SCUBA DIVING KOH LANTA
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This is a more quiet version of Koh Phi Phi, but you can still visit the same dive sites, such as Hin Muang and Hin Daeng to see manta rays. You’ll also love the beaches here, and hey, we recommend some relaxation on your surface intervals!
KOH LANTA DIVING
Koh Lanta is an island in the southern peninsula of Thailand, on the Andaman coast. Because of it’s nice beaches, mangroves, scenic hikes and crystal clear waters, its a popular holiday destination, as well as an attraction to scuba divers.
Connected by a fast or slow ferries from the mainland, Koh Lanta is a good places to be based for diving, as you get great local dive sites, but can also explore the good sites closer to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Phuket, but still have fewer crowds.
All dive sites are only accessed by boat, and there is something for every level. From currents and drift dives, to walls and pinnacles, with plenty of reef and fish to see.
The diving highlight of Koh Lanta is Koh Haa, which is not likely to disappoint, but you can also have your dive operator take you out to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, which is about a 45 minute boat ride, and where you can find the majestic whale sharks and manta rays.
BEST DIVE SITES
Koh Haa
It’s mostly the underwater geology and formations at Koh Haa, considered the premier dive site in Koh Lanta, with 5 main big rocks sporting caverns and swim-throughs, and stalactites hanging down from the ceilings. Don’t worry, you’ll also see plenty of critters, big and small.
Koh Rok
You never know what you’ll run into at this dive site, as there are so many varieties of underwater critters. Keep an eye out for moray eels, octopus, blue-spotted sting rays, turtles, numerous species of nudibranch, black tip reef sharks and the occasional manta.
Hin Daeng / Muang
Another favorite for Koh Lanta, you’ll be sure to see vibrant red soft corals, gorgonian fans and vast fields of anemones. And while you are enjoying the macro critters, be sure to keep an eye out into the blue, as you might see some mantas, reef sharks, leopard sharks and an occasional whale shark.
Bida Nok / Bida Nai
These two limestone islands are beautiful to behold above the waves, and they are just as nice below. Both islands have lots of macro critters and turtles, and Bida Nai also has some caverns and overhangs, with seahorses and even more critters.
King Cruiser Wreck
This his 85 metre / 280 foot passenger ferry sits upright at 30m at the deepest, and 12m at the top. This artificial reef in completely covered in corals, and even though you can’t enter the wreck, you’ll see plenty of schools and exciting things all around.
BEST TIME TO DIVE
Since Thailand is in the tropics, it is warm all year round. The warmer and wetter monsoon season is during May to September, and is more dry around November to mid-March.
Different regions have different climates, but the west coast and Andaman Sea is best from October through April.
HOW TO GET TO KOH LANTA
By air:
The closest airport to Koh Lanta is the Krabi Airport, From there there are plenty of transfers or taxis that will take you to the pontoon car ferries, or the fast ferry, about an hour away.
By land:
If you want to see more of Thailand, then you can take the night trains from Bangkok, or buses from the border if you are coming from Malaysia. The train route is popular with backpackers that are visiting a lot of other destinations in the peninsula along the way
HIGHLIGHTS OF KOH LANTA
People go to Koh Lanta as apposed to some of the nearby more touristed locations, to get away from the crowds and relax. Not only can you do some great dives with great oporaters, you can then spend your surface intervals relaxing on a beach or a hammock watching the sunset.
Although the name of the game in Koh Lanta is luxury and relaxation, there are a few other options in case you get bored. From a few view-point hikes, cooking classes, kayaking, standup paddle-boarding and island hopping tours, there is plenty to keep you busy.
GEOGRAPHY
There are actually two islands here, Koh Lanta Noi (little) and Koh Lanta Yai (big), but you are most likely going to be heading to Yai, which is simply referred to Koh Lanta.
The islands generally has a more mature, relaxed vibe than it’s nearby destinations, and you’ll find rainforest covered mountains, mangroves and
17 miles of pristine coastline with many quiet, wide sandy beaches to relax on.
When we say there is a more mature atmosphere here, we mean that singles and families like to come here to have fun, where they don’t have to dance till dawn or attend countless full-moon parties to fit in.
Time zone:
UTC+07:00
Calling code:
+66
Closest airport:
KBV
Plugins:
220-240 V
Currrency:
37THB/1USD
“Hello” in Thai:
Sawasdee (sah-wah-dee)
WHERE TO STAY
Here are a few resorts we highly recommend, for you to check out. Click the link for tons of photos and booking options!
Ultra luxurious adults only condo: Layana Resort & Spa
Midrange nice resort: Srilanta Resort
More budget friendly bungalow: Thai Smile Bungalows
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