The district, approximately 70 km from Krabi Town, consists of three major islands. The first, Ko Klang, is separated from the mainland by a small river (klong) and road bridge, and is often mistakenly thought of as part of mainland Krabi Province. Of the two remaining larger islands, the largest, more populated Ko Lanta Yai (commonly known as simply "Ko Lanta") and the smaller Ko Lanta Noi, together with 50 other smaller islands make up the 52-island Mu Ko Lanta National Park. The largest island (Ko Lanta Yai) has nine white sandy beaches running down the entire west coast, forests, and ancient tropical jungle. The geography of the island is typically mangroves; coral rimmed beaches; and tree-covered hills. A popular tourist destination, the islands are known for their long, sandy beaches and scuba diving.[1]
In 2012 construction began on a bridge to link the developed Ko Lanta Yai with the undeveloped Ko Lanta Noi, projected to open in mid-2016. This is expected to lead to the gradual development of tourist facilities on Ko Lanta Noi in the future.
Neighboring districts are Nuea Khlong to the northwest and Khlong Thom to the northeast and east.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park, established in 1990 as the 62nd national park of Thailand, occupies 134 km² of the district.