Koh Lanta Is One of Thailand's Best Hidden Gems
"A relatively undiscovered southern Thai island that reads like a hidden gem: low on Western chains, nightlife spectacle and overdevelopment for now, with long stretches of unbuilt beachfront and healthy reefs that make it excellent for snorkeling. Travel plans—including a proposed bridge to the mainland that would cut the trip to Krabi airport to about 45 minutes—threaten to change its quiet character, but currently it remains especially popular with Scandinavian winter visitors while remaining off the radar of most Americans. Best visiting months are roughly November through March; the island’s culture reflects its southern location (a high percentage of Muslim inhabitants and nearby Moken sea-nomad communities), and the east coast offers a very different, more traditional vibe than the resort-lined west." - Eric Goodman
