Koh Lanta Travel Tips: Highlights, Beaches & Getting There

Facts About Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It’s especially popular with those seeking peace and quiet, families, and young backpackers who need a break from the party scene. Koh Lanta is also a great place for digital nomads.

The island is known primarily for its relaxed atmosphere. But there are also cool activities, stunning sunsets, and unique snorkeling and diving spots.

Of course, you’ll also find dreamy beaches on Koh Lanta and some genuinely cool attractions — from nature to interesting villages.

The island is located in the Andaman Sea off the western coast of Thailand. To the northwest are the islands of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, to the north is Ao Nang near Krabi, and to the south you’ll soon reach Malaysia.

Highlights of Koh Lanta on a Map

We’ll start by introducing the six best attractions on Koh Lanta and the three most beautiful beaches. For a better overview, we’ve marked them on the map.

That way you’ll know exactly where our Koh Lanta highlights are located.

The Coolest Koh Lanta Attractions

The number of Koh Lanta attractions is manageable. While there aren’t as many sights here as on, say, Koh Samui, you can still discover beautiful nature and cool villages.

Here are our top six picks.

Mu Koh Lanta National Park

What you need to know: At the very southern tip of Koh Lanta lies Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Here you can walk up to the white lighthouse and enjoy the view, swim at the beautiful beach, or hike through the small jungle on the Nature Trail. Admission costs 200 baht (about $6) — bringing a scooter in costs an additional 50 cents.

Is it worth it? The national park is our favorite attraction on Koh Lanta. We had the place almost to ourselves and really soaked up the peace and quiet — and got some great photos. On the roughly 1.7-kilometer Nature Trail, we came across a family of monkeys — a true highlight!

Our tip: Pack enough water! During our visit in the off-season, the visitor center and restaurant were closed.

Khlong Chak Waterfall

What you need to know: The one-kilometer trail to Khlong Chak Waterfall takes you right through the jungle of Koh Lanta. You’ll walk along uneven paths and have to cross small streams several times — a little adventure in itself. At the end, a small, beautiful waterfall awaits where you can cool off.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The short hike to the waterfall is a cool and varied activity on Koh Lanta. Don’t expect Niagara Falls, of course. It’s best to go early in the morning when it’s least crowded.

Our tips: You can park your scooter at the entrance for 40 baht (about $1). You’ll also need to pay 200 baht (about $6) for admission there. Sturdy shoes are definitely a plus!

Lanta Old Town

What you need to know: On the west coast lies Koh Lanta’s Old Town — a wonderfully authentic village. Here you’ll find the nicest shopping street on Koh Lanta, with lots of small boutiques and shops selling everything from local art to unique souvenirs. Take a break at one of the bars whenever you feel like it.

Is it worth it? The Old Town is one of the most beautiful places to visit on Koh Lanta — a great spot to stroll around at a leisurely pace. The houses themselves are a real standout, as many are built traditionally on stilts over the water — really cool! Instead of sandy beaches, the mangroves start right here.

Our tip: A really relaxed restaurant on stilts is Khrua Lanta Yai — with a lovely view of the sea.

Markets in Ban Saladan

What you need to know: If you want to browse classic Thai (night) markets on Koh Lanta, head to Ban Saladan. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning there’s a classic weekly market. But the real draw is the night market on Lanta Walking Street, which starts at around 5:30 PM.

Is it worth it? Can’t get enough of Thai markets? Then it’s worth the detour. Just don’t expect a large, lively night market like in Bangkok or on Koh Phangan — everything here is smaller and more laid-back. We thought the weekly market was pretty cool, but it’s not something you’d need to make a special trip for.

Our tip: Don’t arrive on a full stomach, because at the stalls you can sample Thai street food like satay skewers, mango sticky rice, and Thai pancakes — delicious!

Mangrove Forests in Green Lanta Park

What you need to know: Mangroves are unique trees that grow in the zone between land and sea. On Koh Lanta, the mangrove forests are an important ecosystem — they serve as natural wave breakers and as breeding and nursery grounds for many marine creatures. You’ll find most of the mangroves in the northeastern part of the island.

Is it worth it? The mangrove forests on Koh Lanta are a cool change of pace from the beaches. A visit is totally worth it if you love nature and want to explore Koh Lanta off the beaten tourist path. You can discover the mangroves on a walk through Green Lanta Park or on a guided tour.

Our tour tips: On a guided tour, you glide along the waterways between the mangroves — a real highlight on Koh Lanta. A longtail boat ride is a relaxed way to do it. If you prefer something more active, go by kayak. Both options are exciting. And you might even spot some cool wildlife along the way.

