If you are like me and are not planning to rent a scooter in Koh Lanta, this guide is based on exactly what I did. I’m not really comfortable riding a scooter in Thailand, but I still wanted to see more of the island than just the area around my hotel. Koh Lanta is long and spread out, and there is no Grab, so getting around takes a little more planning.
Although I have a valid driving licence and have spent a lot of time driving across Europe in the past few years, the idea of getting on a scooter in Thailand is still something I’m kind of scared of. So during my stay in Koh Lanta in May, I decided to book a private driver for one day.
It turned out to be one of the easiest ways to explore the island. In one day, we visited beaches, viewpoints, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Koh Lanta Old Town, and a lunch spot with amazing views.
In this guide, I’ll share my private driver day trip itinerary, including how I found my driver, how much we paid, where we went, what I liked, and whether I think hiring a private driver in Koh Lanta was worth it.
➞ Planning the full trip? Read my complete Koh Lanta Travel Guide
Quick Overview: My Koh Lanta Private Driver Itinerary
| Time | Stop | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Hotel pick-up | We started from Rawi Warin Resort around the Klong Tob / Klong Nin area |
| Morning | Southern beaches and viewpoints | We visited beaches like Bakantiang Beach, Ao Nui, Bamboo Bay, Klong Jak, and a few smaller hidden spots |
| Late morning | Mu Ko Lanta National Park | Entry was 200 THB per person, and we visited the lighthouse viewpoint and beach |
| Lunch | Khao Yai Restaurant | Great stop for panang curry and views over the east coast |
| Early afternoon | Koh Lanta Old Town | Good for a short walk, shops, cafés, sea-view restaurants, and the pier |
| Afternoon | Northern beaches | We stopped at Long Beach, Relax Bay, Beautiful Beach, and Secret Beach |
| 4:00 PM | Return to hotel | The full trip took around 6.5 hours and felt like enough time without being too rushed |
Why I Booked a Private Driver in Koh Lanta
I don’t want to start in a negative way, but Thailand has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world. According to the WHO, more than 60 people die on the roads in Thailand every day. Seeing how some people drive, I just don’t think I have the nerves for that.
I know scooters are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to explore Thai islands, and without them, exploring can feel quite limiting. Whenever I can, I use Grab, but that’s not available everywhere. On Koh Lanta, there is no Grab, so you cannot just open an app and order a ride whenever you need one.
I wanted to see different beaches, Koh Lanta Old Town, viewpoints, and Mu Ko Lanta National Park in one day, without worrying about driving, parking, directions or negotiating every single trip with a local taxi driver.
Hiring a local “taxi” for the whole route would probably not be as practical anyway, so what made the most sense to me was to look for a private driver.
How I Found and Booked My Koh Lanta Driver
I didn’t know about any obvious website where I could book a private driver in Koh Lanta, so I started searching on Google. That brought me to a few Facebook pages, where I found a recommendation for Mr. Man, so I contacted him via WhatsApp.
We agreed on the date, pick-up time, and price before the trip. I also shared with him the places I wanted to see. He picked us up at our hotel at 9:30 AM and stayed with us until around 4 PM. The whole day was very flexible, he said he’d take us wherever we wanted to go on the island.
I had about ten places in mind, but towards the end of our trip, he also showed us a few extra spots I didn’t know about. He also mentioned that some people hire him to take them to the beach, stay there for a few hours, and then he comes back to pick them up and take them back to the hotel.
He offered two different vehicles to choose from. One was a bigger pick-up truck with AC, and the other was an open songthaew-style car, which can take more people. As it was super hot in May and there was a chance of rain, we opted for the pick-up truck, which was also probably more comfortable.
My private driver contact:
Mr. Man: +66 98 937 0988
Note: This is not an affiliate recommendation. This is simply the driver I personally used during my Koh Lanta trip.
How Much Does a Private Driver Cost in Koh Lanta
We paid 1,800 THB (55 USD) for a private driver in Koh Lanta for around 6.5 hours, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM.
I think this was a special off-season price, as the original price on the link the driver sent me was 2,500 THB. But I guess there is always some room for negotiation.
