Despite being part of the Krabi Province, Lanta is devoid of the gigantic limestone karsts that give character to its neighboring islands. But what it lacks in geological formations, it does compensate with its more authentic environment. Lanta is mostly occupied by Muslim Thais, and their culture and tradition are very much evident. The call to prayer can be heard throughout the day, women wearing head scarfs are seen everywhere, and there are still communities that choose to build their rustic homes near the sea.

It was supposedly once the home of sea gypsies and the hub of frontier backpackers. But somehow Lanta has evolved over the years, and it has become more like a safe and mid-range holiday destination that mainly attracts backpacking groups and European families.  And somehow, despite Koh Lanta being the kind of place that’s ideal for the older crowd, young people traveling in groups were very much visible on the roads during my visit.  This tramples the popular belief that youthful souls are contented staying on Thai party islands.

There are enough resorts thriving on the island; and most of them are ideally perched on cliffs or hills or a few meters away from bays and beaches.  If your idea of an ideal resort has something to do with ample space, a relaxing vibe and being very close to nature, then Koh Lanta’s accommodation choices can deliver all these.  With Lanta’s many bays and beaches, the hotels and resorts do not need to be concentrated in one area or crammed together to fight for attention. But despite the presence of resorts, there are still plenty of accommodation choices that cater to people on a smaller budget.  In fact, I found a nice bungalow-style rustic room for a fairly affordable price.

Koh Lanta is a big enough island (about 30 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide) with an impressive, well-connected and well-paved road system. It is no wonder that one of the main tourist activities here is cruising on these empty roads on a motorbike. Island tours, eco-tourism and diving are the other common activities on Koh Lanta. And although the entire country is passionate about their culinary heritage, I have never been on a Thai island that offers so many cooking classes as Lanta. Although Koh Lanta is a place more fitted for watching sunsets, getting a massage and walking down the beach, there are still a number of bars on the island. So you do have a choice if you want to have a big, albeit more controlled, night in Koh Lanta.  This makes Lanta a more well-rounded travel destination than other islands. But if you cannot resist the urge to see Maya Bay and Koh Phi Phi, Lanta is close enough that you can go for day trip.