Half-Day Mangrove Longtail Boat Tour – with Lunch

Half-Day Mangrove Kayak Tour – with Lunch

Tung Yee Peng Village

What you need to know: On the way to the mangrove forests, you’ll pass through the small village of Tung Yee Peng, since the boats depart from the pier here. The mostly Muslim residents traditionally live from fishing and farming — but increasingly from tourism as well. The village is a great example of sustainable ecotourism.

Is it worth it? On guided tours, the locals love sharing their unique nature and culture with visitors. That’s why a tour is especially worthwhile here. You’ll take a short boat ride through the mangrove forest, check out local craftsmanship, and cook traditional dishes with the residents. It’s a really wonderful cultural experience!

Tung Yee Peng Village Eco Tour with Lunch or Dinner

The Most Beautiful Beaches on Koh Lanta

The beaches are of course among the absolute must-sees and most stunning parts of Koh Lanta! And since they’re truly spectacular here, we’ve dedicated a separate article to them.

The 8 Most Beautiful Beaches on Koh Lanta

But here’s a little preview of our absolute top three!

Good to know: All of Koh Lanta’s beaches are on the western side of the island.

Long Beach

What you need to know: Long Beach is arguably the most beautiful beach in northern Koh Lanta. It stretches about three kilometers, is super wide, with fine sand and hardly any rocks — a perfect swimming beach! In some spots, large trees provide shade, and there’s a great selection of restaurants, bars, and massage parlors.

Is it worth it? Do you love beautiful beaches with good infrastructure? Then Long Beach is perfect for you! It’s no coincidence that Long Beach is the most popular area for hotels on Koh Lanta. You can truly enjoy your beach vacation swinging in the hammocks at the resorts and beach bars.

Our tip: The atmosphere is especially cool in the evening! The sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful, and sometimes locals come by and put on awesome fire shows.

Kantiang Bay

What you need to know: Bakantiang Beach in Kantiang Bay (we know, a little confusing) is arguably the most popular beach in the south. No wonder — the roughly two-kilometer-long, wide beach sits in a small bay framed by green hills. The water is crystal clear, the sand soft and fine. There are also a few lovely beach bars here.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Kantiang Bay is actually one of our favorite beaches in all of Thailand. The vibe is super relaxed, and even during high season the beach never feels crowded. We love it when there’s a little something going on. Our favorite spot to chill here is the popular Why Not Bar on Koh Lanta — with our feet in the sand, of course.

Bamboo Beach

What you need to know: Even further south lies Bamboo Beach, surrounded by dense green jungle. The beach is long and wide, the waves calm, and the trees provide shade. The beach is usually empty since there are no restaurants or resorts here. And yet you can ride your scooter almost all the way to the sand — super convenient.

Is it worth it? Do you love the feeling of an unspoiled beach? Then Bamboo Beach is ideal. The further south you go on Koh Lanta, the fewer tourists you’ll find. Here you can truly switch off and listen to the waves. You can still grab drinks and snacks at a small stand.

Good to know: Monkeys sometimes roam the beach and love to steal things. Keep a close eye on your belongings!

The Best Activities on Koh Lanta

Done with sightseeing on Koh Lanta and had enough beach time? Here are four more cool activities for you! Admittedly, most of them are pretty laid-back too — that’s just Koh Lanta for you!

Cooking Class on Koh Lanta

What to expect: In a cooking class, you’ll cook popular Thai dishes and learn how to recreate them at home. On Koh Lanta, you can choose between a lunch class and an evening class. Before heading to the stove, you’ll take a short tour through the herb and vegetable garden.

Is it worth it? A cooking class is one of our top activities in Thailand. We haven’t taken one on Koh Lanta ourselves yet, but we’ve done it as a cool activity in Khao Lak and also in Chiang Mai. We’re sure the cooking class on Koh Lanta is just as great.

Good to know: You’ll be picked up from your hotel on the main road between Saladan and Kantiang Bay.

Lunch Class at Lanta Thai Cookery School

Evening Class at Lanta Thai Cookery School

Massage on Koh Lanta

What to expect: We found a really excellent massage parlor on Koh Lanta that we have to share: Faikham Lanta Traditional Thai Massage. The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming, and the oil Thai massage was one of the best we’ve ever had! It costs just 400 baht (about $10).

