Koh Lanta

[Isabel]

We are going to Thailand for 10 weeks after Christmas.

We know where to go (roughly) but have never been to Koh Lanta and was wondering what your views are on the place?

Is it worth stopping by there? Can you compare it with Krabi, samui, phuket????

Any info is welcome, also where would be the best place to stay ie beach etc.

Hope to hear from you

Isabel

[g00dgirl]

I don't like the two ferry trips you need to go on to get there. Waiting for the ferries can take a long time, you can easily be stuck for 2 - 3 hours to get across and there are none at night.

[thaigerd]

The Rawi Warin Resort is very nice!

Gerd

[fallingoffthemap]

I don't like the two ferry trips you need to go on to get there. Waiting for the ferries can take a long time, you can easily be stuck for 2 - 3 hours to get across and there are none at night.

This is true during low season only. You can take a boat from Phuket (3 hours) or Phi Phi (1 1/2 hours) during high season. I believe there's boats from Ao Nang/Railay and Krabi as well. Much more pleasant and quicker than the minibuses, for the reasons you cite. Well worth the extra pricetag.

[g00dgirl]

I don't like the two ferry trips you need to go on to get there. Waiting for the ferries can take a long time, you can easily be stuck for 2 - 3 hours to get across and there are none at night.

This is true during low season only. You can take a boat from Phuket (3 hours) or Phi Phi (1 1/2 hours) during high season. I believe there's boats from Ao Nang/Railay and Krabi as well. Much more pleasant and quicker than the minibuses, for the reasons you cite. Well worth the extra pricetag.

If you are driving in your own (or rental) car, then you need the ferries.

[Isabel]

Thanks for that! I will probably take the ferry as I don't like being cramped into the minibusses!

But what about Koh Lanta it self...is it an island worth visiting?

I'll have done Krabi and Phuket already and have been there before and love it.

Not sure wheter to go to Lanta or not?

[Tony Clifton]

I loved it. The beaches weren't crowded and very clean, no one selling junk. I'd go back.

[onomataho]

~~~

If you make it to Koh Lanta, check out the brand new Lanta Castaway Resort in Pra Ae (Long Beach). Nice place run by great people. They have a range of accommodation types, check out their website (goog....l). It's in a good location for restaurants, walking the beach, etc. My girlfriend works there doing Thai massage on the beach.

I like to stay in Pra Ae for convenience and value, and then check out the beaches further south (Khlong Nin, Kantiang, etc.) during the day. Long Beach is hard to beat, though...very relaxing, very nice.

Ignore the hustle and bustle up on the road...things are booming here at the moment.

~~~

Edited December 6, 2007 by onomataho

[onomataho]

~~~

Forgot to mention that I took the car ferry yesterday (at midday) and the wait was not bad at all...mainly to fill up the big boat on the first leg.

My experience with the ferry over the past three years coming and going has been mixed...sometimes you wait, sometimes you don't. I now bring a book with me as that helps the time to pass if I'm feeling impatient.

There are definitely more trucks on the ferries with the current building boom!

~~~

[TDOT]

Koh Lanta is my favourite island in Thailand! You should definitely check it out. Less touristy than Phi Phi and Phuket and lots of variety. Long Beach is a favourite. Klapa Klum, San's Sunset Bar, Ozone, Somewhere Else, Chill Out Bar, Funky Fish... great spots!

[Captain Chaos]

The Rawi Warin Resort is very nice!

Gerd

That's good as Mrs CC and I have booked to stay there for a few days over New Year! Neither of us have been to Lanta before so we're looking forward to it. The hotel will arrange the transfers to/from Krabi airport but I guess we'll want to hire a small car (or possibly a motocy') to explore the island a bit ... can anyone suggest a few highlights?

[Captain Chaos]

The Rawi Warin Resort is very nice!

Gerd

That's good as Mrs CC and I have booked to stay there for a few days over New Year! Neither of us have been to Lanta before so we're looking forward to it. The hotel will arrange the transfers to/from Krabi airport but I guess we'll want to hire a small car (or possibly a motocy') to explore the island a bit ... can anyone suggest a few highlights?

And can report that the Rawi Warin is VERY nice ... and what's more, Mrs CC and I rather like Koh Lanta's slightly more laid back feel ... we did hire a small Suzuki jeep and explored the island a bit, plus took some day trips to places like Koh Bu Bu. Great stuff, highly recommended

[RAZZELL]

The Rawi Warin Resort is very nice!

Gerd

That's good as Mrs CC and I have booked to stay there for a few days over New Year! Neither of us have been to Lanta before so we're looking forward to it. The hotel will arrange the transfers to/from Krabi airport but I guess we'll want to hire a small car (or possibly a motocy') to explore the island a bit ... can anyone suggest a few highlights?

