I visited Koh Lanta in May, and when I was choosing where to stay, I wanted to treat myself a bit. The great advantage of visiting Thailand in the shoulder or rainy season is that some of the best hotels on the islands can be more than 50% cheaper than in high season.
I ended up staying at Rawi Warin Resort & Spa, around the Klong Tob/Klong Nin area, and it worked really well for the type of trip I wanted. Koh Lanta is quite a long and spread-out island, and if you don’t plan to rent a scooter, you really have to be careful about where you book your hotel.
In this guide, I’ll explain where to stay in Koh Lanta, including the best areas, beaches, hotels for first-time visitors, and anyone visiting Koh Lanta without a scooter.
➞ Planning the full trip? Read my complete Koh Lanta Travel Guide
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Quick Overview: Best Area to Stay in Koh Lanta
| Area | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | First-time visitors and convenience | Good mix of beach, restaurants, bars, hotels, and easy access to Saladan Pier |
| Klong Dao | Families | Calm, practical, and close to the north of the island |
| Klong Nin | Couples and relaxed beach stays | Great balance of beach, sunsets, cafés, restaurants, and a chilled atmosphere |
| Kantiang Bay | Quiet stays | More peaceful and remote, but better if you have a scooter or driver |
| Koh Lanta Old Town | Local atmosphere | Charming and different, but not ideal if you want beach access |
Where I Stayed in Koh Lanta: My Experience
I had a specific strategy when it came to finding the best hotel for my stay in Koh Lanta. As I was visiting in May, I knew the best resorts on the island would be massively discounted, and I wanted to make the most of that.
I went on Agoda, which usually offers some of the best deals in the Southeast Asian region, filtered 5-star hotels, and chose my top 3 candidates. Among them were Long Beach Chalet, Avani Koh Lanta, and Rawi Warin Resort & Spa. All of them were somewhere between 2,000 and 3,500 THB per night.
Somehow, my heart was drawn to Rawi Warin, so that’s what I chose, although I am sure all of them are great based on the reviews. Our hotel was located on the west coast, in the middle of the island. Along the road outside the hotel, there were a few scooter rentals, restaurants, and also Auntie Mae’s Bakery & Coffee.
Just a few minutes on foot, there was a 7-Eleven with ATMs, Lotus and Marché supermarkets, as well as Khlong Noen Beach.
I’ve covered the exact location, what’s nearby, and my full experience in my Rawi Warin Resort & Spa review.
Still figuring out transport? I wrote a separate guide on how to get to Koh Lanta from Bangkok, Krabi Airport, Ao Nang, Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi, including my shared van experience and ferry crossing tips.
➞ Read my guide on how to get to Koh Lanta
Where to Stay in Koh Lanta for First-Timers: The Best Areas and Hotels
Koh Lanta’s main beach areas are located along the west coast. This is where you will find the best beaches, sunset views, beach bars, restaurants, and most hotels.
The east coast has Koh Lanta Old Town, which is charming and worth visiting, but it’s not where I would stay if your main goal is a beach holiday.
Not renting a scooter in Koh Lanta?
➞ Read how I explored Koh Lanta with a private driver
Long Beach: Best Area for First-Time Visitors and Convenience
I’d say Long Beach is the area where the most is going on, it offers a good balance of beach, restaurants, beach bars, accommodation, and convenience. As the name suggests, there is a long, nice sandy beach where I enjoyed a few hours chilling, sipping a delicious mango lassi, and staring at the turquoise sea.
I liked that the beach didn’t feel cramped. There is plenty of space to walk, relax, and find your own spot. As it’s located in the north of the island, it’s only around a 10-minute drive to Saladan Pier, where you can take a ferry to mainland Krabi or a speedboat to Phuket or Koh Phi Phi.
If you want something easy and convenient, or you are not sure where to stay in Koh Lanta, choose Long Beach. But if you are craving a remote stay and want to be farther from other tourists, then choose somewhere in the south.
Best Hotels in Long Beach Koh Lanta
$$ Lanta Sand Resort & Spa – This comfortable beachfront stay is made for slow days by the pool or on the sand. I think it’s worth booking a hotel right on the beach just for those stunning Koh Lanta sunsets. Lanta Sand Resort also offers spacious rooms and a gym.
