Koh Lanta is not an island with an endless list of things to do. After spending 4 days here, I realized it’s a perfect place to visit if you want to escape the busyness of modern life and surround yourself with nature. I’d say the best things to do in Koh Lanta are very simple: exploring wild beaches, watching sunsets, visiting Koh Lanta Old Town, and taking boat trips with snorkeling.
And I believe this is exactly what makes Koh Lanta special. It feels more raw and relaxed than places like Phuket, Koh Samui, or Koh Phi Phi.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Koh Lanta, including the best beaches, tips for visiting Mu Ko Lanta National Park, snorkeling trips worth considering, and my advice for exploring the island without renting a scooter.
➞ Planning the full trip? Read my complete Koh Lanta Travel Guide
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Quick Overview: Best Things to Do in Koh Lanta
| Best for | Slow island life, rustic beaches, sunsets, snorkeling trips, and nature |
| My experience | Koh Lanta is not packed with attractions, but it’s perfect if you want to slow down and explore at an easy pace |
| Best things to do | Beach hopping, watching sunsets, Koh Lanta Old Town, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, cycling, private driver day trip, and snorkeling tours |
| Best beaches to visit | Long Beach, Klong Nin Beach, Klong Jak Beach, Bakantiang Beach, Ao Nui Beach, and Bamboo Bay |
| Best paid activity | A snorkeling or island-hopping trip to Koh Rok, Koh Haa, Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, or Koh Phi Phi |
| Best way to explore | Scooter if you are comfortable, or local taxi or private driver if you don’t want to drive |
| How many days you need | 3 days is a good minimum, but 4–5 days gives you more time for beaches, tours, and resort time |
| Good to know | Koh Lanta is quiet, raw, and low-key, so do not expect big nightlife or fancy beach clubs |
Is There Anything to Do in Koh Lanta, Thailand? My Experience
After visiting Koh Lanta, I realized that this island might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you are someone who doesn’t enjoy spending time on the beach and needs every day filled with activities, high-end beach clubs, or Instagram-friendly places, then you might want to skip Koh Lanta and go to Krabi or Koh Samui instead.
My goal was to see the island, but also spend some time by our hotel pool, and I got exactly what I wanted. In 4 days, I managed to rent a bicycle and do a short cycling trip, go on an island tour with a private driver, spend time chilling on Long Beach and Klong Nin Beach, and relax by our hotel’s amazing infinity pool.
I also wanted to go on an island-hopping tour with snorkeling, but in the end, I didn’t book it because it was raining late afternoon and evening the day before. I kind of regret it now because the whole next day, when I originally planned to go, was sunny.
I’d say that one of the biggest advantages of Koh Lanta is its location. It can serve as a great base for trips to nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Haa, Koh Kradan, Koh Mook, and others. You can also go kayaking in the mangrove forest or book a snorkeling tour from Koh Lanta.
So yes, there are things to do in Koh Lanta. It just depends whether these are the right activities for you.
Best Things to Do in Koh Lanta: What I Did
1. Go Beach Hopping in Koh Lanta
All the main beaches in Koh Lanta are located on the west coast and are connected by one main road. In my opinion, beach hopping is one of the best things to do in Koh Lanta. I visited Koh Lanta in May, and there were literally no people on some of the beaches.
The beaches in Koh Lanta feel rustic and wild, with bamboo beach bars, simple seating, jungle sounds, and none of the flashy beach club scene you find in Phuket or Bali. Some beaches are easy to reach and have restaurants nearby, while others feel more remote and require a short walk or climb down.
During high season, from December to April, the island gets busier. There may also be more monkeys around beach bars trying to snatch your things, so be careful.
I visited around ten different beaches in Koh Lanta with our local private driver, who we hired for a day. He told us that even though some of the beaches were empty during our visit, they can get very busy in high season, and the scooter parking areas can fill up completely.
Most beaches have at least one beach bar or restaurant, so you don’t need to carry big bottles of water and snacks with you everywhere.
Some of the best beaches I visited in Koh Lanta include:
- Long Beach
- Klong Dao Beach
- Klong Nin Beach
- Bakantiang Beach
- Ao Nui Beach
- Bamboo Bay
- Relax Bay
- Klong Jak Beach
I honestly liked all of them, especially Klong Jak Beach, which felt a bit like something from the movie Cast Away. For chilling on comfy chairs, I enjoyed Long Beach and Klong Nin Beach the most, as these had more beach bars available.
In case you are wondering what the sand is like, it’s yellowish and smooth to slightly coarse. It’s definitely not as powdery soft as the sand in Koh Samet.
➞ Find beach resorts in Koh Lanta
2. Watch the Sunset on the West Coast
Most of the main beaches and hotels are located on the west side of the island, which means you can enjoy sunset views almost every evening. There are also some bars and restaurants located on cliffs, offering even better views.
