Koh Lanta is part of the Mu Koh Lanta National Park and is located on Thailand’s South West Coast of the Malay Peninsula within the Andaman Sea, approximately 85km South of Krabi (within the Krabi Province).
Although the national park is made up of more than 50 protected islands, when most people mention Koh Lanta, they’re referring to the 2 main islands; Lanta Yai (big) and Lanta Noi (small), connected by bridge since 2016.
Lanta Yai (big) enjoys a laid-back atmosphere, lined with sandy beaches along the West coast, a dense tropical jungle in the heart of the island, and magical mangroves on its East side.
Due to its location, Koh Lanta is a classic Thailand island hopping destination. Travelers often visit close by areas like Ao Nang and islands like Koh Phi Phi during their visit.
The island is less mainstream than other Thai islands, meaning it’s slightly less crowded and a little more relaxed… Don’t worry, there’s still an abundance of fun things to do on Koh Lanta.
You can enjoy the island’s empty beaches, beautiful sunsets, and jungle-covered mountains. The island is also host to great value accommodations suitable for all budgets and an abundance of restaurants.
Like most of Thailand’s tropical islands, we recommend hiring a bike or scooter to get around Koh Lanta… Probably the latter, unless you’re looking for a sweaty workout during your vacation! Lanta Yai (big) island is approximately 25km (16miles) long and 6km (3.7miles) wide, so there’s plenty to explore – Drive safe!
Below we round up all of the best things to see and do in Koh Lanta, as well as hints and tips whilst traveling in this area of Thailand.
Klong Nin Beach
Klong Nin Beach is one of the best beaches on Koh Lanta, situated on the West side of the island stretching approximately 2km in length. The long golden sandy beach is home to a few resorts and plenty of bustling bars and restaurants, all offering delicious meals and even happy hour cocktails.
The beach is the perfect sunset location accompanied by a delicious cocktail from one of the colorful bars. You’ll find fire shows and lively music on the strip most evenings.
During the day, this picturesque beach spot is perfect for sunbathing and its waters are perfectly safe for children to swim. Due to its central location on the island, Klong Nin Beach is easily accessible and one of the most best places to stay on Koh Lanta.
Klong Nin Beach Location: 152/3 Moo 5, Klong Nin Beach, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
Bamboo Beach
Bamboo Beach is easily one of Koh Lanta’s best beaches, situated on the South side of the island approximately 40 minutes drive from Sala Dan or 35 minutes from Koh Lanta Old Town.
This beach is one of Koh Lanta’s quiet beaches as most tourists don’t venture this far South on the island. Bamboo beach has sublime white sand, turquoise waters, and an idyllic lush green meadow filled with palm trees leading to the beach.
Although a beautiful spot, the beach has limited amenities due to minimal resorts nearby. Bear this in mind if you’re visiting on an empty stomach or feeling thirsty!
Bamboo Beach Location: Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta District, Krabi, Thailand
Koh Lanta Old Town
Koh Lanta Old Town is a small village located on the islands East side, once used by Chinese and Arabian Sea merchants during refuge from rough seas centuries ago. The island became a bustling port for these so called “Sea Gypsies” and was only truly commercialised and inhabited around 50 years ago.
Nowadays, Koh Lanta Old Town maintains its quaint architecture with original Chinese wooden shophouses (similar to those found in Songkhla near Hat Yai). The old town feels and looks untouched, frozen in time.
Just like Ban Saladan, the old town waterfront offers many traditional restaurants on stilts so you can experience mealtimes on the water enjoying the Easterly views. If you’d like to learn more about the old towns history, head over to the community museum next to the old town roundabout.
There are various scuba diving trips, island hopping, and mangrove boat tours in the surrounding area, all of which can be found in the old town. Don’t expect to find pristine tropical beaches near the old town – All of Koh Lanta’s idyllic beaches are found on the West side of the island.
