The Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi is located in the Koh Lanta district in the southern province of Thailand called Krabi. The district of Koh Lanta came into being in the year 1901 in the month of December. As far as the name of the district is concerned, it was earlier known by the Malay name of Pulao Satak. With time the name changed and was believed to be derived from the Javanese term lantas which means a type of grill for fish. The present name came into use from the year 1917. The Koh Lanta district consists of two islands. The larger one is the main one and is named Koh Lanta Yai. The smaller one on the other hand is named Koh Lanta Noi. Spread over 134 kilometers square, the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi mostly occupies a major share of both the islands. A number of small islands also fall within the geographical boundary of the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi.
Lanta Yai Island location map
Established in the year 1990 by the joint effort of the Royal Forestry Department and the Wildlife Fund Thailand, the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi is reputed as the 62nd most important National Park in Thailand. The Koh Lanta Yai Island houses the headquarters of the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi. The island is also known to be the residential grounds of Chao Ley people, commonly known as sea gypsies. These nomadic tribes who thrive mainly upon fishing and collecting shells are ancient inhabitants residing in the wilderness of the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi.
The Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi lives up to its function as a typical marine national park. A marine park can be defined as a sort national park, the dominant residents of which are aquatic or marine species. The Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi is designed for a dual function of preserving the aquatic animals and other marine species in their natural habitat and also maintaining the balance in the ecosystem for the development of the organisms and also at the same time for the purpose of recreation. With long stretches of sandy beaches, lovely islands and thick evergreen forests, the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi makes for an outstanding tourist destination in Krabi.
Although a major portion of Koh Lanta is mountainous, the northern and southern parts of Koh Lanta and the mountains are covered by dense evergreen forests. Home to several species of mammals, reptiles and birds, the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi is a national park in the true sense of the term. The islands within the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi are home to some of the beautiful coral reefs that are found anywhere in Krabi. The national park is divided into marine and terrestrial areas thus ensuring life of all types to thrive within the park. The vegetation of the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi is diversified just like its topography and consists of Evergreen forest, Tropical rainforest and Mangrove forests lining the eastern coast of Lanta Yai. The park is believed to have 50 species of trees only. The characteristic feature of the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park in Krabi are the limestone cliffs. Large tracts of grassland area within the park ensure free roaming of the animals.
Among the mammals that are located in the Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park in Krabi include squirrels, fruit bats, langurs, mouse deer, wild pigs and macaques. Among the Reptile class, the ones that are easily located consist of cobra, green snakes and monitor lizards. The marine life is dominated by 32 or ore species of fish and corals that add up to 23.
Reaching the Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park in Krabi is very easy as frequent ferries are available from Krabi, Phi Phi islands and Ban Bo Muang. Also designed for leisure, the Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park in Krabi offers great diving and snorkeling opportunities to the visitors. Those who want to spend some days amidst the wild can either carry their own camping gear or ask for a room at one of the many bungalows that are situated near the park headquarters.
Clearly a top winner among the other national parks in Krabi, a visit to the Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park in Krabi is extremely rewarding. The appropriate time to visit the park is during the months of November to April.
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