Ever since it opened 20 years ago, Pimalai Resort and Spa on the island of Koh Lanta, has pioneered conservation programs to preserve Mu Ko Lanta National Park - a 134 kilometre² expanse of tropical waters, unspoiled islands, hidden coves and captivating coastlines in southern Thailand’s Krabi province.
With the National Park’s two largest islands only open to visitors from the end of October to the middle of May, the Resort is offering guests the opportunity to take a low-impact escape to islands such as Koh Ha and Koh Rok with an enticing ‘two-for-one’ vacation offer for Thai residents prior to this year’s closure.
With a deep and passionate commitment to these rich ecosystems, Pimalai fully supports the annual closure of most offshore islands in the national park, to allow marine life to recover and replenish.
To experience the beauty of Mu Ko Lanta National Park before its annual closure, Pimalai is inviting guests to enjoy a choice of eco-sensitive excursions to exotic offshore islands. With a fleet of seven boats, all skippered by professional captains who have a deep knowledge of the local area, all guests can be assured of an adventure that lives long in the memory.
The ‘Fabulous Koh Rok’ tour is a scenic one-hour boat ride to Koh Rok, a pair of paradise islands lined with powder-soft sandy beaches and lapped by warm, shallow seas. Following an hour of swimming and snorkelling, guests will be treated to a delicious onboard lunch, before embarking on a sightseeing cruise around Koh Rok, with even more opportunities to plunge into the inviting ocean and uncover the enthralling underwater world.
Alternatively, the ‘Koh Haa Sunset’ adventure transports guests to Koh Haa (‘Five Islands’) - a breath-taking collection of limestone islets which enclose a dazzling aquamarine lagoon, a technicolour coral reef and a pure white beach. This provides the perfect spot for an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling.
Commenting on its excursions, Patrice Landrein, Pimalai's General Manager, advises “the annual six-month closure of Mu Ko Lanta National Park is vital, as it prevents over-tourism and allows marine ecosystems and coral reefs to recover and flourish.
“Pimalai has always promoted this kind of responsible destination management, as it ensures the long-term future of our unique environment. It also runs hand-in-hand with our own coral propagation programs.
“For the next two months, we invite our experience-seeking guests to enjoy small-scale, low-impact excursions to enchanting islands such as Koh Haa and Koh Rok, before they are returned to nature for the rainy season.”
At the resort, Pimalai promises a wide variety of low-impact beach activities. Guests can kayak, windsurf, paddle-board, body-board or even learn how to sail with complimentary equipment hire, or take part in games of beach football, volleyball and pétanque.
To preserve the peace and tranquility, no motorised water sports are permitted at Pimalai.
Nestled in 100 acres of tropical jungle, cascading gently down to a 900-metre stretch of pure white sand at Kantiang Bay, and blessed with five-star accommodation and world-class facilities, Pimalai is a serene sanctuary where travellers can escape the stress and strain of daily life.
Images (from top): Koh Ha island in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park; boating; and snorkelling in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park; and guests can now enjoy free nights in Pimalai’s spectacular Two Bedroom Ocean View Pool Villa.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia and New Zealand’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry. Having established the magazine in 1997, shortly after his relocation to Australia, he has managed its readership rising to over 11,500 and its acceptance as the industry journal for professionals in aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues.
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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