Last Updated: January 8, 2024
Koh Lanta has been for many years a well-kept secret amongst the locals and intrepid tourists who like to go off-the-beaten path. As of the last couple of years, the cat is out of the bag and the island is attracting more and more visitors. This is one of those islands that beg to be explored without having much planned. But, we’re (usually) not one of those people so, we’ve created this Koh Lanta Guide to help plan your perfect visit to Koh Lanta.
This Koh Lanta Guide is packed with information such as things to do in Koh Lanta, where to stay, how to get there and so much more! By the time you finish reading this guide to Koh Lanta, we have a feeling you’ll be wishing you would have visited sooner.
Without further ado, here is the only Koh Lanta guide you’ll ever need!
Things to do in Koh lanta
1. Visit the Khlong Chak waterfall
If you get tired of spending time by the beach and you seek a change of scenery, then Khlong Chak Waterfall is for you. The trek to Khlong Chak Waterfall is relatively short albeit can be a bit challenging due to the terrain. Just follow the well-marked trail through the jungle, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning natural beauty all around. Keep in mind that if you visit during the dry season, there’s not much water flowing down.
2. Visit the Khlong Chak cave
Khlong Chak cave is located conveniently just a few meters away from the waterfall and the hike is very easy. We’d highly recommend entering the cave and checking out the impressive stalactites and stalagmites – just keep an eye out for the bats. These are mainly insect-eating bats, however, if you’re not particularly fond of bats, then perhaps it’s best to stay out.
3. Explore the beaches
Thailand is widely known for its stunning, outrageous beaches and Koh Lanta is no different. We loved all the beaches we visited in Koh Lanta but if we were to pick our top 3 favorites, then those would have to be Beautiful Beach (yes, that’s the actual name of the beach), Phra Ae Beach, and Kantiang Bay.
4. Visit the Koh Lanta National Park
The Mu Koh Lanta National Park, also known as the National Park, is an absolute gem in Koh Lanta that you shouldn’t miss. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time while you’re taking a dip in the clear sea, relaxing on idyllic beaches, or going for a hike. Koh Lanta National Park is also known for its wildlife, so who knows, you might even have a face-to-face encounter with a couple of curious monkeys. Make sure to add this to your Koh Lanta Guide!
5. Snorkeling and diving
Immerse yourself in a world that’s unlike any other as you explore Koh Lanta’s rich marine life. You’ll come across vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot larger marine creatures like turtles, rays, and even whale sharks! Need we say more?
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BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH LANTA
The high season in Thailand starts in November and normally lasts until April, so the best time to visit Koh Lanta is during those months. We visited Koh Lanta at the end of November and we didn’t encounter any rainy days during our entire stay. November is a great time to visit Koh Lanta because the temperatures are very pleasant and although it’s quite hot during the day, it doesn’t get as uncomfortable as in March and April.
HOW TO GET TO KOH LANTA
How to get to Koh Lanta varies based on your starting point. You can get to Koh Lanta by air or by a combination of land and sea. Here are some of the most popular starting point locations.
BANGKOK TO KOH LANTA
You’ve just landed in Bangkok and don’t know how to get to Koh Lanta? The most convenient choice is to book a flight to Krabi and from there, arrange for ground transportation such as a taxi or minivan, followed by a ferry ride to reach Koh Lanta. The flight takes 1.5 hours so this is the fastest way to get to Koh Lanta. There are frequent flights from Bangkok to Koh Lanta and they are cheap too, especially if you plan a little ahead of time. The main airlines that fly there are VietJet Air, AirAsia, and Thai Airways. You can book your transportation from Krabi to Koh Lanta via 12Go Asia which was our go-to website for booking transportation in Asia. This journey typically takes around 2-2.5 hours.
KRABI TO KOH LANTA
Koh Lanta is not connected to land so the only way to reach it from Krabi is by ferry. You have three options for departure points in Koh Lanta: Krabi Chaofa Pier, Krabi Klong Jilad Pier, and Hua Hin Pier. Chaofa and Klong Jilad Piers are the most popular, with Chaofa Pier being one of the primary departure points.
If you select Chaofa or Klong Jilad Piers, your ferry journey to Koh Lanta typically takes about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your choice of ferry. Opting for Hua Hin Pier streamlines the journey to approximately 1.5 hours. You can use 12GO Asia to book your minivan and ferry combo, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience. It’s important to note that minivans often make stops in Krabi to pick up other passengers, and they also have multiple stops at Koh Lanta to drop off passengers, which may slightly extend the overall journey time.
PHUKET TO KOH LANTA
The best way to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta is by ferry or speedboat. While the latter offers the quickest journey, typically taking 1.30 minutes, it comes at a slightly higher cost. Before deciding, make sure to compare different service providers for the best deal. The passenger ferry is by far the most popular option and cheap. However, be sure to confirm the travel duration, as some may include stops on other islands, extending the journey to approximately 4.5 hours. You can book your tickets via 12Go Asia. The prices range from 25 – 40 EUR depending on the ferry you choose. The ferry departs from Rassada Pier, which is the main port of Phuket.
HOW TO GET AROUND KOH LANTA
Koh Lanta is not a walkable island so we’d highly recommend that you rent a scooter during your visit. There are plenty of places to rent a scooter on the island, and the prices don’t vary much. The best thing you can do is to ask the reception desk of your hotel or the host of your accommodation to recommend you a place. People are so lovely, that they might even offer to drive you to the rental place themselves.
DO YOU NEED A CAR TO KOH LANTA?
Although it is possible to rent a car in Koh Lanta, we would recommend you opt for a scooter, as mentioned above. The main reason is because the streets are not exactly the best, but also, some of the main points of interest, are much easier accessible via scooter or on foot.
If you’re not into scooters, go for a taxi for longer rides – they’re more budget-friendly than tuk-tuks and comfier. But for short distances, hop on a tuk-tuk – it’s a cool experience. If your driver speaks English, they often double as a guide and can give you awesome island tips.
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH LANTA
We stayed very close to Phra Ae Beach at this idyllic place, surrounded by lush gardens and we can’t recommend it enough. The location was excellent, situated between Phra Ae Beach and Beautiful Beach. If you’re wondering where to stay in Koh Lant, then we think that this side of the island is one of the best places to stay. Here you’ll find an array of places to eat, things to do, and beaches to explore.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN KOH LANTA
Let’s talk about food! Let’s be honest, 9 out of 10 times, when you arrive at a new destination, the first thing you do after you check in is look for a place to eat. The majority of the restaurants in Koh Lanta are located on the West side of the island and in Lanta Old Town. If we’re being honest, no matter where we ate, the food was delicious. But, of course, there were a couple of spots that lured us back for more. Our top recommendation for local dishes is Yawee Restaurant. The food was fantastic and the owners were the sweetest people we’ve ever met. