Koh Lanta

November to April is the only season: outside these months, almost all resorts and restaurants close and ferry connections are severely reduced. December to February has the best weather; October and May are transition months. Koh Lanta is a distinctly seasonal island: don't plan outside the dry season.

The most common route is via Krabi: fly to Krabi Airport and take a speedboat or ferry to Koh Lanta (2-3 hours). From Phuket, there are direct speedboats in high season (3 hours). There is also a ferry connection via Trang. Overland (bus plus ferry via Hua Hin pier) takes longer but is cheaper.

Yes: Long Beach has shallow, calm water, ideal for small children. The island is quieter than Phuket and has no Patong-style nightlife. Koh Lanta National Park and the mangroves are excellent day trips for families. Note that facilities (medical, shops) are limited compared to Phuket.

For length and convenience: Long Beach (Hat Khlong Dao), the finest, broad, soft sand. For peace: Klong Nin Beach. For adventure: the beaches near the National Park (harder to reach but uninhabited). For snorkelling: the small bay at Klong Toab. Every coast has its own character.

Yes, and this is the most popular combination in the south. Fly into Krabi Airport, spend three to four nights in the Krabi area (Railay, Ao Nang), then take a speedboat to Koh Lanta for five to seven nights of beach time. Or the other way round. The speedboat takes two hours and costs 500-800 THB.