The Pimalai Resort & Spa underlines the importance of protecting the coastal mangrove habitat with a selection of private eco-tours for its guests.

Mangrove habitats are crucial for the health of coastal areas. They not only provide breeding grounds and nurseries for many tropical fish species, but also absorb large amounts of carbon and form a natural barrier against the erosive forces of the ocean.

The starting point for these three-hour tours is the village of Yee Peng on the east coast of Koh Lanta. There, guests are greeted by a bridge, and on the other side, a path leads deep into the mangroves.

You can explore the mangrove forest on your own for about 15 minutes and then transfer to a gondola or longboat to travel through small channels into the mangroves.

Gondolas were traditionally used to transport mangrove wood to charcoal factories. When the mangrove forests were placed under protection, the villagers of Tung Yee Peng further developed their boats for ecotours.

Lanta's old town was originally a settlement of sea nomads and developed over the decades into a village dominated by trade. Today it has many shops, restaurants and houses built on stilts.

The old town has a distinctly Chinese influence and exudes a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere. A stroll through the lantern-lit alleys transports you to a bygone era. Entry to the Old Town Lanta Community Museum is free. The museum is housed in a former sheriff's office dating back to the reign of King Rama V and offers insights into early community life on Koh Lanta.

The Koh Lanta Lighthouse (also known as "Pat-Cha-Chote-Wa-Chi-Ra-Pa") in Koh Lanta National Park once served to warn sailors of dangerous shallows and treacherous rocky coastlines. Visitors can climb a cliff to get a close look at the lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views across the two bays of Mu Koh Lanta National Park. The lighthouse and the national park's nature trail are just a 15-minute drive from Pimalai.

Pimalai offers three-hour mangrove tours during the day and at sunrise by gondola, including transfer, guide, snack, tea/coffee and drinking water, as well as three-hour tours by longboat, including transfer, guide, kayak and drinking water.

Further information, prices and booking options can be found at www.pimalai.com