koh lanta scooter tour

The Ultimate Koh Lanta Scooter Guide

I’ve spent a good amount of time on a scooter in Thailand , even overstaying my visa once because I couldn’t peel myself away from the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Koh Samui , Koh Tao , and Koh Pha Ngan in the south, or from the temples and elephant sanctuaries in the north. But my favorite place to scooter around has been the island just off the coast of Krabi - Koh Lanta Yai. Here's my Koh Lanta Scooter Guide.

The Koh Lanta archipelago is made up of 2 islands - Koh Lanta Yai, where 10,000 people call home, and Koh Lanta Noi to the north, a less inhabited island. It has a majority Muslim population and you can see mosques peppered throughout the island. In 2015, a bridge connecting the two islands was completed, signaling future development.

But as I write this, Koh Lanta is still considered an off the beaten track spot to cruise on your scooter with minimal tourist vibes compared to the rest of the popular tourist country.

Go During Off-Season

I had some time off in August while working in Korea and looked into heading back to Thailand for some beach relaxation. Everything I read said it rains a lot during that time, that a lot of businesses are closed and it’s pretty dead. Never one to follow convention or let a possible but not definite factor dissuade me, I made plans with a friend off I went. And I’m fucking glad I did.

Maybe we were there during a fluke non-rainy week during rainy season, but it was beautiful the whole time: sunny, warm, with some welcomed cloud cover every now and then. I think it rained a total of 2 hours. And warm rain is the best kind of rain, especially when it’s just you and your bud sipping on a Chang, smoking a joint at an empty beachfront bar . It just adds to the magic.

During off-season, the resorts are cheap and almost uninhabited. We had a beach front villa for 1/3 the peak season price. We had the swimming pool to ourselves and ran around like we owned the place.

The only downside to being there during off-season was that the bars weren’t selling magic mushroom drinks, some restaurants were closed and there were limited boat excursion opportunities. But the positives overwhelmingly outweighed the negatives. I’ll take the threat of rain, the absence of crowds and cheap, luxurious accommodations over full-on island tourist vibes any day.

Scootering Koh Lanta

Even more so than other Thai islands (which is saying a lot), Koh Lanta is ideal for renting a scooter and just fucking cruising. The island is 25 km (16 mi) long and 6 km (3.7 mi) wide, with an area of 81 sq km (31 sq mi). With this Koh Lanta Scooter guide, you can easily ride around the whole island in a day, stopping here and there.

Rent a scooter for $5/day and fill up at traditional gas stations or stands on the side of the road selling gas from glass bottles (my first time in Thailand I thought they were selling whisky!) The roads are relatively well maintained, though you’ll definitely run into pot holes, lose gravel and constriction zones.

Check out this cool bikers map to find gas stations, the best roads, and spots to get medical care if you go too fast over one of those potholes.

My Koh Lanta Scooter Guide

This guide is split by region, though can easily be combined or swapped. Get an early start to get the most out of the locales (it’s quite possible you’ll be the only person there) and double back to hit the restaurants and bars.

Route note: the roads don’t make a full loop around the island. In the south, you’ll eventually dead end and have to come back up to cut over to the other side of the island. No biggie, just so you know.

The North (ish)w est : B eaches , F ood , Drink, Joints & Mushroom Shakes

Most of the west coast of Koh Lanta is filled with beaches, bars and cafes, with most clustered in the northern part. The beaches and most of the bars and restaurants aren’t right off the road. You’ll see signs pointing down dirt paths that lead you to different pieces of paradise. Pull over and explore at your heart’s content. Here are a few of my favorite stop-offs, from north to south.

Serenity Massage and Spa in Saladan

Saladan is the main area of the island and where the pier is located. It’s full of shops, restaurants and massage parlors. The Saladan Market runs during peak season. But the only reason we made our way to this part of town was for daily relaxing massages at Serenity Massage and Spa. Yes, daily.

For less than $20 you can get a 90 minute oil massage, perfect after a day of scootering, after a day lounging at the beach, or after a day of pretty much anything.

After the massage, in your most relaxed state, they escort you to the back area, a peaceful stilt patio on the river, with a view of neighboring Koh Lanta Noi. Then you’re presented with fresh fruit - watermelon, dragon fruit, pineapple -and some kind of magical relaxing tea. We stayed for an hour one day, just enjoying each other’s company, relaxing, taking it all in.

Kaw Kwang Seafood

A little west of Saladan, after a nice ride along the water, Kaw Kwang Seafood is the perfect spot for a bite to eat or a drink after the massage while taking in another incredible ocean view.

Reggae Bar at Crown Lanta Resort

Keep going along the coast out to a little peninsula on the west and you’ll come across Reggae Bar at the Crown Lanta Resort. Good for watching the sunset and sipping on a cocktail.

Heading a little further south is Long Beach, the biggest and most popular beach on Koh Lanta. A lot of hostels and hotels are here. We didn’t spend much time here, but worth heading off the main road and scoping out.

Patty’s Secret Garden

I had the best curry of my life here- Massaman Curry - I’d never heard of it before and it blew my mind. My partner’s dish was equally delicious. Highly recommended. I heard they have a good breakfast too.

Lanta Secret Beach

Keep heading south and pull off to Lanta Secret Beach. This strip of sand is pretty undeveloped except for one beach bar. A perfect spot for relaxation after stuffing your belly with delicious curries from Patty’s Secret Garden.

Mushroom Bar

While it was closed during off-season, we explored the grounds of Mushroom Bar and it looked like a hopping spot when open for business. At Mushroom Bar you can buy those magic mushroom shakes and some weed to add a special twist to your Koh Lanta experience.

Freedom Bar at Klong Khong Beach

While Mushroom Bar was closed, we found Freedom Bar, which served the same purpose for our trip, minus the magic mushroom shake unfortunately. We came here everyday, sometime twice, for a joint and a beer . They’re food is also pretty good.

We posted up for hours at our beachfront table with unimpeded views of the Andaman coast. We enjoyed some fried bananas and pineapple while sipping on a Chang and puffin a joint mesmerized by the sunset. We were the only ones there most of the time.

Come here at night for a pretty cool fire show. Since we were there so often that week, we were pulled up to participate in the show!

A small, pretty isolated, undeveloped piece of beach. Nothing around, a good change from the northern beaches that has cafes and restaurants lining the beach. Bring some food, drinks, a towel and spend an afternoon there.

The Southwest:   Waterfall, Monkeys, National Park, & More B eaches , Food and Drinks

Riding the route in the southwest, its more than likely you’ll see monkeys on the side of the road. This route starts on the very southern tip of Koh Lanta and follows the road up north.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Down at the very southern tip of Ko Lanta is a not so known, beautiful stretch of coastline with monkey-filled trees and a rocky peninsula with a lighthouse perched atop. It encompasses 16 islands, most of which are visitor friendly, unpopulated and one of a kind.

Explore Mu Koh Lanta National Park

Khlong chak waterfall & cave.

Technically part of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park , the Knlong Chak Waterfall is a bit inland and requires a small hike through the jungle. It’s not a raging waterfall but still worth the trek.

Scootering your way towards the trail head, you’ll pass some elephant trekking companies. DO NO stop there . Elephants are not native to the southern regions of Thailand and are all brought in specifically for tourists. They are mistreated. If a place lets you ride elephants its a bad place to go and you shouldn’t give them your money. If you want to interact with elephants in an ethical way, go north to Chaing Mai. Read about my experience bathing with elephants here.

Back to the waterfall. Once you get to the trail head, pay your 20 baht to park your scooter and get a hand drawn map of the trail with x’s marking the waterfall and cave.

It’s easy to get lost, we thought we were a few times, but I have a feeling all the trails eventually lead to the right place, though if you take a wrong turn, it may just take you a little bit longer.

Nui Bay Beach

A not so secret, small beach nestled next to a small, rocky “mountain.” It’s not really populated other than the guests at the resorts in the area.

Drunken Sailor

A chilled out vibe, complete with hammocks and an ocean view, with delicious curries.

Why Not Bar  at Kantiang Bay

Kantiang Bay is regarded as the best beach on the island, and Why Not Bar is a great place to enjoy it. Grab a drink, some grub, then plop down on the soft sand, swim in the sea, and enjoy the amazing scenery surrounding you. Head back at night to see one of the best fire shows on the island.

Pad Thai Rock & Roll

Known to be the best Pad Thai on the island. We got there before they opened and didn’t get a chance to go back. Hopefully you can try it and let me know if it lives up to its reputation. (They open at 11:00).

The East: Old Town, Pirates and a real look at the island

There is no connecting road to the east coast if you go all the way down the west coast. It isn’t a complete loop. You have to come back up and cross over. This route starts about midway on the east coast heading south.

There’s less to do on the east coast, but this ride gives a real look into the island and the people living there. You’ll scooter through Muslim villages where the locals live, see some monkeys and mangrove fields, and get a view of a lazy Homer Simpson.

Panorama Restaurant

A small stop 3km north of Old Town, kind of next to nothing, this restaurant has some good eats and has views of an island that looks like Homer Simpson lying on his back. Worth a peek.

Shine-Talay Restaurant  in Koh Lanta Old Town

Koh Lanta Old Town is a roundabout and one street with stilt restaurants and touristy shops. If you want to buy a Chang t-shirt, some Thai spices or any other souvineer, this is the place.

Grab a bite at Shine-Talay restaurant and enjoy some of the best Pad Thai I had on the island while appreciating the incredible view from the back deck.

At the southern most point accessible from the east, is Pirate Bar and beach. You can grab a joint and a beer and relax.

Koh Lanta Scooter Guide Map

Use this interactive map to make your route. It's all color-coded by region. Go explore!

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

You May Also Like

Wandering Seoul’s Food and Outdoor Markets

Cairo, Egypt: The Land of Antiquity

10 Things About Living in Korea: Eight Months In

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 Yes, add me to your mailing list

Koh Lanta Scooter Rental – Your Quick Guide To Get Riding in 2024 

Thailand’s islands are amazing places to ride around on a motorbike. That’s a fact. And the smaller ones are also a great schooling ground for inexperienced riders. So, if you’re heading to Koh Lanta and want to know the rules of the road, along with some recommendations of the best places to hire a scooter, my quick guide to Koh Lanta Scooter Rental is exactly what you need.

About the author – The Sketchy Traveller

I’m not really a stickman, but it seems that I like portraying myself as one.

I’m an English guy who’s been travelling since 2017. I was never good at taking photos, sketching just seems to work better for me, and in my opinion, why do you want to see other people’s 4K videos and pictures of the world? Surely it’s better to see it for yourself. You can get in touch through the contact page or Instagram .

I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy travelling.

The Sketchy Traveller

Reasons To Visit Koh Lanta: 10 Amazing Things To do In Koh Lanta, Thailand

From pristine beaches and delicious Thai food, to stunning sunsets and beautiful hotels, find out the top things to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand.

When people ask me about special trips I’ve been on, there’s one in particular that brings back absolutely amazing memories: our trip to Thailand in April 2018. It’s special for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was a holiday . One of those well-earned getaways after a really hectic period of work. I was knackered and ready for a really good rest!

Secondly, it was to a new country! I don’t visit those very often any more, and always feel a little bit giddy getting off the plane and seeing a new stamp appear in my passport.

Thirdly, it was the country where Macca proposed . I left with the most beautiful engagement ring on my finger. That magical moment happened on the island of Koh Lanta – a place I’ve been looking forward to writing about in detail. You can read about that moment in my  engagement story . 

I’ll never forget that first view as we walked out of our hotel in Koh Lanta, stepped foot on the beach and took in our surroundings. Colourful deck chairs on soft white sand with inviting turquoise water and mysterious mountains covered in rugged jungles – WOW! Moments later we’d found a cute beach bar and were tucking into our first Thai curry of the trip, while sipping on coconut cocktails. Holiday mode was well and truly on.

So, whether you’re planning a trip to the island yourself, or deciding which stunning Thai island is for you, it’s time to share a few reasons to visit Koh Lanta, and the best things to do once you’re there!

How To Get To Koh Lanta     

Koh Lanta is located on Thailand’s Andaman coast in the Krabi Province. Most people visit as part of an island-hopping holiday, stopping off for a few days on Koh Lanta and Ko Phi Phi before spending time on the mainland in Krabi at Ao Nang.

Once you’ve landed in Bangkok, your best option is to catch a flight to Krabi. You can also fly from all over Thailand to Krabi Airport. From there you can arrange a transfer to Koh Lanta. They journey takes between 2-3 hours on a minibus and a short ferry, after which you’ll be dropped at your accommodation in Koh Lanta.

Alternatively, can catch a ferry from Krabi or Ao Nang to Koh Lanta. This is what we did after our time on the island. It was all very well organised and straightforward – we just booked via the tour desks in town.

If you’re visiting Koh Lanta as a family, I’d recommend reading my post about travelling to Thailand with kids . It’s full of top tips for surviving the journey and making the trip stress free.

Reasons To Visit Koh Lanta

If you’re trying to decide which island in Thailand to visit, I’d recommend reading my Thailand island hopping guide . I asked a bunch of top travel bloggers which their favourite island was and why, and they gave lots of great tips. 

Koh Lanta was recommended by a several people. It’s known for its laid-back vibe and natural beauty. It’s one of the lesser-visited islands too, so you won’t find a crazy party scene. It’s got an authentic feel, and it’s totally possible to have paradise beaches all to yourself.

Top reasons to visit Koh Lanta include snorkelling, diving, relaxation, yoga, boat tours, food and outdoor adventures. I’d say there’s enough to do to keep you busy for 3-7 days. Time to share a few highlights from our trip, and a couple of things I’d love to do if I make it back to the island soon.

10 Amazing Things To do In Koh Lanta, Thailand

Enjoy some beach time.

One of the big reasons to visit Koh Lanta is for the beaches. Long white sand, beautiful bays, turquoise water and mountainous backdrops make it a very special and photogenic place! Many beaches have deck chairs and umbrellas available for hire – something I’d recommend as there’s very little shade once you’re out on the sand.

Wherever you’re staying, you won’t be far from one of the island’s top beaches, which include Klong Khong Beach, Klong Dao Beach, Long Beach, Phra Ae Beach and Laem Kho Kwang Beach.

