Time spent on Koh Lanta is mostly defined by idyllic days of swimming, snorkeling, diving and any other water-related activities. But inland, one is stimulated in different ways and the following offerings are the next best ways to get to know the rest of the island at a more local level.

Khao Mai Kaew Cave
        As you make your way to the east coast of the island, right in the area of Baan Klong Nin, the road to Khao Mai Kaew Cave will show up on the right. It’s a dirt road, but it’s easy get to the cave from the main road. Between the few kilometers leading to the cave, the mountainous scenery on both sides includes that of a green plateau, small Muslim villages and rubber plantations. An information house that looks more like a hut serves as a dead end; to give a general signal that every vehicle should stop at this point. The people sitting in front of the house will gladly inform you that you will need a guide to take you to the cave. The fee is BHT200 per person and you should come prepared to walk at least 30 minutes to get to the cave. A pair of trainers, a T-shirt, shorts and a flashlight should be on your checklist for the Khao Mai Kaew Cave experience. Waltzing through exotic forest, climbing up the hills and listening to the birds are what you will encounter before entering the cave. Once inside (claustrophobes beware!), the sensational experience comes from the beauty of the stalagmites, stalactites and other dramatic rock formations. Don’t be surprise if you come out sweating and covered in mud.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park
        There are so many reasons to visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park but to come here you have to think of transportation first. If you don’t plan to drive around the island a lot, it’s not a problem as your resort can arrange a three-hour tour for you. It is worth staying for a few hours in the national park as the road to get here is bumpy. Pack some food and cold drinks for a picnic by the amazingly beautiful sandy Tanod Beach. Sunbathing and swimming should be included in your program but what you can also do is to climb up to the Lighthouse to have a birds-eye view of the neighboring islands and the turquoise water. Afterwards you can do some jungle trekking for one hour and hire a boat to go to Koh Ngai, the island facing Tanod Beach. There’s a quiet beach that’s mostly frequented by sea gypsies. There, you’ll see a path that leads up to a viewpoint that offers spectacular and panoramic views of Koh Lanta. You know you’re there when you look below and see rocks forming what looks to be the back of a crocodile. It’s a rough and uncleared walking path so put on your hiking shoes and boots for the occasion since you’ll need a firm grip on the ground as there’s a bit of climbing involved, through high grasses and weeds. But it will be well worth the effort.

Massage and Spa
        Thailand is recognized as one of the countries that offer the best massage in the world and while there aren’t too many stand-alone spas in Koh Lanta, up-market establishments offer various year-round massage and spa treatments in luxurious and relaxing surroundings. You are in Koh Lanta to relax so don’t miss the opportunity to treat yourself and check out places like Lanta Residence Resort & Spa, or the luxuriously new Rawi Warin Resort and Spa, Royal Lanta Resort & Spa, Lanta Marine Park View Resort & Spa.

        For couples, the Twin Lotus Resort & Spa is offering an “In Love with Bussaba” package, which involves 4 hours of pampering body treatments, complete with drinks and desserts. It’s best to call the hotel and book your time slot. Even on more remote islands like Koh Ngai you can be pampered at the Koh Hai Fantasy Resort & Spa where couples can indulge in spa treatments designed for two.

        At the moment, there aren’t any independent centers for yoga or any holistic disciplines. But if you’re interested, Travel Insight can arrange group tours offering yoga, meditation, Qigong, relationship counselling for couples, families and much more. This Swedish approach to a quality lifestyle is meant to inspire people to take some time out from their stressful and hectic life at home and encourage a longer stay on Ko Lanta. Information is available on www.travelinsight.net or contact Time for Lime on the island at 075 684 590 for more information.

Elephant Trekking
        It’s good luck for Thai people to walk under an elephant. The symbol of the elephant signifies the Royal Power. But it’s also fun to ride them. Elephant Trekking is limited during the green season on Koh Lanta as the elephants move around the country where there are tourists. But at Klong Jaak Safari (Tel: 06-278-3709), you can ride elephants all year-round although it is a bit difficult to get to. Maybe try other places such as Sumate Koh Lanta Yai Safari (Tel: 01-895-2272, 07-280-9543). While riding, the elephant will take you to a promenade in the jungle to see rubber plantations. The fee is usually 800 baht per hour.

Paragliding
       A recreational and flying sport, paragliding is closely related to hang gliding. It creates the feeling of a bird as you sit in a harness suspended below a fabric wing. The shape of the wing is formed by the pressure of air entering vents in front of it.
        Imagine yourself sitting in a paraglider and viewing Koh Lanta, its scenic mountains, cliffs and surrounding waters. How fantastic!
Paragliding is suitable on the east side of the island from November to April and on the west side from May to October.
       A license is required for those interested in the free-flying sport.

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