There are more than 50 islands around Koh Lanta. Each of them is a piece of paradise on earth waiting for you to come and explore. Turquoise water, white sandy beach and unspoilt environment are the three key elements to the beauty of these islands. Although Koh Lanta is getting more and more visible on the tourist map, its increasing popularity is still far from reaching the cosmopolitan jet-set playground status. It’s true that more and more resorts open each year and the five-star hotels have started to move in, but the hype of Koh Lanta is still in its moderate phase which makes this southern part of Thailand one of the most tranquil, quiet and relaxing destinations for a perfect holiday.
The icon status that is predicted for Koh Lanta in the next few years is the diving destination. Among all the places to dive in Thailand, Koh Lanta has the best location. It is close to two of the best dive sites in the world: Hin Dang and Hin Muang and Koh Phi Phi. Coming to dive in Koh Lanta requires less road travel to get to the boat that takes you to the open water. It takes only two hours and 20 minutes to reach Koh Phi Phi and less for neighboring islands. Taking a day-trip of island hopping in Koh Lanta is easy and shorter—you’ll get back sooner from the trip to laze around in your resort—doing nothing—sipping a margarita—just like a holiday should be.

Koh Phi Phi
          Koh Phi Phi is located between the boundaries of Krabi province. People go to Koh Phi Phi for many reasons. Some visit Koh Phi Phi as a holiday destination—there are many resorts to stay in on Koh Phi Phi Don and the activities are countless. But when people visit Koh Phi Phi from Koh Lanta, it’s likely they go there to dive. Just a two hour trip from Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi offers 30 to 35 dive sites. The underwater world in Koh Phi Phi is known to be spectacular. The reef-rich island has many different species for divers to see. Expect to mingle with leopard sharks. Swimming around the rocks is one of the best times for divers. The visibility is about 15 to 30 meters. The water is blue, clear and warm. The scenic greenery of the national park on Koh Phi Phi Lay also attracts people who are in love with forestry and natural beauty as the area is well preserved by the national park personnel.

Koh Haa
          Literally meaning ‘five islands,’ Koh Haa actually has five and a half if you care to count next time you go there. This is a heaven on earth for many people. Divers love to come here as the visibility is exceptional and the coral is strikingly beautiful. Snorkellers don’t feel left out as Koh Haa hides a to-die-for lagoon with shallow water. Koh Haa is also good for those who aren’t interested in water sport activities. The lagoon is a great place to just swim or sunbath while the others do the hard work. The adventurous and curious types can swim into intriguing caves, the chimney and soft coral covered walls. Expect to see tiger shells, turtles and hermit crabs. Lobsters, squids and cuttlefish are not rare. There is an extensive chamber of stalactites around this area which completes Koh Haa as one of the most enriching islands around Koh Lanta.

Koh Rok
          Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai are two sister islands lying next to each other. The distance between the two islands is a few hundred meters crossing by the water channel. The beaches of the two islands are pristine, unspoilt and have powder soft sand which makes Koh Rok a great island for snorkeling and swimming. Divers may prefer to go to a deeper site such as Hin Daeng and Hin Muang or Koh Haa but if the depth is not a big deal, the marine life at Koh Rok is no less exciting. There are soft corals and tropical fish to see. Koh Rok’s beauty comes from its wilderness as there are not many tourists here. There is a possibility to stay at Koh Rok more than a one-day trip. Camping is one of the choices. Just rent the tent from the national park and ask the boat to pick you up the next day.

Koh Ngai
          There are resorts on Koh Ngai where you can stay the night. It is a place to explore slowly because in heaven nobody has to do anything. The shallow water, the soft and sandy beach are components of a perfect holiday. At the south of the island lies a tiny bay. The best place to dive is a little further at the Koh Ngai Resort. Walking around Koh Ngai is a two-kilometer ramble. Those seeking adventures can also camp on Koh Ngai. It may be difficult to imagine that on this little island there are plenty of activities. You can choose to learn scuba diving on this island as well as paddle a canoe along the beach. Better yet, why not get a massage which is on offer here. Koh Ngai may not be the epitome of luxury per se but it represents the ultimate extravagance that no money can buy.

Koh Muk
          Koh Muk is one of the must-see islands on the island hopping list. One of the main attractions is the Emerald Cave. The narrow path into the cave is perfect to swim into or at best in with a canoe when the tide is low. The distance to the cave is about 80 meters—you will be swimming or canoeing in the dark, now is the time to hold your breath and prepare for the next fascinating view—once inside you will be stunned by the secluded lagoon with emerald green water. There is no other place on earth like this. Be it swimming or snorkeling, even though you don’t want to leave, just remember to get out of the Emerald Cave before the water comes in when the tide is high or else you will not be able to come out until the next day. Can you imagine how scary that would be?