Ko Phi-Phi & the Southern Andaman Coast - Thailand's Islands and Beaches - page 689

Malee OFFLINE MAP ( 08 4443 8581; 55/3 Moo 2, Ban Ko Lanta; 9am-9pm) , a bohemian wonder-
land trading in silk-screened and hand-painted T-shirts, silk scarves, journals, toys, baby
clothes, paintings and handbags. Prices are low and it's a super fun browse. For quality
hammocks don't miss Hammock House OFFLINE MAP ( www.jumbohammock.com ;

10am-5pm) .

Tham Khao Maikaeo
OFFLINE MAP

CAVE

Reached via a guided trek through the jungle, this complex of forest caverns and tunnels
was created by monsoon rains pounding away at the limestone cracks and crevices for
millions of years. There are chambers as large as cathedrals, thick with stalactites and
stalagmites, and tiny passages that you have to squeeze through on hands and knees.
There's even a subterranean pool you can take a chilly swim in. Sensible shoes are es-
sential, and total coverage in mud is almost guaranteed. A local family runs treks to the
caves (with torches) for around 200B. The best way to get here is by rented motor-cycle;
alternatively, most resorts can arrange transport.
Close by, but reached by a separate track from the dirt road leading to the marine na-
tional park headquarters, Tham Seua OFFLINE MAP (Tiger Cave) also has interesting tunnels
to explore; elephant treks run up here from Hat Nui.

WORTH A TRIP
KO LANTA MARINE NATIONAL PARK

Established in 1990, the Ko Lanta Marine National Park OFFLINE MAP ( www.dnp.go.th ; adult/child 200/
100B) protects 15 islands in the Ko Lanta group, including the southern tip of Ko Lanta Yai. The park is increas-
ingly threatened by the runaway development on the western coast of Ko Lanta Yai. The other islands in the
group have fared slightly better.
Ko Rok Nai is still very beautiful, with a crescent-shaped bay backed by cliffs, fine coral reefs and a spark-
ling white-sand beach. Camping is permitted on Ko Rok Nok and nearby Ko Haa , with permission from the na-
tional park headquarters. On the eastern side of Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Talabeng has some dramatic limestone caves
that you can visit on sea-kayaking tours. The national park fee applies if you visit any of these islands.
The national park headquarters is at Laem Tanod, on the southern tip of Ko Lanta Yai, reached by a steep and
corrugated 7km dirt track from Hat Nui. There are some basic hiking trails and a scenic lighthouse, and you can
hire long-tails here for island tours during the low season. They also offer camping facilities and bungalows for
rent.

Activities