Kick back with a good book, enjoy some tan time and when you get too hot, cool down with a dip in the emerald waters or by sipping a fresh mojito or a Chang. This is what an island break in Thailand is all about! 

Hire a scooter

The best way to get around the island is on two wheels. Most hotels have options to hire bikes and scooters. All I’d say is, while at first a bike might seem appealing, when the temperatures and humidity are high in Koh Lanta, the last thing you’ll want to do is exercise!

I’d recommend hiring a scooter and taking yourself on a self-guided island tour. We hired one from our hotel for 240 THB (under £6) for the day. The price included helmets, which are required by law. 

I loved how liberating it was! We zoomed along busy high streets filled with tuk-tuks, ventured through pretty jungles, emerged by new luxury resorts in the hills and saw several secluded beaches that were completely deserted. It gave us the freedom to stop at some spots that were off the beaten path. We also visited the spectacular Mu Koh Lanta National Park, right at the bottom tip of the island – more on that coming up.

If you’re a keen rider, I’d also recommend taking out insurance to keep you covered on the roads. It’s quick and easy to compare 125cc motorbike insurance and it’ll give you peace of mind.

Go on an island-hopping tour

Thailand is synonymous with paradise islands! No matter which coastal spot you visit in Thailand, you’re likely to see options for island-hopping tours.

There are daily 4-island tours from Koh Lanta which take you to 4 neighbouring islands for a variety of experiences – usually Koh Kradan, Koh Mook, Koh Ngai and Koh Chuck.

I loved this day out. I spent the entire excursion in my bikini, lapping up spectacular views, diving into turquoise waters to see colourful fish, eating tasty Thai food and relaxing. It was a reminder that not having Wifi or phone signal is good for the soul!

The most adventurous part of the day was swimming through the Emerald Cave at Koh Mook. This island has a crater in the centre. It was incredible to swim through the dark cave and emerge at the secret beach inside – and yes, the water lived up to the cave’s name!

Koh Lanta is known for its marine life too, and it’s fair to say the snorkelling on this tour was amazing. At one point I was surrounded by exotic fish in every colour of the rainbow. It always amazes me just how much is going on under the water. 

We also really enjoyed our time on Koh Ngai towards the end of the day. It’s one of the closest places to paradise that I’ve ever visited. It ticked all the cliché boxes – the softest, whitest sand, clear, turquoise sea and a raw, untouched charm.

Enjoy dreamy sunsets on the beach

I’d heard about Thailand’s legendary sunsets before visiting, and once I saw my first one, I was in LOVE! We stayed at Laguna Beach Club , a small 3-star hotel on Laem Kho Kwang Beach. It was in a great location, moments from the sand.

I still remember our first sunset there. We were exhausted from the long journey, but really grateful to have made it. We toasted the first night of our holiday with happy hour cocktails (a bargain at 120 Thai Baht – £3) on the beach, snapping smiley holiday selfies and watching as the last of the golden rays disappeared.

Koh Lanta’s beaches are perfect for sunset lovers as the main areas you’re likely to stay all run along the west side of the island, and therefore benefit from epic sunsets every evening. If you’re planning a holiday, no doubt you’ll factor in plenty of sunset cocktails on the island!

Feast on incredible Thai food

Before visiting Thailand, I was a bit on the fence with Thai food. I’d had a few Thai curries before, but none of them had made me go WOW. I also knew Thai food was notoriously spicy. I love a bit of heat, but would I handle Thai levels of chilli?

Well, what a revelation this trip turned out to be! I fell head over heels for Thai cuisine, and that love affair started in Koh Lanta with our very first meal.

We went in search of some lunch and found a cute beach bar a few doors down from our hotel. One pad Thai and one Thai green curry later, I was sold. What flavoursome and aromatic dishes, with the zing of kaffir lime, chilli heat and rich indulgence of coconut milk. Mmmm, it’s making me hungry just thinking about it. 

On average, meals were really reasonable in Koh Lanta, costing between 100 – 250 THB (£2.50 – £6). A few places we loved the food at included So Good Bar, Veedvew, Bamboo Bay Valley Restaurant and Fast Monkey (although beware – it was spicy!)

We had a great lunch with a view at Patoj Bar & Restaurant on the south of the island just after we got engaged. We made a few excited phone calls from the terrace overlooking the beach, then tucked into passion fruit mojitos and Thai curries!

We also stumbled across an unassuming BBQ joint in the centre of town, near Phra Ae Beach. The most heavenly scent of charred meat and fish wafted through the air drawing us in to May’s Kitchen BBQ. We feasted on bbq squid with a fragrant dipping sauce and marinaded bbq chicken. It felt more like something you’d find in the Caribbean, but when on holiday…!

Treat yourself to some zen time at a yoga class

Yoga is popular on Koh Lanta. You’ll see posters around the island for various classes. Oasis Yoga by Klong Dao Beach comes highly recommended. There you’ll find a yoga studio (with daily classes), 13 pool-view bungalows, plus a restaurant serving healthy dishes. It’s a great place to meet like-minded travellers.

Enjoy the buzz of Saladan’s night market

One evening we took a tuk-tuk to ‘Walking Street’ in Saladan (the old town where the ferries come in). This is a really buzzy spot in the evenings. There’s a night market with shops and food stalls, as well as plenty of restaurants overlooking the water.

If you’re on a budget, this is a great place for food, with noodles, satay, curries, ice cream and more for sale, and items starting from 40 THB (£1).

Visit Mu Koh Lanta National Park

If you hire scooters and fancy seeing the untouched side of Koh Lanta, I’d recommend riding down to Mu Koh Lanta National Park, right at the bottom tip of the island. The national park is a mix of rugged hills, rainforest and beach. If you like hiking, there are some gorgeous trails with epic beach views.

One of the best views on the whole island is from the lighthouse in this national park. Look back towards the beaches and you’ll see two picturesque bays at once. Macca had clearly done his research, as this was the spot where he got down on one knee!

It’s worth noting Mu Koh Lanta National Park has an entrance fee of 200 THB (£5) per adult but you could easily spend a few hours there. There’s a 1.7km nature trail which takes around 2 hours and will show you a lot of the island’s biodiversity. After the walk you could swim in the sea or relax on the beach. 

Party on Koh Lanta

As mentioned, Koh Lanta isn’t one of the big party islands in Thailand. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no nightlife at all.

One thing I discovered during my trip was that there’s a rota system for parties. This means if you do want to experience the island’s wilder side there’s only one place to go each night of the week. The bars on rotation include Blanco Bar, Freedom, Pangea, Irie and Mushroom Bar. It means those who want to let their hair down can congregate, plus the bars usually have live music or a DJ, and drinks offers.

We went to Blanco Bar one evening – a hostel bar with a great vibe. It had the usual mix of solo travellers playing cards and drinking cheap jugs of cocktails, couples on romantic getaways, and groups of friends enjoying a few drinks while soaking up the energy of the room.

Adventure to a waterfall

We didn’t get around to visiting any waterfalls on our trip, but if I returned, I’d love to visit Khlong Chak Waterfall. With red sand and bright green water, it looks really spectacular.

It’s located in the south of the island and is surrounded by tropical rainforest. There’s a 2km hike to reach it, plus a cave to explore on the way back. It’s always nice to leave a few things for a return trip! 

A big thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand for inviting me to share my love of Koh Lanta. Don’t forget to check out my other blogs about Thailand here .

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Follow Me Around The World

• Scooter to these beautiful sights in Koh Lanta

I believe that the hardest to get to places are always the ones which are far more worth it. Easily accessible tourist islands are often overcrowded and overpriced. So take the time to get a bit further off the track, such as Koh Lanta. And what's the best thing to do once you get there? Hire a motorbike of course! Mr C and I have only recently discovered the joy and freedom a bike gives you. We literally haven't looked back! Once you get to Koh Lanta scooter to these beautiful sights in Koh Lanta Yai (the south island - yes there are two!).

Top Tip - I advise you arrange your hire before you get there because everyone is doing it, and we struggled to get one. But as you can see we persevered and here are my suggestions for places to go and visit.

Koh Lanta National Park & Lighthouse

Down at the very bottom of the island along the west coast you will find a stunning national park with a variety of things to do. We left early in the morning and headed straight down to the bottom so we could beach hop on the way back and I didn't anticipate staying long to be honest. However, when we arrived the Park Ranger told us about the 2km trail we could do in the jungle, Mr C was intrigued. I had already set off to the beach to spot the lighthouse and was climbing over the boulders exposed at the low tide.

The Lighthouse

Take the time to climb up here and get yourself some stunning 360 views from the top. We could see the jungle from here and it looked like and easy route.......

The Jungle Trek

The beginning of the trail should have said it all, an uneven staircase quickly petering out to actual jungle which quickly became quite vertical in places. I'm not going to lie, from the entrance point we can in at the first half a mile was HARD. Infact i repeatedly asked Mr C if he wanted to turn back but he kept saying no.... So onward we ploughed. Thankfully a pathway finally emerged which had a hint of flooring that wasn't just roots and mud and out pace quickened. Along the route are information boards telling you about the flora and fauna around you which was a great touch. We went clockwise around the trail and were rewarded near the end with an amazing view across the beach towards the lighthouse.

Make sure when you scooter to these beautiful sights in Koh Lanta you take plenty of water with you as you may just find yourself on a 1 hour trek you hadn't anticipated!

There are just too many stunning beaches on Koh Lanta to name them all, however just about everywhere (apart from pirate beach - didn't like that one) are all incredibly instagrammable. Make sure along your route you take the time to stop and take in the views!

Visit Koh Lanta Old Town

Walking street.

You will find this lovely charming old town on the east coast of the south island about half way down. The walking street is full of shops and restaurants on stilts built over the sea. Take a walk to the pier via the roundabout with a shrine on it.

Old Town Lobster

You won't miss this gigantic statue at the entrance to the pier, it is huge! Take a walk to the end of the pier and you can look back at all the houses on stilts.

Roundabout Temple

At the south entrance to the walking street is a beautiful white and gold temple right in the centre of the roundabout.

Sunshine Hill Restaurant

We stumbled upon this lovely restaurant set on top of the hill overlooking the sea when we ventured further down the east coast to find Pirate Beach. We found the beach, it was not photographable so we turned around and headed back to this restaurant we spotted on the way down. Run by a local family it was some of the best food I have ever eaten! Food with a view too, and super cheap as always in this kind of area. Make a point to head to here and support local people, I promise you will not be disappointed. For other amazing places to eat on the island read Koh Lantas best hidden restaurants .

Ban Saladan Fishing Town

The island is so small you can travel from south to north in literally no time, and this is what we did after lunch. As we headed north the roads got busier and the population expanded. If you are after a party area then this little town is the place for you! So many bars and restaurants line the streets and there are several beach areas with nice looking hotels too. If you have forgotten to bring something or your suitcase has got lost then this is where you can replenish your stock too. It's not the prettiest place on the island but it has a certain vibe to it that you can get caught up in.

Find the art cafe in Ban Saladan

Nearer to the beach on the edge of the town we stumbled across this quirky little bar with a really good sea view. It's owned by the resident artist who has a shop on the site too if you fancy a gift or too.

The Time When So Fast

As you can see from the Koh Lanta post I wrote before we visited I had grand plans for all the things we would do on the island. We should have stayed more days as we literally ran out of time, so I didnt get to see the Emerald Cave let alone trek to the waterfall. However you can see all of the amazing things I found to do on Koh Lanta in the map. Go and find your own adventure and scooter to these beautiful sights in Koh Lanta 🙂

Latest Posts

• Stay In A Beautiful Treehouse In Khao Sok
• 24 Spectacular Hours At Beautiful Raft House In Khao Sok
• Koh Lantas Most Beautiful Beaches
• Eat At Khao Lak’s Beautiful River Restaurant

Purchase my Books

Privacy policy, popular posts.

• Luang Prabang, The Stunning Old Capital City Of Laos
• Unusual Sights In Hanoi
• Hitchin Lavender: All You Need To Know
• Beautiful Small Sandy Beach at Khaolak Lamru National Park
• Free Amazing Coding Resources

• Elara by LyraThemes
• Content & Design by LadyCornish Web Design

Get 25% off of Hidden Cornwall and Circular Walks in Cornwall for a limited time

A Great Travel Guide To Koh Lanta, Thailand

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Natalia

If you’re looking for an island paradise in Thailand without the crowds, then Koh Lanta is the place for you. Situated off the coast of Krabi, it offers a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the ever popular Koh Phi Phi . That doesn’t mean there’s a lack of things to do in Koh Lanta though, with great dive spots, a beautiful national park, white sand beaches and more. Travellers are starting to catch on and while there’s still plenty of secluded places to enjoy, there may not be for too long! Whether you want to know where to stay, when to visit or how to get there – everything you need to know before visiting is in this Koh Lanta guide.

Check out our guide to the best Thailand travel apps for booking tours, accommodation, and more for your trip!

Table of Contents

How to get to Koh Lanta

Getting to Koh Lanta is relatively straightforward as long as you know what you’re doing. Fortunately, Tripsavvy have covered this topic well – so we recommend reading their guide on how to get there . If you’re in the Krabi area, the 2 main options for getting there are:

Ferry – If your Thailand itinerary involves Bangkok then head down to Krabi which you can do by flight, train or plane.

Ferries run daily from Krabi pier to Koh Lanta during Lanta’s high season (around November to April). Krabi pier is located 4km from Krabi Town, so when booking a ferry we recommend checking you have a transfer to the pier included.

The ferry journey takes approximately 2 hours. From Ao Nang we were able to negotiate a transfer to the pier and the ferry for a price of 400 baht each. Prices from Krabi Town should be slightly less than this as the pier is closer.

Be aware that you may spend a lot of time waiting around at the pier before your ferry departs, which can be quite frustrating. In total our trip took around 4 and a half hours from Ao Nang. Upon arrival in Koh Lanta you’ll need to negotiate a price for a tuk tuk or shared van to your accommodation.

Minivan – Your alternative to taking the ferry is to take a minivan. There is still a short ferry ride involved, but the rest of the journey is by road. The journey should take around 3 hours from Krabi Town, or slightly longer from Ao Nang.

While this is sometimes the case, some people do get held up in queue for the short ferry ride as a number of other vehicles want to make the crossing. On the whole this option could work out as quicker, but it all depends on how long you end up waiting for the ferry – so it will often be down to luck.