Book Here: Lanta Sand Resort & Spa
$$$ Long Beach Chalet – This place was my second option and somewhere I’d probably stay next time. It’s the kind of resort you book when you want to slow down and stay right by the sea. It has beachfront rooms, pools, sunset views, and plenty nearby for when you feel like heading out.
Book Here: Long Beach Chalet
Klong Dao: Best Area for Families
Klong Dao is located in the northern part of Koh Lanta and is one of the most practical areas to stay, especially for families. It’s very close to Saladan Pier, so you don’t have to travel far if you want to catch a boat to Koh Phi Phi or other nearby islands.
The Klong Dao area is relatively calm, not too remote, and has enough restaurants and hotels nearby to make travelling with children easier. I’d avoid this area if you are looking for a more romantic and remote escape, which you can find farther south.
Best Hotels in Klong Dao Koh Lanta
$$$ Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort – I nearly booked this one. What I liked was that they also offer a complimentary airport shuttle service, which runs 3 times a day in both directions. It’s the place to stay if you want comfort and resort facilities, including a great breakfast, a massive pool, a gym, and a spa.
Book Here: Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort
$$ Cicada Lanta Resort – This is a great option if you want a more unique stay. These bamboo bungalows blend nicely with the surrounding nature. The resort offers breakfast, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the beach.
Book Here: Cicada Lanta Resort
Klong Nin: Best Area for Couples and Relaxed Beach Stays
Klong Nin was probably my favourite beach area in Koh Lanta. It felt relaxed, beautiful, and convenient without being too busy. I spent one afternoon at Sela Lanta beach bar, which is also a really nice resort.
There is also a road behind the beach with simple local places to eat, a 7-Eleven, and cafés. I also spotted a pizza place and a café serving high-quality matcha, sourdough sandwiches, and smoothie bowls.
Klong Nin is a great balance between calm and convenience, with enough places to eat and drink without having to rely on taxis.
Best Hotels in Klong Nin
$$ Cliff Lanta Suite – This is a great option if you are looking for something more affordable with stunning sea views.
Book Here: Cliff Lanta Suite
$$$ Rawi Warin Resort & Spa – Although it’s not exactly on Klong Nin, I’d still include it under this area, as you can see this beach from the resort. This is where I stayed, and during the monsoon season, it’s great value for money. I loved the massive infinity pool with sea views, spacious rooms, plenty of breakfast options, as well as the gym, library, and daily activities. Read my full Rawi Warin Resort review for the details.
Book Here: Rawi Warin Resort & Spa
Kantiang Bay: Best Area for Quiet Scenic Stays
Kantiang Bay is farther south and definitely felt more peaceful than the busier northern areas. I’d choose this area if I was looking for a more remote stay and was able to rent a scooter. I spotted a few rentals here, as well as restaurants and bars, so it’s not totally in the middle of nowhere.
I liked that it was close to, in my opinion, some of the best and more rustic beaches, like Bakantiang Beach and Klong Jak Beach. If you are staying in Koh Lanta for just one or two nights, I probably wouldn’t bother going all the way down.
Best Hotels in Kantiang Bay
$$$$ Pimalai Resort & Spa – Our local driver, who we hired for a day, told us that this is the best resort on the island, and it’s definitely giving me White Lotus vibes. I’ll make sure that next time I visit Koh Lanta, it’s for a special occasion, so I have an excuse to book this one.
Book Here: Pimalai Resort & Spa
$$ Painon Resort KohLanta – Just a few minutes’ walk from the main road is this little gem. If you are looking for something clean, simple, nicely furnished, and surrounded by nature, then this is your place to book.
Book Here: Painon Resort KohLanta
Koh Lanta Old Town: Best Area for Local Atmosphere, But Not Beaches
Koh Lanta Old Town is located on the east side of the island and has a completely different atmosphere from the west coast beach areas. I stopped here during our private island tour, and it was very charming, with old wooden houses and sea-view restaurants.
I don’t think I would choose it as my main base, but I can imagine spending one night here to experience the main street in the evening. The main drawback for me is that there is no beach nearby, but that might not be an issue for those who rent a scooter for their entire stay on the island.
Koh Lanta Old Town works well for travellers seeking a local atmosphere who are not too bothered about direct access to the beach. Also, you won’t get those lovely west coast sunsets here.
Best Hotels in Koh Lanta Old Town
$$ Relax House Lanta Old Town – If I were staying in Old Town, I would choose this place. The rooms have balconies, sea views, and even an outdoor pool. It’s located at the end of the main road, so I imagine it must also be quiet.
Book Here: Relax House Lanta Old Town
$ Baan Purada – I like that even though it’s a bit farther from all the main beaches, this homestay has a deck with a hammock and sunbeds, so you can still relax outside in the sun and get a bit of a tan.
Book Here: Baan Purada
Once you’ve chosen where to stay, the next step is planning your island days. I wrote a full guide to the best things to do in Koh Lanta, including what I did, what I’d do next time, beach hopping, Old Town, national park, and snorkeling trips.
➞ Read my guide to the best things to do in Koh Lanta
Where to Stay in Koh Lanta Without a Scooter
If you are travelling around Thailand and visiting Koh Lanta without a scooter, like me, you need to make sure you don’t end up staying somewhere far from everything.
Before I book a place, I always check it on Google Maps to make sure there are at least a few restaurants and a shop within walking distance.
There is no Grab on the island, so staying close to food and drinks is essential. In my opinion, the best areas to stay in Koh Lanta without a scooter are Long Beach and Klong Nin.
My Tips Before Booking a Hotel in Koh Lanta Without a Scooter
- Check walking distance to restaurants before booking.
- Look for hotels near 7-Eleven or cafés.
- Book a private driver for one day of exploring.
- Choose accommodation on the west coast if you want beaches (and avoid Old Town).
- Don’t assume you can easily walk everywhere.
- Take a local taxi, which usually looks like a bike with an attached cart, or rent a bicycle if you want to visit nearby beaches.
Where I Would Stay in Koh Lanta Next Time
If I visited Koh Lanta again, I would choose my resort depending on the type of trip.
- For a fancy resort stay, I’d choose Rawi Warin Resort again.
- For a more low-cost, relaxed trip with my husband, I’d choose Klong Nin because I liked the atmosphere and beach bars.
- For a special occasion, I’d stay at Pimalai Resort & Spa.
- For a quick and easy stay, I’d choose Long Beach, as it really has everything you need.
FAQ About Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
How many days is enough on Koh Lanta?
I think Koh Lanta deserves at least 3 days of your time. This gives you time to explore the beaches, visit the national park, actually chill on some of the beaches, and also take one snorkeling day trip.
When to avoid Koh Lanta?
If you are coming for serious beach time, sunshine, and the best conditions for island-hopping tours, then you may want to avoid the rainy season from June to October.
Where is the best location to stay in Koh Lanta?
I think it comes down to your travel style and expectations. Long Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Koh Lanta for first-time visitors because it has a good mix of beach, restaurants, hotels, and convenience. Klong Nin and its surrounding area is another great choice if you want a more relaxed beach atmosphere.
Is Koh Lanta walkable?
If you are okay with walking along the main road, then yes, some areas are walkable. But bear in mind the heat, which doesn’t make it a very pleasant experience. It’s best to rent a scooter or bicycle, use local taxis, or book a private driver for exploring farther away.
What side of Koh Lanta should I stay on?
I highly recommend staying on the west side of Koh Lanta, as that is where most of the beaches, beach bars, restaurants, hotels, and sunset views are.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
I had a great time in Koh Lanta, and my main advice before you book anything is to figure out how you are going to get around. The island is long and spread out, and there is no Grab.
But it also depends on the kind of trip you want. Booking a nice resort and simply enjoying its amenities and the beach is a great option too.
For me, staying not far from the Klong Nin area worked well because I wanted a comfortable resort, beach access, and a quiet atmosphere. But if you want lots of bars and restaurants within easy walking distance, I would choose Long Beach.
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