via Ko Cham. Two ferries depart daily at 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. The fare ranges from 300 - 350 baht per person. In addition, boat services operate from Koh Lanta Yai to Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan, which costs 450 baht per person, as well as, to Koh Rok, which only offers speed boats (return tickets) costing 1,600 baht. Contact Royal Fern Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7568 4163, 08 1719 4811 and O & M Tourist Centre Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7568 4153, 0 7568 4281. The boat departs at 9.00 a.m. daily.

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Photos of this page are from Internet

Reference

http://www.tourismthailand.org