Welcome to Koh Lanta

Tucked away in the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s most underrated gems — a place where time slows down, sunsets seem endless, and the laid-back lifestyle takes center stage. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a diving enthusiast, a digital nomad, or a family in search of space and serenity, Koh Lanta has something for everyone.

This website is your complete travel guide to Koh Lanta — from where to stay and what to eat, to the best beaches, activities, nightlife, and how to get here and around. We’ve put together everything you need to plan an unforgettable island escape — based on real experience, up-to-date info, and a love for everything that makes Koh Lanta special.

Why Visit Koh Lanta?

Koh Lanta offers the best of both worlds: natural beauty without the crowds. Here, you’ll find long, peaceful beaches, warm turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines, tropical jungle, and a welcoming community. It’s much quieter than Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, and far less commercial — but still has all the essentials: great food, cozy places to stay, strong Wi-Fi, motorbike rental shops, beach bars, and world-class diving.

The island is actually made up of several islands, but the one everyone refers to as “Koh Lanta” is Koh Lanta Yai — the main island where all the action happens. It’s around 30 km long, with a well-paved road running north to south, making it easy to explore by scooter or tuk-tuk.

Accommodation on Koh Lanta

Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget or looking for something a little more luxurious, Koh Lanta has plenty of options.

Budget: Hostels and bamboo beach huts are scattered along Long Beach and Klong Khong. Prices are reasonable, and many spots have a chill backpacker vibe.
Mid-range: There are countless bungalows, resorts, and boutique hotels offering comfort and great value. Many are just steps from the beach.
Luxury: For those seeking an upscale experience, there are beautiful beachfront villas and boutique resorts around Kantiang Bay and Relax Bay, some with private pools and ocean views.

Most accommodations are located along the west coast, close to the beach and facing those epic sunsets.

Things to Do on Koh Lanta

There’s no shortage of activities on Koh Lanta — whether you want adventure, nature, or just a reason to kick back and do nothing.

1. Hit the Beaches

Koh Lanta’s beaches are long, quiet, and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and sunsets. Highlights include:

Long Beach (Pra Ae): The most popular and central beach with restaurants, bars, and plenty of space.
Klong Khong: Quirky, hippie vibes, great for socializing and laid-back beach bars.
Kantiang Bay: Stunning, quiet, and great for couples or those looking for something more exclusive.
Bamboo Bay and Nui Bay: Smaller, more secluded beaches ideal for a peaceful escape.

2. Go Diving or Snorkelling

Koh Lanta is a diving hotspot, offering access to some of Thailand’s best dive sites, including Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, famous for manta rays and whale sharks. Dive shops in Saladan and Long Beach offer courses for beginners and fun dives for certified divers.

Snorkelers can join boat trips to Koh Rok, Koh Haa, and Four Islands, where clear waters and vibrant coral reefs await.

3. Explore Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Located at the southern tip of the island, the park features dense jungle, scenic trails, a lighthouse, and quiet beaches. Great for a day trip and some easy hiking with ocean views.

4. Kayak the Mangroves

Head to Tung Yee Peng Mangrove Forest for peaceful kayaking through lush mangroves. You’ll spot monkeys, birds, and maybe even monitor lizards.

5. Visit Lanta Old Town

This quaint fishing village on the east coast offers a step back in time, with traditional wooden houses on stilts over the water, boutique shops, and seafood restaurants with beautiful views.

6. Cooking Classes, Yoga, and Thai Massage

Take a Thai cooking class and learn to make local dishes like green curry or mango sticky rice. Koh Lanta is also home to yoga studios and wellness retreats. Don’t leave without getting a Thai massage!

Where to Eat on Koh Lanta

Food is one of the highlights of visiting Koh Lanta. You’ll find everything from beachside Thai restaurants to international cuisine.

Thai Food: Try local dishes like Massaman curry, pad kra pao, and grilled seafood. Red Snapper, May’s Kitchen, and Pad Thai Rock n Roll are all favorites.
Western Options: There are plenty of cafés serving burgers, pizzas, and vegan fare. Try Fruit Tree Lodge & Coffee Shop, Sole Mare, or Shanti Shanti.
Seafood: For the freshest catch, head to Lanta Old Town or beachfront spots where you can pick your fish and have it grilled to order.

Bars & Nightlife

Koh Lanta’s nightlife is relaxed but fun, with beach bars, fire shows, and music most nights of the week.

Klong Khong is the center of the island’s beach party scene, with bars like Freedom Bar, Rasta Baby, and Funky Monkey.
Long Beach has more chilled sunset spots like The Irish Embassy and Pangea Beach Bar.
Kantiang Bay offers mellow, stylish cocktails at places like Why Not Bar.

Don’t expect all-night raves here — this is a place where you sip a cold beer with your toes in the sand, not dance until sunrise.

Getting There & Around

How to Get to Koh Lanta:

By ferry: Daily boats run from Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lipe (seasonal). From Koh Lanta to Phuket, ferries run during high season.
By minivan: From Krabi Airport or Ao Nang, you can take a minivan that includes a short car ferry crossing.
Private transfer: The easiest (but priciest) option from Krabi or Trang.

Getting Around:

Renting a motorbike or scooter is the most popular way to explore the island.
Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared taxis) are available but less convenient.
Many resorts offer bicycle or motorbike rentals.

Koh Lanta FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koh Lanta worth visiting?
Absolutely! Koh Lanta is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed atmosphere, great beaches, and natural beauty without big crowds.

What is the best time to visit Koh Lanta?
November to April is the dry season and best for beach weather and diving. May to October is low season with fewer tourists, but occasional rain.

How many days should I spend on Koh Lanta?
Most people spend 3–7 days, but some stay longer once they fall in love with the island’s relaxed vibe.

Is Koh Lanta family-friendly?
Yes, it’s one of the most family-friendly islands in Thailand, with safe beaches, quiet roads, and accommodation suitable for all ages.

Can you snorkel from the beach?
Some beaches like Kantiang Bay and Nui Bay have rocky areas good for snorkeling, but the best spots are by boat at Koh Rok or Koh Haa.

Do I need a car or motorbike?
Motorbikes are the most convenient way to explore the island. Taxis are available but more expensive.

Is Koh Lanta expensive?
Koh Lanta is relatively affordable, with options for every budget — from cheap beach huts to luxury resorts.

Is there Wi-Fi on the island?
Yes. Most accommodations, cafés, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. There are also coworking spaces for digital nomads.

Is it safe?
Koh Lanta is very safe. As always, use common sense — lock your valuables, wear a helmet, and drink responsibly.

Ready to Discover Koh Lanta?

Whether you’re here to relax, dive, explore, or simply disconnect from the outside world, Koh Lanta is ready to welcome you. Use this guide to get inspired, plan your stay, and fall in love with the peaceful, unspoiled charm of this beautiful island.

Start exploring — your island adventure begins here.