Minivans are advertised as 300 baht from Ao Nang, so from Krabi Town you shouldn’t expect to be paying more than this. If you do go by minivan you’ll get dropped off at your accommodation in Koh Lanta, whereas if you take the ferry option above you’ll need to make your own way there.  

Getting around Koh Lanta 

Scooter/bike – By far the most convenient way to get around Koh Lanta is to rent a scooter/bike. This gives you the freedom to explore everything the island has to offer, without having to pay for multiple tuk tuk rides.

Despite a few potholes here and there, the main roads are generally well paved. Legally you are required to have an international drivers license to ride a scooter/bike here, but most rental companies don’t enforce this.

Rentals start at 200 baht a day, but in high season may set you back 300 baht a day. Gasoline is available at stalls on the side of the road for 30-40 baht depending on the place, with one bottle filling around half a tank of a small bike.

Tuk tuk – If you’d prefer not to rent a bike, tuk tuks are readily available to take you wherever you need to go. Be prepared to negotiate with the driver to get a good price – so never pay the amount initially quoted.

For one off journeys, taking a tuk tuk isn’t too expensive but if you do a few it can quickly add up. If you’re planning to spend a day exploring, you can negotiate a price with a driver to hire their services for the day. This will most likely be a lot cheaper than paying for individual journeys.

Best time to visit Koh Lanta  

Koh Lanta’s high season falls between mid-November and mid-April, as there is generally less rainfall during this period. In particular, December, January and February have some of the sunniest days of the year.

Things to do in Koh Lanta

Relax on the beach – The most popular thing to do in Koh Lanta is head to the beach. With plenty of beaches to enjoy around the island, it’s easy to pass your days soaking up the sun or cooling off in the sea.

What beach you choose to do this at depends on where you’re staying on the island. One of our personal favourites was bamboo beach. As most people don’t make it so far south, you’ll only have to share this beautiful white sand beach with a handful of other people.

If you’re looking for a nice spot to enjoy sunset, Khlong Khong beach has a fantastic choice of beachfront restaurants and bars. With great happy hour deals it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two!

For more on the the best beaches in Koh Lanta, check out this guide !

National Park – One of the area’s most beautiful spots, the Koh Lanta national park, lies at the southern tip of the island. Many tourists opt not to venture this far, so it’s relatively secluded. As a result, you’re able to enjoy the park and its beautiful beach in peace – unless you come across some mischievous monkeys that is!

For a brilliant viewpoint of the park, make your way up to the lighthouse. From here you’ll have picture perfect views of the beach and surrounding forest.

If you prefer to be more active, head beyond the beach for a nature trail through the forest – but be warned there are lots of steep steps! Entrance to the park costs just 200 baht per person, which is well worth it to escape the crowds and enjoy the nature Koh Lanta has to offer.

Another National Park in Thailand you should check out is Khao Sok!

Lanta Animal Welfare  – Voted as one of the best things to do in Thailand on Tripadvisor, Lanta Animal Welfare is a must visit for animal lovers. The centre takes in homeless, sick and injured animals, cares for them and finds them new homes.

Tours are free and give you a chance to get up close with the animals – and if you fancy it you can walk one of the dogs. They really do some great work, having treated over 15,000 animals since 2005. If you’re flying home from Thailand then you may even be able to help take one of the animals to their new home.

They do all the hard work for you and it costs nothing to do – so if you’re interested in helping out click here to find out more ! Other ways to help out include sponsoring animals or making donations, but if you don’t have the money to do that they still appreciate the support!

Lanta Old Town – Until around 50 years ago, Lanta Old town was the main town on Koh Lanta. The town has remained relatively unchanged as the years have passed, and is still a fishing village to this day.

At the waterfront you’ll find wooden houses on stilts, with views out to nearby islands. If you have time, Lanta Old town is certainly a pleasant place to stroll around, to see the local way of life and what the shops have to offer!

Dive – For many, one of Koh Lanta’s biggest attractions is the proximity to amazing dive sites. The area is home to an abundance of spectacular marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, leopard sharks, hawksbill turtles and more.

Whether you’re looking to learn, or are already a certified diver, don’t miss the chance to explore the underwater world.

Another great place to dive as well as snorkel nearby is Koh Phi Phi. For where to stay in Koh Phi Phi click here!

Best places to stay in Koh Lanta

Whether you’re looking for luxury or sticking to a budget, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options in Koh Lanta.

If money is no object, Crown Lanta Resort and Spa is the pick of the bunch. Complete with two swimming pools, a private beach, poolside restaurant, spa and more – everything you could possibly need is at your disposal.

In particular, the oceanfront reggae bar is a highlight. It doesn’t get any better than enjoying cocktails in a private cabana as the sun sets over the Andaman Sea. While a number of room types are available, spaciousness and luxury remains a constant theme throughout.

Our personal recommendation is the ocean view pool villa – which includes your very own private pool! What more could you possibly want?

Click here to check out the amazing Crown Lanta Resort and Spa on Booking.com!

Alternatively, there are still plenty of budget properties to choose from. If you’re happy to make do without air conditioning, Sirianda bungalows offer basic rooms for great value by Khlong Khong beach.

Personally though, we’d recommend opting for air-con as the days can be extremely hot. Thai Smile bungalows have private air con rooms in Khlong Khong beach for extremely reasonable prices.

It’s certainly worth the extra money to be able to stay cool! Whatever you’re looking for, Booking.com offer excellent prices for a number of properties and hotels on Koh Lanta . 

Click here to take a look at the brilliant properties available on Koh Lanta through Booking.com!

If you’re planning a trip to the nearby island of Koh Phi Phi then also make sure to check out our guide to the best hotels and places to stay in Koh Phi Phi!

Where to eat  in Koh Lanta

Friend House – Without question the best Thai curries we had throughout our travels in Thailand were at Friends House . Both the green and red curries were extremely tasty and come served with fresh naan bread for just 80 baht. At that price it’s an absolute bargain and we couldn’t resist going back for more at every opportunity.

With plenty of other choice on the menu and fruit shakes available from 40 baht, this is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner – especially if you’re looking for high quality meals at budget prices!

Three Sisters Restaurant – A cheap and easy option near Khlong Khong beach, with a reasonable selection of Thai food on offer. Dishes start from just 60 baht, meaning you can keep costs down without compromising on taste!

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

Like this Koh Lanta guide? Pin it!

• 0 Shopping Cart ฿ 0.00 -->

Enjoy Koh Lanta and its surroundings

Check out our tours and explore the beautiful nature of Koh Lanta or other nearby islands.

Best price guarantee

Secure your trip to the best conditions.

Private trips

If you cannot find a suitable trip, let us plan a private one for you.

Phone support

Call us if you have any question concerning your tour.

Alone or in groups…

My tour in Koh Lanta Your Dream Vacations Start Here!

Alluring coastlines, picturesque viewpoints, pristine beaches, and loads of adventure; what more can you ask for your perfect coastal holidays? Koh Lanta is a paradise for beach lovers and adrenaline junkies who love to spend their day sea sporting. With white sandy beaches, beautiful coral ridges, dense tropical forests, mesmerizing coastlines lined by many big and small islands, exotic marine life, and stupendous natural beauty all around; Koh Lanta attracts visitors from all over the world. Despite its popularity as an exotic holiday destination, Koh Lanta neither seems to be overcrowded nor devoid of fun. With a perfect mix of tropical flavor and urban lifestyle, Koh Lanta has something in store for everyone.

Cocktail on the beach enjoying sunset or explore the impressive nature of Koh Lanta

Capture a mesmerizing sunrise and a dazzling sunset during the magical dawn and dusk in Koh Lanta. The surrounding landscapes make the event even more phenomenal and mystical. Move towards the North of the island to laze on the pristine golden sand of the Long Beach. Take a dip in its crystalline turquoise water. Move Southwards to spend some serene moments in a less crowded ambiance. Head more towards the South of the island to trek and explore the mysterious lush green rainforests and watch some exotic tropical flora and fauna. Hire a scooter or rent a moped to explore the interior premises of the island. Scintillate your taste buds with some fingerlicious Thai recipes. Explore the tropical animals at the Koh Lanta National Park. Meander around the old town to watch the sea-facing teak stilted houses. The island has much more in store than trekking and sunbathing. Charge your gears and indulge in some active water sports during your stay in Koh Lanta. Go scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or take a tour of the island on a longtail boat.

Koh Lanta has a tour for everyone! From island trips to kayaking.

But your journey to Thailand does not stop at Koh Lanta. We organize various Tours in and around Koh Lanta to make the most of your holidays in Thailand. The juxtaposition of Koh Lanta nearby various other beautiful islands makes it a median for your perfect holidays in Thailand. Other island tours include Koh Ha , Koh Rok , Koh Kradan , Koh Mook , Koh Ngai , Koh Phi Phi , Koh Chuek , Koh Bu Bu , and Koh Talabeng . Each of these islands has something unique to offer to the visitors making every tour distinctive and special. To let you have the best of both worlds, plan your accommodation in Koh Lanta and include a day trip or tour to the nearby islands in your itinerary. You would not like to miss any of the island tours each of which offers some idiosyncratic characteristics and one-of-a-kind experience.

Do not hesitate and plan your tour now! Koh Lanta is waiting for you!

Make the most of your Koh Lanta holidays with us. We provide the most exclusive range of fascinating tour packages. We can also plan a tour package according to your preferences, holiday duration, and budget. Our tour packages provide numerous alluring choices for accommodation in Koh Lanta. Plan your stay in Thai-style bungalows or have a more urban experience in well-attended resorts. The location of the dwellings beside the beach makes them the perfect spot for a memorable stay.

A few of our

Latest Highlights

Daytrip to Koh Rok

One day 4 islands tour by Longtail Boat

One day 4 islands tour by Speedboat

One day trip to Koh Phi Phi Island

One day kayaking trip to Koh Aung, Talabeng and BuBu Island

Koh Lanta – Transfer from or to Krabi Airport

The hottest deals and discounts in your inbox!

Subscribe to our Newsletter

This post is also available in: Chinese (Simplified) Dutch French German Polish Swedish

Things to Do In Koh Lanta, Thailand: Ultimate Guide 2023

• January 30, 2023
• Last updated: January 5, 2024
• Asia , Destinations , Thailand , Things to do

Home » Travel Blog » Things to Do In Koh Lanta, Thailand: Ultimate Guide 2023

In this guide, you’ll find a list of things to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand. You’ll learn how much you can spend here and which beaches on Koh Lanta are the best ones.

There are plenty of activities to do in Koh Lanta, so if you love white sand beaches, outdoors, delicious local food, Thai massage, yoga, snorkeling, and getting your suntan fix, then you’re going to love this island!

Things to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand

You’ll find oodles of things to do in Koh Lanta. There are 11 beaches and the farther south you go, the more serene they are. Let’s explore the island!

Have a walk on Klong Nin beach

This might be easily the best place to stay in Koh Lanta . Whether you decide to go for a stroll early in the morning, in the late afternoon or to catch a beautiful sunset, Klong Nin beach is a fantastic place for a walk.

It is 1.5 km long, with a few rocks at both ends and soft sand throughout the whole area. No perpetual boat engine noise, no night or early morning karaoke. Just you, sea waves, and fresh coconut to sip in your hand.

Visit the local Klong Nin food market

You can either walk there (about 10-15 minutes from the main junction in Klong Nin) or take a scooter (about 2-3 minutes) and ride south. You’ll not only find fresh fruits and veggies, but also a variety of home made meals and snacks. The market is open on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you’re looking into more local tips in Thailand,  check out our comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide !

Rent a scooter

One of the best Koh Lanta activities you can do in the island. The roads are fine, only in the very south they are more hilly and curvy, but still manageable. The average price to rent a motorbike is 250 THB/$ 7.7 per day, but it can be negotiable if you rent it for more days. We rented a scooter at a tour desk of the Pakgasri Guesthouse. Get ready to leave your passport with them.

Join one of the tours in Koh Lanta

• 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat with Emerald Cave
• Ko Lanta: Tung Yee Peng Village Eco-Tour with Lunch/Dinner
• Koh Lanta: Old Town Sightseeing and National Park Tour
• 4 Island Tour to Emerald Cave
• Ko Lanta: Animal Welfare & Sightseeing Tour

Relax on the beaches in the south

Hop on a scooter or pay a tuk-tuk for half-day trip (around 500 THB/$ 15) and visit beaches in the south of Koh Lanta. They are quieter, and the forest you drive through is also an awesome background for your road trip.

Ba Kantiang Bay Beach

A 1 km-long, white sand beach with a few beachfront restaurants and the famous Drunken Sailors coffee shop. Surrounded by beautiful, natural hills, a lush forest and cliffs.

Nui Bay Beach

One of the most tranquil  and best beaches in Koh Lanta. You’ll need to take a steep footpath (about 100 m) down to the beach. Incredibly private feeling, nested between the forest and cliffs, with only one bar on the beach.

Ao Klong Jark Beach aka Waterfall Bay Beach

Located in the south from Nui Bay Beach. A calm beach with a few restaurants and resorts, but we didn’t find it as charming as Nui Bay Beach.

Bamboo Bay Beach

After Waterfall Bay beach you will find a road that splits. To arrive to Bamboo Bay beach, take the steeper one on the right. Since this is the last beach in the south of Koh Lanta and not very developed for tourism, you will barely find anyone around.

Read more articles about Thailand

• Bangkok Tips: How to Survive Your First Time In the Capital of Thailand
• What to Pack for Thailand: the Ultimate Packing List
• Where to stay in Bangkok: the Ultimate Guide
• Life is better in Koh Lanta
• Fruits of Thailand: Healthy and Delicious Food You Must Try
• Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
• Things to Do in Chiang Mai: Your Ultimate List of Awesome Experiences

Visit the National Park

If you go further south from Bamboo Bay Beach, or if you just turn left when heading south from Waterfall Bay Beach, you will arrive to a national park area . The entrance fee is 200 THB/$ 6 and the park is open till 6 pm.

If you enter later you don’t pay anything, but if you go there only to see a stunning sunset with a lighthouse, you will most probably miss it. Watch out for curious, hungry, wild monkeys.

