I spent 4 days in Koh Lanta at the beginning of May. Before booking the trip, I honestly had no idea what to expect, but after my stay, I discovered that Koh Lanta is one of those Thai islands where not much seems to have changed in the past twenty years.
The island still feels pretty raw, with buffaloes hanging out by the roads, bamboo beach bars, monkeys, and jungle vibes. It’s one of the best Thai islands to visit if you want beautiful beaches, slow island life, sunset dinners, boat trips, snorkelling, and the chance to explore nearby islands like Koh Mook or Koh Kradan.
In this Koh Lanta travel guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting, including the best things to do in Koh Lanta, where to stay, how to get there, how to get around, the best beaches, how many days you need, and whether Koh Lanta is really worth adding to your Thailand itinerary.
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Quick Overview: Koh Lanta Travel Guide
| Quick overview | Koh Lanta Travel Guide |
|---|---|
| Best for | A laid-back Thai island escape with wild beaches, sunsets, and snorkeling trips |
| My experience | Worth visiting if you want slow island life, jungle vibes, and a more old-school side of Thailand |
| Best things to do in Koh Lanta | Beach hopping, watching sunsets, Koh Lanta Old Town, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, snorkeling trips, boat tours, and a private driver day trip |
| Best area to stay | Long Beach for first-time visitors, Klong Nin for a relaxed beach stay, and Klong Dao for families |
| How many days you need | 3 days is a good minimum, but 5–7 days is better if you want to slow down |
| How to get there | Easiest by flying to Krabi, then taking a van to Koh Lanta |
| Good to know | Koh Lanta is quieter and less developed than Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, so it’s best for slow travel rather than nightlife or luxury beach clubs |
Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting? My Experience
I visited Koh Lanta at the beginning of May, and it was super quiet. There were some tourists, but significantly fewer than during the high season, which usually lasts from December to March.
Some restaurants and beach bars were already closed for the monsoon season, but this didn’t really affect our stay. There was always something open somewhere, so it was still easy to find a drink or food.
I’d say Koh Lanta is worth visiting if you want a laid-back Thai island with tropical beaches, sunset restaurants, snorkeling trips, affordable accommodation, and a peaceful atmosphere. My impression is that not much has changed here in the past twenty years or more, apart from some newer buildings used as accommodation.
I’d describe Koh Lanta as less modern and less developed compared to Phuket, Koh Samui, or Ao Nang in Krabi. So, if you are looking for big nightlife, shopping malls, and luxury beach clubs, this might not be the island for you.
But if you want rustic beaches, island-hopping tours, slow island life, and beautiful golden-hour views, then you’ll probably like Koh Lanta.
Best Time to Visit Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta has three main travel periods: the dry season, the shoulder season, and the rainy season. Each one offers a slightly different experience, depending on whether you prefer the best weather, lower prices, or fewer crowds.
Dry Season: Best Weather and Calmer Seas
When: December to April
The best time to visit Koh Lanta is during the dry season, when the weather is more reliable, the sea is calmer, and island-hopping tours and snorkeling trips are much more likely to run smoothly.
If you book a boat trip during this time, there is a very good chance you’ll have great weather, clear sea conditions, and better visibility for snorkeling.
However, this is also when most tourists visit Koh Lanta, so accommodation prices are at their highest. If you are travelling during the dry season, it’s better to book your hotel well in advance.
Shoulder Season: Fewer Tourists and Better Prices
When: May and November
I visited Koh Lanta in the shoulder season, at the beginning of May. I would describe it as the end of the dry season, but not fully monsoon season yet.
During our stay, we had around 45% sunshine, 30% clouds, and 25% rain, mostly in the evenings or overnight. The island was very quiet, and we had some beaches almost completely to ourselves, which was amazing.
Another big advantage was the price. Our hotel was around 75% cheaper than during high season, which made it a great bargain. For me, May felt like a good time to visit Koh Lanta if you do not mind some unpredictable weather and prefer less people around.
Rainy Season: Quietest and Cheapest Time to Visit
When: June to October
Rainy season is the quietest and wettest time of year in Koh Lanta. It might be ideal if you are looking for a calm stay with lots of relaxing activities rather than a packed sightseeing itinerary.
I think this could be the perfect time to book a discounted 5-star hotel, chill by the pool, go for massages, read lots of books, and take long walks along the beach. But I would only choose this time if you don’t mind the rain and understand that some restaurants, beach bars, tours, and transport options may be more limited.
How Many Days Do You Need in Koh Lanta?
