The most well known legend is that of Mahsuri. Her great beauty and charm captured the hearts of many, including the Chieftain's son, Mat Deris, who subsequently married Mahsuri. She was later unjustly accused of adultery with a travelling troubadour and was executed. 

In her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed Langkawi that it would not prosper for seven geberations. Fact or fiction, seven generations have since passed, and today, Langkawi is a flourishing tourist destination. A mausoleum, Makam Mahsuri, has been constructed to honour her memory. Nearby is a well, believed to be the spring that had provided water to Mahsuri and her family. 

The main town, Kuah, which in Malay means gravy is associated with the legend of two giants who spilled a pot of gravy at the spot where the town is presently located. According to folklore, the two highest mountains in Langkawi are named after the two giants - Mat Cincang and Mat Raya. 

Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) a geological wonder created by a freshwater stream cascading down 91 metres through a series of seven pools is well worth a visit. Legend speaks of seven fairies that are supposed to reside in the area and of a prince who sought to capture the youngest and most beautiful of the fairies.

Another destination that tells a tale is the Pulau Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden). This lake enchantingly named after the island tells many tales, one of which narrates a tragedy of a celestial princess who married a earthly prince. Unfortunately, her child died soon after its birth and was buried in the lake. Before returning to her celestial abode, she blessed the waters so that any childless woman who bathed in the lake would conceive thereafter.