Visit Lanta Old Town

This town was a former business centre of the island until 60 years ago. Merchants trading in the area were mostly from China or Arabic countries and you can still witness their impact in this small, community-like town. The place is considered a cultural highlight of the whole island and features one Buddhist temple and a Chinese temple. Some of the big festivals in Koh Lanta take place here.

If you plan to explore eastern islands like Koh Nui, Koh Por, Koh Talabeng, Koh Kam or Koh Bubu, Old Town is the right place from which to take an organised tour or a private long tail boat.

Check more activities and tours to do in Koh Lanta

• Full-Day Sea Kayaking in Koh Talabeng & Koh Phee
• Ko Lanta: Romantic Sunrise Gondola Tour at Tung Yee Peng
• Koh Lanta: Adventure Sea Tour to the Twin Islands of Koh Rok
• Ko Lanta: The Mangroves By Private Luxury Gondola
• Ko Lanta Yai: Half-Day Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour

Spend some time at Lanta Animal Welfare

Lanta Animal Welfare is a nonprofit sanctuary that cares and sterilises stray dogs and cats in Koh Lanta and its suburb. Here you can take a free, 45-minute educational tour every hour, walk a dog or two, cuddle with cats and kittens that will be happy to see you. And if you fall in love with any of these cuties, you can also adopt them .

Need more tips on where to go in Thailand and what to do there? 

Check out our thailand travel guide – how to travel to thailand independently, explore the beaches in the north.

Northern beaches in Koh Lanta are busier compared to the south, but they are still worth the visit. The main road is full of guesthouses, local restaurants or food stalls, massage shops and hotels. They are all very close to each other so a half-day on a scooter is enough to see them all.

Klong Khong Beach

Nearly 3 km long, with beachfront bars, restaurants and bungalows. Since the beach is pretty long, you will definitely find your spot for tranquility.

Long Beach (Phra Ae)

As the name implies, this busy beach is stretched over a 4 km area with some relaxing spots on the sides.

Klong Dao Beach

The most developed, the most crowded and most expensive beach of Koh Lanta. Its 3km stretch is full of restaurants, bungalows and resorts. Good choice for families, since the water is quite shallow. If you continue north, you will arrive in Ban Saladan, the main pier of Koh Lanta.

If you prefer to explore untouched villages, lush, tropical nature, rubber and palm plantations, we suggest visiting Koh Lanta Noi in the north. To get there, you drive from Ban Saladan to the north, direction to a car ferry port. The fee for a ferry is 3 THB/$ 0.09 per motorbike and 2 THB/$ 0.06 per person. It takes about 10 minutes to cross the river and arrive to an almost deserted area of the island!

Just follow the main road from the pier in Koh Lanta Noi (direction to Koh Lanta Noi Sub District Administration Organisation). After a few minutes you will see a seashore on your right behind a beautiful pine forest. Park your motorbike on the path near the forest and then walk a hundred meters to the beach with clear, shallow water and a wonderful view.

Visit the east coast

We went to the east coast twice for a half a day each and were very impressed by the simple, tiny villages with no tourist agencies and no big chain stores. Do not expect any bars, guesthouses or food stalls here.

Going more to the south from the Old Town, you will find the Sand Ga U village, where some Sea Gypsies still live.

Although the place is mentioned in a few guidebooks, do not take it for a tourist attraction. Unlike the long-neck hill tribes near Chiang Mai , there is nobody waiting for you to show you their disappearing culture and sell you an overpriced souvenir. The community is living their own life, they make a living mainly with fishing, and follow their rituals and ceremonies. Please, do respect this when visiting the village.

We went there by motorbike, but it is better if you leave your scooter on the top of the hill and walk down so you don’t disturb their privacy.

Note : If you decide to visit the north beaches, there are plenty of stalls on the road selling gasoline, so no worries about having to push your bike back to town. For the eastern part of the island, make sure you have enough gasoline in the tank.

Snorkeling in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a great place where you can book a day tour and visit some neighbouring islands like Kho Rok. The trip usually includes buffet lunch on the beach, drinking water, fresh fruits and the snorkeling equipment. You can book the tour in your hotel or any local tour desk that is a part of any guesthouse. We booked ours at the same Pakgasri Guesthouse where we rented a scooter. Take a motion sickness pill, the speed boat ride can be bumpy.

Many beaches in Koh Lanta are long, soft, sandy shore that is perfect for practicing jogging. Watch out the stray dogs in the evening as during the day they are too sleepy.

Practice yoga

If you love yoga and if you enjoy practicing it outdoors, then Koh Lanta beaches are the right place for your morning asanas! Until 9am the beaches are almost empty. For serious yoga classes, do visit Oasis Yoga or Lanta Yoga .

Splurge with a dinner on the beach

You’ll find good grilled fish at the Rickey’s Place or Beach Side restaurant in Klong Nin beach. For more western food, go to Otto Bar & Grill on Klong Nin beach. Be ready to pay around 600-900 THB/ $ 18-27 for a dinner for two.

For original Italian pizza & pasta, go to the Pizzeria Caipi in Klong Nin.

Have a massage

Get yourself pampered in one of the beachfront massage shops. You’ll pay 250 – 400 THB / $ 7.7 – 12 per one hour massage.

Go for street food!

Opposite the only 7/11 store in Klong Nin village, you will find a Muslim family’s small stall selling sweet gyoza with peanuts, tamarind (5 THB/$ 0.15 per piece or fried bananas with sesame (10 THB/$ 0.30 per pack of 7-9 pieces). You’ll find plenty of street food carts on the main road near the Long Beach, too.

How To Get To Koh Lanta, Thailand

Ferry from krabi to koh lanta.

It costs 400 THB/$ 12 per person and takes about two hours. In case you take a ferry from Krabi, a songthaew will take you from your guesthouse in Krabi to the pier. To get to Klong Nin, take a tuk-tuk for 100-150 THB/$ 3-4.6 per head. Consider also private transfers to/from hotels in Koh Lanta to/from Krabi.

Ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta

The price for one way ticket depends a lot on the season. Expect to pay between $20-40 per person and it takes 3-4 hours. Bear in mind that a speedboat might be a faster option, yet not so friendly to your stomach.

Minivan from Phuket to Koh Lanta

The route takes about 5-6 hours and a one way ticket will cost you about $13.

Koh Lanta from Bangkok

Fly from Bangkok (or Kuala Lumpur) by AirAsia to Krabi, or from Singapore to Krabi by Tiger Airways and then continue with a passenger ferry Krabi – Koh Lanta that we mentioned above.

What is the budget?

We stayed in Klong Nin, for us the best beach in Koh Lanta, for 10 days and spent in total 17,401 THB/$ 539 / 2 persons which included:

Lodging : 3000 THB/$ 93 in the Caipi guest house Transport :

• tuk-tuk from Ban Saladan to Klong Nin: 200 THB/$ 6. We managed to bargain from a usual price of 150 THB/$ 4.6 per person to 100TBH/$ 3
• ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta: 700 THB/$ 21
• ferry from Koh Lanta to Krabi: 800 THB/$ 24, with a discount of 100 THB/$ 3

Renting a scooter & gasoline for 2 days : 700 THB/$ 21 Food : 8048 THB/$ 250 Snorkeling : 2900 THB/$ 89. With a small discount of 100 THB/$ 3 Miscellaneous : 1053 THB/$ 32

Hope this ultimate guide to things to do in Koh Lanta, its best beaches and hotels will help you to plan your holiday in Thailand. If you have any other question, feel free to send us an email, or leave a comment below.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which at no extra cost to you, will earn us a small commission and reduce the costs of running this site.

Like it? Pin it!

Ivana Greslikova

• Published: January 30, 2023

You may also like...

The Charm Of Southern France: Ideal Seasons For An Unforgettable Vacation

The Ultimate Asia Bucket List

Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan: Tips on Attractions, Food and Best Hotels

35 thoughts on “things to do in koh lanta, thailand: ultimate guide 2023”.

The Rasta Baby Bar looks like a great place to kick back with a few beers and have a crazy night! Thanks for sharing.

It definitely is! Although we don’t drink alcohol, we had a great time at the concert!

The owner of the Rasta Baby is such an asshole- me &my girlfriend were yesterday there and we were the only guests- the owner of the bar came to us and talked about Thailand and the life on Koh Lanta and he seemed to be very nice- After a while I had to go to the restroom – and he talked to my girlfriend in the mean time- when I came back my girlfriend just wanted to leave the Bar …I Asked her what happend- and she told me that the owner Asked her if she could spread her legs because he wanted to see her genitales …this was such an awfull experience- we just drank the Drinks and left the Bar…Rasta Baby Never Never again !

I’m really sorry to hear that, Mihajlo! We never had a drink inside the bar, neither talked to the owner. We went there for a beach concert and had a very different experience. In any case, thanks for letting us know.

What a great round-up! We didn’t make it to Koh Lanta, but it is posts like this that definitely put it at the top of our list for when we return!

Hi Emily, thank you. Happy you found it inspirational! Koh Lanta has been on the top of our favourite places, Klong Nin in particular so far. Hope you can visit it one day!

Oh, the memories. We loved Koh Lanta!

About jogging: I ran the length of the Klong Nin beach, there and back (we stayed just north of the beach), once. No problem with the stray dogs, who ignored me the whole way. The bigger problem was, I’d never sweated as much in my life. The next day Lindsay and I were walking through the northern section of the beach, where there are no bars/restaurants, just a government building, and we saw the chef from a good pizza restaurant on the main road running just up and down that short section. We said hello and asked him why he was running just there and not all the way to the end. He said that a few months back a pack of those sleepy stray dogs attacked him and bit him multiple times and he got rabies and almost died and had to undergo a lengthy recovery. I guess that can happen too.

Oh, what a terrible bad luck! We were jogging only from Rasta Baby down to the south, where it was really peaceful. We went to the north part of the beach only for a walk and it was quiet calm there. Anyway, thanks for this information, Peter. Hope you guys are doing well. Hugs!

We wish we went to that part of Thailand whilst we were there but we ended up volunteering for a month instead of a week so we missed it. The Lanta Animal Welfare was one of the places we wanted to go so desperately to volunteer there too, I’m glad you made it there. There are many other things that you mentioned that appeal to me a lot, like the open air concerts, the markets of course and the old town which looks pretty special too. Next time perhaps! 🙂

If you love volunteering and beautiful sea with some cool places to relax, then Koh Lanta is a great spot to crush for at least two weeks 🙂 Have a great time in Spain, Franca!

Big mumma of the chicken wings is awesome. 🙂

Aww, wonderful that you met her!

WOW! This is a really nicely put together post about Koh Lanta. We’ve been there twice now and absolutely loved it both times.

Hi Megan, thank you! Yes, Koh Lanta is an amazing place to chill out 🙂 for sure we would like to go back there one day! Happy travels, guys 😉

Thank you so much for this! My husband and I are heading to Thailand for the first time in last November. Lanta will be our longest stay of our 24 day trip. Can’t wait to try your suggestions! Thanks again!

Happy you found the tips helpful, Deryn 🙂 Enjoy Koh Lanta, it’s a wonderful part of Thailand!

Thanks for some great Lanta recommendations. You just made the next 62 day’s feel veeery long! Me, my wife, and two boys (Emil 4 yo, and Mika 5 months) are packing our stuff, and heading for Klong Dao in January:) We have a 8 week stay to look forward to:) I must admit that in the beginning I was a bit sceptical about bringing a baby to the far east. But my wife, and reading blog posts such as this has convinced me it’s pretty safe;) So…back to counting day’s, can’t wait:)

Hi Dan, happy to hear you are heading for an adventure to Thailand! From our experience, we saw quite a few toddlers running around in Koh Lanta, so it’s definitely family friendly place. It depends a lot on the location, of course, and the season. But if I count well, you should be still fine in two months. The temperature usually goes up around middle of March down in the south in Thailand. Have fun and enjoy your special holiday!

Hi guys. Cool article. Nice seeing you here in Georgetown, hope to catch up again in Thailand 🙂

Hey, Elton, it was nice to meet you too! Yes, see you in Thailand soon 🙂

Hello! I found your website through Divergent Traveler’s list. We head to Koh Lanta this weekend and this post is super helpful. Thanks for all of the great information. We’ll be sure to follow your tips for snorkeling. Thanks again!

Thanks for stopping by, Alana. Koh Lanta is easily one of our most favourite places in Thailand. Hope you’ll enjoy it too. If you drive a scooter, that’s the best way to explore the island and find some secluded places to chill out. Koh Rok is a beautiful spot for snorkeling, indeed. Although, it might be more crowded now in high season. In any case, have a blast!

Great list guys! We just arrived in Koh Lanta yesterday, and although we are staying in Long Beach, we are totally looking forward to doing a bunch of these things. Thanks for sharing!

Enjoy guys! I’m curious how a new co-working space there is?

I’ve heard so much about Koh Lanta I think I’m in love with the place even though I’ve never got the chance to go there. After reading the first few lines of this post, what grabbed my attention was 3000 baht for accommodation, that’s amazingly cheap, so thanks for this write up, and one day soon Koh Lanta here I come….

Hi Darren, thanks for stopping by. Yes, the price we paid for the room was really crazy, although we heard it went up since last year because of the a/c they installed there. Thanks god!

I am off to Lanta in 2 days, my 9th time in 5 years . I love it laid back friendly , popular with Swedish families, as yet few Russians (no offence to anyone who is . just saying there not many there like rest of Thailand). I stay at Long beach , at Thai Beach house resort . on the beach and also close to bars. I like the Irish Embassy bar on the main road at Prae Ae , always lively. Old Town is fabulous as is the Sea Gypsy Village

Wow, 9th time! That’s what I call love for Koh Lanta. Have a blast, Jilly!

Hi Ivana, myself and my wife are going to Thailand for the first time in April, we have visited India more times than we can remember and last year we were lucky enough to take a trip to the Andaman Islands which has given us the bug to take in more islands in the Andaman area. We are meeting up with our daughter on Phi-Phi which is not something we are looking forward to but are then off to Lanta for 3 weeks and in particular Klong Nin, after trawling through countless sites I’m so glad I found yours, its an up to date account of the area with out any bias slant, thanks so much, keep up the good work,Paul.

Thanks so much for your kind words, Paul! If you love just to chill out on a beach with some good sea food, then you gonna love Klong Nin and the beaches in the south in particular. Wow, India! That’s on our list and hopefully we can get there in near future, so then we’d need some tips from you 🙂 Have a blast in Klong Nin and thanks again for stopping by!

