Koh Lanta + more = Langkawi

(October 2009)

From all the positive comments Koh Lanta in various travel sites, I had high expectations before the trip.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the whole experience after spending 4 days on this collection of islands.

The reason is not because Koh Lanta doesn’t have much to offer. In fact, with its sandy beaches, quaint guest houses, lively pubs, and established tourism infrastructure, Koh Lanta is positioned as an excellent vacation spot for those looking for a more mature and laid-back alternative to Phuket and Koh Phi Phi.

For most western travelers, the sun, the beach, and the bars are more than sufficient to make a good vacation.

However, for most Southeast Asian travelers, particularly those from Malaysia, Koh Lanta is too similar to Langkawi.

Actually, Langkawi offers more, such as:

• duty-free shopping (not important to western travelers but a key criteria for most Southeast Asian travelers),
• the less than US$1 a can beers (US$0.60-0.80 in Langkawi vs US$1.20-1.50 in Koh Lanta),
• more affordable car rental (a Toyota Vios rental costs almost 50% more in Koh Lanta),
• less language barrier when you speak English,
• a direct flight (no airport in Koh Lanta as the closest is in Krabi which is about 70km away), and
• more tourist activities especially suitable for families.

On the other hand, massage services are generally less expensive and more common in Koh Lanta.

I’m not saying that Koh Lanta is not a nice place but for travelers from Malaysia, Langkawi is a more convenient destination than Koh Lanta.

As for which destination is more fun? That depends on your kind of fun and how much you are willing to pay.

Did I mention that a can of beer in Langkawi costs less than US$1?