For me, this felt like good value because we were able to visit several beaches, Koh Lanta Old Town, a lunch spot with views, and Mu Ko Lanta National Park in one day.
Keep in mind that the price didn’t include:
- lunch
- national park entrance fees
- tips
- paid attractions
- personal expenses
He provided us with recommendations, some interesting information about the island and its people, and a few bottles of water. Fuel was included, and he accepted payment only in cash, not even a Thai QR code.
For the national park entry fee, we paid 200 THB per person and we didn’t have to pay for him, as Thai nationals have free entry.
My Koh Lanta Private Driver Itinerary
This is roughly how our Koh Lanta private driver day trip looked.
Stop 1: Hotel Pick-Up
Our driver picked us up from our hotel at 9:30 AM. We were staying at Rawi Warin Resort & Spa, around the Klong Tob / Klong Nin area, which was a good middle point for exploring the island.
Before setting off, we discussed the first stop. I had already done my research and had a list of places I wanted to see, but I also liked that our driver could suggest extra stops.
➞ Read my guide on where to stay in Koh Lanta
Stop 2: The Southern Beaches on the West Coast
Beach hopping was one of the main reasons I wanted a private driver. Koh Lanta’s beaches are mostly along the west coast, and many of them are connected by one main road.
At the beginning of our trip, we visited several beaches, including:
- Bakantiang Beach
- Ao Nui Beach
- Bamboo Bay
- Klong Jak Beach
I visited Koh Lanta in May, so some beaches were almost completely empty. They felt rustic, quiet, and wild. Some had a bamboo beach bar or two, simple seating, jungle sounds, and a very relaxed atmosphere.
Some beaches were easy to access, while others required a short walk or climb down. Having a local driver made it much easier because he told us exactly where to enter the beach.
We also stopped at Bakantiang Beach viewpoint and a few other viewpoints he suggested, so we could take some nice photos.
On the day of our trip, the weather was a bit cloudy and the sea was kinda rough, so we just walked along the beaches and didn’t really feel like sunbathing or swimming. There were also no sunbeds anywhere.
If we did this trip during high season, I would definitely cut the number of beaches and spend some proper beach time on one or two of them instead.
➞ Read my guide to the best things to do in Koh Lanta
Stop 3: Mu Ko Lanta National Park
After visiting the southern beaches, we headed to Mu Ko Lanta National Park at the very end of the island. This is one of the main attractions in Koh Lanta.
When we arrived, we paid the entry fee of 200 THB per person and parked at the large parking area. Mr. Man didn’t walk with us everywhere. He usually dropped us off and waited for us in the car.
From there, we headed towards the lighthouse and the southern beach, which is also good for swimming. You can also follow the Laem Tanod Nature Trail, where you may spot monkeys. Once you pay the entry fee, you also get access to Khlong Chak Waterfall, which our driver offered to take us to. But we weren’t really interested in another waterfall, and we also didn’t have proper footwear.
The national park area was nicely kept, with public toilets and a small shop selling drinks and light refreshments.
Stop 4: Lunch at Khao Yai Restaurant
After the national park, the plan was to head to the east side of the island, which was about a 35-minute drive.
On our way to Koh Lanta Old Town, we stopped for lunch at Khao Yai Restaurant, which doesn’t only serve delicious panang curry but also has amazing views over the east coast and nearby islands.
Stop 5: Koh Lanta Old Town
Koh Lanta Old Town was the only place we stopped at on the east side of the island. I enjoyed walking down the Old Town Lanta Street Market, past the old wooden houses. This place is good for shopping, stopping for food, or having coffee in one of the many restaurants with decks overlooking the sea.
There is also a pier, which we only checked out from a distance because it was too hot, and a little community museum located in an old wooden house. You don’t really need much time here, I’d say an hour is probably completely sufficient.
Stop 6: The Northern Beaches on the West Coast
Towards the end of our trip, the weather cleared up, so we headed to see the northern beaches. I mainly had Long Beach in mind, but before our trip ended, Mr. Man showed us a few more beaches that were smaller and less known.
