Ko Lanta National Park

Ko Lanta National Park

Ko Lanta National Park

The real name being Mu Ko Lanta National Park, the park was established as a marine park in 1990, situated in the southern part of Krabi Province. The park consists of several islands covering an area of 134 km².

The biggest islands in the park are Ko Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai. "Mu" in thai means a group/group of, "Mu Ko" means group of islands. There is more to see on some of the other smaller islands than on the main island.

There are 16 major islands in the park, of which the biggest is at Ko Lanta Yai (only the southern tip of the park is part of the national park). While nearly 20 km² of the national park is rainforest, Ngu, Mai Ngam and Mai Ngam Tai islands are covered with mangrove forest. Parts of Ngai Island (Ko Ngai) is covered with beach forest.

The national park is home to nomadic sea gypsies called Chao Le. They are well known for their traditions of setting boats adrift during the full moon in June and November, according to Chao Le belief to drive out evil and bring good luck.