The white lighthouse
On a rocky headland.
Alexey Komarov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Krzysztof Golik — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexey Komarov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Krzysztof Golik — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexey Komarov — CC BY-SA 4.0
A marine national park declared in 1990, covering the southern end of Ko Lanta Yai and some fifteen islands around it, among them Ko Rok, Ko Ha and Ko Ngai. Its headquarters sit on a rocky headland at the island's far south, where forest meets sea in one of Lanta's loveliest views. Its best-known sight is the white lighthouse on a small rocky knoll reached by a short path over the rocks, with two small coves of soft sand and clear water either side of the headland. Behind the headquarters a forest loop of about two and a half kilometres climbs among big trees and wild palms, where you may see monkeys, flying lizards and birds. The park fee is about two hundred baht per foreign adult in the latest listings, paid at the headquarters gate, and the last stretch of road is narrow and very steep, so drive carefully. Do not leave food out: the monkeys here are bold. The best season is November to April; from May to October the monsoon makes the Andaman Sea rough and many trips stop. Come in the afternoon to walk the forest, then stay for sunset at the lighthouse. Snorkelling trips to Ko Rok and Ko Ha, inside the same park, leave from the island.
On a rocky headland.
About 2.5 km among big trees.
Soft sand and clear water.
Laem Tanod headland, southern tip of Ko Lanta Yai
Ko Rok is in the same park, but trips there are sold separately, so ask whether the trip price includes the park fee.