Koh Lanta Hotels

History of Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta's original name was Pulau Satak, which means 'long beach island' in Malay. But today, Thailand's third largest island is named after the Javanese word for 'fish grill'. There are actually two central islands, Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai, along with 51 tiny isles in the group known as Koh Lanta. In the early 1900s, the islands were a vital stopover along the sea trade route from Phuket to Katang. This formed the basis of much of the island's economy, along with self-sufficient fishing and simple farming. But as soon as a road was built from Krabi to the southern hubs of Hat Yai and Trang, almost all sea transportation switched to land-based trade.


The Southern Chinese who moved to the area to make a living formed one of the main ethnic groups. Oil palm plantations and mining for gypsum became new industries and the Chinese who stayed continued to assimilate into the local community. The original inhabitants of Koh Lanta were Muslim Thais from the southern borders with Malaysia, and the Chao Ley, Thailand's famous Sea Gypsies who make their somewhat nomadic living by moving around catching fish and diving for other edibles.

It wasn't until the late 1980s that Koh Lanta discovered the economic benefits of tourism and opened their doors to intrepid backpackers. Small bungalow operations began appearing on Lanta Yai, forming the basis of the island's modern economy. These first resorts were simple affairs, with no electricity and few trucks or motorbikes plugging along the single dirt road that ringed part of the island.

In 1996, power arrived on Koh Lanta which created a mini-boom in development and resort construction. A car ferry service followed soon after, opening up the island to even more visitors. Although Koh Lanta remains a sleepier, laid-back alternative to Phuket or Koh Samui, the island continues to evolve into one of the country's main beach destinations. Fortunately, the island was spared the wrath of the 2004 tsunami, allowing development to continue unabated. Yet its reputation as one of the quieter island destinations remains intact for the time being.

Bangkok Hotels | Chiangmai Hotels | Hua Hin Hotels | Chiang Rai Hotels | Pai Hotels| Pattaya Hotels | Phuket Hotels | Hat Yai Hotels | Samui Hotels | Krabi Hotels | Udonthani Hotels | Khao Lak Hotels | Khao Yai Hotels | Koh Phangan Hotels | Koh Tao Hotels | Koh Samet Hotels | Koh Lanta Hotels | Koh Chang Hotels | Koh Phi Phi Hotels | Koh Lipe Hotels

From : http://www.hoteltravel.com/thailand/koh_lanta/history-of-koh-lanta.htm