The whole west coast of Ko Lanta Yai is a long (around 30km) sandy beach. The island is banana shaped, and the west coast is where most of the accommodation is found. The best beaches and least pricy accommodation is on the southern tip of the island, whereas Ban Sala Dan, on the northern end, is the largest settlement on the island, with banks; dive shops; cafeterias and restaurants; plenty of tourist, souvenir, and gift shops; and the piers to move farther away.${QuickSuggestions} Ko Lanta is an excellent base to organise excursions and explore the 50 odd small islands of the Andaman Sea at a very reasonable cost. An interesting excursion in the interior of the island is the Tham Khao Mai Kaew caves. There are shops at Ban Sala Dan that sell excursions, but the very same ones can be arranged via your accommodation. It is worth shopping and bargaining hard. A very interesting one involves a combination of going around the islands with longtail boats and using kayaks as well.${BestWay} Taxis are probably your best way to go around, as well as tricycles. Also, hitchhiking is another method, as large, open pick-ups stop and you can negotiate to become a spare passenger for a small price
From journal Ko Lanta Yai-The Island that Rocks