Laem Tanot (Tanot Cape)

Laem Tanot is the flat, triangular headland at the southern tip of Koh Lanta Yai, where limestone cliffs drop into the Andaman Sea and a white lighthouse — Pratchachotiwatchiraphop — has marked the point for passing boats for decades. The cape also holds the headquarters of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, which means this is a managed, gated entrance rather than an open beach road: entry costs 200 THB for foreign adults and 40 THB for Thai adults, the same ticket that covers the rest of the park.

A short, paved walkway climbs from the car park past the ranger station to the lighthouse and a viewing platform. From the top, the coastline curves away in both directions, with a rocky shoreline dropping to a narrow strip of sandy beach on the more sheltered side of the cape. A signed nature trail loops through coastal forest back toward the headquarters, short enough to add on without much extra time.

The mood here is quieter than Lanta’s west-coast beach strip. Waves break steadily against the rock below the lighthouse, and the wind picks up noticeably once you’re clear of the tree line — bring something to keep your hair out of your face for photos. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to visit; afternoon day-trip groups from the west-coast resorts tend to arrive after lunch.

Insider Tip: Combine the visit with Thung Yee Peng mangrove forest, just north of the headland and inside the same protected area — the two make a natural half-day loop with a kayak trip through the mangroves and a walk up to the lighthouse.

Watch out: There’s no shade on the exposed clifftop walkway, and there are no safety barriers at the cliff edges — keep back from the rim, especially in windy conditions or with children. The park gate shuts at 16:30, so don’t plan a late sunset visit without checking access with the ranger office first.