Taking a break from sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and diving in Koh Lanta is possible. There are many other activities waiting to be explored.

Khao Mai Kaew Cave
          On the way to the east cost of the island, in the area of Baan Klong Nin, the road to Khao Mai Kaew Cave is on the right. Even though the way is a dirt road, it is quite easy to get to the cave from the main road. Between the few kilometers leading to the cave, the mountainous scenery on both sides includes green plateau, small Muslim villages and rubber plantations. An information house that looks more like a hut serves as a dead end to give a general signal that every vehicle should stop at this point. The people sitting in front of the house will gladly inform you that you will need a guide to take you to the cave. The fee is BHT200 per person and you should come prepared to walk at least 30 minutes to get to the cave. A pair of trainers, a T-shirt, shorts and a flashlight should be on your checklist for the Khao Mai Kaew Cave experience. Waltzing through exotic forest, climbing up the hills and listening to the birds are what you will encounter before entering the cave. Once inside (claustrophobics beware!), the sensational experience comes from the beauty of the stalagmites, stalactites and other dramatic rock formations. Mr.and Mrs. Clean don’t be surprise to come out sweating and covered in mud.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park
          There are so many reasons to visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park but to come here you have to think of transportation first. If you don’t plan to drive around in the island a lot, it’s not a problem as your resort can arrange a three-hour tour for you. It is worth staying for a few hours in the national park as the road to get here is bumpy. Pack some food and cold drinks for a picnic by the amazingly beautiful sandy Tanod Beach. Sunbathing and swimming should be included in your program but what you can also do is to climb up to the Lighthouse to have a birds-eye view of the neighboring islands and the turquoise water. Afterwards you can do some jungle trekking for one hour and hire a boat to go to Koh Ngai, the island facing Tanod Beach.

Massage and Spa
          Thailand is recognized as one of the countries that offer the best massage in the world so even though there aren’t many stand alone spas in Koh Lanta, up-market establishments such as Pimalai Resort & Spa and Layana Resort & Spa offer various year-round massage and spa treatments in the most luxurious and relaxing surroundings. During high-season, Costa Lanta provides massage treatments in the garden near the beach. You are in Koh Lanta to relax so don’t miss the opportunity to treat yourself.

Elephant Trekking
          It’s good luck for Thai people to walk under an elephant. The symbol of the elephant is also the Royal Power. But it’s also fun to ride them. Elephant Trekking is limited during the low season on Koh Lanta as the elephants move around the country where there are tourists. But at Klong Jaak Safari (Tel: 06-278-3709), you can ride elephants all year-round although it is a bit difficult to get to. Maybe try other places such as Sumate Koh Lanta Yai Safari (Tel: 01-895-2272, 07-280-9543). While riding, the elephant will take you to a promenade in the jungle to see rubber plantations. The fee is usually BHT800 per hour.