Koh Lanta is an island in the Andaman Sea and part of Krabi province in Southern Thailand. The island is a much more laid-back travel destination than the province’s most popular spots, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi, and Railay. Planning a trip to Koh Lanta Island in Thailand? This detailed Koh Lanta travel guide will help you discover the island and its best things to do.
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In the past, this large island was used by Javanese sailors who often stopped and roasted fish here for food. Then later, Koh Lanta changed its status to a port where Chinese and Arab traders sailed and traded until finally becoming a bustling community.
Koh Lanta consists of 2 large islands, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, with a total area of 472 square kilometers. There are also about 50 small islands in the surrounding waters. Koh Lanta Yai, which is the larger island in the south, is the center of prosperity and business. This island is home to the District Office and tourist port, where ferries and other boats depart to various destinations on the Andaman Coast, such as Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, Trang, Koh Rok, and Hin Muang-Hin Daeng diving sites.
Things to do in Koh Lanta
Most of the best things to do in Koh Lanta can be found on the west coast of Koh Lanta Yai, where all the most popular beaches can be found. Most of the beaches on this coast have seen plenty of development and offer various facilities for tourists, including internet shops, minimarts, restaurants, and many types of accommodation such as resorts, guesthouses, and bungalows. The southern end of the island is the place where the office of Mu Ko Lanta National Park is located and the symbol of Koh Lanta with beauty and the tranquility of the beaches that makes tourists fascinated.
Enjoying Koh Lanta Beaches
Koh Lanta's most popular beaches from north to south are listed below.
Kaw Kwang Beach
Kaw Kwang Beach is the beach on the west side of Ban Saladan, around 1 kilometer from the village and the pier. Both sides of it are curved, arched bays. The northern side is not a touristy place, but the southern bay has a fairly beautiful black sandy beach. From this point, you can enjoy the view overlooking Klong Dao Beach. A few resorts with a pleasant atmosphere are located at Kaw Kwang Beach.
Klong Dao Beach
Klong Dao Beach was the first beach to welcome tourists to the island as it was developed 10 years ago. At present, Klong Dao Beach is the most popular beach in Koh Lanta due to its convenient location near Ban Saladan. There are many hotels and restaurants around the area. Klong Dao Beach is about a 3-kilometer-long stretch of white sand with water suitable for swimming.
Phra Ae Beach / Long Beach
Phra Ae Beach is commonly called Long Beach. Phra Ae Beach is the next beach south of Klong Dao Beach. With the length of about 4 kilometers, Phra Ae Beach is the longest beach in Koh Lanta. The beach is sloping down to the sea, so a little caution should be taken when swimming in this beach area. The sand of Long Beach is smooth and fine. During the high season, the waves are not very strong.
Klong Khong Beach
Klong Khong Beach is the beach in the middle of Koh Lanta, located next to Phra Ae Beach. Klong Khong Beach is about a 3-kilometer-long stretch of sand with pandanus and sea pine trees lined up along the beach. This beach is distinctive and unique when the water is at low tide, especially during sunset. Klong Khong Beach has a variety of accommodations with a decently private atmosphere. Most of them are small and medium-sized resorts that are operated by families. Some resorts have only a few rooms but come with a large swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Along the beach, you can find a number of cool bars for your sunset cocktail on the beach.
Klong Nin Beach
Klong Nin Beach is a small beach with beautiful scenery, clean white sand, and blue sea. This beach is good for snorkeling. As the beach there is not very sloped, you will often find tourists playing volleyball or football at this beach. There are plenty of restaurants and bars at Klong Nin Beach, just like at any other beach in Koh Lanta. The accommodation here is mostly inexpensive. There is only one 5-star hotel that has just opened.
Klong Hin Beach
Klong Hin Beach is the beach next to Klong Nin Beach. This beach is quiet and clean, but the beach area is narrow and small, full of rocks. However, the sea here is filled with marine creatures, so this beach is another good point for snorkeling. Klong Hin Beach is suitable for tourists who want to rest in peaceful nature, as there are no hotels on this beach.
