Ko Lanta District - Geography

Geography

The district, located approximately 70 km from Krabi Town, consists of three major islands. The first, Ko Klang, is separated from the mainland by a small river (Klong) and road bridge, and is often mistakenly thought of as part of the mainland Krabi Province. Of the two remaining two larger islands, the largest, more populated Ko Lanta Yai (Commonly known as simply Ko Lanta) and the smaller Ko Lanta Noi, together with 50 other smaller islands make up the 52-island Mu Koh Lanta National Park. The largest island (Ko Lanta Yai) has 9 attractive white sandy beaches running down the entire west coast, splendid scenery and plenty of forest, and ancient tropical jungle. The geography of the island is typically mangroves; coral rimmed beaches; and rugged tree covered hills. A popular tourist destination, the islands are known for their long, sandy beaches and scuba diving.

In 2012 construction began on a bridge to link the developing Ko Lanta Yai with the under-developed Ko Lanta Noi, estimated to open in 2014. This it expected to lead to the gradual development of tourist facilities on Ko Lanta Noi in the future.

Neighboring districts are Nuea Khlong to the northwest and Khlong Thom to the northeast and east. Whereas, the rest of the sides are surrounded by Andaman Sea.

134 km² of the district belong to the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, which was established in 1990 as the 62nd national park of Thailand.