Hi, absolutely wonderful post, I am writing this whilst on the ferry from Ao Nang to Lanta, will be utilising all your advice 🙂

Hey, Norman, that’s fantastic! Have a blast on Koh Lanta 🙂

Hi Ivana! Thanks for this brill post. So excited to visit Koh Lanta now!! I wonder if you could tell me, can you rent a moped without a license? And do the roads seem dangerous there? Thanks a million! Keep up the good work!

Hi Rachel, thanks for the kind words 🙂 Yes, you can easily rent a scooter without a license, the only thing they’ll most probably ask you is to leave them your passport, no copies accepted. The roads are fine, a bit more busy in the north, but the more south you go, the less drivers on the road there are. Gianni drove a scooter after 20 years first time on Koh Lanta and it went very smoothly for bot of us! Have a great time and looking forward to hear about your time there 🙂

Thanks so much Ivana that’s brill!

Comments are closed.

SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please visit our  Privacy Policy  for more info.

Useful links

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Nomad is Beautiful is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

2024 © All rights reserved - Nomad Is Beautiful

Web by Nimble.help (EN) | (SK) | Graphic design & Logo: Gabriela Holcer

THE 10 BEST Ko Lanta Tours & Excursions

Ko lanta tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Private Tours
• Photography Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tin Adventure Sea Tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa from Koh Lanta

2. Lanta Thai Cookery School

3. Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat)

4. A full Day Haa & Rok islands from Koh Lanta( By Speed Boat)

5. Snorkel in Koh Lanta, Thailand

6. Koh Ngai, Koh Muk + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour by Classic Longtail Boat

7. 4 Islands Day Tour By Opal Travel Speedboat

8. Half day Mangrove by Kayaking or Longtail boat from Koh Lanta

9. Half Day 2 Caves Ko Skull Tour Ko Lanta and Kayaking Ko Talabeng

10. A full day exploring kayaking 3 islands (Talabeng sea cave)

11. ️ Krabi Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive)

12. Lanta 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour

13. Koh Phi Phi Day Tour by Opal Travel Speedboat

14. Scuba Dive in Koh Lanta, Thailand

15. Tin Adventure Sea Tour to 4 Islands & Emerald Cave from Koh Lanta

16. Discover Scuba Diving in Koh Lanta, Thailand

17. Maya Bay, Monkey Bay and Phi Phi Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Lanta

18. Half Day Lanta Thai Cookery School From Koh Lanta

19. Oneday Tour 4 Islands and Emerald Cave By Tin Adventure Sea Tour from Koh Lanta

20. Snorkeling to Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat from Koh Lanta

21. One Day Tour to Koh Rok & Koh Haa By Tin Adventure Sea Tour from Koh Lanta

22. Koh Ha Koh Rok Day Tour by Opal Travel Speed boat

23. Full Day 4 Islands (Koh Ngai, Mook, Kradan,Chueak) By Speed Boat

24. Snorkeling Tour to Rok and Haa Island From Krabi

25. Koh Lanta half day Kayaking (Talabeng Sea Cave)

26. Cooking Experience at Lanta Thai Cookery School From Koh Lanta

27. Discover Freediving in Koh Lanta, Thailand

28. Fun Diving Safari Day Trip From Koh Lanta - Certified Divers

29. Koh Rok and Koh Ha Private Boat Tour

30. Full Day Sea Cave and Mangrove Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta

What travelers are saying.

• Tin Adventure Sea Tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa from Koh Lanta
• Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat)
• Lanta Thai Cookery School
• A full Day Haa & Rok islands from Koh Lanta( By Speed Boat)
• Half day Mangrove by Kayaking or Longtail boat from Koh Lanta
• Go Dive Lanta
• Lanta Diver
• Apo Dhatu Divers
• Dive & Relax
• Phoenix Divers Koh Lanta
• Lanta Dream and Paradise
• Lanta Kayaking
• Tin Adventure Sea Tour
• Andaman Dive Adventure
• Hidden Depths Diving
• Flip Flop Divers
• Blue Planet Divers

3 Day Koh Lanta Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)

Planning the perfect Koh Lanta itinerary? Here’s our in-depth travel guide to help you plan your trip to this beautiful Thai island. We’ll show you the best things to do in Koh Lanta , where to stay and how to get around the island. Let’s find out what to do in Koh Lanta and how to create a 3 day Koh Lanta itinerary !

Koh Lanta is a stunning island on the Andaman Coast – home to amazing beaches, rainforests, mangroves and a lovely Old Town. It’s close to popular places to visit in Thailand such as Koh Phi Phi , Krabi & Phuket. This means spending 3 days in Koh Lanta can easily be added to your Thailand trip!

We’ve visited Koh Lanta twice in the last few years and always describe it as our little paradise. There are lots of amazing restaurants and places to explore on your Koh Lanta 3 day itinerary. Similar to other places in Thailand, some shops will never recover and the Thai islands are generally quieter than they used to be.

A quieter island is what makes Koh Lanta such a breath of fresh air to visit and you can often find beach sections to yourself. We spent two months on this lovely island Volunteering at Lanta Animal Welfare , so it holds a special place in our hearts.

We’re excited to help you plan your 3 day Koh Lanta itinerary – where to eat, where to sleep and the best things to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand!

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

Planning a 3 Day Koh Lanta Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

There are a few things you might want to know before spending 3 days in Koh Lanta.

• Thailand Currency  – Thai Baht  (Compare the currency  here )
• Thailand Power Voltage  – Plugs A & C (220 V)
• Koh Lanta is mainly a cash-only island but some places take card

Best time to visit Koh Lanta

The best time to visit Koh Lanta is November to April which is the dry season. Although it’s definitely possible to visit during the rainy season from May to October. Some shops and restaurants will be closed in the low season and it will be raining a lot more.

The benefit of travelling during this time is a quieter island and beaches all to yourself. It does rain in the dry season too, so there’s no real way of escaping it!

Thinking of switching to more sustainable travel products for your Koh Lanta Itinerary? Check out these 18 Great  Eco-Friendly Travel Products  You Need to Swap !

How to get to Koh Lanta

Getting around Thailand is fairly easy, there’s always a tour company selling tickets for various places in Thailand. If you’re coming from the mainland such as Krabi, ask your accommodation for a bus or minivan to Koh Lanta.

Getting to Koh Lanta from Bangkok – Flight or bus. If you’re travelling from Bangkok , there’s an option to break your journey up with a stopover in Krabi! Find the best way using 12.Go !

Getting to Koh Lanta from Phi Phi Islands – There are multiple ferries a week that can get you to Koh Lanta in less than 2 hours!

How to get around Koh Lanta

The best way to get around Koh Lanta is by renting a scooter . Koh Lanta is a big Island with many things to do in different areas. If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter there are tuk-tuks that can help you get around for a small price!

We highly recommend Koh Lanta Bike Rentals . We rented our scooter with them for 2 months and they are a lovely family. They offer free bike drop off and pick up so you can get around the island easily! Message them on Facebook here or their Instagram here!

The roads in Koh Lanta are pretty smooth, we didn’t have any problems driving up and down the island. Just remember to always wear a helmet!

3 Day Koh Lanta Itinerary

Once you’ve made your way over to the island, it’s time to start your Koh Lanta 3 day itinerary. We’ve created a plan for each day .nd also some alternatives if you have extra days in Koh Lanta or you prefer different activities!

Day 1 – Arrival & Beaches

To get the most out of your 3 days in Koh Lanta, we recommend arriving before midday. There are so many great things to do in Koh Lanta, you won’t want to miss anything!

Pra-Ae Beach

Once you arrive at Pra-Ae Beach head to Aleena’s for some lunch – they have a big menu with homemade bread and vegan-friendly options! It’s a few minutes walk away from the long sandy beach.

Pra-Ae-Beach is on the same strip as Long Beach and one of the best ways to be greeted on the island. There are many beach bars along this beach so you have the option to take a sunbed or use your own beach sarong ! Here’s the location for Pra-Ae Beach – Location .

Lym’s Bar is a great spot to watch the sunset and they have so many comfy chairs. Every Monday there’s even a fire show! After you’re beach chill, head to Spring Rolls for some delicious Thai Food. We really recommend any of their curries and of course the spring rolls!

Lanta Cinema

If you’re feeling like heading out for the evening, there are many restaurants or bars with live music. However, if you enjoy a low-key night (like us) make your way to Koh Lanta’s open-air cinema ( location here )! Lanta Cinema has a big space surrounded by a jungle where you can watch some of the best films.

We watched Bugs Life, Big Hero 6 and a few more Disney classics! Check out their website or Instagram to find out what films they’re showing! Unfortunately, they close during the low season due to the unpredictable rain!

Exploring more islands in Thailand? Here’s one of the best trips to do in Phuket !

Day 2 – Lanta Animal Welfare & Cooking Class

On Day 2 of your 3 days in Koh Lanta itinerary, have a big breakfast to keep you going for the morning and be prepared for your afternoon cooking class.

Lanta Animal Welfare Tour

We highly recommend checking out Lanta Animal Welfare on your Koh Lanta itinerary. This is the home to over 50 rescue dogs and cats from around the area and all of them are up for adoption.

If you’ve been wanting some cat cuddles or dog love on your Thailand trip – this is your chance to visit some amazing cats and dogs! Lanta Animal Welfare has treated and sterilised over 15,000 animals and continues to help many dogs and cats each day.

By visiting the centre and joining in on the daily tour you can help support the costs and care of these loving animals. The tour shares information about the centre and starts in Kitty City ( the area to cuddle all the cats !) and as you walk through the dog areas you’re greeted by some friendly dogs at the very end – and they are all up for a stroke or two!

There is a donation to do this tour, but this is to help care for all of the animals here!

Thinking of Volunteering at Lanta Animal Welfare ? This is an incredible experience. We volunteered here for two months and walked, fed, and socialised with many dogs each day. The shift patterns are mornings or afternoons so you have plenty of time to discover what to do in Koh Lanta and rest. They’re always looking for volunteers, message them to find out more !

Take a Thai Cooking Class

One of our favourite experiences in Thailand is learning about the wonderful Thai cuisine and cooking some of the best food. Koh Lanta has one of the best cooking classes in Thailand – Time for Lime !

Time for Lime has been running for 20 years and has taught many people how to cook delicious Thai food! The success of the cooking school meant that Lanta Animal Welfare could be built to care for all the animals in need. Time for Lime is still the biggest supporter of Lanta Animal Welfare and all profits go towards caring and feeding the dogs and cats. Here’s Time for Lime’s Facebook for more details!

The cooking class starts with a fun cocktail ( or mocktail ) making class before Chef Noi teaches you all about Thai cuisine. You will then get to start cooking your own dishes and the menu for this changes daily! We made a Khao Soi, fresh spring rolls, morning glory and caramelized sweet potato with rice – everything was SO good.

Chef Noi makes the cooking class such an experience with his jokes and as eight people can join the class, we met some lovely people! Definitely add Time for Lime to your 3 day Koh Lanta itinerary!

Time for Lime does close for low-season however they are open from October to around June. However, Lanta Animal Welfare is always open and does daily tours.

We shared our full experience Volunteering at Lanta Animal Welfare: Thailand !

After an amazing day seeing the dogs and cats at Lanta Animal Welfare and joining in with a Thai cooking class, it’s now time to relax again.

Pick a restaurant close to your accommodation – although we highly suggest checking out Yawee Restaurant during your 3 days in Koh Lanta. They make the best crispy tofu we’ve ever tried and our favourite massaman curry in Koh Lanta!

Day 3 – Old Town, National Park & Beaches

On Day 3 of your Koh Lanta itinerary, it’s time to visit the beautiful Old Town and explore the National park and beautiful beaches of Koh Lanta.

We highly recommend renting a scooter for this journey as it’s best to have the freedom to stop whenever you want. Koh Lanta Bike Rentals are the best place to go for renting a scooter in Koh Lanta ! The roads are really good around Koh Lanta and they’re not busy at all. If you don’t want to rent a scooter an alternative way to get around is to get a songthaew driver or tuk-tuk for the day but this will cost more. It’s best to ask your accommodation about this!

Head to Koh Lanta’s Old Town

A lovely ride through the jungles of Koh Lanta will lead you through to the cosy Old Town. It’s a small stip of markets next to the ocean and there are also many shops and restaurants here too! It’s a very peaceful Old Town and feels like a little village. It’s a lovely place to stroll around and spend the morning.

During our 2 months in Koh Lanta, we bought clothes, necklaces and bracelets from some of the independent markets in the Old Town. If you’re looking for somewhere to cool down or have lunch we recommend visiting Sunee Place ! They make amazing shakes, crepes and Thai food!

After visiting Old Town, jump back on your scooter and start heading south down the island of Koh Lanta eventually ending up at Mu Ko Lanta National Park. There are a few stops you can make on your way:

• Nui Bay – You can see the beach from the road & it’s a short hike down to the ocean. ( location here )
• Bamboo Beach – The road is slightly bumpy to get down to the beach, however, the view from the top is beautiful and there’s a restaurant that offers the best views. ( location here )

Visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Mu Ko Lanta National Park is spread out over 16 islands ( Mu Ko means a group of islands in Thai ) and Ko Lanta Yai is home to a big section of the rainforest! The smaller islands of the park (Ko Talabeng) are popular the diving and snorkelling!

We’ve visited Koh Lanta twice and decided to enter the national park on our second visit and we loved it! It’s worth mentioning now that there is, unfortunately, a cost to enter the park and for foreigners, it’s ฿200 which is pretty high.

We’re adding it to our 3 day Koh Lanta itinerary because we really enjoyed our visit as the beach was magical! There are also monkeys and wildlife that you can spot in the park ( we had to save someone’s bag from a group of monkeys when they were swimming in the ocean!) .

We chose to do one of the trails in the park and although it wasn’t a spectacular hike, the views were beautiful and it was a nice change to do on an island! There’s a short walk up to the lighthouse which is where we took the photo above looking over the beach in Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

The drive to the National Park is beautiful following the coastal road through the tropical jungle and even if you decide not to enter the park, the drive is definitely worth adding to your list!