Ba Kantiang Beach
The white sand beach and emerald sea water makes Ba Kantiang Beach gorgeous. The highlight of Ba Kantiang Beach is its surroundings, as the beach is surrounded by the greenery of the national park. This beach is popular with backpackers and other people looking for a relaxing spot on the beach.
Klong Jak Beach / Namtok Beach
Klong Jak Beach, or Namtok (Waterfall) Beach, is a small beach located far away from the clutter. Traveling to Klong Jak Beach is quite dangerous for people who are not skilled drivers, as the road is rocky along the way. The place is popular with tourists due to its peaceful beach and the beauty of the surrounding nature. The national park is nearby and you can see monkeys here quite often. The sandy beach stretches like a crescent curve with its fine powder-like sand reflecting the white light in the sun. Klong Jak Beach has only a few resorts and other accommodations.
Laem Tanod / Tanod Cape
Laem Tanod is a triangularly shaped cape. One side of the cape is extending into the sea and is topped by palm trees (Tanod), making it the origin of the name "Laem Tanod". On the other side of the cape, there is a steep hill covered with rainforest, a beautiful small sandy beach, and crystal clear water. The beach also has a variety of unusual rock formations, causing the villagers to call it "Pa Hin Ngam". At the end of the cape, Koh Mor Island is found, which is a popular diving spot. Laem Tanod is home to Mu Ko Lanta National Park Office and the white lighthouse that is providing signals to the sailors at night. It is the symbol of Koh Lanta as well. There are no resorts here as it is in the national park area.
Last Beach / Bamboo Bay
Last Beach, or Ao Maipai (Bamboo Bay), is the last beach of the island before reaching Laem Tanot or Ko Lanta National Park. Last Beach is located far away from all the chaos and is well worth to visit as here you will see the emerald green water, soft sandy beach and high surrounding mountains. The path leading to the beach is a way down from the mountain, which requires a bit of careful driving. However, you can enjoy the amazing scenery from a high angle as well making a trip here really worth it. This is a suitable place for people who like the privacy and the simplicity of the sea.
Exploring Nearby Islands
Besides traveling around the island, you can also go on a day trip to other islands. The most popular islands to visit on a day trip from Koh Lanta are Koh Rok Islands, 4 islands in Trang, and Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Rok Islands
Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai are twin islands not far from Koh Lanta, and they can be easily visited on a day trip from there. There are daily speedboat trips that include snorkeling activities, food, guides, and transportation. It takes about 45 minutes from Koh Lanta to reach the islands. Most of the day trips to Koh Rok Islands also visit Koh Haa (Five Islands), where you can snorkel and marvel at the stunning scenery both above and under the clear turquoise water and discover a variety of beautiful soft corals.
4 Islands in Trang
There is also a one-day tour to 4 islands offered in Koh Lanta. During this trip you can visit 4 islands in Trang province - Koh Ngai, Koh Chueak, Koh Maa, and Koh Kradan. The highlights of the tour are the Emerald Cave at Mook Island and snorkeling around Koh Chueuk and Koh Waen islands.
There are many tours to 4 islands from Koh Lanta on offer, and the actual islands included in the tour might differ, as the cheapest trips do not include Koh Kradan and bring you to some small island to make it 4. Therefore, compare several tours and choose the one that suits your preferences the best.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi has been one of the most famous islands in Thailand for a long time. There are actually two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley. Phi Phi Islands are famous for diving activities and many scenic spots. Many tourists begin their trip at Koh Lanta and then head to Koh Phi Phi. If you will taking this route as well, choose the most convenient way to travel between the islands and book a direct ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi.
Travelers who have no intention to stay overnight on Phi Phi Islands, can join one of day trips to Koh Phi Phi or even take a private tour by boat.
Meeting Elephants
Lanta Elephant Camp is the place where you can spend quality time feeding and bathing rescued elephants at an ethically run sanctuary. Here you can learn about the history of elephants in Thailand, their behavior, what they eat, and their individual stories.