Is it worth it? Absolutely! A Thai massage brings body and mind together. Traditionally, no oil is used and the body is mainly stretched and extended. A blend of Thai massage with oil is more relaxing — and that’s our personal favorite way to do it.

Location: Faikham Lanta (on Google Maps), right on the main road behind Klong Khong Beach

Our tip: Stop by during the day to reserve a spot for the evening — then you can fall right into bed feeling totally relaxed.

Romantic Gondola Ride at Sunrise with Breakfast

What to expect: In the mood for a particularly romantic activity on Koh Lanta? Then we recommend a gondola ride at sunrise. You’ll glide through the mangrove forests in your private gondola and enjoy the peaceful morning. Once the sun has risen, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast with locally grown coffee.

Is it worth it? Yes! We love sunrises, and experiencing that moment in the middle of the mangroves on a small boat sounds absolutely magical. Since you’ll be picked up around 5 AM, it helps to be an early riser — haha!

Location: In the mangroves in the northeast

Gondola Ride at Sunrise with Breakfast

Diving Course on Koh Lanta

What to expect: Around Koh Lanta you’ll find perfect conditions for beginner divers, as the sea is usually calm and clear. On top of that, there are some stunning dive spots! Near Koh Haa you’ll find caves, lagoons, and beautiful coral. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are known for manta rays and whale sharks.

Is it worth it? Yes! On our first Thailand road trip, we took a course on Koh Tao. On our last visit, we wanted to take one on Koh Lanta, but unfortunately it was too stormy. The advantage of Koh Lanta: you can fully focus on diving without parties to distract you!

Location: There are many dive schools on Koh Lanta. We were in touch with Flip Flop Divers (on Google Maps) and would have booked our course there.

The Best Day Trips from Koh Lanta

The scenery around Koh Lanta is breathtakingly beautiful! If you’re staying on the island for a while, we highly recommend doing at least one day trip.

Here are the four best excursions from Koh Lanta.

All-in-One Boat Trip: Beach, Kayaking, Mangroves

What to expect: The all-in-one boat trip is the perfect mix of Koh Lanta’s coolest destinations. On this tour, you’ll first cruise along the coast in a longtail boat to spot wildlife. Then you’ll get active on a kayak. Stops include the mangrove forests and the island of Koh Talabeng with its untouched beaches.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! For us, the all-in-one boat tour is the coolest outing from Koh Lanta. You truly get a mix of all the highlights. The full-day trip includes lunch, drinks, and snacks. At one stop, you can even climb a vertical wall!

All-in-One Boat Trip on Koh Lanta

Snorkeling Boat Tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa

What to expect: On the excursion from Koh Lanta to Koh Rok and Koh Haa, you’ll spend almost the entire day on the water. A speedboat whisks you across the sea, stopping at the best snorkeling spots around the islands. On Koh Rok, you’ll also go ashore, enjoy a delicious lunch, and soak up the stunning beaches.

Is it worth it? If you’re in the mood for a great snorkeling trip, we highly recommend the tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa. Lots of the coral is less than five meters below the surface — so cool! The guides are super fun, the food is really tasty, and the tour is also suitable for families with young children.

Snorkeling Boat Tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa

4-Island Longtail Boat Tour

What to expect: Feel like some island hopping? Then explore four beautiful islands to the south of Koh Lanta on this boat tour: discover colorful coral while snorkeling around Koh Cheuak, explore the Emerald Cave at Koh Mook, enjoy a Thai meal on Koh Nga, and swim along the coastline of Koh Ma.

Is it worth it? The 4-island boat tour is one of the most well-known and popular excursions from Koh Lanta. The individual destinations are beautiful, though sometimes a bit crowded. On this tour you travel by longtail boat — which is actually really cool! However, since the boat is slower than a speedboat, the ride can feel pretty long.

4-Island Longtail Boat Tour

Boat Tour to Koh Phi Phi with Maya Bay

What to expect: On the neighboring island of Koh Phi Phi lies one of the most beautiful sights in all of Thailand: Maya Bay. This is where the film The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio was shot — so cool! But the full-day tour also takes you to more highlights on Koh Phi Phi: including Phi Leh Bay, great snorkeling spots, and Bamboo Island.

Is it worth it? Definitely! The boat trip around Koh Phi Phi is an absolute must for us in Thailand. We’ve done the tour twice — but departing directly from Koh Phi Phi. If you don’t want to stay overnight on Koh Phi Phi, it’s well worth doing the excursion from Koh Lanta.
Also check out all our tips on Koh Phi Phi
Boat Tour to Phi Phi with Maya Bay and Lunch

Our Favorite Bars and Restaurants on Koh Lanta

On Koh Lanta you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants and bars — especially in the northwest and in Koh Lanta’s Old Town. There are many authentic Thai restaurants, as well as a few international options.

