Each separate area of Koh Lanta Yai offers something different to visitors. The following paragraphs give an overview of each of the main areas. Before you choose a resort on Koh Lanta, it would be worth reviewing these paragraphs to get a feel for the area you think would best suit you.

Ban Saladan: Sitting at the Northern tip of Koh Lanta, the harbour town of Ban Saladan is known as the capital of the island. As such it is the busiest location on the island, and whilst it’s probably not the spot to choose if you’re looking for the beach (there isn’t one!), it is the place to go for seafood restaurants and shopping. There are also a number of dive shops located here within close proximity of each other, and at certain times of the day, there can be a rush hour of action as the town is also the point from which many of the dive boats leave and return.

Restaurants on stilts extending over the waters edge, roadside bars and cafes, and a wide array of shops and stalls make Saladan a great location day or night. There is accommodation available within the town itself, ideal for those who like the hustle and bustle of an active town. The traffic here can be busy at times, so be ready for a little more noise and action than any other area of the island. It’s definitely NOT the ideal choice if you’re looking for quiet, calm and solitude…

Klong Dao: Klong Dao is about 2km south of Saladan, and with its 3km long stretch of white sand, was the first bay on the island to become developed for tourists. This is the busiest bay on the island, with the widest selection of resorts and bungalows ranging across the entire budget spectrum.

The long stretch of white sand is more or less completely clear of any rocks, and the water is clear and shallow, making this an ideal location for families with young children. Swimming, volley ball and jogging are all ideal activities for this stunning bay, and with a wide selection of shops and amenities all within walking distance – it is no wonder that this has grown to become one of the most popular beaches on the island.

Phra Ae / Long Beach: A couple of kilometres further along the main road and you arrive in Phra Ae, also known as Long Beach. The long, 4km stretch of white sand, slopes gently down into the sea, and the resorts here are more spread out than on Klong Dao. Along the beach there are a few bars which offer weekly party nights during high season, making this an attractive destination for singles, and back packers. However as the beach is so long and spacious, it’s also easy to find quieter spots, for those who are looking for quiet and calm – in fact even in high season the bay can seem deserted in some areas. There are less hotels and larger resorts on Long Beach, and more small family run resorts offering bamboo huts right on the beach front – so if you’re looking for something more rustic, quiet and calm, within walking distance of good bars and amenities – then Long Beach, the second busiest bay of the island, may be the beach for you. Phra Ae is also well developed along the road, and is home to some of the best Western restaurants on the island making this a favourable location for long stay visitors and expats.

Klong Kong: Moving further south from Phrae Ae is Klong Kong, yet another west facing 3 to 4km stretch of sand sea and palm trees. With only one 4 star resort, the vast majority of resorts here are small family run businesses which combine to create possibly the friendliest and most laid back vibe of any of Koh Lanta's beaches. Here you will find some great beach bars, all individually designed with features such as tree house seating, cosy wooden decks, or candlelit tables with cushions on the sand, just a few steps away from the sea. Klong Kong is far less developed than any of the bays we have mentioned so far, and while you will find some shops on the road, there are nowhere near as many amenities as Phrae Ae and Klong Dao. As a result the accommodation is priced substantially lower and the beach tends to attract backpackers, singles and young couples.

Klong Nin: Approximately 15km along the main road leading up the west coast, you turn right into Klong Nin. Immediately you will drive through a small town with fruit and veg stalls, clothes shops, opticians and a pharmacy. As you follow the road round you drive parallel to the beach which is home to a mixture of very small, friendly beach bars, and some larger resorts. The uniqueness of this bay is that it is so diverse, ranging from 3 and 4 star resorts, to some of the cheapest, and most hippy like accommodation on the island. Also, as southern Koh Lanta is less developed and more mountainous, the beach is set against a backdrop of rain forest and hills, taking you closer to nature than any of the more northern bays. The bay attracts a range of families, older couples, younger couples and singles as it has something to offer everyone. It is an idyllic location with more of a community hub, but is probably not the best bay on the island for nightlife. Even so, you will still be able to spend your evenings watching sunsets, and drinking into the early hours if you so wish.

Kan Tiang Bay: Driving further south still from Klong Nin, through the hills and rainforest, you come down a hill into Kan Tiang Bay - a beautiful 1km curve of a bay nestled among cliffs, hills and rainforest. The bars and restaurants which are built into or on top off the cliffs can proudly boast some of the most spectacular views of Koh Lanta. There are also a few resorts directly on the beach, yet even during high season, the beach is spacious with just a few holiday makers dotted around. Kan Tiang Bay is home to Koh Lanta's first 5 star resort, but also offers the most basic of accommodation and a little of everything in between. As one of the quietest bays on the island, there is a strong sense of community, which combines with the dramatic landscape setting to create one of the most unique and relaxed settings of the island. The bay is ideal for families, young couples, older couples, and singles, and attracts people from all walks of life – rich or poor. There are a few beach bars, where you can relax and chat to the friends you’ve made during your stay, and when the mood and crowd is right the night could well lead into the early hours of the following day. Although a small bay, there are a couple of ATM’s, a 7/11, a dive shop, and some clothes shops - so unless you’re look for a pharmacy it has everything you need.

Klong Jark and Bamboo Bay: Heading further south from Kan Tiang Bay, the road ends and bumpy tracks lead you to the remaining beaches on the island. As these bays are more difficult to reach they are perfect for those who really want to get away from it all, and experience the more traditional Thailand beach holiday.

There is a mixture of accommodation available to suit all budgets in each of the bays, though there are few other facilities nearby. You can still participate in the majority of activities available on the island. The bays are close to the National Park set in the jungles of the island, and elephant trekking is also nearby. You can hire Kayaks on the beach, and most dive centres will arrange a pick up for you.

Lanta Old Town: As the former bustling stop over port of Chinese and Arabian merchants up until just 50 years ago, Lanta Old Town remains the main area on Koh Lanta of historical and cultural interest. Previously is was the main business capital of the island – the introduction of ferries which linked the north of the island to the mainland triggered the growth of Ban Saladan, which in turn seemed to result in Lanta Old Town being preserved in what can only be described as a time capsule. Now a small village, Old Town is home to a thriving and active fishing community made up of Thai-Chinese, Thai-Muslim and Sea Gypsies, living side by side, harmoniously, as they have done for years. There is some accommodation available to tourists in the village, and a few permanent expat residents, but in large the community remains untouched and unspoilt. With a couple of fantastic restaurants, a museum, traditional buildings, an amazing atmosphere and a long pier taking you into a panoramic view of endless small islands poking out of the sea, Lanta Old Town offers yet another unique experience. If you want to immerse yourself in a Thai community, discover more of the history and culture of Koh Lanta, or relax on wooden terraces in a completely tranquil setting, then you would do wise to visit Lanta Old Town.