Long Beach was actually lovely, with only a few people on it. We hung out at SeaSky Restaurant for a while, which has lovely outdoor seating right on the beach.
At the end of our trip, we visited the following beaches:
- Long Beach
- Relax Bay
- Beautiful Beach
- Secret Beach
Stop 7: Return to Hotel
Our private driver day trip ended at 4 PM, and we were dropped back at our hotel. For me, 6.5 hours felt like enough time to see a lot of Koh Lanta without feeling completely exhausted and the only thing I didn’t get to see from my list was the Butterfly Farm.
I also think I got to understand the island better and itt was very interesting and eye opening to see how the locals live along the road between the west and east coast.
Private Driver vs Scooter in Koh Lanta
If you are deciding between renting a scooter and booking a private driver in Koh Lanta, it really comes down to your confidence, budget, and travel style.
| Option | Best for | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Private driver | Comfort, families, non-scooter riders, one-day sightseeing | More expensive than a scooter |
| Scooter | Flexibility and budget travel | Safety, heat, rain, parking and insurance concerns |
| Local taxi | Short trips | Less flexible for a full island day |
| Bicycle | Short distances and active travellers | Hot, hilly and limited range |
Is a Private Driver Worth It in Koh Lanta?
Yes, it was definitely worth it. Maybe it might seem a bit pricey, but it was super easy and comfortable. It was also nice to have someone local who could share island insights and show us a few lesser-known beach stops. I’d recommend this especially for couples, families, and those who have limited time on the island.
My Tips for Booking a Private Driver in Koh Lanta
- Agree on the price before the trip.
- In high season, make the booking well in advance. Our driver said he had clients every day for nearly 4 months.
- Confirm how many hours are included.
- Ask what type of car is available.
- Bring cash for the driver, national park entry, lunch, drinks, and tips.
- Decide your must-see stops before the day starts.
- Ask your driver for local recommendations.
- Start early if you want to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Bring extra water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito spray.
- If you decide to go to the waterfall or follow the trail in the national park, wear proper trainers.
- Be flexible in case of rain, heat, or closed places during low season.
Plan your Thailand trip
A few things worth sorting early
FAQ About Hiring a Private Driver in Koh Lanta
Can you explore Koh Lanta without a scooter?
Yes, you can explore Koh Lanta without a scooter by booking a private driver, using local moto-taxis, or renting a bicycle for shorter distances.
How much does a private driver cost in Koh Lanta?
I paid 1,800 THB for a private driver in Koh Lanta for 6.5 hours, but prices can vary depending on the season, route, car type, and number of hours. I visited in May, which is already past the high season, so I believe the price also reflected that.
How do you book a private driver in Koh Lanta?
You can book a private driver in Koh Lanta through your hotel, local contacts, Facebook groups, or WhatsApp. You can find the contact for my private driver above.
What can you see with a private driver in Koh Lanta?
Where you go is totally up to you, you can visit the main highlights like Koh Lanta Old Town, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, viewpoints, Long Beach, Klong Nin, Kantiang Bay, Bamboo Bay, Klong Jak Beach, and Ao Nui Beach. Or you can just choose one or two places and spend the whole time there. The driver will pick you up whenever you ask.
Can you use Grab on Koh Lanta?
Unfortunately, there is no Grab available on Koh Lanta. I know, I was gutted when I found out, but considering the size of the island, it kind of makes sense.
How much is a private transfer from Krabi to Koh Lanta?
From what I’ve seen, the price is usually between 2,200 and 3,000 THB. I usually check the price on 12Go Asia.
Final Thoughts on My Koh Lanta Private Driver Day Trip
Booking a private driver in Koh Lanta was one of the best decisions I made during my trip. It was definitely worth the money because it saved me time figuring out how to get everywhere on our own, removed the stress of driving, and gave us a comfortable way to explore the island.
If you are confident on a scooter, you may prefer the freedom of renting one, but if you are like me and want to explore Koh Lanta without a scooter, I recommend booking a private driver. It’s a very easy and practical option.
➞ Read my guide How to Get to Koh Lanta: From Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi, Ao Nang & Bangkok
