Speedboat & Ferry travel to Lanta Island is simple and enjoyable. As your speedboat & ferry arrives into or departs from Saladan Pier, you'll notice the laid-back, rustic style that makes the island still so special. You can catch a speedboat & ferry between Lanta Island and Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Ao Nang, and Railay Bay, so it's well worth planning some inter-island trips in advance. Speedboats & Ferries to and from Lanta Island are large, some carrying up to 400 passengers. Each speedboat & ferry is regularly safety-checked, is well maintained and contains all on-board safety equipment plus lifejackets. The speedboat & ferry staff at Saladan Pier are familiar with PhuketFerry.com, our e-tickets and our customer service processes. You will need to print out your e-ticket (very important), and present it to the speedboat & ferry staff. They will then take your e-ticket and replace it with a destination sticker so the boat staff will easily know where you are going. Sounds simple? It is, which is good for you! By the way, each speedboat & ferry you board will have different seating options for you, and you can sit either inside the boat or outside the boat If you're out on the speedboat & ferry deck, be sure to wear sunglasses and apply lots of sun protection - with the added glare from the water, the sun is power-packed and you can get sunburn all too easily! You can visit our speedboat & ferry Travel Tips page for more traveling information. Enjoy your speedboat & ferry trip!

Overview

Koh Lanta is a wonderful island that is especially popular with couples, families and backpackers. Spanning 6km wide and 30km long, Koh Lanta contains nine attractive sandy beaches with coastline views of rugged islands jutting out of the Andaman Sea (there are over 70 to see). Although you can certainly find a party if you're looking, this island is more about serenity; long beach strolls and sunset watching amidst rolling waves and coral-rimmed shorelines.

Koh Lanta Information

Old Town
Lanta Old Town lies within a perfect little natural harbor, with lots of character and local atmosphere. Steeped in history, you can find lots of authentic wooden shophouses selling all kinds of little interesting things. This little harbor used to be Koh Lanta's main trading port and it still has that kind of feel about it. As an added bonus, you can find a good few trips and tours leaving from the town, such as snorkeling, scuba, fishing trips, mangrove tours or island hops.

History
Previously known as "Pulau Sa-Tuk" which in old Malay means "island long mountain range", the name was officially changed to "Koh Lanta" in 1917 by the Thai King. It is possible that this name comes from the Javanese word "lantas", which was a type of grill for fish. The island was first inhabited around 500 years ago by the "Chao-Le" sea gypsy people, who you can still see living and fishing in various locations along the coast.

Adventure
Lanta Island is full of interesting coves, villages and natural spots so it makes sense to pack your camera and go looking! The locals are all getting around on motorcycles and for around 200 Baht per day you can be too! You might instead want to hire a jeep for around 1,200 Baht. The roads can get hilly and bumpy but you'll enjoy the experience (I did)!

Khao Mai Kaew Caves
Some amazing caves are found toward the center of the island; huge natural rock structures which house spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Dress appropriately with good footwear as it can get a little slippery. You'll need a guide to take you round for about 200 Baht, or how about an elephant ride around the rubber plantations!