I stayed in Koh Lanta from Thursday to Monday, and it was enough time to get to know the island, but I could easily imagine staying longer.
I would say the ideal minimum is three days. This gives you enough time to relax on the beaches, watch sunsets, visit Koh Lanta Old Town, and go on one boat or snorkeling trip to nearby islands such as Koh Kradan, Koh Haa, or Koh Rok.
If you are staying in a nice beach resort, I would also allocate some time to actually enjoy it. Koh Lanta is not the kind of place where you need to rush around all day.
How to Get to Koh Lanta
I visited Koh Lanta from Bangkok, and getting there was much easier than I expected. I took a quick flight to Krabi Airport, followed by a shared van straight to our hotel in Koh Lanta.
The van journey from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta usually takes around 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and how long you have to wait for the ferry. On the way there, it took us almost 3.5 hours because there was a long ferry queue. On the way back, it only took around 2 hours.
You can also reach Koh Lanta from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Phuket, or Koh Phi Phi. The easiest route for most travellers is to fly to Krabi and then continue by shared van, private transfer, or hotel shuttle.
I’ve written a full transport guide with all the route options, including how to get to Koh Lanta from Bangkok, Krabi Airport, Ao Nang, Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi.
➞ Read my full guide on how to get to Koh Lanta
Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
When I was planning my stay in Koh Lanta, I realized that the island is quite long and spread out. As I wasn’t planning on renting a scooter, I needed to make sure I was within walking distance of restaurants, 7-Eleven, and a café.
I ended up staying at Rawi Warin Resort & Spa, and it worked out perfectly for the shoulder season. I’ve written up the full stay, including the price I paid, the rooms, and whether it was worth it, in my Rawi Warin Resort & Spa review.
Other areas to stay in Koh Lanta:
- Long Beach: Long Beach is located in the north of the island and is one of the best areas to stay in Koh Lanta for first-time visitors. It has a good balance of beach, restaurants, and plenty of accommodation options.
- Klong Dao: Klong Dao is located at the very top of the island and is perfect for families thanks to its easy access and calmer atmosphere.
- Klong Nin: Klong Nin is a great option for couples looking for beachfront restaurants, beach bars, nice brunch spots, and sunset views.
- Kantiang Bay: Kantiang Bay is farther south and better for travellers who want a quieter stay.
- Koh Lanta Old Town: Koh Lanta Old Town is located on the eastern side of the island. This place definitely has charm, as well as sea-view restaurants and a more local feel. The only downside is that there are no real beaches to swim at.
➞ Read my guide: Where to Stay in Koh Lanta: My Top Areas & Hotels
Best Things to Do in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is not really a place with a massive list of attractions or things to see, but that’s part of its charm.
Go Beach Hopping
Koh Lanta has a lot of beaches, and one of the best things you can do is rent a scooter, hire a taxi, or book a private driver and explore them.
Most beaches have these old-school beach bars built out of bamboo, with rustic seating and a very laid-back atmosphere. Some beaches feel remote and raw, so don’t expect flashy beach clubs like in Phuket or Bali. This is exactly what makes Koh Lanta special. It still feels simple, tropical, and a little bit untouched.
Watch the Sunset
Luckily, most of the beaches in Koh Lanta are located on the west side of the island, so every evening you can enjoy a beautiful sunset from the beach, a bar, or one of the restaurants scattered along the coast. I watched the sunset mainly from our hotel’s little beach, which was one of my favourite parts of staying in Koh Lanta.
Explore Koh Lanta Old Town
Koh Lanta Old Town is on the east side of the island and offers a completely different atmosphere from the beaches. It has an old market street lined with wooden houses, many of which have been turned into small shops, cafés, and sea-view restaurants. You can also visit the Koh Lanta Community Museum or wander around the pier.
It’s not a place where you need to spend the whole day, but it’s definitely worth visiting if you want to see a different side of Koh Lanta.
Visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Mu Ko Lanta National Park is located at the southern end of Koh Lanta. The entry fee is 200 THB per person, and once inside, you can visit the beach, walk up to the lighthouse for beautiful views, or go on a short hiking trail. Once you pay the entry fee, you also get access to Khlong Chak Waterfall, which you can visit on the same day.
Visit the Butterfly Farm
In the northern part of the island, you’ll find a family-run butterfly farm where you can get a personal guided tour and meet the animals they care for. You can see turtles, birds, otters, scorpions, water buffaloes, and more. It’s a nice stop if you want to do something a little different from beaches and boat trips.