Here are five bars and restaurants on Koh Lanta that we highly recommend. The first four are on the west coast, and number five is in Lanta Old Town.

1. The Angels Restaurant: super authentic Thai dishes. The owner is incredibly warm and cooks everything herself. Our massaman curry and Thai iced tea were amazingly good. Located near Klong Khong Beach.
2. Lucky Tree Restaurant: another authentic restaurant serving the most delicious Thai food. We had shrimp with pineapple in a sweet-and-sour sauce and a tasty, spicy curry — yum! Also near Klong Khong Beach.
3. Why Not Bar: one of the most popular bars on Koh Lanta. Here on the beach in Kantiang Bay, you sit with your feet right in the sand. Just a really cool vibe and great smoothies.
4. Bam Boobay Restaurant: two highlights in one for us! From the restaurant you have an incredible view of Bamboo Beach, and we had the best Thai iced tea on Koh Lanta here.
5. Khrua Lanta Yai: our favorite restaurant in Koh Lanta Old Town. Family-run, built on stilts, with views over the mangroves and absolutely delicious food. We had the coconut soup and the tom yum soup.

Hotel Tips for Koh Lanta

On Koh Lanta you’ll find great accommodations for every budget. In our hotel tips article for Koh Lanta, we’ll tell you which areas we recommend for staying overnight and share our best picks.

On our last trip to Thailand, we stayed at the Sea Shell Beach Resort on Klong Khong Beach, which for us is the best base if you want to see a lot of the sights on Koh Lanta.

The resort falls into the budget category on Koh Lanta. It’s right on the beach, has a nice pool, and the rooms are simple but spacious. An excellent value for money.

3 more top hotel picks for Koh Lanta:
Coco Lanta Resort: Stylish rooms with a tropical, cozy feel. Right on the beach — with a pool, sports area, and playground. Also on Klong Khong Beach.

Long Beach Chalet: Here you’ll stay in beautiful bungalows and can relax on the private beach or by the pool. Located on the popular Long Beach.

Lanta Palace Beach Resort: A small hotel on Klong Nin Beach, perfect for those who want even more peace and quiet. The rooms feature a modern Thai design.

Good to know: Hotel prices here are significantly lower compared to, for example, the hotels on Phuket — also on the Andaman Sea — as well as the hotels on Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand.

Getting to Koh Lanta

There are several ways to get to Koh Lanta. It simply depends on where you’re coming from.

Most visitors arrive from another spot in Thailand — usually by minivan or ferry.

We always book our tickets for these connections on 12Go. We highly recommend that website!

Here’s a rundown of the most important connections to Koh Lanta in more detail.

Flying to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta has no airport — the nearest one is in Krabi. There are no direct flights to Krabi from most international hubs, so you’ll typically need to connect once in Bangkok and then fly on to Krabi.

In most cases, it makes sense to combine Koh Lanta with a broader Thailand itinerary and a sightseeing trip in Bangkok anyway. Rather than just a quick layover, spend a few nights in Bangkok and then continue your journey.

Check all flights on Skyscanner

From Krabi to Koh Lanta

Depending on where you are in Krabi, you’ll either book a van/taxi (essentially the same thing) or a ferry.

A van/taxi makes sense if you’re starting near the bus terminal in Krabi or at the airport. Allow about two to three hours for this connection, as it includes a short car ferry crossing.

If you’re in Krabi near the popular resort area of Ao Nang, arriving in Koh Lanta by ferry also makes sense. Allow about one and a half to two hours for this connection.

The speedboat ferries from Ao Nang depart either from Nopparat Thara Pier or Floating Pier East Railay — depending on your chosen departure time.

Note: Speedboats in Thailand can get quite rocky. If that’s not your thing, we’d advise against it.

Book your journey from Krabi to Koh Lanta on 12Go

From Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta

We love combining Koh Lanta with a stop on Koh Phi Phi, so getting there from Koh Phi Phi is a very popular — and super easy — option.

Between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, several ferries run daily between the two islands in both directions. The regular ferry takes about an hour, while the speedboat takes only 30 minutes. All ferries depart from Ton Sai Pier.

Book your journey from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta on 12Go

From Phuket to Koh Lanta

Don’t want to stop on Koh Phi Phi? Then you can also travel directly from Phuket to Koh Lanta by ferry.

