Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [594]
Lanta Castaway Resort (0 7568 4851; www.lantacastaway.com; bungalows 750-4000B) A good midrange find, Castaway has a cottage-clad garden that winds inland away from the beach. Bungalows are spotless and sport lots of Thai paintings and murals. We liked the 2000B rooms the most.
Relax Bay (0 7568 4194; www.relaxbay.com; bungalows 900-1600B; ) A friendly French-run spot. Could use a little freshening up.
HAT KHLONG KHONG
Stick to the northern end of the rather rocky beach. There are a few good spots for backpackers.
Bee Bee Bungalows (08 1537 9932; www.diigii.de; bungalows 300-700B; ) Easily the best budget pick on the island, Bee Bee’s super-friendly staff care for a dozen Bali-inspired cabins perched high in the trees. The on-site restaurant has a library of tattered paperbacks to keep you busy while you wait for your delicious Thai staples.
Lanta New Coconut (08 1537 7590; bungalows 500B) Simple huts surrounded by swaying palms. It’s not much, but it’s darn cheap.
Lanta Emerald (7566 7037; www.lantaemeraldresort.com; bungalows from 500B; ) Lanta Emerald has all the trappings of a resort, but it’s tailored to smaller budgets. Concrete air-con bungalows mix with a handful of comfy bamboo huts on the well-manicured grounds. It’s 1km south of the 7-Eleven in Khlong Khong.
Where Else? (0 1536 4870; www.whereelse-lanta.com; bungalows 500-1500B) Make your way here for Ko Lanta’s little slice of bohemia. The bungalows may be a bit shaky but there is great mojo here and the place buzzes with backpackers. The restaurant is a growing piece of art in itself, but the bamboo and coconut knick-knacks are threatening to take over. The pricier bungalows are all unique multilevel abodes sleeping up to four people.
HAT KHLONG NIN
Halfway down the island, the tarmac road forks – head inland towards Ban Khlong Nin or continue south along the coast to the marine national park headquarters at Laem Tanod. The first beach here is lovely Hat Khlong Nin, which gets progressively nicer the further south you travel.
Sri Lanta (0 7569 7288; www.srilanta.com; villas from 4000B; ) On the southern (and best) bit of the beach, this sophisticated (but slightly overpriced) resort consists of roomy wooden villas in a hillside garden, set back from the shore. There’s a very stylish beachside area with a restaurant and pool.
HAT NUI
There are several small beaches around here with upmarket places to stay.
Narima (0 7566 2668; www.narima-lanta.com; bungalows 1800-2900B; ) Five years ago Narima was Ko Lanta’s best resort – every guest would say, ‘Don’t change a thing!’ and, well, the lovely owners have taken those words a bit too literally. The atmosphere is eco-chic, but the bungalows are starting to fade into the brush. The wooden restaurant is lit by lanterns and has some massive gnarled wood furniture.
Eyes Lanta (0 7566 5119; www.eyeslanta.com; bungalows 3800-5000B; ) Brand spankin’ new, Eyes Lanta still has that new-car smell. This self-proclaimed ‘lifestyle resort’ mixes traditional Asian decoration (think tin gongs, and Chinese paper lanterns dangling from gabled Balinese roofs) for a truly unique ambience.
AO KANTIANG
This bay’s tip-top beach has a good sprinkling of sand, and a couple of excellent sleeping options.
Kantiang Bay View Resort (0 1787 5192; bungalows 400-1500B; ) The staff can be dreadfully rude, the food is mediocre at best, but Kantiang Bay View remains a popular spot for backpackers, probably because the bungalows are decent and they sit right in the centre of the stunning beach.
Baan Laanta Resort & Spa (0 7566 5091; www.baanlaanta.com; bungalows 3500-4500B; ) Fragrant, green landscaped grounds wind around stylish wooden bungalows and an inviting central pool. The gorgeous