Kantiang Bay, Koh Lanta

Why go

For a bay that stays uncrowded even in the high season, with a limited number of resorts and a slower pace than the long beaches of the north. Couples and people who want a quiet base come here; it is far from Saladan, so it suits a stay rather than a hop between beaches.

What you will find

A gently curving beach in the south of Lanta Yai; the Thai name is Ao Ba Kantiang, and you will see it written Ba Kan Tiang too. A small cluster of bars and restaurants sits at one end of the beach.

The southern part of the bay has corals that you can snorkel from the shore. For better snorkelling, people take a boat to the islands, such as Koh Rok.

Getting there

First to Koh Lanta: all year by road, with a car ferry from Hua Hin pier on the mainland (not the beach resort of that name) to Lanta Noi and the bridge to Lanta Yai; from November to April, also by boat from Klong Jilad pier near Krabi Town or from Ao Nang to Saladan, in the north of the island.

Then by road down the island to the south. Many hotels offer a pickup: ask when you book.

Before you go

One guide finds that the beach slopes gently and that swimming is best at high tide.

Red flags mean the sea is dangerous: in the monsoon, rip currents are common on this coast.

The Thai tourism authority names Koh Lanta among the places where box jellyfish are found, more often in the monsoon months. If you are stung, pour vinegar on it for at least 30 seconds, never fresh water, and call 1669, the medical emergency number.

Not for you if you want nightlife on your doorstep: the bay is a long way down the island from Saladan and the busier north.