Take a Boat Trip from Koh Lanta
There are some amazing snorkeling spots around Koh Lanta, and boat trips are one of the best ways to explore the nearby islands.
Popular tours include Koh Rok and Koh Haa snorkeling trips, a visit to the Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, a trip to Koh Kradan, mangrove tours, and kayaking trips. These are some of the best ways to enjoy the clear water, beaches, and marine life.
➞ Book a snorkelling trip from Koh Lanta
Take a Private Driver Day Trip
If you want to see more of the island but don’t want to rent a scooter, a private driver is a great option, and that’s exactly what I did. This is especially useful if you want to visit Koh Lanta Old Town, the national park, viewpoints, and several beaches in one day without worrying about driving.
Not renting a scooter in Koh Lanta?
➞ Read how I explored Koh Lanta with a private driver
If you want more detail, I wrote a separate guide about the best things to do in Koh Lanta, including what I actually did during my 4 days on the island and what I would do next time.
➞ Read my guide to the best things to do in Koh Lanta
Best Beaches in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta’s beaches are mostly along the west coast. I visited the island at the beginning of May, and we had some of these beaches completely to ourselves.
I’m not sure if it was because of the season, but there were very few sunbeds available. I have a feeling it may be quite similar even in high season, as Koh Lanta’s beaches still feel more rustic and less developed than beaches in other more popular islands.
Long Beach
As the name suggests, Long Beach is pretty long and is great if you want somewhere easy and convenient. There are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. We enjoyed a delicious mango lassi and a cold beer at SeaSky Restaurant, which had comfortable seating and a few sunbeds.
Klong Dao Beach
Klong Dao Beach is a practical and family-friendly beach close to the northern part of Koh Lanta. It’s a good choice for travellers who want a relaxed but convenient base.
Klong Nin Beach
Klong Nin Beach was within walking distance from our accommodation and was probably my favourite beach in Koh Lanta.
We stopped for a drink at Sela Lanta, which had comfy bean bags and umbrellas. There were also plenty of highly rated beach bars nearby, but unfortunately, some of them were already closed in May.
Just behind the beach, there is a road lined with places to eat, a 7-Eleven, and cafés, which makes Klong Nin a really convenient area to stay.
Bakantiang Beach
Bakantiang Beach is farther south and feels more scenic and peaceful. I recommend stopping at Same Same But Different restaurant for a drink or food and enjoying the sounds of the jungle around you.
Ao Nui Beach
Ao Nui Beach is a small beach with one place where you can buy a drink or something small to eat. It’s a bit of a walk down to get to the beach, but that adds to the remote feeling. Apparently, during high season, you might meet some monkeys here. There were none during our visit in May, as they usually come when it’s busier.
Bamboo Bay
If you want a peaceful beach with wild scenery, head to Bamboo Bay in the very south of the island. There were only two bars on the beach when we visited, and apparently Monkey Bar has some very naughty monkeys, so keep an eye on your belongings if you stop there.
Bamboo Bay feels much more remote than the beaches farther north, so it’s a good choice if you want a quieter and more natural beach experience.
Getting Around Koh Lanta
Unfortunately, there is no Grab app, which is the local version of Uber, available on Koh Lanta, so we were left with the following options.
Scooter
After visiting Koh Lanta, my advice would be this: if you can rent a scooter, do it, but make sure you wear a helmet and drive safely.
This will give you the most flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. I saw a lot of scooter rentals around Koh Lanta, with prices usually around 250–350 THB per day.
Local Taxis
Many locals have developed their own unique transport by attaching a cart to a motorbike. I saw lots of local families travelling like this, and some people also offer this as a tuk-tuk or taxi service for shorter trips. They usually wait along the main road, especially near busier beach areas, restaurants, and shops.
Renting a Bicycle
There are a few scooter rentals that also rent out bicycles. If you are fit and don’t mind cycling in hot weather, you can see a decent part of the island by bicycle. There are some hills and ups and downs, but if you have an electric bike or a good mountain bike, it should be manageable.
I rented a basic old bicycle for 180 THB per day from a rental shop close to our hotel. It was the only one they had, and I later realised the brakes were not working properly, so it was a bit of a pain. I would definitely have cycled much further if I had a better bike.
In the end, I cycled about 6 km from Rawi Warin Resort to Tuesday Morning Small Talk Cafe and back.
Private Driver
For one day, we hired a private driver who drove us anywhere we wanted. He also gave us some recommendations and told us a bit about life on the island. If you don’t plan on riding a scooter, this is the easiest and most comfortable option for seeing Koh Lanta. We paid 1,800 THB for 6.5 hours of his time.