Phuket makes sense as a starting point if you’re arriving by plane there, have been to Khao Lak, or have spent a few days doing sightseeing on Phuket.

Between 8:00 AM and 2:30 PM, several ferries depart daily to Koh Lanta — typically from Rassada Pier near the Old Town, and occasionally from Jian Wanich Pier, which is very close by.

The regular ferry takes about four hours, while the speedboat usually takes only one and a half hours. On 12Go, you can also book connections that include a direct hotel transfer.

Book your journey from Phuket to Koh Lanta on 12Go

From the Southern Islands or Malaysia to Koh Lanta

There are also connections to Koh Lanta from the southern islands of Thailand.

While less touristy islands like Koh Muk or Koh Libong only have private, pricier transfers by minivan and ferry, from Koh Lipe there is also a public ferry that runs once a day at 9:30 AM.

If you’re coming from Langkawi in Malaysia to Koh Lanta, you’ll also find a ferry-van connection on 12Go. We were on the road for about seven hours.

On longer connections like this, you’ll switch vehicles a few times. What might seem disorganized at first is actually a well-functioning system in Thailand. Somehow, everyone seems to know where you need to go. Just trust the process.

Note: During the off-season, there are often fewer connections from the south toward Koh Lanta than during peak season.

Getting Around Koh Lanta

To get from A to B on Koh Lanta, there are mainly three modes of transportation: scooter, taxi, or tuk-tuk.

Renting a Scooter on Koh Lanta

The fastest and most flexible way to get around Koh Lanta is by scooter. Some roads on the island are a bit hilly, but definitely manageable.

Only rarely will you need to ride a short stretch of gravel road to reach a beach or the parking area near the waterfall. Scooter rental shops are almost everywhere, though most are in the northwest.

We recommend renting your scooter right in the main town of Ban Saladan when you arrive by ferry. A scooter usually costs $8 to $10 per day.

If you have too much luggage, you can also take a taxi to your accommodation first and ask about a scooter there. Almost all accommodations also rent out scooters or know good rental providers.

Taxis on Koh Lanta

If you prefer not to drive yourself on Koh Lanta, taxis are your only alternative. The most common taxis are called songthaews (small open pickup trucks with bench seats in the back). There are also motorcycle taxis, private drivers, and minivans.

If you need a taxi — say, to get from Long Beach to Koh Lanta Old Town — here’s what we recommend: either flag one down on the street or have your accommodation arrange one for you in advance.

It’s also a good idea to ask the driver if he can pick you up again at a specific time. You agree on a fixed price upfront — prices are negotiable, though there are usually standard rates for typical routes.

From Long Beach to Koh Lanta Old Town, expect to pay around 300 to 500 baht one way.

Our tip: Many accommodations offer their own transfer service — especially useful for arrivals and departures. This can usually be booked in advance and tends to be more reliable and comfortable, especially when you have luggage.

Tuk-Tuks on Koh Lanta

In popular tourist areas, especially in the northwest of the island, you’ll also spot a few tuk-tuks. They’re great for shorter distances, like getting from Ban Saladan to Long Beach.

Here too, there are no meters and you’ll need to negotiate the price individually with the driver. From Ban Saladan to Long Beach, budget around 100 to 200 baht.

More Practical Tips for Koh Lanta

Here are three more practical pointers for your time on Koh Lanta.

How Long Should You Stay on Koh Lanta?

We recommend staying at least two full days on Koh Lanta. If you move around efficiently by scooter, you can even fit in all six attractions during that time — plus one or two beach stops.

Your time on Koh Lanta will be more relaxed if you stay longer. That way you can also throw in a full beach day.

That said, you can cover half the highlights in just one day too. We once spent only two nights on Koh Lanta and managed to visit the national park, the Old Town, the waterfall, and a sunset at the beach all in one day.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Koh Lanta?

The best weather on Koh Lanta is between December and April. The sun shines almost every day, rain is rare, and temperatures range from 77°F to 93°F. This is also the best time to visit Thailand in general.

In the off-season, expect frequent rain showers. From May to November, many hotels close, ferries run less frequently, and some activities and excursions are either not offered at all or only when weather permits.

Costs: Is Koh Lanta Expensive?

Not at all. Thailand is affordable compared to many European destinations in general. And compared to many other vacation spots in Thailand, Koh Lanta is actually one of the most budget-friendly options.

Even during peak season, you can still find genuinely great budget accommodations right on the beach.

Food and tours, however, are at a similar price-to-value ratio as in the rest of Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Lanta