We recommend checking out the Koh Lanta Old Town Pier, and the Buddhist & Chinese temples. On Sundays, the old town street market vendors set up to sell local food and produce, including fresh seafood, meats, and fruit & veg.
Although the old town is still a humble fishing village, the majority of the towns trade comes from tourism, as with most of Thailand nowadays. It’s definitely worth a visit if you have the time.
To get to the old town, simply follow the east coast road heading South from Ban Saladan, approximately 20 minutes drive (17km)
Koh Lanta Old Town Location: G3JV+HP3, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
Ban Saladan
Ban Saladan is a small village situated on the North side of Koh Lanta. If traveling by ferry, you’ll dock here in this small fishing village.
Although Ban Saladan is seen as the capital of Koh Santa Yai, the village is definitely more on the traditional quaint side, however, there’s still plenty to do here.
Many of the island’s dive centers are situated here, and the village has all of the usual amenities like supermarkets, banks, hospitals, pharmacies, etc.
There’s a small night market during the high season (December – February) with plenty of traditional food stalls and souvenir shops to explore and enjoy.
Koh Lanta Ban Sala Dan Pier Location: Sala Dan, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
Kantiang Bay (Katiang Beach):
Kantiang Bay is one of the best beaches to visit on Koh Lanta and is located on the Southwest side of the island. The beach stretches 1.5km and is great for travellers looking to enjoy sunbathing and a little dip in the sea. This area is fairly quiet and therefore the beach doesn’t get too crowded, making it the ideal spot to truly unwind and relax.
Season dependant, the water in the bay is usually lovely and clear, making it great for swimming and snorkelling, although there are definitely better spots for these activities on Koh Santa. Either way, the water is warm all year round.
As you arrive in the bay, you’ll pass through a small village with a number of shops and restaurants, even the odd massage parlour too if you’re feeling uptight. If you’re looking to stay in the area, there are plenty of bungalows and resorts next to the beach enjoying beautiful views and evening sunsets. It’s important to mention that there is very little nightlife in Kantiang Bay, again making it one of the islands more relaxing areas.
Most travellers will couple their Kantiang Bay visit with the Mu Koh Santa National Park a short 15km drive (6.5km walk) South on the most Southern tip of Koh Lanta.
Make sure you bring your suncream as there’s little shade on the beach itself and can get hot in peak season!
Kantiang Bay Location: 152-152/1 Moo 5 Kantiang Bay, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
The famous Mu Ko Lanta National Park is located on the Southern Tip of Koh Lanta Yai (big) island. The park was established in 1990 and covers a whopping 134 km², made up of more than 50 beautiful islands.
Most people visit the national park for its tropical white beaches, hiking trails, caves, impressive viewpoints, and of course it’s famous for its snorkelling & diving due to its clear waters and pristine coral reefs. You can book dive trips from both Krabi and Koh Lanta, and we’d definitely recommend this as one of the best things to do in Koh Lanta.
The dive sites around Koh Rok and Tin Daeng are renowned for seeing manta rays, reef sharks, and huge schools of tropical fish of all shapes and sizes. Above water, Koh Lanta is home to around 130 different species of birds, such as Flying lemurs and Sunday colugos!
If you’re lucky, you may find some other common mammals on your adventures, such as crab-eating macaques, wild boars and dusky leaf monkeys. Don’t forget to take your camera to snap these spectacular animals living in the wild.
All beaches across the national park are free and easily accessible, although some may be better to visit by boat on an organised trip.
If you spend any time at all on Koh Santa, the Mu Ko Santa National Park is without doubt a must-see. Whilst visiting, head over to the Lighthouse at the most southern tip of the island. It stands tall as a prominent landmark for the national park, with beautiful beaches either side.
You can also start the Leam Tanod Nature Trail just before the lighthouse – Bring your hiking boots!
Mu Ko Lanta National Park Address: Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Moo 5, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi, 81150, Thailand
Koh Rok Yai & Koh Rok Noi Islands
The Koh Rok (Yai & Not) islands belong to the Mu Koh Santa National Park and are home to a truly thriving underwater world just 30km South of Koh Lanta.
