Canoe & Kayak
       Koh Lanta has beautiful green scenery on the island and traveling on a canoe is a great way to explore the mangrove forest, rice paddies and intriguing caves. It is easier to join a tour for a one day-trip. Usually the adventure starts at Hua Hin Pier. You will canoe through the jungle bypassing Koh Rah Poo Don where the view includes cliff, limestone formation and caves. You will have lunch on the beach and start to paddle again to Koh Pang, a small island with a large cave inside—if you’re not afraid of bats, it can be extremely fun. The sightseeing includes other interesting explorations such as stalactites, crossing the seashore of Koh Pang and Koh Rah Poo Lay before returning to Hua Hin Pier. A trip like this should not be more than 1,000 baht per person. The best place to enjoy Kayaking is around Koh Talabeng. Try Lanta Sea Kayak (Tel: 075-684-397).

Boat and Speedboat
        Boat trips can be arranged from the hotels and resorts you are staying. But if you want to book directly, Lanta Garden Hill Speed Boat (Tel: 075-684-042), which is owned by Lanta Garden Hill, can take you out to the sea with their boats. The trips can be tailored to your desire whether it’s island hopping you have in mind or a romantic candlelight dinner in the middle of the sea. Expect to pay at least 3,000 baht for a speedboat trip. For a more affordable longtail boat trip, go to the pier in Lanta Village Old Town where a few longtail boats are constantly parked there to take you on the island trips, even during the green season. If you don’t go on a snorkeling trip with a dive center, you can snorkel on your own by arranging a private trip with Lanta Princess (Tel: 075-684-188) that can take you to snorkeling points such as Koh Muk, Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai, Koh Chuek and Koh Phi Phi.

Cooking Schools
        In the last several years, learning the art of cooking Thai food has been included into many a tourist’s itinerary during their stay in Thailand. This is mainly due to the popularity of Thai food in many countries especially the US, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
        One of the pleasant suprises in attending a cooking class on Koh Lanta is that you’ll be cooking your food in a breezy kitchen. Time for Lime, located right on Klong Dao Beach, is a cooking school with natural setting--a stretch of 3 km sandy beach as its scenery and a rainforest as its backdrop.
        In addition to lots of heat from chilies, Thai cuisine contains lime juice as one its vital ingredients, consequently the name “Time for Lime” (Tel. (66) 7568 4590 or (66) 8 9967 5017 from Thailand, and (66) 7568 4590 or (66) 8 9967 5017 from overseas). The school does not employ a rigid approach in its teaching but allows you to explore your creativity in preparing your dishes. It embraces the hands-on approach of learning by doing and tasting.
        There are two daily classes: 12.30-5.30pm and 6.00-10.00pm. Tuitions range from 1,400 BHT to 8,800 BHT per person. Apart from the conventional and authentic Thai recipes involving curries, salad sauces, soups, vegetables and desserts, there are the well-known Ms. Junie’s fusion dishes for the classes. Thai vegetarian dishes are also available, of course.

Nightlife
        The nightlife on Koh Lanta is generally low key, although plenty of bars and rendezvous points have opened up at scenic points or beaches. Aside from eating and drinking, there’s karaoke singing or seeing Thai boxing matches. There are lots of signage along the main road advertising all the night activities Koh Lanta has to offer, along with posters and flyers at your resort.

Shopping
        The main shopping area near Saladan pier is the obvious spot for buying needed goods, local goods or souvenirs. But take time out to go a little further south of Saladan to visit the weekend markets in the early morning hours before the sun gains intensity.         Better yet, check out the local products Koh Lanta makes. Usually villages in Lanta Noi have homes and cooperatives that make products belonging to the OTOP ( One Tambol, One Product) concept. Initiated by the Thai government, this opportunity provides villages with income by having each district specialize in a product. Ask your resort or hotel for information to see the villagers at work at Koh Lanta Noi, in a village called Lang Sod, which is just a ferry stop away.
        Once at the villages, you’ll see a gathering of people making batik textiles, wooden furniture, local coffee ( which is a Koh Lanta specialty, a robusta blend perfect for ice coffee drinks,) herbs, crab cakes, shrimp crackers and handicrafts that are woven from toey panan (pandanus tectorium soland), a local plant. Such colourfully woven items in the form of pillows, bags and smaller souvenir items are easily purchased at the villages.
A traditional Thai martial art fascinated by not only Thais but also non-Thais, Muay Thai or Thai boxing has a long history in the kingdom. The fighting style involves an extensive movement of the hands, elbows, knees and shins, consequently referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs.”
        Lanta Muay Thai Boxing Gym, located on Phra Ae/Long Beach, is the only one of its kind on Koh Lanta which provides professional trainers who have mostly fought in elite Muay Thai leagues. They are experienced in passing on the art of brutal, versatile and straightforward combat.
        Renowned as one of the best Muay Thai training centers, Lanta Muay Thai Boxing Gym has English-speaking trainers who give private lessons to meet each boxer’s ability and needs. Whether you are a beginner or a trained boxer who wants to enhance your skill, the gym can provide its trainers to serve your need.

Thai Boxing Classes
        Your classes can be combined with a pleasant stay at a comfortable bungalow and delicious meals at the restaurant, all of which are in the compound of the gym. Some of the bungalows are right next to the beach.

Horse Riding
        Another favorite pastime on Koh Lanta, horseback riding can be a fun and enjoyable experience. A reliable horse riding center on Long Beach, operated by Mr. Yad (Tel. (66) 7568 4759), welcomes riders of all ages and levels from beginners to experienced riders. There are various horse riding courses given by competent instructors. Horses are also carefully selected for each rider’s ability.
        The fee is 700 BHT per person per hour whereas a full-day course is 3,700 BHT for four days.
You can wind up the day with a romantic ride on the beach while watching sunset.

Monkey Shows
       We have a school for chefs. How about a school for monkeys?
There really is one on Koh Lanta.
        The Monkey School offers four monkey shows daily at 9.00 am, 11.00 am, 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm. Each show takes an hour and ten minutes.
        Trained monkeys display their talent in playing basketball, picking coconuts, fire dancing, diving and biking.
Ticket for the show is 250 BHT for adults and 50% discount for children.
        The school is located on Klong Jark Beach, which is not far from Klong Jark waterfall and the national park on the southern tip of Koh Lanta.

Eco-Tourism
        Baan Thung Yee Peng, a shore-mud village on the east of Koh Lanta Yai, is abundant with mangroves and marine lives. It is a primary destination for those interested in the flora, fauna and cultural heritage.
        You can walk leisurely in the natural environment or explore the shore in a long-tail boat or a kayak. Another good experience is to inspect fish breeding in “Krachang” fish cages.
Sometimes, especially during tourist season, locals put their products and handicrafts for sale to visitors.

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