Finish the evening at The Angels

The Angels restaurant is another one of our favourite places in Koh Lanta and a great way to end your 3 days in Koh Lanta itinerary. These people are so lovely and care about their food and guests! We totally recommend ordering the Khao Soi or any of their Thai dishes! It’s a really chill place to hang out and has a good vibe!

3 Days in Koh Lanta Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1 – Beaches & Cinema / Day 2 – Lanta Animal Welfare & Thai Cooking Class / Day 3 – Old Town & National Park

More days on your Koh Lanta Itinerary?

• Check out Coco Grove Resort if you don’t have a swimming pool at your accommodation! For non-guests, they ask you to spend ฿100 on food or drinks and you can use the pool for free!
• Go on an Island Hopping Tour ! If you have more than 3 days in Koh Lanta, then check out the 4 Island Hopping Tour in Koh Lanta – it takes you to Koh Chuek, Koh Muk (The Emerald Cave), Koh Ngai and Koh Ma.
• Discover the underwater world and go Diving in Koh Lanta ! We recommend booking with Lanta Diver and exploring Koh Haa or Hin Daeng / Hin Muang. Here’s a breakdown of prices !
• Check out the markets near Sala Dan Pier ( Lanta Plaza ) – if you’re heading off on a ferry, be sure to browse around the markets here and even check out some of the oceanside restaurants.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a long island and there are hotels and guesthouses spread out all across the island. We recommend staying near Klong Khong Beach or Long Beach for your 3 day Koh Lanta itinerary. If you want a more relaxing trip, there are some spots in the south of the island or in Old Town ! Here’s a guide on all the different areas to stay in Koh Lanta and here are some of our recommendations:

Baan Suan Rim Klong $-$$ (Moo 2) – We stayed in one of the lovely bungalows here for 10 days and enjoyed our days being close to many things to do in Koh Lanta and swimming in the pool! It’s close to Lanta Animal Welfare and some lovely beaches. Find them on Booking.com – Baan Suan Rim Klong !

Ok Chawkoh Bungalow $ – If you’re on a small budget, these bungalows are perfect for you. We stayed in one of their air-con rooms but the fan rooms are a better price. It’s pretty hot in Koh Lanta though! Find them on Booking.com here – Ok Chawkoh Bungalow !

Coco Lanta Resort $-$$ – We visited here to use the pool and have put it on our list to stay next time we visit Koh Lanta – they have lovely accommodations, bungalows and the best pool in Koh Lanta! Find them on Booking.com – Coco Lanta Resort !

Best Restaurants in Koh Lanta

There are many restaurants for you to enjoy 3 days in Koh Lanta! Some of our favourite places on the island are home to our favourite Thai food. If you’re vegan, we’ve created a Koh Lanta Vegan Guide with all our best recommendations – even non-vegans should check it out !

Yawee Restaurant  $ – Our favourite restaurant in Koh Lanta! During our two months on the island, we ate here multiple times a week ordering their amazing crispy fried tofu and curries! The prices are very affordable and the family here are so lovely! ( Yawee Location )

Aleena’s Restaurant $-$$ – Another one of our favourite spots here on Koh Lanta. Aleena’s has a big menu serving up sandwiches with fresh homemade bread, wraps and pancakes! The prices are only slightly more than Thai food on the island so we were so happy to find this gem! ( Aleena’s Location )

The Angels Restaurant $ – Some of the kindest people in Koh Lanta have a cosy and hip restaurant serving amazing Thai food. Our favourite is their Khao Soi dish, check it out! ( The Angels Location )

Spring Rolls $ – A great spot for Thai food in Koh Lanta, we kept coming back for their curries and delicious spring rolls! ( Spring Rolls Location )

How many days in Koh Lanta?

We recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Koh Lanta . There is so much to do on the island that you can spend a full week doing fun activities! It is a lot quieter than the neighbouring islands of Phi Phi or Ao Nang / Railay Beach but that’s what makes Koh Lanta so different. Check out other islands to visit in our The Best 2 week South Thailand Itinerary !

If I only have 1 day in Koh Lanta, what should I do?

If you only have 1 day in Koh Lanta, start your day with a morning tour of Lanta Animal Welfare , then head to Old Town on a scooter and browse the cute shops. After this, make your way to Long Beach or Pra-Ae Beach and relax before admiring the sunset.

Prices in Koh Lanta

It’s easy to find accommodation from ฿400 per night for budget private rooms or above ฿700 per night for mid-range accommodation. The food on the island is pretty affordable at ฿60-140 for Thai food or ฿100-250 for western food. Scooter Rentals from Koh Lanta Bike Rentals are around ฿150-200 per day. All of the beaches in Koh Lanta are free (apart from the National Park) and every other activity mentioned in this Koh Lanta itinerary does have a cost.

If you want to know more about visiting Thailand, check out our 11+ Best Thailand Travel Tips !

What to pack for 3 days in Koh Lanta?

Thailand has a tropical climate so it’s best to pack for hot weather with the possibility of heavy rain! Here are a few things we highly recommend when packing for a trip to Thailand and Koh Lanta.

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Our metal water bottles have been our side throughout it all! They last a long time, are easy to clean and are better than plastic! Bring one along for your 3 days in Koh Lanta.
• International Worldwide Travel Adaptor – The best plug to have when travelling to different countries – plus as well as an international plug it has 4 USB slots to charge your gadgets at the same time!
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – Packing cubes are our ultimate saviour when it comes to backpacking and we even use them when packing a suitcase or in our home wardrobe!
• Sawyer Mini Water Filter – If you want to reduce your plastic consumption, we highly recommend buying a water filter. You’ll always be able to drink the water from any kitchen tap and after a year of using it, we haven’t fallen sick yet!
• Waterproof Bag 20L with Waterproof Phone Case – Having a waterproof bag in Thailand is great for all the amazing boat rides you’ll do to other islands. They keep your valuables safe and away from the salty water
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – GorillaPods are a great little tripod to carry on a Thailand trip, they’re lightweight and can fit in a carry-on bag. They capture some of the best photos when there’s no one around to take a photo of you. We love our Joby GorillaPod and use it for our Sony A6000 .

Is Koh Lanta worth visiting?

Yes! Of course, Koh Lanta is worth visiting! We hope you’re a little more convinced after reading about what to do in Koh Lanta and how you can spend your days in Thailand. The thing about Koh Lanta is that it isn’t as touristy as Koh Phi Phi, Ao Nang and Phuket so it has a different charm about the island. There’s something to do for everyone and we would totally visit again.

Check out our other Thailand Posts :

• Volunteering at Lanta Animal Welfare: Thailand (2024)
• Koh Lanta Vegan Guide: Best Vegan Restaurants in Koh Lanta 2024
• The Best 2 week South Thailand Itinerary (2024)
• 3 Day Koh Samui Itinerary: The Best Koh Samui Guide
• Ultimate Vegan Restaurants in Phuket – Vegan Food Guide in Thailand
• The Best Krabi Itinerary: 3 Days in Krabi, Thailand
• 3 Day Koh Tao Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)
• The Best 4 Day Phuket Itinerary: What To Do (2024)
• 11+ Best Thailand Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting Thailand (2024)
• Top 8 Vegan Restaurants in Koh Samui, Thailand 2024
• Or browse our travel blog for more inspiration!

That’s the end of our  3 Day Koh Lanta Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)!  We hope you have the best 3 days in Koh Lanta exploring the island from top to bottom! If you need any more help – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER & SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!

Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

Similar Posts

3 Day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024)

Thinking about spending 3 days in Busan? Here’s our in-depth guide on how to plan your 3 day Busan Itinerary…

10 Best South Korea Budget Tips + Travel Costs (2024)

Are you wondering how much a trip to South Korea will cost? Here’s our in-depth travel guide on the 10…

3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)

Kuala Lumpur is the wonderful capital of Malaysia and home to the famous Petronas Towers! With 3 days in Kuala…

Koh Lanta Vegan Guide: Best Vegan Restaurants (2024)

Looking for a Koh Lanta vegan guide in 2024? You’re in the right place! We’ve created the best list of…

Ultimate 2 week Japan Itinerary (2024) The Best Places

Planning a 2 week Japan itinerary? Here’s our ultimate guide on how to spend the best 2 weeks in Japan…

25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know

Looking for some South Korea Travel Tips? We’re here to tell you all the best things to know before visiting…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Visit Koh Lanta: Top 15 Things To Do And Must See Attractions

Things to do in koh lanta: the 15 best places to visit (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Koh Lanta during your next trip to Thailand ?

Great idea!

This island in the Southern part of the Andaman Sea is the perfect destination to enjoy beautiful sandy beaches and to spend a super relaxing holiday. The day trips to the small heavenly islands in the surrounding area are also amazing!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 15 best things to do in Koh Lanta , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Koh Lanta in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even 1 week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Koh Lanta? Where to stay?

1. The beaches of Koh Lanta

2. explore koh lanta on a scooter, 3. the old town of koh lanta / lanta old town, 4. trip to koh rok, 5. trip to the 4 islands, 6. mu ko lanta national park, 7. explore the mangrove, 8. diving at koh lanta, 9. koh lanta noi, 10. visit an elephant sanctuary, 11. get a massage, 12. thai cooking classes, 13. khao mai kaew caves, 14. do yoga, how many days to visit koh lanta, visit koh lanta in 1 day, visit koh lanta in 2 days, visit koh lanta in 3 days, visit koh lanta in 4 or 5 days / 1 week, where to stay in koh lanta, where to eat in koh lanta, how to get around koh lanta, from phuket, koh lanta tourist map, you’re traveling to thailand these articles will help you, visit koh lanta: all must see attractions.

It is impossible not to enjoy the splendid beaches during your trip to Koh Lanta. The hardest part is choosing which beach you want to relax at for a few hours!

So, where are the best beaches in Koh Lanta?

First of all, you should know that all the beautiful beaches of the island are on the west coast.

• Klong Dao beach is considered the most popular on the island. It is ideal if you have children because the water is shallow. It is surrounded by many hotels, bars and tour agencies and therefore quite lively. If the waves are ideal, you can even try surfing!
• Long Beach or Pra-Ae Beach: located just ahead of Klong Dao beach from the port. An almost 4 km long beach with fine sands awaits you! Just as with Klong Dao, there are hotels all along the beach.
• Klong Khong Beach, Klong Toab Beach, Klong Nin Beach: 3 long sandy beaches one after the other. There are quite a few hotels with direct access to the beach and several beach bars or massage parlours. The sea bed can dip quite sharply so be careful when letting children in the sea. The ambience is calm and perfect for a drink.
• Khantiang Beach / Nui Beach / Diamond Cliff Beach: a beautiful beach under the overlooking Diamond Cliff. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over Koh Lanta!
• Kan Tiang Bay: a large, beautiful and sandy beach without too many people and a relaxing and calm atmosphere.
• Nui Bay Beach: a small and enjoyable beach.
• Klong Jark Bay: another excellent sandy beach, smaller and more intimate than the others. For those who would like to do some exercise, it even has a beach volleyball court. Your companions can wait for you at the small bar nearby!
• Bamboo Beach: this sandy beach is wilder than the others. Bordered by the jungle and without too many buildings around, you will really feel like you have landed on a desert island! There were less than 10 people there when we visited.

The farther you go from the port and the northwest part of the island, the most visited by tourists, the quieter you will find the beaches.

If you’ve ever been to other islands on your trip to Thailand then you know, that the best way to explore Koh Lanta, is by renting a scooter.

The island is quite large, and apart from that, if you want to stay at the beach closest to your hotel, you will need a way to get around. All hotels and guesthouses in Koh Lanta offer scooter rentals at around 300 Bahts per day + petrol costs.

Along with walking along the beaches and stopping when you want to take a dip, you can take the opportunity to discover the unmissable spots in Koh Lanta:

• The old town (more about this below)
• The village of Sang-ga-u (Sea Gypsy Village) whose inhabitants are nicknamed the gypsies of the sea (“Chao Leh” in Thai). They were the first settlers on the island nearly 500 years ago. You can of course visit the village (to the south-east of the island) but please don’t thing of the inhabitants as curious animals and don’t start clicking photos. Ask their permission to take pictures of them or their house.
• The mangrove
• Kao Mai Kaew Cave 
• The Tiger cave
• The Klong Jark waterfall
• Mu Ko Lanta National Park
• Koh Lanta Noi

I will give you all the details about these interesting spots to visit in Koh Lanta in the next part of the article.

If you don’t want to rent a scooter but you still want to travel around the island, you must book a chauffeur-driven tour.

There are several different options: half day or full day / shared or private transport. The rates are between 800 and 1000 Bahts per person for half a day and between 1200 and 1800 Bahts for 1 day .

The most complete tour includes the mangrove , the old town , lunch , the Kantiang beach and the national park. Click here for all the information you need to book it!

Let’s continue with this guided tour with the old town of Koh Lanta, which is located to the east of the island.

At the time, the town was an important trading hub thanks to its port, which was used by Chinese and Arab merchant ships.

Today, you can stroll along the main street lined with traditional wooden houses on stilts, converted into clothes and souvenir shops. There are also several excellent seafood restaurants for a meal with a sea view.

You can end your trip with a short walk on the jetty to admire the view of the surrounding islands. This is where boats depart for the trips to Koh Rok and the 4 islands I will talk about soon.

You’re going to Koh Lanta?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Koh Lanta on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Koh Lanta.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Koh Lanta, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Koh Lanta!

One of the other activities to do in Koh Lanta is to go on a day trip to explore other smaller islands.

One of the most famous in the area is the island of Koh Rok. With its turquoise waters, coral reefs and colourful fish, the island is known for being one of the best places in Thailand to go snorkelling.

To reach Koh Rok from Koh Lanta, you have no option but to go through an organised tour. You will be picked up directly in front of your hotel and taken to the port. Then an hour-long voyage in a boat. 

During this day trip, several snorkelling stops are planned on the islands of Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai . You can use this opportunity to try and find Nemo!

Everything is included in the price (about 1700 Bahts): pick-up from your hotel, transport, boat, snorkelling equipment, lunch, and drinks and fruit whenever you want them.

To make sure you go through a reliable agency, you must book this trip to Koh Rok by clicking on the button below:

If this tour is already full, you can also book with another service provider by clicking here (it’s exactly the same).

Another unmissable trip from Koh Lanta is the one for visiting the 4 beautiful islands in the surrounding area.

