In a nutshell
- We cover 5 areas for where to stay on Koh Lanta — with honest pros, cons, and our top hotel picks for each. First-time visitor who wants to explore by scooter? Book at Klong Khong Beach.
- We personally stayed at the simple but great-value Sea Shell Beach Resort at Klong Khong Beach. Want something more upscale? The Coco Lanta Resort is a fantastic choice — both are right on the beach.
- The most popular spot is Long Beach — the perfect mix of great swimming and easy sightseeing. Our top pick there: the Long Beach Chalet with a private beach and breakfast buffet.
- Want total peace and quiet? We’ll show you why Klong Nin Beach and Koh Lanta Old Town might be exactly what you’re looking for — including our honest take on who each area suits best.
Where to Stay on Koh Lanta?
Among the most beautiful islands in Thailand, Koh Lanta is one of the quieter ones — yet very popular with tourists. The sights are manageable and island life just invites you to slow down and unwind.
For us, there are five areas worth considering when deciding where to stay on Koh Lanta. They differ mainly in how peaceful they are and how easily you can reach the highlights.
The 5 best places to stay on Koh Lanta are:
- Klong Khong Beach: Best base for sightseeing ➞ Coco Lanta Resort
- Long Beach: Perfect mix of beautiful beach and sightseeing ➞ Long Beach Chalet
- Klong Nin Beach: Ideal if you want real peace and quiet ➞ Lanta Palace Beach Resort
- Ban Saladan: Lively town right by the ferry pier ➞ Lanta MP Place
- Lanta Old Town: Off the main tourist trail ➞ Deep House Sea View
During the low season, from May to October, many accommodations on Koh Lanta close. We’ve kept them in our list anyway — and for each area we also recommend hotels that are open year-round.
It’s also worth knowing that hotel prices during the best time to visit Thailand (for Koh Lanta that’s December through April) have risen sharply in recent years. The same goes for nearby islands like accommodations on Koh Phi Phi or hotels on Phuket. Real bargains, on the other hand, are there for the taking in the low season.
The best areas on a map
Now you’ve got a quick overview of the five areas. And so you know exactly where each one sits on the island, we’ve marked them all on the map above.
You can also see where the ferry pier is (this is also where the bridge from Krabi connects) and where Mu Ko Lanta National Park is — one of the absolute must-dos on Koh Lanta.
A place to stay at Klong Khong Beach
Klong Khong Beach is ideal for first-time visitors who want to focus on sightseeing and stay in a beachfront hotel — with sunset views from a laid-back hippie bar.
Is it your first time on Koh Lanta and you want to explore the island by scooter? Then we’d strongly recommend booking your accommodation at Klong Khong Beach.
We’ve stayed here twice and it was the right call both times. From here, you’re never more than 30 minutes away from the best sights on Koh Lanta.
Most hotels are right on the beach — including plenty of budget options. There are loads of alternative beach bars with a cool hippie vibe, and the overall atmosphere is super relaxed.
The beach itself isn’t the most stunning, though. There are some rocks in the water, but it’s totally fine for a quick dip. Along the main road you’ll find authentic restaurants, really good massage parlors, and small grocery stores.
Advantages of staying at Klong Khong Beach
- Central location on Koh Lanta
- Best value for money of all the Koh Lanta accommodation options
- Lots of great hotels right on the beach
- Quiet and relaxed stretch of beach
Disadvantages of staying at Klong Khong Beach
- Not a perfect swimming beach
- No night markets within walking distance
- Restaurants close fairly early
Our hotel recommendations for Klong Khong Beach
On our last Thailand road trip, we stayed at the Sea Shell Beach Resort. The rooms are simple, but the pool, the direct beachfront location, and the excellent value for money won us over completely.
For a more upscale stay, check out the Coco Lanta Resort — also right on the beach. The beautiful property has a pool, a sports area, and a playground. Rooms have a tropical, cozy feel with a lovely rustic touch.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
A Koh Lanta hotel at Long Beach
Long Beach is perfect if you enjoy classic resort areas with great infrastructure. Here you can swim at one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Want a spot on Koh Lanta that delivers the ideal mix of beach vacation and sightseeing? Then we definitely recommend a hotel at Long Beach.
It’s probably the most popular holiday destination on the island, and for good reason — the beach is simply gorgeous: long, wide, fine sand, hardly any rocks. A total dream!
The tourist infrastructure is excellent. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and small shops. Hotel prices are a bit higher, but the selection is large.
Since Long Beach is a little further north than Klong Khong Beach, it takes slightly longer to reach the highlights in the south. On the other hand, you can get to the ferry pier in just 15 minutes.
Advantages of a hotel at Long Beach
- One of Koh Lanta’s most beautiful beaches right at your doorstep
- Wide selection of Koh Lanta hotels to choose from
- Central location on the west side of the island
- Good infrastructure — works well for families too
Disadvantages of a hotel at Long Beach
- Can get crowded during Thailand’s peak travel season
- Hotels and restaurants are a bit pricier
- Some sights are further away
Our hotel recommendations for Koh Lanta's Long Beach
Right on the beach is the Long Beach Chalet, one of the best hotels on Koh Lanta. You stay in gorgeous bungalows and can relax on the private beach or by the pool.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
A hotel at Klong Nin Beach
Klong Nin Beach is perfect if your priority is peace and quiet and you’d rather be away from the tourist crowds — with just enough restaurants nearby to keep you happy.