During my May trip, we had most of the rain in the evenings, so we were rewarded with only one proper sunset. I watched it from our beautiful hotel beach, and it was still worth it.
3. Explore Koh Lanta Old Town
Koh Lanta Old Town is on the east side of the island and has a completely different atmosphere from the west coast beaches. I visited it with our private driver, and the first thing we did was check out the pier. After that, we walked along the Old Town Lanta Street Market.
This street by the sea is lined with old wooden houses, many of which have been converted into shops. You’ll find clothes, including 7-Eleven T-shirts and elephant pants, as well as jewellery, vases, and decorative pieces.
There are also plenty of restaurants and cafés, and many of them have a deck at the back with seats overlooking the sea. You can also visit the Koh Lanta Community Museum, which is located in a beautiful century-old building.
I wouldn’t say you need a full day in Koh Lanta Old Town, but it’s worth visiting if you want to see a different side of the island. There are some accommodation options available, but there is no real beach nearby, so you would need a scooter or transport to get to one each day.
4. Stop for Lunch with Views
On our way from the west coast to Koh Lanta Old Town, we stopped for lunch at Khao Yai Restaurant. Apart from the delicious panang curry, we also enjoyed amazing views over the east coast and the nearby islands of Koh Nui Nai and Koh Nui Nok.
This is a great stop if you are exploring Koh Lanta with a private driver or scooter and want lunch with a view.
5. Visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Mu Ko Lanta National Park was also on my itinerary. It’s located at the southern end of Koh Lanta and is one of the main attractions on the island. As with many national parks in Thailand, we had to pay an entry fee. It was 200 THB per person, so make sure you carry enough cash.
Once we got inside, we headed up to the lighthouse. It was a short climb and easily doable even in flip-flops. From the top, there are really beautiful views of the sea, and you can also see two beaches on both sides.
You can also go on a short hike by following the Laem Tanod Nature Trail, where you may spot black monkeys. Once you pay the national park entry fee, you also get free access to Khlong Chak Waterfall.
The whole area is nicely kept, with public toilets and a small shop where you can buy drinks and light refreshments.
6. Cycle Around the Island
As I am not really comfortable driving a scooter in Thailand, I decided to rent a bicycle for an afternoon. I visited every bike rental shop opposite our hotel and asked if they had bicycles, until I finally found one.
The rental cost 180 THB for the most basic bicycle, which I later found out had nearly non-functioning brakes. From Rawi Warin Resort, the route to Tuesday Morning Small Talk Cafe was about 6 km, and the reward at the end was the most delicious mango and passion fruit smoothie.
Towards the end of my cycling trip, I got caught in heavy rain, so I was glad I was already very close to our hotel.
I really enjoyed the cycling. There were some up and down hills, which would have been much more manageable with a proper mountain bike. There is a rental shop in the north of the island called Koh Lanta Bike Rentals, which rents proper mountain bikes and electric bicycles. They sent me their price list, but then never responded to my request.
7. Relax at Your Resort
One thing I would definitely recommend in Koh Lanta is leaving some time to enjoy your hotel or resort.
I booked the 5-star Rawi Warin Resort, and it actually had a lot of facilities and activities, including a boxing ring, library, gym, huge infinity pool, and options for morning beach exercise, kayaking, or snorkeling. So I felt like it would be a shame not to make the most of it.
Also, Koh Lanta is the kind of island where pool time, beach walks, and doing nothing are part of the experience.
➞ Read my guides: Where to Stay in Koh Lanta and Rawi Warin Resort Review
8. Take a Private Driver Day Trip
If you want to see more of Koh Lanta but don’t want to rent a scooter, taking a private driver day trip is one of the easiest options. This is exactly what I did, and it made exploring the island very simple.
I found our driver, Mr. Man, on Facebook, contacted him via WhatsApp, and arranged the date of our trip and the price. He picked us up at 9:30 AM and was with us until 4 PM.
You can tell him where you want to go, and he will take you there, or you can ask him for recommendations. He also shared some interesting island insights and showed us lesser-known beaches. He offered two different cars: one big pick-up truck with AC and a second open songthaew-style car, which can take more people.
We paid 1,800 THB for this trip, and you can reach him on: +66 98 937 0988
➞ See how I explored Koh Lanta with a private driver
Best Things to Do in Koh Lanta: What I’d Do Next Time
1. Take a Snorkeling or Island-Hopping Trip
A snorkeling or island-hopping tour is one of the best paid activities in Koh Lanta. The island is a great base for visiting nearby islands and snorkeling spots, especially during the dry season when the sea is calmer.
Popular Koh Lanta boat trips include Koh Rok, Koh Haa, Koh Mook, Emerald Cave, Koh Kradan, Koh Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and Four Islands tours.
Koh Rok & Koh Haa Snorkeling Tour
This is one of the most popular day trips from Koh Lanta, as Koh Rok and Koh Haa are known for some of the best snorkeling spots in Thailand, with colourful fish and corals.
