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.

Canoe & Kayak
Koh Lanta has beautiful green scenery on the island and traveling on a canoe is a great way to explore the mangrove forest, rice paddies and intriguing caves. It is easier to join a tour for a one day-trip. Usually the adventure starts at Hua Hin Pier. You will canoe through the jungle bypassing Koh Rah Poo Don where the view includes cliff, limestone formation and caves. You will have lunch on the beach and start to paddle again to Koh Pang, a small island with a large cave inside—if you’re not afraid of bats, it can be extremely fun. The sightseeing includes other interesting explorations such as stalactites, crossing the seashore of Koh Pang and Koh Rah Poo Lay before returning to Hua Hin Pier. A trip like this should not be more than BHT1,000 per person. The best place to enjoy Kayaking is around Koh Talabeng. Try Lanta Sea Kayak (Tel: 075-684-397).

Boat and Speedboat
Boat trips can be arranged from the hotels and resorts you are staying. But if you want to book directly. Lanta Garden Hill Speed Boat (Tel: 075-684-042), which is owned by Lanta Garden Hill, can take you out in the sea with their boats. The trips can be tailored to your desire whether it’s island hopping you have in mind or a romantic candlelight dinner in the middle of the sea. Expect to pay at least BHT3,000 for a speedboat trip. For a more affordable longtail boat trip, go to the pier in Lanta Village Old Town where a few longtail boats are constantly parked there to take you on the island trips, even during the low season. If you don’t go on a snorkelling trip with a dive center, you can snorkel on your own by arranging a private trip with Lanta Princess (Tel: 075-684-188) that can take you to snorkeling points such as Koh Muk, Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai, Koh Chuek and Koh Phi Phi.