Koh Lanta National Park
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Koh Lanta National Park is a national park in the southern part of Krabi province, Thailand, consisting of several islands. The two largest islands are Koh Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai. Although both are inhabited, Ko Lanta Yai is the primary tourist destination.
Koh Lanta is especially popular with Swedish tourists.
[edit] History
Koh Lanta was once known by its Malay name, Pulao Satak, which means Long Beach Island. Later, many Thais, both Buddhist and Muslim, moved to the island making the island known as the island of “a million eyes” ("Lanta" in Thai). The name may also be derived from the Javanese "lan-tas", or fish grill (built of wood with a square grill on top where the fish are set in a circle).
[edit] Geography
Koh Lanta is mountainous and rugged, especially near the southern tip; some beaches are gravelly, while others have fine white sand.
A clan of Chao Ley, or “Sea Gypsies” lives on Koh Lanta Yai. The clan still practices many of their ancient customs and ceremonies, such as the setting of ceremonial boats adrift to bring good luck and prosperity on the full moon nights of the sixth and eleventh month.
Koh Lanta is surrounded by many islands of the southern Andaman Sea, known for their dive sites.