If you came to Koh Lanta primarily for relaxation and the stunning beaches, Klong Nin Beach is where you should be.
It’s tucked in the southwest of the island in a very quiet area. You can take long beach walks, swim, and just do absolutely nothing — bliss.
The choice of places to stay is smaller, but you’ll find a solid mix — from sweet, affordable bungalows to some of the finest 5-star hotels on Koh Lanta.
There are a few restaurants and cozy bars along the beach. But if you’re after shopping, live music, or fire shows like at Long Beach or Klong Khong, this isn’t your spot.
Advantages of staying at Klong Nin Beach
- Super quiet with a real slow-down vibe
- Beautiful hotels right on the beach
- Great value for money
- Close to the highlights and beaches in the south
Disadvantages of staying at Klong Nin Beach
- Very basic tourist infrastructure
- About 25 minutes to reach the north of the island
- No nightlife nearby
Our hotel recommendations for Klong Nin Beach
A small, peaceful pick is the Lanta Palace Beach Resort. Rooms feature modern Thai design, breakfast comes with fresh smoothies, and you can borrow kayaks and SUPs for free — seriously good value.
For a more budget-friendly stay, check out the Baan Pakgasri Hideaway. The bungalows are simple, but many sit right on the beach — just a few steps from the water. Every morning, breakfast with fruit and eggs is served on your terrace.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
A place to stay in Ban Saladan
A hotel in Koh Lanta’s main town of Ban Saladan is a great choice if you want to be close to the pier or prefer a more urban base.
At the very north of the island lies Ban Saladan, Koh Lanta’s main town. This is where the ferry pier is located — where you’ll typically arrive from Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. The bridge from Krabi also connects here.
Stay in Ban Saladan if you want quick access to the pier or simply prefer a livelier, more urban atmosphere.
The town has the most (night) markets, good tour operators, and plenty of restaurants and shops — including waterfront seafood spots, cafés, souvenir stores, and small boutiques.
Most lodging here is very budget-friendly and popular with backpackers and solo travelers. That said, you’ll also find some nicer hotels right on the beach — even if it’s not the island’s prettiest stretch.
Advantages of staying in Ban Saladan
- Quick access to the ferry pier
- The best tourist infrastructure on the island
- Lots of affordable accommodations
Disadvantages of staying in Ban Saladan
- The nearest nice beach (Long Beach) is a 10-minute ride away
- No typical Thai island atmosphere
- Nice beach bars aren’t within walking distance
Our hotel recommendations for Koh Lanta's main town Ban Saladan
On our first trip to Thailand, we stayed at the Avani Resort. It has its own small cove with a private beach, modern rooms, and a really good breakfast included.
More affordable and more central is the Lanta MP Place. Rooms are spacious and thoughtfully decorated — some with a gorgeous ocean view. Restaurants and shops are right on your doorstep.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
A hotel in Koh Lanta Old Town
A stay in Koh Lanta’s Old Town is ideal if you want authenticity and mangroves instead of beaches — without giving up good infrastructure.
The island’s east coast is a pretty unconventional choice for where to stay on Koh Lanta. Instead of beautiful beaches, you’ll find traditional fishing villages and fascinating mangrove forests.
The most popular spot here is Koh Lanta Old Town. It has an authentic, unhurried feel and puts you well off the main tourist trail — ideal for truly slowing down.
The places to stay are fairly basic but really characterful. Many historic houses still stand here, built on stilts over the water. It’s a genuinely unique experience.
The town itself is one of our favorite highlights on Koh Lanta. You’ll find loads of one-of-a-kind shops selling art, jewelry, and local products.
Advantages of staying in Koh Lanta Old Town
- Surrounded by culture, tradition, and real authenticity
- Peace and quiet well away from the typical tourist spots
- The mangrove forests offer a cool change of scenery
- Good infrastructure with plenty of restaurants and shops
- Comparatively affordable room rates
Disadvantages of staying in Koh Lanta Old Town
- At least a 20-minute ride to the beaches
- Accommodations are fairly basic
- Hardly any bars and no nightlife
- Far from the pier and most of the sights
Our hotel recommendations for Koh Lanta's Old Town
A wonderfully authentic place to stay is the Deep House Sea View. Built on stilts, you can watch the sunrise over the sea right from your veranda.
If you’d prefer something more modern, we recommend the Verona Lanta Resort. You sleep in cozy bungalows in a super quiet setting and can unwind in the beautiful garden with a pool.
Good and affordable
Better
What you need to know before booking your hotel on Koh Lanta
Before you lock in your favorite Koh Lanta hotel, here are three important things to keep in mind.
- For most visitors, the west coast is the best area to stay on Koh Lanta. That’s where you’ll find the most beautiful beaches and those breathtaking sunsets!
- If you plan on sightseeing, we always recommend renting a scooter. Koh Lanta is very elongated and the highlights are spread far apart — a scooter gives you way more flexibility than relying on taxis.
- If you don’t want to do any sightseeing at all, you obviously don’t need a scooter. Just book the hotel that appeals to you most and settle in. If you want some action in the evenings, go for a hotel at Long Beach. If you want absolute peace and quiet, Klong Nin Beach is your answer.
