GAY LANTA
RELAXING ON KO LANTA

Ko Lanta’s Beaches, Spas and Thai Massage, Yoga Classes

Kaw Kwang
Located in the northern part of the island next to the main town of Ban Saladan, Kaw Kwang derives its name from the character of the beach itself. Kaw Kwang, which means “deer neck” in Thai, has a smoothly curving beach line, resembling the sway of a deer's neck.  At low tide, it’s possible to walk across the sand bar to a tiny island at the end of the cape.  This beach remains quiet and relatively free of visitors.

Klong Dao
With a 3 kilometre sweep of sparkling white sands and clear, shallow waters, it’s evident why Klong Dao was the first beach to be developed on Ko Lanta.
Offering excellent, safe swimming conditions and a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and bars, this remains one of the most popular beaches for visiting families.  The northernmost tip ends in the dramatic headland mentioned above, and sweeps south to a docking area for long tail-boats.

Phra Ae/Long Beach
Just south of Klong Dao and now equally popular with guests is Phra Ae, also known as Long Beach.  Its’ crescent of pristine sands some 4 kilometres long are a little steeper than at Klong Dao, and the water slightly less sheltered.  A wide selection of facilities is on offer, catering for all budgets.

Klong Kong
A little further south still is Klong Khong, boasting another 3 kilometre stretch of glistening sand set with palm trees. This beach has a good collection of family-owned resorts and accommodation prices can often be substantially lower than at the more northern beaches. 
The shoreline offers terrific swimming and snorkeling areas, and when the tide is low, it’s possible to see an exposed rock field housing an abundance of marine life. 

Klong Tob
Whilst Klong Tob remains a quiet and relatively undeveloped beach, the far end does offer a tiny amount of resort and restaurant facilities.  Following the government’s recent decision to pave the upper side next to the road, it presents an opportunity for families with younger children in strollers, to push them along with ease.

Klong Nin and Klong Hin
Continuing south, the following beach is Klong Nin.  With a variety of small, local bars and restaurants adorned with hand-made decorations and a warm, laid-back atmosphere, it is our author’s personal favourite.  With a backdrop of tropical green mountains, its white sands and emerald waters extend for a few kilometres.
Klong Hin is a smaller beach connected to Klong Nin, that is very secluded.  Few resorts are situated on this beach.

Ba Kan Tiang
Surrounded by the high mountains of the National Marine Park, Ba Kan Tiang’s beautiful beach is just 1 kilometre in length.  Covered with tropical trees enhancing the “desert island” vibe, accommodation ranges from simple family-owned places to one of Lanta’s five star resorts.

Southernmost Beaches
There are a few more, smaller beaches before Ko Lanta’s National Park area begins.  Included among them are Klong Jark, (Waterfall Beach) which is a walk of just 3 kilometres from the waterfall itself;  the tiny beach of Ao Nui, just one hundred metres long, and Bamboo Bay, a slightly curved stretch of sand around 500 metres long and the last beach on the east side before the National Marine Park area begins.  
The distance from Ban Saladan sometimes deters people from visiting these beaches, yet the reward is worth the effort.  The natural settings are wonderfully peaceful, meaning these beaches really are the ‘Perfect Hideaway’.

National Park Beaches
There are two beaches within the National Park itself, Had Hin Ngam (a beautiful stone beach) and Tanod Beach (Palm Beach).  The surrounding area is rich in tropical nature, and a haven for wildlife-lovers and bird-spotters. 

Spas and Thai Massage
One of the pastimes Thailand undoubtedly excels at is massage and related pampering treatments.  The history of Thai medical massage originated in India over 2,500 years ago and incorporates elements of both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.  The majority of Asian cultures customarily perceive illness as an imbalance between body, mind and spirit, and traditional Thai massage treatments today retain strong connections to these elements.
Ko Lanta offers a wide selection of places to unwind and relax with massage, therapies and cosmetic treatments – from upmarket spas which guarantee seclusion and privacy, to on-the-spot masseurs located on almost every beach.
Choose from aromatic, deep tissue and pressure massages, treatments to realign and balance the energies of the body, scrubs, facials, body wraps and detox packages, Indian Head and Feet massage, and ‘Luk Pra Kob’ – massage using steaming poultices filled with Thai herbs.

Yoga Classes
As previously mentioned, an inherent belief in the benefits of realigning mind, body and spirit remain a bastion of Thai culture.  Yoga classes offered on Ko Lanta include both Ayurvedic and Samadun techniques, performed on the beach against nature’s calming backdrop.  Whether beginner or experienced pupil, take the opportunity to unwind body and soul.

© Jessica Davies 2007 © GayLanta.net 2007