Exploring Mangrove Forests
The seashore mangrove forest is a unique and important ecosystem, home to a variety of plants and animals. As you cruise or paddle along the coastline, you can spot towering mangrove trees, crabs, mudskippers, lizards, monkeys, and birds of all kinds. The most popular way to explore mangrove forests on the island is on a mangrove kayaking tour. Some of the kayaking tours also include nearby islands Koh Talabeng & Skull Island. Mangrove forests can also be explored by boat. For the most romantic way, take a private sunrise gondola ride.
Massage in Koh Lanta
Like everywhere in Thailand, finding a place to get a massage in Koh Lanta is easy. You will find plenty of cheap massage parlors and luxury spas - just choose the most suitable for your taste and budget.
For a more luxurious experience, choose Let's Relax Spa or Avani Plus Spa, which are offering premium quality at great rates. By booking your spa visit online, you get discounted access to some of the best spas on the island that provide top-class services without breaking the bank.
Thai Food Cooking Class
In case you like not only eating but also cooking by yourself, Koh Lanta is a good place for taking a Thai food cooking class. Learn how to prepare and cook traditional Thai food during a course at Lanta Thai Cookery School. Awaken your culinary creativity, explore the world of Thai flavors, and enjoy a lot of healthy Thai food!
To choose the best cooking school on the island for your preferences, explore a detailed guide to the best Koh Lanta cooking classes.
Watching Muay Thai Fights
Without a doubt, Muay Thai (Thai boxing) is the number one national sport in Thailand and part of Thai culture. On your upcoming trip, don't miss a chance to see a Thai boxing match by choosing one of the best places to watch Muay Thai in Koh Lanta.
William Muay Thai Stadium was founded by former Lumpinee Champion William Dejpayak. All significant fights on the island take place at this stadium.
While on the island, you can also learn Muay Thai from professional fighters by choosing a private one-on-one lesson with the instructor or a group session at Adin Muay Thai School in Koh Lanta.
Where to stay in Koh Lanta
There are plenty of beaches on the island and you just need to choose the beach you like the most, there will be a number of accommodations for your stay on it. Some of the most popular and best-rated hotels on the island are listed here: best hotels in Koh Lanta.
To get the best deal on accommodation, make sure to compare hotel deals on Booking.com with often better special offers on Agoda.
How to get to Koh Lanta
Traveling to Koh Lanta is not difficult anymore because there are many routes to the island, and all are comfortable whether you come from Krabi, Trang, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Ao Nang, or Bangkok. There are also taxi and minivan services from Krabi Town and the nearby airport to Koh Lanta available for a reasonable price.
Flights to Koh Lanta
The nearest airports are Krabi, Trang, and Phuket. Krabi and Trang have direct road and boat connections to Koh Lanta and are the best options if you're only visiting Koh Lanta.
Flights to Krabi Airport
Krabi Airport (KBV) is located about 60 kilometers from Koh Lanta. Krabi Airport receives daily flights from both Bangkok airports. A flight from Bangkok to Krabi takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Flight tickets can be booked here: Flights from Bangkok to Krabi.
When you reach Krabi Airport, you can take a minivan directly to Koh Lanta (takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour) or a bus into Krabi Town and get a minivan or boat from there. Minivan tickets can be booked online here: Minivan from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta.
Otherwise, you can choose the most comfortable option and book a private Krabi Airport transfer to the island.
Flights to Trang Airport
Trang Airport (TST) is located about 90 kilometers away from Koh Lanta. A flight from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport to Trang takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Flight tickets can be booked here: Flights from Bangkok to Trang.
From Trang to Koh Lanta, you can travel by minivan, and it can take about 2 hours to get there. Minivan tickets can be booked online here: Minivan from Trang to Koh Lanta.
Flights to Phuket Airport
Phuket Airport (HKT) is well connected with both airports in Bangkok by a big number of daily flights between BKK & DMK and Phuket. From Phuket, you can reach Koh Lanta by ferry or minivan. Flight tickets on this route can be booked here: Flights from Bangkok to Phuket.