With the trip to the 4 islands of Koh Yao Noi , this day was one of my all-time favourites of my entire trip to Thailand . There are choice spots for snorkelling that are teeming with fish and the islands you can explore are truly heavenly.

The islands included in the programme are:

1) Koh Chuek for snorkelling and discovering the most beautiful fishes and observing the corals. About 30 minutes.

2) Koh Waen where you will make another snorkelling stop at the foot of a fishing hut built in the rock on a small island.

The fish are very different from Koh Chuek, there are barracudas and funny-looking fish which are very thin and holding their heads down. The corals are also different, with chimneys where the fish hide. This will be around a 20 minute stop.

Instead of Koh Waen, some tours prefer stopping at Koh Ma, but in any case, you will have time to snorkel too.

3) Koh Muk (Emerald Cave): a unique experience, where you will swim through a 80 metre long cave to reach a lagoon surrounded by vegetation. It feels like you’re in the middle of a volcano crater, it’s really beautiful!

A small nugget of history, Emerald Cave was originally a pirate hideout. They were hoarding all their treasures.

On the island, there is also a nice beach (Sabai beach) a little further away to the left.

4) Koh Ngai: this island has a very beautiful sandy beach with translucent water that lives up to its name of Paradise beach very well. You will stop there for lunch and then enjoy a swim.

There is also a hotel and 2 bars where you can enjoy a drink.

During this 2-hour stop, you can also walk to the sight-seeing spot (20 minutes walk). The view from the top is not exactly exceptional, as there is lots of vegetation, but it is nice to climb there using ropes. Just before going up, there is a pretty and calm beach which is good for a swim.

The price of the “4 islands” trip starts at 1000 Bahts per person and includes: pick -up service from your hotel, transport to the port, cruise and the exploring the 4 islands , snorkelling equipment , lunch , soft drinks and fruit whenever you want during the day.

Departure between 8 am and 9 am every morning and return between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.

To make sure you go through a reliable agency, you must book your trip to the 4 islands by clicking on the button below:

This tour is done on a longtail, a traditional Thai boat, but if you wish, you can also do the same trip by speedboat. If you prefer the speedboat option, you need to book it by clicking there.

During your stay in Koh Lanta, make sure to visit the national park.

It is located at the southern-most part of the island.

The entrance to the Mu Ko Lanta park is 200 Bahts per person + 20 Bahts for scooters. You will then have to walk down a road to reach the car park. The visitor centre and toilets are at the same spot.

In the park, you can take a short walk to see the Rock Beach , climb up to the lighthouse to admire the view and end with a break on the second beach of the park, the Ta Noad Beach. The place is nice but to be honest, there are more beautiful beaches elsewhere on Koh Lanta.

There is also a trail in the national park that allows you to go for a mini 1.7 km hike in the jungle. Just watch out for the monkeys having fun nicking your stuff!

Another interesting activity offered in Koh Lanta is exploring the mangroves on the island.

For this, you must first visit the Tungyeepeng port . From here you can rent kayaks to go through the small canals and pass through the trees. If you keep your eyes open, you will might even see monkeys and birds.

Rental for the kayaks costs 300 Bahts per day. You can book these tours from almost anywhere on the island or go there directly and rent your kayak.

If you want to go with a guide and other people , it costs 900 Bahts for half a day. The guide will take you on a tour of a fish farm and several spots where the monkeys live.

This 1/2 day kayaking trip to Ko Lanta can be booked directly by clicking on the button below:

For the one-day guided tour through the mangrove, the rates are around 1300 Bahts . The kayak trip includes, in addition to the mangrove, stops on the island of Koh Phee to visit caves, the Talabeng beach for lunch and a passage through sea caves.

Departure every day at 9 am and return at 4 pm.

For those who don’t feel like rowing, it is also possible to take a tour of the mangrove aboard a long boat tail , the typical boats of Thailand, which allow you to navigate shallow waters.

For a half-day long boat ride, the rates are around 900 Bahts per person. 

To reserve, click on the green button:

And if you want to do a couples activity in Ko Lanta, you can also choose the romantic version that takes place at sunrise. Information and reservations by clicking here!

If you do not have enough time to go kayaking , in Tungyeepeng, wooden walkways allow you to take a short walk of about twenty minutes in the mangrove. You’ll see lots of amazing colourful crabs .

The entrance fee of 40 Bahts is payable at the same shack as the kayak rental.

To see the mangrove for free and walk around, I recommend going to the place called “Sea per view”, 3 km south of Tungyeepeng.

A walk on a pontoon (watch out for the last part because the boards are rotten) in the middle of the mangrove allows you to observe crabs of all colours or with a single very large set of pincers. There is also a species of amphibious fish that bask in the sun on the sand. It’s kind of fun to see them moving and jumping around.

Koh Lanta is one of the top destinations for diving, there are many centres on the island that offer first diving experiences.

The most famous place is towards Koh Hah, and the good news is that it is perfect for beginners!

The sites of Hin Muang (Red Rock) and Hin Daeng (Purple Rock) are also popular because you will have the chance to swim with whale sharks or manta rays. However, they are reserved for divers who are a little more experienced.

Prices for 2 dives on the islands closest to Koh Ha, Koh Bida or Koh Phi Phi start from 3,300 Bahts .

For the more remote islands like Hin Muang or Kho Yung , allow about 4,300 Bahts for 2 dives during the day.

Find out more about the reliability of the agency you want to go through. There are many accidents every year in Thailand because the safety standards are not respected or the equipment is too old.

Visiting Koh Lanta also includes the neighbouring island of Koh Lanta Noi.

The two are connected by a bridge , which is located just to the north of the island, next to Saladan port.

Koh Lanta Noi is much smaller and even less crowded than Koh Lanta Yai. Here, there are no hotels, restaurants or tourist sites, you will be immersed in nature and in the heart of Thai rural life.

I recommend that you rent a scooter for the tour. You will certainly find a few deserted beaches where you can spend some time and you can enjoy the view of the large island of Koh Lanta.

You must do this activity to you in Koh Lanta because the sanctuary is recognised as ethical and really cares about animal welfare. There is no possibility of taking a ride on their backs.

You can feed the elephants, give them a mud bath or learn how to prepare their herbal medicines . There’s even a very nice little workshop where you will discover how to make paper using elephant dung.

Visits are scheduled for mornings and afternoons and last 1/2 day. The round trip to/from your hotel is included.

To book your visit to an elephant sanctuary in Koh Lanta , click on the button below:

During your holiday in Koh Lanta, feel free to relax at a massage parlour.

There are many small stalls along the main road and also on the beachfront. The prices are around 300 Bahts for a foot massage lasting an hour and a little more for the whole body.

For the more chic version, many hotels and resorts have magnificent spas where you will be treated like royalty. The rates are a little higher, but it’s not every day that you can pamper yourself like this!

After touring the island and enjoying the beaches, if you are wondering what to do in Koh Lanta , you must take a Thai cooking class.

The food is so great all over the country, that it can be worth learning a recipe or two to make at home to impress your friends or family. Provided you can find all the ingredients once you get home!

There are several cooking schools on the island offering half-day sessions to prepare your meals and of course to enjoy them at the end. Green currys, cashew chicken or Pad Thai won’t hold any more secrets from you!

The “Cooking with Mon” class is highly recommended. Mon is really, really cool, and passionate about what he does. Classes are organised in small groups where everyone participates and the atmosphere is really good.

Mon’s kitchen is located in the old town of Koh Lanta . Classes last from 11 am to 4 pm and cost 1600 Bahts per person.

You will make 3 delicious dishes and a PDF file will be sent to you at the end of the class so you can make all this at home.

All information is available on the official website.

The Khao Mai Kaew cave is one of the main tourist attractions of Koh Lanta.

Located in the centre of the island, near Nui beach, it is one of the most beautiful caves in the country. And there’s good reason to be impressed, not least by its size. Add to this the original rock formations and it becomes one of the most popular places on the island.

The cave network can only be visited with a guide , for 300 Bahts per person.

Some small tips when visiting the cave:

• Don’t visit the caves in flip-flops. To reach the cave, you will walk through a jungle for 30 minutes. The ground is undulating, it’s muddy and slippery, so a good pair of sneakers or even hiking shoes are necessary (and this is true for the inside of the cave).
• You shouldn’t take children there. The place is really not suited, you will have to move up and down precarious wooden ladders, so obviously its not for children.
• If you’re claustrophobic, forget about it. You will delve into the depths of the cave and some passages are rather narrow.
• One last thing: there are lots of spiders and of quite impressive sizes, so if you don’t like these little (or big) creepies too much, don’t go in!  😅

If you like caves, you can also visit the Tiger Cave.

Here, you will have the choice of hiring a guide (250 Bahts per person) or going alone (100 Bahts). After having been there, I recommend that you hire a guide or you may miss some passages.

A small yoga class facing the beach at sunset.

In Koh Lanta, it’s possible! From a simple beginner ‘s course to a 4 or 5 day retreat, there are various packages. Classes last 1h30 and start at 400 Bahts.

Here is a selection of the most popular classes:

• Thip Yoga, which offers classes in several hotels on the island depending on the day.
• Oasis Yoga on Klong Dao beach
• Yoga classes at the Moonlight Bay Resort, which is located between the beaches of Klong Khong Beach and Klong Nin Beach
• Sanctuary on Long Beach

The best things to do around Koh Lanta?

Did you visit all the must-see things in Koh Lanta? Have you been to the most beautiful beaches?

Then it’s time to leave the island and continue your stay in Thailand! From Koh Lanta you can easily reach the island of Phuket or the Krabi region.

One of the best known islands in the vicinity of Koh Lanta is Phuket.

Phuket has the reputation of being a lively island, and still holds the throne. Walk along the streets of Bangla Road, watch a ladyboy show or a traditional dance performance , you won’t get bored in the evening in Phuket, that’s for sure!

During the day, you can enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, all equally busy and lively, where you can indulge in many water activities such as buoy rides or parasailing.

A stay in Phuket will also allow you to easily visit Koh Phi Phi for a day trip or go snorkelling on the Similan Islands. 

To make sure you don’t miss things to do in Phuket, you must read our article: The best things to do in Phuket?

The province of Krabi is located to the northeast of Koh Lanta.

The area is known for its numerous karst cliffs and the small islands with fine sand beaches, ideal for swimming.

One of the things you absolutely have to do if you spend a few days in Krabi is to go and spend a day in Railay. It is easily accessible by boat from Ao Nang Beach, 20 km from the centre of Krabi.

The place is very beautiful, with long sandy beach bordered by forests . You can go for a swim or rent a kayak for a jaunt in the sea. There are also bars and restaurants if you feel peckish.

Railay also attracts climbing enthusiasts from all over the world with nearly 700 routes designed for this sport.

All the details to organise your trip to Krabi are in our article: Krabi: the definitive guide.

It is also possible to take a day trip from Ko Lanta to Krabi. The pick up and drop off from your hotel (car + ferry + bus tour) and lunch are included in the price.

In Krabi, you will have the chance to discover the Emerald Pool and swim in the hot springs.

Click here to book:

You must allow at least 3 days to visit Koh Lanta.

Between the tour of the island , the relaxation on the beaches and the varied trips, your days will be full.

And to enjoy all the activities on the island or simply relax, it is best to plan 4 or 5 days, or even 1 week ! Nobody will blame you if you don’t feel like leaving.

Do you have a day to visit Koh Lanta?

So, hop on your scooter and go explore the island at your own pace.

Go along the coast and stop whenever you want to enjoy the beaches. Remember that the further south you go (west coast), the quieter and wilder they will be!

If you don’t want to or can’t rent a scooter , your best option to discover the best places to visit in Koh Lanta in one day is to book a guided tour.

The best small group tour includes the following visits:

• A walk in the mangrove of Thung Yee Peng
• A visit to the old town of Koh Lanta
• Lunch in a typical restaurant
• Swimming on Kantiang beach
• Exploring Lanta National Park.

And you know the best?

Pick up and drop off from your hotel is also included!

To book your guided visit of Koh Lanta, simply click on the button below:

For 2 days at Koh Lanta, you can continue from the schedule for the first day

On the second day, take a trip to the 4 islands. For me, this is the best thing to do from Koh Lanta!

In addition to the previous 2 days, on day 3 you have several options:

1) Boat trip to Koh Rok for a day of snorkelling

2) Discover the mangrove by kayak in the morning / Spend the afternoon in Koh Lanta Noi

3) Have your first diving experience

4) Take a cooking class at “Cooking with Mon” and take a walk the food off in the old town of Koh Lanta

5) Start with yoga in the morning / Visit the Khao Mai Kaew Caves or the Tiger Cave / Explore the Mu Koh Lanta National Park

6) Visit the ethical elephant sanctuary

Are you vacationing in Koh Lanta for 4 or 5 days ? Are you lucky enough to visit Koh Lanta for a week?

That’s perfect! You will have time to do all the activities we discussed in this article. If you spread out the options for day 3 over several days, there is plenty to do for 7-8 days!

You can then choose to go to Phuket or Krabi to continue your Thailand trip.

In Koh Lanta, hotels are located on the west coast of the island, close to the numerous beaches.

As always, the best rooms are fully booked months in advance , so make sure to book your hotel as soon as you have your travel dates!

• Hub of Joys Hostel: Hostel located 350 metres from Long Beach. Clean and pleasant dormitory bed from €6 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, 5 minutes from the beach, good breakfast. This is the cheapest accommodation option in Koh Lanta! Perfect for backpackers.
• Long Beach Chalet: Located right on Long Beach. Bright and comfortable bungalow from 25€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, direct access to the beach.
• SriLanta Resort: Located on Klong Nin Beach. Thai style villa with a terrace overlooking the garden from 35€, breakfast at 10€. Strong points: 3 swimming pools, the setting, ideal location to go to the beach, comfort. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money!
• Kaw Kwang Beach Resort: Located on Klong Dao Beach. Nice and spacious double room from 50€, breakfast included. Strong points: sea-view, very quiet and accessible beach, swimming pool, landscaped garden, free pick-up and drop-off at the port.
• Rawi Warin Resort And Spa: 5 star hotel located 400 metres from Klong Nin Beach. Modern Thai style double room with wooden furniture and balcony from 85€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pools, playground for children, view, competent staff, ample and varied breakfast. Ideal for an upscale romantic stay!
• Pimalai Resort & Spa: 5 star hotel located 650 ft from Kantiang Beach. Very spacious and tastefully decorated double room from 210€, breakfast included. Strong points: the splendid infinity pool, dedicated staff, location, view, excellent breakfast. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Koh Lanta!

