In general, I liked the far (southern) end of Lanta more than other locations on the island. Here, somehow, nature is felt more, perhaps ... less civilization, serpentines begin, a winding road, which may seem difficult for beginners in general. Small beaches in the form of coves. Still, the north of Lanta is painfully unkempt, flat and inconspicuous - an ordinary Thai province. If you do not know that there is a sea here, then you will think that you are just going somewhere on the mainland. In general, it is not surprising that the most beautiful southern edge of Lanta was designated as a protected area and closed for free visits. You can get here only by paying a fee. In this post, we will not talk about the delights of trekking in the jungle, but about a brighter attraction - a lighthouse on Lanta and an observation deck near it.
The content of the article
- one Koh Lanta lighthouse and national park
- 2 Historical reference
- 3 Information to visit
- 4 On the map
Koh Lanta lighthouse and national park
For visitors to the Koh Lanta National Park there is a modest proposal for activity: trekking about two kilometers through the jungle, a small clean secluded beach with swings and very weak snorkeling, a gorgeous observation deck near a modest lighthouse, which, however, looks great in the photo.
There is a campground for fans of outdoor recreation, and even some kind of cafeteria with little choice and great prices. They offer mostly fried rice and a few popular Thai national dishes. It can be quite windy on the observation deck, so on cloudy days it is better to come with a long sleeve - it will protect you from ultraviolet radiation too. The ideal time to visit the lighthouse is in the morning, when you see the dawn sky and the absence of security at the entrance to the park.
I was at sunset and it started for me too, while the weather was cloudy. As a result, the sunset sky with leaden clouds, although it created a mood of a certain anxiety, was so atmospheric at that moment that I absorbed every minute of my state. I don't know, maybe I'm just too impressionable, but it may well be that I'm not the only one who felt something unusual here. That is why - for me, this observation deck has become the most important attraction of Lanta.
The lighthouse is closed to visitors, so you have to be content with the top of the rocky promontory. By the way, the cape is highly susceptible to erosion and I highly do not recommend approaching the very edge of the site, otherwise you will have every chance to use your health insurance under the item on body repatriation..
The view from here opens up to 360 degrees, impressive and breathtaking - perhaps this is the best observation deck on Ko Lanta, even without considering the fact that I personally liked it so much. And there are no monkeys here that can wait for you downstairs, on the beach or in the park, near the headquarters and the cafeteria. Be careful with these - extremely arrogant and quick-witted, they pull things out even from closed and buttoned bags and backpacks.
Historical reference
Mu Ko Lanta National Park, in general, consists not only of a trekking trail, a beach and a lighthouse at the southern end of Lanta Yai Island, but includes as much as 134 sq km of land and sea, including some neighboring islands.
Translated from Thai «Mu Ko» just means «group of islands». The park was founded in 1990 as a marine reserve in the southern part of Krabi province. By the way, yes - Lanta, this is also Krabi, if you didn't know yet. The park in its overland part is 20 square kilometers of rainforest and coastal groves on the islands of Lanta Yai and Ko Ngai.
Information to visit
National Park opening hours: 8:30 am to 6 pm daily, peak visitors from 12 pm to 3 pm.
Entrance fee: 200 baht per adult, 100 baht per child from 3 to 11 years old, 20 for motorcycle entry, and 30-40 baht for a car.
The cost of living in a bungalow in the park: 2 rooms for 4 people, 1500 baht per room, plus entrance fee. Not sure if this is a good idea and popular. I just don't see the point of spending the night here.
The visit time can be planned for about half an hour - if you visit only the beach and the lighthouse, and about two hours plus - if you are drawn to trekking. Plus time to sit and rest.
The roads in the park area are steep, so it is better for you to check the condition of the scooter before riding and have confident driving skills. Beware of monkeys - very active and arrogant. You are unlikely to be able to eat ice cream on the go. Sturdy shoes are recommended for walking along the hiking trail and to the cape with the lighthouse, rather than flip flops. But this is optional, my sandals came off completely and did not cause any inconvenience.
On the map
Lighthouse and lookout
Lighthouse and lookout
Lighthouse and observation deck on the territory of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Very atmospheric place. The only pity is that the lighthouse cannot be entered.
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Lighthouse and observation deck on the territory of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Very atmospheric place. The only pity is that you cannot enter the lighthouse..