Ko Lanta Yai
| Ko Lanta Yai เกาะลันตาใหญ่ | |
|---|---|
  Ko Lanta Yai | |
| Coordinates: TH 7°35′0″N 99°03′0″E / 7.58333°N 99.05000°E | |
| Country | Thailand |
| Province | Krabi Province |
| District | Ko Lanta District |
| Area | |
| • Total | 170 km2 (70 sq mi) |
| Population (2012) | |
| • Total | 10,830 |
| Time zone | ICT (UTC+7) |
Ko Lanta Yai (Thai: เกาะลันตาใหญ่) is in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand, between the Phi Phi Islands and the mainland. It is administratively part of Krabi Province, most of which is on the mainland.
Measuring 30 km long and 6 km wide, the island forms part of the Ko Lanta archipelago, which covers an area of 170 km2. The area was designated as the 62nd national park of Thailand in 1990.
Less well known than the neighbouring Phi Phi and Phuket islands, Lanta is relatively less developed with most of the accommodation available being basic bamboo huts. There are very few paved roads on the island, mostly in the north, and they deteriorate gradually towards the south.
Ban Saladan, the main town and port, is at the northern tip of the island and is served by ferries from Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi. The main beaches are on the western shores of the island, the largest being Klong Dao, Pra-Ae (Long Beach), and Klong Khong Beach. There are other, much less accessible, beaches at the southern end.
Lanta escaped the worst of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Although there was widespread devastation along the west coast, significantly fewer injuries and fatalities were reported in comparison to the Phi Phi Islands. It is thought 11 people lost their lives. Assisted by tourists, most businesses were up and running within a few days.[1]
References
- ↑ Lonely Planet Archived May 13, 2007 at the Wayback Machine
External links
Ko Lanta travel guide from Wikivoyage
Coordinates: 7°35′N 99°03′E / 7.583°N 99.050°E