Koh Lanta: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Explore Koh Lanta: Your Essential Companion to the quintessential Thai island
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Tucked away in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta was once Thailand’s best-kept secret – an island paradise where time slows, the sunsets burn in hues of pink and orange, and a laid-back vibe reigns supreme. All of this is still true, but word has got out, and Koh Lanta is officially on the radar. Far from the crowds of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, the island invites you to swap the raucous party scene for a tranquil, bohemian escape. Natural beauty and cultural richness can be found in spades, and this travel guide to Koh Lanta will help you discover the best this island has to offer.
How to Get to Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is surprisingly easy to reach, despite its secluded charm. The nearest airport is Krabi International Airport (KBV), from which a two hour journey via minivan and ferry will bring you to the island. If you’re arriving from Phuket or other nearby islands, speedboats and ferries run regularly during the high season (November–April).
Once on the island, the best way to explore is by renting a scooter. The roads are relatively quiet, making it safe for even novice riders. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available, but for the true Koh Lanta experience, the freedom of your own two wheels is unbeatable.
Pimalai, Koh Lanta
Where to Stay on Koh Lanta
Pimalai Resort & Spa is one of the best, nicest places to stay on the island. Perched above the pristine shores of Kantiang Bay, here you find barefoot luxury against a backdrop of jungle-clad hills. Spacious villas with private balconies and teakwood floors are dotted around the resort, which unfolds over the landscape from a central giant banyan tree.
Lazy Days Bungalows, Koh Lanta
Lazy Days Bungalows
Three beautifully appointed bamboo bungalows are nestled into the sandy shores of Relax Beach in Koh Lanta. Inside you’ll find soft, pillowy beds with air conditioning, TVs and tea and coffee making amenities. Sip your morning coffee on your private terrace, or lie in the shade of the palm trees in the pagodas, the waves lapping only a stone’s throw away from you.
The Best Beaches in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta’s beaches are among Thailand’s most beautiful. Even the most famous and developed, Long Beach, is a laid-back spot with soft golden sand and scatterings of boho beach bars and restaurants.
Kantiang Bay is a quiet, picture-perfect crescent of sand framed by jungle-covered hills. Bamboo Beach is as close to a deserted island escape as you can get, with rainforest spilling out onto secluded white sand. Relax Bay is a hidden gem with a few rustic beach shacks and a gentle atmosphere, while Nui Bay is a small, secret cove with turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling.
Koh Kradan, Thailand
Things to Do in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a gateway to some of Thailand’s top dive sites, including Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, famous for their coral reefs and the chance to spot manta rays and whale sharks. If you prefer snorkelling, head to Koh Rok, where crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life make for an unforgettable underwater experience.
hand picked tours we love:
Island-Hopping Adventures
Take a traditional longtail boat or speedboat to explore nearby islands. The Four Islands Tour is a popular option, featuring stops at Koh Ngai, Koh Muk (Emerald Cave), Koh Kradan, and Koh Chuek. The highlight? Swimming through the mystical Emerald Cave to reach a hidden beach enclosed by limestone cliffs.
Koh Lanta Old Town
Explore Lanta Old Town
A refreshing break from the beach, Lanta Old Town is a charming fishing village with wooden stilt houses, colourful storefronts and a rich history. Wander through the small boutiques, enjoy fresh seafood by the waterfront and soak in the island’s laid-back atmosphere.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
At the southern tip of the island, Mu Ko Lanta National Park has breathtaking coastal views, a scenic lighthouse and trails that wind through tropical forests. Keep an eye out for the island’s friendly (yet mischievous) monkeys!
Yoga & Wellness
For those seeking some soothing for your mind, body and soul, Koh Lanta is home to several yoga retreats and wellness centers. Relax Bay Yoga has beachfront classes where you can stretch and meditate with the turquoise Andaman sea as your backdrop.
Yang Garden, Koh Lanta
Where to Eat in Koh Lanta
Yang Garden: An achingly romantic restaurant serving up some of the best food on the island, fusing European cooking with local produce and Thai flavours. Think fresh Thai oysters, rotisserie pork belly and grilled duck breast, finished with whipped lemongrass panna cotta and washed down with a glass from their extensive imported wine list.
Same Same But Different: Sip on a fresh coconut with your toes in the sand, as you wait for your laab gai or caramelised bananas with rum and ice cream to be delivered to your table. A classically Thai beachfront eatery that does everything right, get here for the late afternoon to have front row seats to a stellar sunset.
Pad Thai Rock N Roll: A small but legendary spot for arguably the best Pad Thai on the island. Watch the chefs whip up a storm in the open kitchen, serving up favourites such as pork rib curry, prawn pad thai and a selection of ice-cold Thai beers.
Best Time to Visit Koh Lanta
The ideal time to visit Koh Lanta is between November and April, when the weather is sunny and dry. The monsoon season runs from May to October and sees fewer crowds and lower prices, but some businesses close and ferry services become less frequent.
Things to Do
things to do
