Halfway down the eastern coast, Ban Ko Lanta (Lanta ) was the original port and commercial centre for the island, and provided a safe harbour for Arabic and Chinese trading vessels sailing between Phuket, Penang and Singapore.

Some of the gracious and well-kept wooden stilt houses and shopfronts here are more than 100 years old. Pier restaurants offer up fresh catch and have views over the sea. There's a small afternoon market on Sunday, and if you're looking for sturdy, attractive handmade leather goods, stop by Lanta Leather; for quality hammocks don't miss Hammock Housewhere you can also pick up its fabulous Lanta Biker's Map full of off-the-beaten-path recommendations.

If you crave information on culture, head south and stop by the Chao Leh Museumwhere you'll find a complex of traditionally lashed bamboo homes, engaging oil canvases and exhibits detailing the chow lair's myths, music and ceremonies. To find the museum look for the houseboat jutting from the hillside across the road from the sea.