The perfect place to play Robinson Crusoe
Ba-Kantiang Bay, Klong Jak, Ao Nui and Bamboo Bay
South of Klong Nin beach, the landscape takes on a more rugged character and the stunning Ba-Kantiang Bay, Klong Jak, Ao Nui and Bamboo Bay are highly recommended for those who like their beaches on the wild side. All are relatively small (compared with the north of the island), and crescent-shaped, backed by jungle and large rocks.
If you stay on these beaches, it almost feels like a different island. You will be much more isolated -the package crowds do not tend to venture down here. Unless you are staying in one of the handful of luxury resorts, there will not be much in the way of choice of food and drink, although every bungalow operation will have its own restaurant and beach bar close by.
Kantiang Bay
Of the southern beaches, Kantiang Bay is the most popular and thus the busiest (by Ko Lanta standards!). It offers the best choice of accommodation – from backpacker huts to the five-star Pimalai Resort – and food and drink. The paved road ends at this beach: to continue south it is an occasionally hazardous journey along steep dirt roads (4 wheel drive recommended), meaning Klong Jak and Bamboo Bay are deserted all year round.
If you’re looking for real isolation, you can even stay on the beaches in the far south of the island, in the National Park grounds at Cape Tanod.
