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Popular
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| Ko
Lanta |
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Stretches
of mangrove, coral-rimmed beaches, rocky hills, and large umbrella trees
clearly describe Ko Lanta. It belongs to the district of Krabi Province
that consists of 52 islands. Out of these 52 islands, 12 of them are inhabited
and four (Ko Klang, Ko Kubu, Ko Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai) are easily
accessible. The latter can be reached by ferry from Ban Hua Hin on the
mainland, which is across Ko Lanta Noi, from Ban Baw Meung, which is farther
south, or from Ko Phi-Phi, Ko Jam and Krabi.
The group's
largest island is Ko Lanta Yai where modest beach accommodation awaits
you. Bookings for both accommodation and transportation may be made at
travel agencies in Krabi or Phuket. Camping is also permitted as fresh
water is readily available.
Ban Sala
Dan, located at the northern tip of the Lanta Yai, is the largest settlement
on the island. It has ferry piers, tour outfits, dive shops, and a Siam
City Bank with exchange services. It is also connected to the mainland
by power lines. Post office services can be found in the district capital
of Ban Ko Lanta, which is on the lower east coast. Towards the southern
tip of Lanta Yai is the traditional Muslim fishing village of Bank Sangkha-U.
A conglomerate of Muslim Thais and chao náam (sea gypsies) who settled
here long ago inhabits this town. They make a living out of rubber cultivation,
cashew and banana production, and fishing.
With the
exception of the southeastern region around Ban Sangkha-U, an unpaved
road encircles the rest of the island. In the center of the island sits
Tham Khao Mai Kaew, a five or six-cavern limestone cave complex that can
be accessed via a narrow 1.5 kilometer dirt track, which leads through
a rubber plantation from the lower of the two cross-island roads.
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