Explore Thailand’s Mu Koh Lanta National Park

Down at the very southern tip of Koh Lanta is Thailand's Mu Koh Lanta National Park, a not so known, beautiful stretch of coastline lined with monkey-filled trees and a rocky peninsula with a lighthouse perched atop.

It encompasses 16 islands, most of which are visitor friendly, unpopulated and one of a kind.

Getting to Mu Koh Lanta National Park

The only way to get to Mu Koh Lanta National Park on the main island is on a scooter or in a car. Tuk-tuks won’t make it up the steep hill to get there. Ride your scooter to a small ranger station that serves as the park entrance. Pay your 200 baht and in you go.

Notable sights of Mu Koh Lanta National Park

Laem Tanod Beach

Right past the park headquarters on Koh Lanta is Laem Tanod Beach, a long, curved strip of coast. Check out the monkeys swinging from the branches that line to beach. Get there early and you’ll probably find yourself alone on this magnificent beach.

But be careful of the monkeys! They may seem cute but they are far from harmless. If you have any food in your backpack, they’ll smell it, they find it, and then they fucking steal it. One lucky, or maybe not so lucky, lil thief hit the jackpot and stole half a cannabis-infused chocolate bar out of my partner’s backpack. We were lucky it didn’t get our phones, wallet or passports, but the edible was a close fourth on the it-will-be-missed list. While a picnic on this picturesque beach sounds appealing, don’t risk it and don’t bring food!

Ta Noad Cape Lighthouse

Just up from the beach, atop a rocky hill is the Ta Noad Cape Lighthouse. Lighthouses aren’t common in Thailand, even given all it’s coastal real estate, so this is a rarity. The lighthouse is cool, but the panoramic view from the top is the reason to make the easy climb.

The Islands

Mu Koh Lanta National Park actually consists of 16 islands covering 134 km² with rugged hills, rainforest and beach. National park fees apply if you visit any of the islands. For visitor safety and marine life recovery, most of smaller islands are closed for visitors in rainy season from 16th May until 31st October every year.

To get to the other islands you can rent a long boat or speed boat from most beaches on Koh Lanta or join a tour that takes you to several of the islands, and also includes snorkeling gear and snacks.

Koh Rok Nok is surrounded by coral, large rocks, and the clearest water you have ever seen. Be sure to bring some snorkeling gear. You can camp here too, see below.

Koh Rok Nai is beautiful, with a crescent-shaped bay backed by cliffs, fine coral reefs and a sparkling white-sand beach.

Koh Mai Ngam is covered in mangroves.

Koh Talabeng, on the eastern side of Koh Lanta Yai, has some dramatic limestone caves that you can visit on sea-kayaking tours.

Koh Ngai is covered in forest and rainforest

Other notable islands are Koh Maa, Koh Hin Daeng, Koh Klang

Camp at Mu Koh Lanta National Park

You can camp right there near the headquarters on Koh Lanta or head off to one of the islands and post up for a night or two.

If you’re up for an adventure in breathtaking scenery, you gotta camp on Koh Rok Nok. This Island is surrounded by coral, large rocks, and the clearest water you have ever seen. Be sure to bring some snorkeling gear. You need special permission to camp. Get it by calling the national park headquarters at (075) 660-7112. Though the island is off limits to visitors from 16 May to 31 October.