Ratings by backpackers :

Description : A big relaxed island

Comments : This place is still relatively quiet and isolated but it has been on the backpacker and tourist's agenda for years so you won't be alone...

What to do ?   Walk the long almost deserted beach / Share the life of the local people / Snorkel a bit / Relax on a hammock / 

What you may not like ?  The touts on the boat, some of them lying about the real cost of their accomodation / The lack of transport on the dusty roads / The cost of food and the lack of choice / The cost of accomodation (count on B150 for a bungalow, more in HS) / The lack of activity (but is this not the idea ?) 

How long ? A few days at least

When to visit ? The monsoon which may close things down last from June to September. December to March is the busy season.

Local transport ? A few years back, there was no transport but touts were waiting for passengers at the pier with a kind of vehicle (any kind actually). Following them too far away was sometimes a risky business as a few were simply dishonest about their accomodation and their promise to bring you back in case you would not stay. If the situation is still the same, I would suggest to keep to the resorts near the pier (still a bit of walk).  

Backpacker's Tips : Andrzej, Poland (Feb. 06))
« Nice beaches, Lanta New Beach Resort is in the middle part of Ko Lanta which is quite calm and nice. The north with town of Saladan is crowded and more expensive (accommodation). Resort has a swimming pool and is just close to the beach. It is one of the cheapest accommodation and worth of spending there some days (I was there 4 days). I paid 400 bht per double bungalow with fan and fridge, but with bad bathroom - the sink and toilet didn't work ok :) The normal price is 500 bht (bathroom is ok).
Ko Lanta is a good place to visit Phi Phi Island (1 hr by boat) - day tour with snoorkeeling in Maya Bay and lunch on the boat costs 800 bht. Expensive but worth of this money.
There is expensive internet (most expensive i've seen in Thailand) - 2 bht/min.»

Next destination : Krabi