Southern Islands

The Southern Islands are the most touristy of the island groups around Ko Lanta, partly because they provide some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the area. They are accessible from Lanta Old Town throughout the year, although in rough weather trips may not be possible.

A few of the islands have a handful of resorts on them now and there are many snorkelling trips that pay daily visits to the islands – the most popular is known as the 4-Island Tour. The four islands (or actually five – the boat captains tend to pick the best four on the day!) are Ko Ngai, Ko Mook, Ko Cheuak, Ko Waen & Ko Maa.

Emerald Cave - emerge from the dark tunnel into a stunningly green tropical paradise lagoon - hidden in the centre of Ko Mook

An absolute ‘must-see’ is the Emerald Cave at Ko Mook – you can easily combine a trip to the Emerald Cave with some snorkelling or beach time at a few of the other islands in the group.

The Southern Islands are located to the south-east of Lanta Old Town, and, for the most part, form part of Trang Province. These islands are popular with tour operators from Ko Lanta, Ko Ngai and Ko Mook – from Lanta, trips depart daily from Saladan in the North, Kantiang Bay on the West coast and Lanta Old Town on the East coast.

Beach Huts at Ko Kradan - it is possible to stay overnight on many of the Southern Islands

If you depart from Lanta Old Town, you’ll save some journey time, as this group of islands lies to the south-east of Ko Lanta. During the low season, almost all trips depart from Lanta Old Town pier.

• Ko Nagi – quite a large island with some good snorkelling and nice beaches – a few resorts are concentrated on the nicest beach
• Ko Mook – a limestone island with ‘must-see’ Emerald Cave & lagoon hidden in its centre
• Ko Cheuak, Ko Waen & Ko Maa - 3 small islands that rise up out of the sea and offer good snorkelling and a chance to see plenty of birds that nest here
• Ko Kradan - reputed to have the prettiest beaches in Thailand, beautiful, clear water, great diving and snorkelling
• Ko Lanta National Marine Park – on the southern-most tip of Ko Lanta, the National Marine Park with its twin bays and beautiful lighthouse, is home to a huge range of wildlife

There is good snorkelling at all the islands in the southern group

Both, Sun Island Tours and Tailor-Made Marine Tours specialize in creating tours with a difference: They have some suggested excursions, or you can create your own.