On the west coast of the island , there are bars and restaurants all along the road that runs from the port to the national park and also along the beaches. You will be spoilt for choice!

If you are near Klong Toab Beach, you must eat at the Sai Nat, a tiny restaurant with a few tables, located right next to the road. Everything is homemade and freshly prepared. It’s excellent and very hearty.

The cuisine is more Indian than Thai , we ate the best cheese naan of our lives! And the other dishes were just as delicious.

As with many Thai islands, the best way to get around Koh Lanta is to rent a scooter.

There are rentals everywhere on the island for about 300 Bahts a day + petrol.

To make the journey from the port to your hotel, it is best to book the transfer in the boat that takes you to Koh Lanta. A person will approach you during the trip and offer a shared taxi.

The price varies depending on the distance you need to get to your hotel. The rates are the same as those charged directly at the port, so you won’t have to worry about accepting them. You can even try to negotiate a bit.

This person also offers to sell you tickets for the return at the same time. Here too, it doesn’t cost any more , so it can be convenient.

How to go to Koh Lanta

To get to the island of Koh Lanta, the only choice is by boat. Unlike Phuket or Krabi, the island has no airport.

To get to Koh Lanta from Phuket, you will need to take a boat to the port of Rassada , which is to the south-east of the island. Not to be confused with the port of Rang Bang Pier, which is located in the North-East and only allows you to reach Koh Yao Noi island.

The journey takes 2 stages : first you will take a boat to Koh Phi Phi (2 hours and 30 minutes) and then a second boat to Koh Lanta (about 1h15).

Our transport to the port and the booking of the boat trip were made by our hotel which negotiated a rate of 700 Bahts instead of 1000 Bahts , which we would have had to pay if we booked directly on the Internet. So don’t hesitate to ask them to call for you.

There is also the possibility of taking a speed boat, which is quicker and more direct to Koh Lanta without stopping at Koh Phi Phi (2 hours) but it is more expensive than the classic boat. This is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems.

You can book this speed boat transport by clicking here!

If you arrive in Phuket by plane, you will either have to take a taxi to the port or the bus to Phuket Town and then another bus or taxi.

Arriving at the end of the day, you will probably have to spend a night at a hotel to catch the boat the next morning.

I recommend “The Malika Hotel” which is only 2 km away from the port. The rooms are comfortable, the hotel is quiet and has a swimming pool. Prices start from 38€ per night. You can book directly by clicking here. 

From Krabi and to go to Koh Lanta, you can also take the boat.

Consider about 2 hours and a half hours and 350 Bahts per person.

From Krabi airport, you can take a private taxi or a shared taxi to the port. The journey takes about 40 minutes.

And if you don’ t want to get bothered by organisational issues, I recommend you book private transport from Krabi Airport directly to your Koh Lanta hotel.

Your driver will wait for you upon arrival and you will then board the boat by car. No need to change vehicles and the price is fixed in advance , so not a bad deal!

You will find all the information and can make your reservation by clicking here!

To get to Phuket or Krabi by plane, I advise you to compare flight prices as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. You can rest assured that you will get the best rates.

To help you visualise the town a little better, I made you a tourist map of Koh Lanta listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 15 things to do in Koh Lanta and nearby. You can display the map legend by clicking the button at the top left with a small arrow.

Thailand travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Thailand : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Thailand are listed there.

The 25 Best Things to Do in Thailand

• Itinerary: One week in Thailand – Perfect to visit Bangkok , Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai !
• Itinerary: 6,7 or 8 days in Thailand – 2 itineraries to the southern islands, starting from Phuket or Krabi
• Itinerary: 10 days in Thailand – The perfect itinerary to discover the best of Thailand!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Thailand – Discover Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai , + Best Southern islands!
• Itinerary: 15 days in Thailand – The best itinerary to visit the most beautiful Southern islands
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Thailand – Discover the best of Thailand in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Thailand – The most complete itinerary to visit Thailand!
• Road trip in Thailand: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days
• Ayutthaya: The definitive guide to visit the archaeological park
• Bangkok: The 30 best places to visit
• Chiang Mai: The 20 best things to do
• Chiang Rai: The 17 must-see attractions
• Koh Lanta: The 15 most beautiful places to see on the island
• Koh Yao Noi: All the things to do on this paradise island!
• Krabi: Top 17 best places to visit
• Phuket: The 23 best things to do
• Sukhothai: How to visit the historical park?
• 3 days in Bangkok – The best itinerary to visit the Thai capital in 72h!
• 3 Days in Chiang Mai – The perfect itinerary to visit the Chiang Mai in 72h!

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

3 Days in Chiang Mai: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

3 Days in Bangkok: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

1 month in Thailand: The Ultimate 30 Days Itinerary + My Best Tips

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Website (optional)

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Middle East
• North America
• Cheap car rentals: my best advice
• Back to Homepage

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

JR Rail Pass Guide. All things you need to know, how…

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives reviews. The detailed review of my vacation…

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa reviews. The resort is highly…

+7 luxury resorts you must stay in Danang, Vietnam

Where to go & what to do in Varanasi? — 15+…

What to buy in Indonesia? — Top +9 famous gifts, souvenirs…

What to buy in Kyoto? — 31+ must-buy Kyoto souvenirs, gifts…

How to prepare for trekking in Nepal? — 10+ Nepal trekking…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Where to eat in Nha Trang? — 27+ budget, best places…

What to eat in Singapore? — 10+ must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Nha Trang — 45+ best street food in…

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Scooter tour koh lanta.

EDITOR PICKS

JR Rail Pass Guide. All things you need to know, how...

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives reviews. The detailed review of my vacation...

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa reviews. The resort is highly...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

What to buy in Korea? — Top +23 cheap, famous &...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1463
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Food + Drink 211
• Thailand 209
• Coasts + Islands 193
• Vietnam 169
• South Korea 168
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• Rok Island and Ha Island
• Phi Phi Island
• Private Boat Charter
• Fishing Trip
• Public Transfer
• Boat Schedule
• Private VIP Van Charter
• Flight Ticket
• Payment & Refundable

Rainbow Lanta Travel & Tour

                                                       We can arrange Flights Ticket, Transportation and various Activities.                                                                             You will unforgettable islands Koh Lanta!

                                                    Popular Tours

Rok and Ha Island Tours

Rok and Haa Island most beautiful of white powdery sand beaches & clear turquoise waters. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Kayaking is one of attractions on the Lanta islands and it’s one of the best ways to take in the natural beauty of Koh Lanta.

                                                     Our Services

Flight tickets.

Koh Lanta – Exploring the Island on Bicycles

Our first island stop in Thailand was at Koh Lanta in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of Thailand.

Explore Koh Lanta

Most people rent a scooter to explore Koh Lanta which is about 25 km long and have 9 white sandy beaches spread out on the west coast stretch. A green mountain range separates the east and west coasts of Koh Lanta. The coastlines have more than 70 small islands with coral reefs and rich. We decided to stay close to the nice and long Klong Nin beach and use bicycles to get around.

Koh Lanta has become very popular for tourists, also among families with kids. This is actually why we choose Lanta over a smaller island, which would be our normal pick. But after our travels in Sicily , where we were in many quiet places and Sixten didn’t have any kids to play with, we wanted to go to an island, where we were sure he could meet other kids.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is rather big and there is a huge amount of accommodation to find. Because of tourism, most land and forest in the north-west part of Koh Lanta has been expropriated for hotels, resorts, and shops (in a not very aesthetically pleasing way). All the way from the north down through Klong Nin beach area the dirt road is very busy (and everything is honestly quite ugly), but then you’ll reach some more quiet areas.

Before going, we found it a bit hard to decide where to stay because we wanted a place with the possibility of playmates for Sixten, but we also wanted some peace around us. We decided to book a bungalow in the  Klong Nin area, but inland between lots of nature, at a local family-run place. A choice we were really happy about when we arrived at Lanta and experienced how most bungalows close to the beaches are also located next to the very busy main road and a whole lot of traffic noise.

As a rule of thumb, the further south you go, the more quiet and tranquil your stay will be.

Staying in the Jungle in the Klong Nin Beach Area

We stayed in a really nice family bungalow with a little kitchenette, in the “jungle”. It was located, on the road to Mai Kaew Cave . It’s about 10 minutes from the beach on bicycles, which the nice host family borrows to their guests. It was what we wanted. Quiet and relaxed place. We ended up staying there for two weeks because the owners and hosts, Adda and Win, are super sweet and make their guests feel at home. They rent out scooters (200 baht/ day) and pick you up when you arrive.

They also run a small restaurant in the same location, which serves really good Thai food, as well as a choice of western dishes. All reasonably priced.

If they just also had a pool, it would be near perfect.

You can find more info on their  facebook page.

Local Markets and Eateries in Koh Lanta, Klong Nin Area

We like to eat the local – and in South Thailand spicy – food which you mostly find at the markets, and at the small eateries with plastic chairs, along the main roads.

The local markets close to Klong Nin beach are on every Tuesday here and every Friday here.

Klong Nin Main Road Eateries

For places to eat along the main road in the Klong Nin beach area, we highly recommend a little place which I don’t know the name of. It’s right next to the motorcycle repair shop here  – great curries and stir-fries.  A bit further up the street, we really liked the Lanta Chysee Restaurant , which serves delicious noodle soups and bbq meat.

Peaceful Ba Kan Tiang Bay

Over Christmas, our friends from Denmark came on holiday at Koh Lanta. They were staying further south in the Bakantiang beach area. We jumped on the bicycles and took the 8 km trip to visit them. It was great to see our friends, but also to do the trip as we then saw a much more relaxed and pretty part of Lanta. In our opinion, the island is much quieter and nicer down south.

We’ll definitely stay in the Bakantiang beach area, next time we visit Lanta. Here you are also close to the small  Bamboo beach , and  Lanta national park .

We had the best seafood meal here on the beach at Same Same But Different Restaurant .

Rent a Bike on Koh Lanta

Before going to Koh Lanta we spent a bit of time researching where to rent bicycles. We didn’t find any precise answers online, but when we arrived on the island we found plenty of options.

We were lucky, that the place we stayed had two mountain bikes to use free of charge. In Klong Nin beach area, look for signs at the road, many bars and hotels rent out bikes. Blue Moon is one of them. Further north this place should be able to help you out.

The bikes we had where budget mountain bikes. If you want better quality get in touch with Koh Lanta E-Bike tours who, besides e-bikes, offer better quality (and newer) Trek Mountain Bikes.

Getting to Koh Lanta

We grabbed a transfer from Trang , which was easy and cheap. It took a little less than three hours, getting all the way to Klong Nin Beach.

Tabita Klenz

Lanta Scooter Tour

Date Published: 2015-11-11

The great thing about being at Kohub is always having friends to explore the Koh Lanta and surrounding islands with.

Last Sunday, 10 Kohubbers on 8 scooters set out on an adventure to a neighbouring island to explore the jungle a secluded beach, this was the plan.

As we made our way to the ferry port the weather was perfect, no clouds with 100% sunshine.

After a short ferry trip we arrived at the island, the surrounding nature was very luscious and serene as the green season is coming to a close. We continued down an off road path through the jungle which led us along a narrow path, it began to get bumpy and we considered turning back – but we wanted an adventure, so we continued down and were rewarded by passing some small villages and farms with young children running towards us to wave and say hello.

When we made it out of the jungle we saw a blue ocean on the horizon which seemed to promise a beach, we didn’t hesitate to drive directly towards this. We made arrived at a pier, although it was no beach it was still beautiful, not ideal for swimming though.

We took some photos and headed to another side of the island in search of a place to cool. After carefully driving down a dirt track we arrived at what we thought looked like an abandoned mansion overlooking the water. The weather began to change so we made our way back to the bikes to try and avoid the rain. As we were making our way up the dirt track the rain starting pouring down, we just had to laugh at the situation and keep driving through the now extremely muddy path. When we reached the ferry had all let out a sigh of relief that we had ‘made it’.

In the end it was a lot of fun, the excitement of not knowing what’s going to happen next is all part of a great adventure, that’s what we are all here to experience right? We finished the day off with some much needed comfort food at Patty’s Secret Garden.

We are already planning a trip back to find this secluded beach – weather permitting!

Read more Blog posts...

Select Reason:

Follow the KoHub Community

Signup for KoHub Email Updates

Copyright © 2014-2024. KoHub™ is a registered Trademark. | Terms and Conditions. | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy

The Four Islands – A day tour in Ko Lanta, Thailand.

The Four Islands is a snorkeling tour company specializing in day trips to Koh Lanta and Trang Islands in Thailand. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, our team is committed to providing you with the best possible snorkeling experience, from accurate snorkeling descriptions and advice to professional service. Our website is specially designed for global travelers who love snorkeling day trips. You can book a variety of tours, including: • 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour: This popular tour takes you to four of the most beautiful islands in the Lanta archipelago, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and explore stunning coral reefs. • Maya Bay, Monkey Bay, and Phi Phi Island Snorkeling Tour: This tour takes you to the Phi Phi Islands, a group of six islands known for their breathtaking scenery and world-class snorkeling. You’ll have the chance to visit the famous Maya Bay, a secluded beach made famous by the movie “The Beach.” • Koh Rok Snorkeling Day Trip: This tour takes you to Koh Rok, a remote island with some of the best snorkeling in Thailand. You’ll have the chance to see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, corals, and sea turtles. • Kayak Snorkeling in Ko Ma or Ko Waen, Ko Cheuak, Ko Kradan, and Ko Mook: This tour is perfect for those who want to combine kayaking and snorkeling. You’ll explore the mangrove forests and limestone cliffs of the Trang Islands, and have the opportunity to snorkel in secluded coves and beaches. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, we have the perfect tour for you. We also offer private long-tail boat charters, so you can customize your trip to fit your interests and budget.

Why Choose Us?

Value for money, beautiful places, fast booking, support team, search tours, our popular tours.

Lanta Island Safari - Save and Care Elephant Bathing

Destination.

Latest Post

Before joining us.