The islands are mostly small, rugged and undeveloped, sitting just 200 metres apart from each other. They are hugely popular amongst divers and snorkelers looking to swim with Sea Turtles, Black-Tip reef sharks, schools of tropical fish, and even Moray eels!
The best way to visit the islands is by long-tail or speedboat on an organised day trip, departing Koh Santa, Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai, or Koh Muk. The island has a small charge upon arrival which covers maintaining its natural beauty. You’ll be truly mesmerised by the islands pristine sandy beaches and the islands natural beauty.
There’s not a lot to do on the islands themselves, and next to no amenities, so take your own food and drinks during your day trip as to not go hungry!
Emerald Cave at Koh Mook (Morakot Cave)
Emerald Cave, also known as Morakot Cave, is located on the island of Koh Mook (Ko Muk), an hours ferry or Longtail ride South of Koh Santa. The Emerald Cave is one of the best attractions near Koh Lanta, popular with travellers and tourists alike.
The cave harbours a hidden lagoon said to have been popular with pirates many centuries ago. You’ll have to pluck up the courage to enter the dark cave by Kayak or swimming, which leads through to the hidden lagoon. The lagoon itself is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs covered in overgrown greenery, like a scene from Jurassic Park.
We recommend visiting when the sun is high in the sky, lighting up the lagoon, leading to the truly “emerald” green waters. Sadly, you’ll most likely be sharing your experience with other tourists alike, but it’s a great sight regardless!
The easiest way to visit the Emerald Cave is by guided tour, which will often explore other neighbouring islands and beaches during a full day trip. Speak to the local travel agents dotted around the towns and they’ll be more than happy to arrange for you.
Koh Mook Address: Ko Libong, Kantang District, Trang, Thailand
Klong Khong Beach (Freedom Beach)
Located south of Phra Ae Beach (Long Beach), Klong Kong Beach stretches approximately 3km down the centre of the West Coast of Koh Lanta. The sandy stretch of beach is lined with many family run restaurants, beachfront bars, and little bungalows which you can stay in for a reasonable price. The main road behind is also lined with shops, travel agents, scooter rentals and even a 7-Eleven convenience store.
Klong Khong beach is famously known for its chilled hippie vibes, where travellers come to relax and enjoy some quiet time, similar to areas like Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin beach, the island of Koh Tao, or areas like Pai, in Northern Thailand.
Swimming At Klong Khong Beach
Koh Lanta has some stunning swimming spots… That being said, many say the beach is Koh Lanta’s rockiest beach, meaning it’s not always best for swimming. During low tide, the rocks make it almost impossible to swim due to the beach’s natural gradient. Take your water shoes just to be safe and we recommending swimming towards the middle of the beach at high tide. Either way, a salty dip in the sea always helps cool off from the heavy humidity.
Klong Khong Restaurants
For all you food lovers, one of the best things to do in Klong Khong is to eat! There’s lots of restaurants both on the main beach stretch and the road behind the main beach. Most of the restaurants are open-air, family owned, and dish up true authentic Thai food all day every day, packed with a flavourful punch from the locally sourced ingredients.
Aside from your more established restaurants, you’ll find a whole host of small Thai snack stands throughout Koh Lanta, offering super cheap traditional Thai dishes and snacks prepared fast right in front of you.
Klong Khong Bars
The bars in Klong Khong are famously known for their Happy Hour deals, and those along the beachfront allow tourists to enjoy Koh Lanta’s beautiful sunsets. Whether you’re after a cold beer or a fancy fruity cocktail, the bars dish up a whole host of thirst-quenching delights to help cool you down and set your chilled vacation mood.
Klong Khong Accommodation
If you’re looking for somwhere to stay in Klong Khong, you’re spoilt for choice… Private beach bungalows,
Ranging from Luxury, mid-range, to affordable budget rooms. Check out the best accommodation in Klong Khong Beach, Koh Lanta here.
