Why Koh Lanta Is A Hidden Gem In Southern Thailand

Koh Lanta is a peaceful island in the Andaman Sea that is not as widely known as other Thai islands. It doesn't want to overwhelm you like Phuket or Koh Phi Phi do. Instead, it draws you in with its tranquil beaches, charming towns, and languid pace of life. If you want to slow down yet still have a lot to do, Koh Lanta is the perfect spot to go and here is why it’s a hidden gem.

Beaches That Aren't Overly Crowded And Are Calm

Every day, thousands of people go to Thailand's islands. However, Koh Lanta, which is a hidden beauty, is only known to a few people. Long Beach in Koh Lanta is a natural gem as it features shallow water that extends for kilometres. This feature has made it perfect for families travelling with kids, as they can safely swim here. It is also great for couples who want to watch the sunset in peace. The beaches here feel secluded because there aren't many people there. The golden sandy beach and blue waters make for picturesque memories and Instagram-worthy photos.  If you want to enjoy the beauty of Koh Lanta beaches at different times of the day, you should stay at a hotel like Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort that looks out over the beach. You'll be able to experience beautiful, quiet sunrises and sunsets every day without worrying about privacy and overcrowding.

A Mix Of Cultures

Koh Lanta is also home to Thai Buddhists, Thai Muslims, and a long-established group of people known as the Sea Gipsies. This mix has created a cultural scene that you won't find in many touristy areas. The mix of cultures, traditions and cuisines makes it a unique experience.  Even the Markets provide items unique to each culture, traditional meals, and homemade things. When talking about mixed cultures, architecture is something to be appreciated. The Old Town, with its teakwood buildings on stilts, is a good example of this. When you are exploring, it will feel like you're being welcomed into someone's community rather than traversing through a city full of tourists. This is why experiencing the culture and daily life in Koh Lanta is one of the top ten things to do in Krabi.

There Are Marine Adventures Nearby.

You can do more than just go to the beach on Koh Lanta because it is adjacent to marine parks and dive spots. The best diving spots in Koh Lanta are actually in Koh Haa and Koh Rok islands. You can easily take a speedboat and reach these islands to dive in their clear waters and coral reefs. If you don’t want to dive, you can snorkel. There are a lot of living things in the water here, such as turtles, beautiful fish, and even reef sharks, which you can find while snorkelling.

Food That Keeps You Close To The Sea

In this coastal town, Seafood is a well-known dish among the people. People often cook fish, prawns and crab that they catch themselves. There are a few eateries on the beach where you may eat with your feet in the sand. There are also Thai street food stalls that sell grilled chicken, sticky rice, and papaya salad. If you prefer food from all over the world, small cafés run by expats provide pizza, pasta, and baked goods. The blend of local and international foods keeps meals interesting without losing their own character.

Land Adventures

You can see that Koh Lanta is not only the sand and seas, when you venture inland. The island is surrounded by jungles, mangrove trees, and there are hiking trails, a lighthouse, and views of the sea all along the southern boundary of Koh Lanta National Park. You can go kayaking through the mangroves along the calm rivers, where you may view monkeys and birds easily.

When To Go

In Koh Lanta, there are two main seasons. From November to April, the weather is dry and the sea is calm. This is the best time of year to go swimming, diving, and boating. From May to October, the monsoon season brings in rain. Most hotel prices go down or offer really good discounts. Koh Lanta goes quiet with fewer tourists and greenery, and marine life revives.  Think about whether you want to remain in a place with a lot of sun all the time or a time of year when there are fewer people, rain and calmness.