KOH LANTA THAILAND Important Travel Tips
Although Koh Lanta is indeed a very safe place there are few important pointers to bear in mind when visitings.


Drugs
There is a zero tolerance policy with regards to drugs from the authorities. Huge fines or even worse long time imprisonment awaits the unfortunate. We urge you to simply stay away from drugs.

Motorbikes & Driving
You guessed it: most accidents on motorbikes stem from intoxicated parties hopping on a moped and crashing shortly afterwards. Having said that, some roads are less than ideal so we urge you to keep in mind to go very slow, use low gear when going uphill and to remember that driving is on the left.

Be careful getting off the bike as not to burn yourself on the exhaust.

Trekking & Rock Climbing
Koh Samet is a big island and we do not recommend you to go trekking or rock climbing without a guide. It gets dark quickly and you wouldn't want to get caught far into the mountainside not knowing where you are or how to get down.

Theft
There is relatively little problems with theft on the island, but should it happen simple venture down to the police station to get a report written so your insurance will cover it.

Keep a few easy steps in mind: always leave your valuables in the room safe (if possible) or with the resort's reception. Close windows and doors properly and don't tempt anyone. Should you get unlucky, then please keep in mind that the most likely suspect is another traveler.

The Thai government has established a brand called OTOP (One Tambol, One Product) to help generate income to the villagers. Therefore, each district in Thailand now specializes in something. The various products include batik textiles, wooden furniture, local coffee, herbs, crab cakes, shrimp crackers and handicrafts made from toey panan (pandanus tectorium soland), a local plant. In the fresh food department, there is hoi chak teen—wing shell which looks similar to walking legs referred as “feet” or ‘teen’ (informal Thai). Smaller and brown, this kind of shell is found in Krabi and nearby provinces. Hoi chak teen is eaten with a Thai seafood sauce which is a dip made with fish sauce, garlic, chilies, lime juice and sugar. If you have a Thai friend (who cooks) in your city, bringing back kapi (shrimp paste) and koong haeng (dry shrimps) for her (less him) will be equivalent to a brick of gold.


Banks
Both Krabi Town and Ao Nang have a number of banks providing standard services and ATM, Mondays to Fridays. Open 8.30am - 3.30pm. Currency exchange centres also operate from 7.00am to 9.00pm, seven days a week including holidays. ATM's are available in several places in Ao Nang Beach.

Important Telephone Numbers

Hospitals

Krabi Hospital 611-202, 611-210, 611-2203
Ao Lak Hospital 681-159, 681-510
Koh Lanta Hospital 697-017, 697-100
Assistance Provincial Tourist Police 637-308
Immigration Office 612-740
Tourism Authority 212-213
Provincial Travellers Assistance Centre 612-740


Communications Mail and Postal Services Krabi Town's main post office is located on Uttarakit Road, near the Customs Pier, Krabi Town. The post offices are usually open from 8am to 4.30pm. Postcards can often be posted at hotel reception areas. Urgent or important items should be sent by EMS. More expensive but faster and reliable.




KOH LANTA HOTELS




KRABI & PHI PHI HOTELS