National park fees, explained

Almost every snorkeling trip out of Lanta quotes a price that excludes the national park fee, which catches people out. Here is the plain version.

What it costs

The standard foreign-visitor rate for Mu Ko Lanta National Park is THB 400 for adults and THB 200 for children. Thai nationals pay a lower domestic rate. It is collected on the day, in cash, at the island.

Why it is not in the price

It is a government charge, not ours, and it goes to the park rather than to the operator. Rates change by ministerial announcement, and every operator on the island quotes excluding it for the same reason.

Anyone advertising an "all inclusive" park trip at a suspiciously low price is either adding it later or not going into the park.

Which trips it applies to

Koh Rok, Koh Haa, Phi Phi and Bamboo Island all sit inside marine national parks. The mangrove and Monkey Point trip does not, unless you add the lighthouse headland.

• Koh Rok & Koh Haa — park fee applies
• Koh Haa half day — park fee applies
• Phi Phi, Maya Bay & Monkey Beach — park fee applies
• 4 Islands & Emerald Cave — park fee applies
• Mangroves & Monkey Point — no park fee

Bring cash

There is no card machine on a national park beach. Bring the exact fee in Thai baht per person in your group.