Lanta Animal Welfare
For all you animal lovers our there looking for your feel good fix, head over to Lanta Animal Welfare and enjoy a fun day with the animals
This non profit charity are super passionate about helping homeless, sick, and injured animals.
Your visit and guided tour helps towards the upkeep and amazing things the charity are doing on Koh Lanta.
If you fancy doing some volunteering yourself, just drop an enquiry through their website and they’ll be happy to help you you.
Lanta Animal Welfare Location: 629 Moo.2, Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand, 81150
Summary: The Best Things To Do In Koh Lanta, Thailand
So there you have it… Koh Lanta is another hidden gem amongst Thailands South West coastline, boasting beautiful beaches and lush jungle greenery!
We’d recommending adding Koh Lanta to your itinerary if you have 2 or 3 nights to spare during your adventures. Especially for those looking to get off the beaten track and enjoy some slightly less crowded beaches and less commercial towns and villages.
Koh Lanta caters for all budgets, so don’t be put off. Due to the size and nature of the island, we’d recommend using scooters to get around or local taxi’s which are easy enough to flag down.
As always, we recommend scouting out accommodation in advance, however we’re fairly certain you’ll manage to squeeze into one of Koh Lanta’s many stunning accommodation’s with ease.
Read on further to discover more of the Best Places To Visit In Thailand to help plan your trip!
When To Visit Koh Lanta
With an average yearly temperature of 27°C (80°F), Koh Lanta and the surrounding Mu Koh Lanta National Park are warm all year round making it the perfect vacation destination. In our opinion, the best time to visit Koh Lanta is between November and May as you avoid the rainy season and rougher waters. Transport is also more reliable and regularly available.
How To Get To Koh Lanta
There are a few ways you can get to Koh Lant, however the most common way is by ferry, closely followed by Bus & Car, then speedboat. Most people tend to travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta, and Krabi also has its own airport if you’re travelling from further afield.
Ferry from Krabi (or Krabi Town) to Koh Lanta
One of the most popular methods of travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta is by ferry from Ao Nang (Nopparat Thara Pier), Krabi Town (Krabi Passeger Pier), or even Railay Beach. Most of the ferries take approximately 2 hours and are therefore slower than speedboat, but a little more relaxing meaning you can take in the scenary during your journey. It’s relatively low cost, at approximately 400 Bhat ($11 USD) per person. We recommend sitting outside on the top deck to soak up the sun and scenic views – Don’t forget to wear your sun block!
Speedboat from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Speedboat from Krabi to Koh Lanta is the fastest method of travel, taking approximately 1 and a half hours from Ao Nang. Although it’s more expensive than the ferry, it’s twice as fast and arguably a little more exciting.
Depending on the weather, the ride isn’t too rough. That being said, the speedboats tend to only run during the high season for obvious reasons (calmer weather). If you’re travelling with young children or elderly, maybe avoid the speedboat just in case.
Bus or Car from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Another popular means of travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta is by bus or car. Head from Krabi to Hua Hin Pier and board (in your vehicle) the short 1km (5 minutes) ferry platform crossing to Khlong Mak Pier on Koh Lanta Noi (small). You can then drive across a small bridge from Koh Lanta Noi (small), to Koh Lanta Yai (big).
Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Lanta, Thailand
Koh Lanta is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re in the Krabi region during your travels. The island is less touristy than others, meaning it’s a little more laid-back and the beaches and attractions are lwss crowded. Koh Lanta is ideal for those looking for a relaxing getaway during your Thailand travels and we’d recommend visiting for at least 2 or 3 nights.
Koh Lanta’s high season is December to February with average temperatures of 30*C (85f), however they reach higher temperatures closer to 40*C (103f) during April.
Most people travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta by Ferry, Bus, or Speedboat. Ferry is most common, and takes approximately 2 hours from Krabi to Koh Lanta.