The tour usually also includes a lunch buffet served on the beach, plus some time to relax and swim at the beautiful beaches of Koh Rok.
Four Islands Tour Including Koh Kradan and Emerald Cave
Koh Mook is known for the Emerald Cave, which is one of the most famous stops on island-hopping tours in this region. Koh Kradan is another beautiful island, often mentioned for its clear water and stunning beaches.
Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay Tour
Another popular trip from Koh Lanta is a visit to the famous Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay, which appeared in the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio. I visited this place ten years ago, so I didn’t feel a strong urge to go back on this trip.
2. Visit the Butterfly Farm
I was aware of this place, but I didn’t have enough time to visit the farm during our day trip around the island. This little place in the northern part of Koh Lanta has great reviews, and if you love animals, I believe it’s worth a visit.
This family-run place offers a personal guided tour and gives you the chance to see the animals they care for. Depending on your visit, you may see turtles, birds, otters, scorpions, water buffaloes, and more.
3. Go Kayaking or Visit the Mangroves
I have already done kayaking among the mangroves many times in Thailand, so I didn’t think this would be anything new for me. But if you want a nature activity away from the beaches, consider a kayaking or mangrove tour.
Mangrove tours usually include kayaking, boat rides, wildlife spotting, and visits to local areas. It can be a nice activity for families, couples, or travellers who want something calm and nature-focused.
➞ Check Koh Lanta mangrove and kayaking tours
4. Take a Thai Cooking Class
A Thai cooking class is a good activity if it’s rainy. I have already done a Thai cooking class in Bangkok, so I decided to skip this one in Koh Lanta.
It’s a great way to learn more about Thai food beyond just eating it in restaurants. The cooking class in Koh Lanta usually includes hotel pickup, drinks and a meal at the end.
➞ Book a Thai cooking class in Koh Lanta
Things to Do in Koh Lanta Without a Scooter
Renting a scooter in Koh Lanta will give you the most flexibility, and I wish I could do it. Hopefully one day. But to see the island and do the activities I mentioned above, you don’t really need one. You can explore Koh Lanta by bicycle, with a private driver, as part of an organised tour, or by using a local taxi.
The local taxis usually look like motorbikes with a cart attached to the side, and you will see them around the island, especially along the main roads.
➞ Read my guide: How to Get to Koh Lanta: From Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi, Ao Nang & Bangkok
FAQ About Things to Do in Koh Lanta
How many days do you need for Koh Lanta activities?
I would say 3 days is a good minimum for Koh Lanta. This gives you enough time to explore the beaches, visit Koh Lanta Old Town, and take one snorkeling or boat trip.
If you have 4 or 5 days, you can slow down and add more beaches, a private driver day trip, relaxed time at your resort, and maybe another activity like kayaking or a cooking class.
What to do in Koh Lanta when it rains?
You can go for a massage, book a cooking class, visit a café, or relax at your resort. Koh Lanta is a good island for slow travel, so rainy weather doesn’t have to ruin your stay.
What not to miss on Koh Lanta?
Don’t miss beach hopping along Koh Lanta’s west coast, especially Long Beach, Klong Nin Beach, Bakantiang Beach, Ao Nui Beach, and Bamboo Bay. You should also visit Koh Lanta Old Town, watch at least one sunset from the beach, and take a snorkeling or island-hopping trip to places like Koh Rok, Koh Haa, Koh Mook, or Koh Kradan.
When to avoid Koh Lanta?
If you want sunny weather, swimming in the sea, and island-hopping trips with snorkeling, then avoid Koh Lanta during the monsoon season, which runs from June to October.
Is there a lot to do in Koh Lanta?
Koh Lanta doesn’t have a huge list of flashy attractions like shopping malls or stunning temples, but there is enough to do if you like beaches, sunsets, boat trips, Old Town, nature, and slow island travel.
Is Koh Lanta good for snorkeling?
Yes, Koh Lanta is a good base for snorkeling trips to places like Koh Rok, Koh Haa, Koh Mook, and Koh Kradan, especially during the dry season. Koh Kradan has one of the world’s best beaches, and you can also visit the stunning Emerald Cave at Koh Mook.
Is Koh Lanta a party island?
Not really, Koh Lanta has beach bars with sunset drinks, live music, and evening fire shows, but it’s much quieter than Phuket or Koh Phi Phi.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Koh Lanta
For me, Koh Lanta is the kind of place where the simple things are the highlight. My favourite thing to do was cycling along the coast, even though my bike was terrible and I got caught in the rain later. I also think that getting a private driver for a day was a great idea, as we managed to see places that would not have been easy to reach without a scooter.
Overall, Koh Lanta is a place I would visit again to finish all the activities I didn’t manage to do, especially the snorkeling trips.
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