Mu Ko Lanta National Park, National park on the Andaman Sea coast in Krabi Province, Thailand.
Mu Ko Lanta is a protected marine park on the Andaman Sea coast in Krabi Province, spread across multiple islands from Ko Lanta Noi to Ko Lanta Yai. The area features a varied landscape with forested hills, bays, and sandy beaches typical of this southern Thai island region.
The area became a national park in 1990 and carries the local name Ko Lanta, which in Malay refers to the extensive beaches found here. This protection prevented the islands from excessive settlement and development.
The Chao Ley sea nomads have maintained their way of life on Ko Lanta Yai, and their presence shapes daily life on the island. Visitors can observe their traditional boats and see how this community remains connected to the sea through their daily work and routines.
The best time to visit is the dry season from November to April, when water conditions are stable and activities like snorkeling and boat trips are pleasant. The islands are reached by boat from the mainland and can be explored on foot along trails, so sturdy shoes are helpful.
The protected area is home to three different forest types existing side by side: rainforests with tall trees, mangrove areas, and coastal forests with plants adapted to salty conditions. This diversity supports different animal species that depend on these distinct vegetation zones.
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