My Koh Lanta Travel Tips
- Before you arrive, figure out how you are going to move around – There is no Grab available on Koh Lanta, so especially in high season, it might be worth pre-booking your private driver or scooter rental.
- Make sure you book a hotel in an area that works for you – If you want to be close to the beach, restaurants, and bars, choose one of the areas on the north-west coast. Avoid Koh Lanta Old Town if you want easy beach access.
- Don’t expect a big nightlife scene or fancy beach clubs – Koh Lanta is not a party island, and it’s not a place with high-end beach clubs.
- Bring cash – You’ll need it for small restaurants, markets, taxis, tips, and local shops.
- Don’t expect too many Western restaurants – I found a pizza place and a burger restaurant, but apart from that, many places to eat are very simple Thai restaurants by the road. Some kitchens may look far from Western standards, but that doesn’t mean the food is not great.
- Don’t worry if you forget your cosmetics bag – There is a Watsons beauty shop in the north of the island, as well as around six or seven 7-Elevens with large sections for face creams, make-up, shower gels, shampoos, and other essentials. It’s easy to stock up if you forget something at home.
- You can withdraw money on the island – There are plenty of ATMs on Koh Lanta, usually located near 7-Elevens.
Where to Eat in Koh Lanta: My Favourite Restaurants
We pretty much ate at the same places during our stay. We had breakfast at our hotel, and for lunch and dinner, we visited these spots.
- Baan Peek Mai lanta Restaurant&Bar – A very friendly lady runs this place. The menu has Thai meals as well as simple breakfast options. I loved the papaya salad and the chicken with cashews. The portions were also quite generous.
- KinBurger – This place does beef smash burgers, and they were actually very delicious. A single burger for 99 THB is hard to beat.
- Khao Yai Restaurant – We stopped here on our way to Koh Lanta Old Town. The biggest highlight is the view, which overlooks most of the east coast and nearby islands. We had panang curry, which was very tasty, although the portion could have been slightly bigger.
- Auntie Mae’s Bakery & Coffee – They have really nice cakes and pastries. The blueberry muffin and lemon tart really hit the spot.
- Bonnie’s Deli – This place caught my attention when we drove past it, and although I didn’t have time to visit, it has great reviews and seems like a good place to go when you get tired of Thai food. They also sell wine, cold cuts, and delicious-looking sandwiches.
FAQ About Koh Lanta Travel Guide
Where is Koh Lanta?
Koh Lanta is an island in Krabi Province in southern Thailand. You can easily reach it from Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, or Bangkok via Krabi.
Is Koh Lanta worth visiting?
Yes, Koh Lanta is worth visiting if you want to see a more original, old-school side of Thailand without high-end beach clubs, fancy shops, or overdevelopment.
Local people live here in very humble conditions, and the beaches still feel wild, with jungle sounds, bamboo beach bars, and a much slower pace of life. It’s a pretty relaxing place with amazing sunset views and plenty of options for snorkeling trips. Overall, Koh Lanta feels way more chilled than Phuket or Koh Phi Phi.
How many days do you need in Koh Lanta?
I’d say three days is a good minimum for Koh Lanta, but five to seven days is even better if you want to enjoy the island at a slower pace.
Where to stay in Koh Lanta?
The most popular areas to stay in Koh Lanta are Long Beach and Klong Nin. Both have long, peaceful beaches, 7-Elevens, restaurants, and beach bars nearby. Long Beach is a great choice for first-time visitors, while Klong Nin is perfect if you want a more relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.
Do you need a scooter in Koh Lanta?
A scooter will give you the most flexibility to explore Koh Lanta. But if you don’t want to drive, there are other options. You can rent a bicycle, use local taxis, or book a private driver.
Is Koh Lanta good for nightlife?
Koh Lanta has relaxed nightlife with beach bars, sunset drinks, live music, and casual places to go out, but it’s not a major party island. If you want big nightlife, you would probably be better off choosing Phuket’s Bangla Road or Koh Phi Phi.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Koh Lanta
Before my trip, I wasn’t really sure what box to put Koh Lanta in. Now I can say that it’s the kind of place I’ll return to. Especially when I want to escape the craziness of Bangkok, get some fresh air, and enjoy quiet, undeveloped beaches.
If you love nature, snorkeling, and slow island life, Koh Lanta might be your island. It’s a great choice for a peaceful holiday without too much glam.
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