Lanta Yai Island
is where the District & National Park offices are located. The island geography is
mountainous and rugged, especially near the southern tip; some beaches are gravelly,
others have fine white sands. A clan of Chao Ley, or "Sea Gypsies" are resident
on Koh Yao Yai and they preserve many of their ancient customs and ceremonies; e.g. the
setting of ceremonial boats adrift to bring good luck and prosperity on the full moon
nights of the sixth and eleventh month. This and other features of their lives are open to
view. To visit the island take a regularly scheduled ferry from Ban Hua Hin Pier in Tambon
Koh Klahng, Bor Muang Pier in Tambon Sai Kao or Jao Fah Pier in Krabi Town.
Taleng Beng Island
This island is in some ways a smaller version of Phi Phi Ley; made of Limestone,
honeycombed with caves, inhabited by the same swifts whose nests are made into soup. Small
beaches and caves appear where the tide ebbs.
Hah island
A group of five islands. Hai Yai island has a field of grass on its ridgeline. Another
island resembles in shape a sailboat; one has water that passes from one side to another
beneath it. There are some corals in shallow waters.
Ngai island
A fine sandy beach and coral reef run down the east side of this island. It is perfect for
diving. Regular ferries and charter craft are available from Pak Meng Beach in Trang
Province.
Rok Nai Island
is composed largely of formidable cliffs. On the east side are a fine sandy beach and
coral gardens growing around sea rocks. On the northern side are San Jao Bay and Tohng
Bay.
Rok Nok Island
The southeast and southern ends of this island have fine sand beaches and shallow water
corals. Also not to be missed are Man Sai Bay and Talu beach. Transport to the island is
via charter from either Pak Meng Beach in Trang Province or from Lanta Yai Island.
There are tents for rent, contact Lanta National Park Tel.: +66 (075) 629018-9.
Hin Dang
This submerged open water reef in the Andaman features a multiplicity of colorful corals
to attract serious scuba divers.
Local festivals
and Religious Rites
The Setting
Adrift of the Chao Ley Boats
takes place on Lanta Island during full moon of the sixth and eleventh month in the lunar
calendar. This is a religious rite performed by Sea Gypsies who gather on the beach near
Ban Saladan Village.
They dance their famous "rong ngeng" round the boats to be set adrift.
Ceremonies feature singing and dancing; the reason for the festival is to bring prosperity
and happiness to the participants, it is something hard to find elsewhere.
Krabi Berk Fah
Andaman
This festival takes place in November and celebrates the opening of the tourist season in
Krabi. Watersport competitions, cultural shows and good-natured fun are the schedule.
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