The ferry is operating from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi where you need to board another ferry going to Koh Lanta. Remember that only by taking the morning ferry from Phuket can you reach Koh Lanta on the same day. There is also a public van from Phuket Bus Terminal, and it takes about 4 hours to get to Koh Lanta. A trip in a private car can take about 4 hours as well.
Compare different travel options and book tickets online here: Transport from Phuket to Koh Lanta.
Bus to Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is about 1,000 kilometers from Bangkok. To get there by bus, you need to take a bus to Krabi first. Buses from Bangkok to Krabi depart from Southern Bus Terminal. There are many bus companies providing the service. Most buses depart from Bangkok in the evening and arrive at Krabi Bus Station in the morning. Bus schedules can be found, and bus tickets can be booked here: Bus from Bangkok to Krabi.
There is a van service from Krabi Bus Terminal, which is very convenient as the minivan drops you off by the hotel. Minivans depart almost every hour. Minivan tickets can be booked online here: Minivan from Krabi to Koh Lanta.
Train to Koh Lanta
There are two trains running daily from Bangkok to Trang. As southern line trains are very popular, at least during high season, booking a ticket in advance is strongly recommended. Train tickets can be booked here: Train from Bangkok to Trang.
From Trang, you can take a minivan to Koh Lanta. Tickets for the minivan can be purchased from the tour agent opposite the train station.
Ferry to Koh Lanta
Ferry services to Koh Lanta Yai's Saladan pier run from Krabi, Ao Nang, and Phuket via Koh Phi Phi. During high season, there are direct ferries and speedboats as well. Ferry tickets can be booked in advance online here:
Ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta
Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta
By private car
Koh Lanta does not have a bridge connecting it directly to the mainland but is served by car ferries. Take Rt 4206 off Hwy 4 about 20 km southeast of Krabi Airport. Drive to the end of the road, where there are car ferries from Baan Hua Hin to Koh Lanta Noi.
Other transportation options
More transportation options for a trip can be found, and transport tickets can be booked with the help of this search form.
Best way to travel
Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is not that complicated even if you need to transfer at one of the nearby cities. The best way to travel between these two destinations depends on your needs and preferences. For more details, check Bangkok to Koh Lanta.
Back to Krabi or another destination
If you want to leave Koh Lanta, the best way is to take a minibus with a hotel pickup option. The service is offered at a really reasonable price. Minibus with a hotel pickup can be booked online here: Minibus from Koh Lanta to Krabi.
Traveling around Koh Lanta
If you feel confident about driving, the easiest way to get around the island is by motorbike. The rental fee is 150-250 baht per day, depending on the number of rental days. Koh Lanta has only 1 main road running around the island, which is in good condition up to Ba Kantiang Bay. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and songtaews (pickup trucks with 2 rows) can also be used on the island.
Weather in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta has only two seasons - the wet and the dry. Weather conditions are at their best on the island and in all of Krabi province from November to March, when a cooling wind keeps the heat at bay and humidity levels are low here. From March to May, the temperature rises as the cooling wind departs and the humidity rises.
In April, monsoonal weather usually arrives, which is expected to last until October. Peak rainfall levels are usually experienced in September and October. Outside of these months, the rain can often come in a short, heavy shower, usually in the afternoon.
The island has similar weather conditions to other West Coast destinations throughout the year, as they all experience the impact of the Andaman Sea. Temperatures and weather conditions in these locations might differ a bit in the short term, but in the long term it's not notable, so you can easily combine a visit to Koh Lanta with nearby destinations like Phuket or other islands and beaches in Krabi province.
Destinations after Koh Lanta
Phuket is the largest and most popular island in Thailand. Ao Nang is the main tourist hub of Krabi with beautiful scenery of mountains between the beaches. Koh Phi Phi islands are widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful islands in the world. Railay is a paradise for rock climbers, while Koh Samui lets you experience the other coast of southern Thailand.
Known as Thailand's Maldives, Koh Lipe is a remote backpacker's dream with beaches of fine sand, turquoise water, coconut palms, and diverse marine life.
