Koh Lanta : lies on the west coast of Andaman Sea in between Krabi and Phi Phi Island. Large Size Island with 6 km wide and over 30 kms long, 9 beaches lie from north to south along the sunset coast. Stunning scenery, fantastic white sandy beaches, coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and under water life. The geography of the islan d is typically mangroves; coral rimmed beaches; and rugged tree covered hills
Bakantiang Beach
The most romantic beach trophy goes to Bakantiang Beach. Some people call it a bay because of its beautiful curves from each side. There are some rocky parts next to each curve but the rest is baby-powder like sandy beach. It’s without a doubt a great place for swimming and the wideness of Bakantiang is also perfect for water-sport activities. With few resorts on this beach in relation to its length, it seems almost private. It feels more exclusive as a five-star resort sits on this beach as well. But even during peak season, there is room for everyone to find a secluded spot to sunbathe, swim and chill out. Bakantiang is extremely romantic as the beach is peaceful and it’s excellent for sunset slumping. The postcard view here is couples holding hands in the evening looking out to the ocean. It’s simplicity infused with luxury.
Pra Ae Beach (Long Beach)
Next to Klong Dao is the tourists’ favorite beach Pra Ae. It’s commonly known by foreigners as ‘Long Beach’ as Pra Ae is at least five-kilometers long. The breezy and silky beach has medium grain sands. The shallow water makes Pra Ae great for swimming. Because of its length, the property development still has room to grow. Many resorts have settled down on Pra Ae Beach for quite some time, vacant lands are still visible as tropical forests spread down to the beach. A few high-end resorts have moved in and it appears many more are set to come. But Pra Ae Beach has something for everyone—middle-range resorts and budget bungalows are in abundance. During the high season, Pra Ae is backed by more food and drink establishments along the beach. It has become ‘the’ beach and it can get crowded sometimes but the coastline is one of the most attractive ones in Koh Lanta.
Klong Dao Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Koh Lanta, Klong Dao Beach was a virgin paradise ten years ago. Even more people know about this beach, you can actually find yourself doing some thinking alone on the beach if you care enough to blot out the crowd. Klong Dao Beach is a children-friendly beach thanks to its shallow water, low tides and spotless wide brown sand. It is perfect for swimming. When the water is low, the wide beach is great for beach side sports such as volley ball—it is also a great natural morning running track. The three-kilometer beach is currently one of the most developed beaches on the island now—the number of high-end resorts has increased in recent years, joining the family owned bungalows and other middle-range and budget hotels. The vibe is higher during the peak season and brings along more restaurants, bars and beach activities.
Klong Toab Beach
The small beach next to Klong Khong has golden sandy beach. Some parts are rocky. But it is set to become more exclusive as a very luxurious resort has just moved in. The beach is also lined by other budget and middle-range hotels and resorts, but there are still little of them and it doesn’t ooze the touristy feel. It’s now the time to take advantage of its natural beauty before it becomes too famous and overrated. Klong Toab Beach is quite wide with good shade and it’s good for swimming in some areas. Klong Toab is the last beach on the main road before you have to decide to turn right or to keep going on the west coast in the direction of Mu Ko Lanta National Park or you can continue on the road in the direction of the east coast.
Klong Nin Beach
After you’ve decided to turn right, Klong Nin Beach will be your view on the right a few minutes away. The long-stretch high quality nearly-white sand and peppermint-green water are the reasons why people choose to stay in this area. It offers an easily reached direct access to the beach. Middle-range and budget resorts and bungalows line up along the beach alternating with pine trees and lush forest. During day-time, the weather is fierce—the sun seems to shine directly and especially to this beach— facing you. It is excellent to get a sun tan (or burn). European-owned accommodations and restaurants are known to be settled in this area. Some posh resorts start to build in Klong Nin and there are more in the years to come.
Klong Khong Beach
Slightly more low-key than the two previous beaches, rocks lurk in the middle of the beach in some areas, but some parts of Klong Khong are sandy as well. But the landscape is no less beautiful. Coconut trees and tropical greenery stretch along the shoreline, offering tiny charming corners for picnics and sunbathing. It’s true swimming is not possible everywhere but there are enough points for swimmers to easily dip into the warm and clear water or even snorkel for small discoveries of marine life. The progress into an up-market leisure life is still slow around the beach, that’s why people seeking tranquility choose this beach to lay back in the small resorts and bungalows which are cheaper in price than the two previous beaches. The chi-chi types haven’t arrived yet. And the crowd likes it that way.