And can report that the Rawi Warin is VERY nice ... and what's more, Mrs CC and I rather like Koh Lanta's slightly more laid back feel ... we did hire a small Suzuki jeep and explored the island a bit, plus took some day trips to places like Koh Bu Bu. Great stuff, highly recommended

Thinking about going to the Rawi Warin in a couple of weeks...Who did you book with and what type of room?...And how much?

Got any tips for restaurants etc?

Thanks in advance

RAZZ

Edited January 9, 2008 by RAZZELL

[Captain Chaos]

The Rawi Warin Resort is very nice!

Gerd

That's good as Mrs CC and I have booked to stay there for a few days over New Year! Neither of us have been to Lanta before so we're looking forward to it. The hotel will arrange the transfers to/from Krabi airport but I guess we'll want to hire a small car (or possibly a motocy') to explore the island a bit ... can anyone suggest a few highlights?

And can report that the Rawi Warin is VERY nice ... and what's more, Mrs CC and I rather like Koh Lanta's slightly more laid back feel ... we did hire a small Suzuki jeep and explored the island a bit, plus took some day trips to places like Koh Bu Bu. Great stuff, highly recommended

Thinking about going to the Rawi Warin in a couple of weeks...Who did you book with and what type of room?...And how much?

Got any tips for restaurants etc?

Thanks in advance

RAZZ

Used sawasdee.com - never used them before but seemed very efficient - including the airport transfers which was the bit I thought was most at risk of a goof up

Seaview deluxe room - can't remember the exact rate (booked back in October) - roughly Bt60k for about 8 days including the New Yr period? Put it this way, it was a lot less than we paid when we stayed in the Hilton Hua Hin for New Year 2006! Great views from the rooms at the top of the hill but a very steep climb to get to them (no lifts) - so be aware if you have young kids or suffer walking difficulties. Little villa type accomodation at pool level looked lovely but somewhat more pricey...

Loadsa little bars and restaurants along Khlong Nin beach - turn right out of the hotel entrance and walk along the road for 10 minutes. A trip to Saladan (12km from hotel) is well worth it in the evening if you want more variety - a tuktuk costs 300 Bt (or hire a car or motocy - the hotel can help arrange this or else there's a guy with a pitch opposite the hotel gate.

Have fun

CC

[RAZZELL]

Used sawasdee.com - never used them before but seemed very efficient - including the airport transfers which was the bit I thought was most at risk of a goof up

Seaview deluxe room - can't remember the exact rate (booked back in October) - roughly Bt60k for about 8 days including the New Yr period? Put it this way, it was a lot less than we paid when we stayed in the Hilton Hua Hin for New Year 2006! Great views from the rooms at the top of the hill but a very steep climb to get to them (no lifts) - so be aware if you have young kids or suffer walking difficulties. Little villa type accomodation at pool level looked lovely but somewhat more pricey...

Loadsa little bars and restaurants along Khlong Nin beach - turn right out of the hotel entrance and walk along the road for 10 minutes. A trip to Saladan (12km from hotel) is well worth it in the evening if you want more variety - a tuktuk costs 300 Bt (or hire a car or motocy - the hotel can help arrange this or else there's a guy with a pitch opposite the hotel gate.

Have fun

CC

Thanks again CC.

I think the Rawi Warin it is then. I've been looking online and for the money it seems excellent value as hotels which look a lot shabbier are only slightly cheaper.

Finally, how long was the transfer from Krabi, about 2 hours?

RAZZ

[Captain Chaos]

Used sawasdee.com - never used them before but seemed very efficient - including the airport transfers which was the bit I thought was most at risk of a goof up

Seaview deluxe room - can't remember the exact rate (booked back in October) - roughly Bt60k for about 8 days including the New Yr period? Put it this way, it was a lot less than we paid when we stayed in the Hilton Hua Hin for New Year 2006! Great views from the rooms at the top of the hill but a very steep climb to get to them (no lifts) - so be aware if you have young kids or suffer walking difficulties. Little villa type accomodation at pool level looked lovely but somewhat more pricey...

Loadsa little bars and restaurants along Khlong Nin beach - turn right out of the hotel entrance and walk along the road for 10 minutes. A trip to Saladan (12km from hotel) is well worth it in the evening if you want more variety - a tuktuk costs 300 Bt (or hire a car or motocy - the hotel can help arrange this or else there's a guy with a pitch opposite the hotel gate.

Have fun

CC

Thanks again CC.

I think the Rawi Warin it is then. I've been looking online and for the money it seems excellent value as hotels which look a lot shabbier are only slightly cheaper.

Finally, how long was the transfer from Krabi, about 2 hours?

RAZZ

Little bit longer - 2.5 to 3 hrs - hotel arranged an a/c minibus with only me and the missus in it both ways - involves taking two public car ferries, one from the mainland to Lanta Noi, then another to Lanta Yai - so the timing can vary a little depending on whether there's a ferry available right there or if you have to wait for it to arrive. Not to worry though - plenty of beer and 'gai yang' vendors at each ferry pier!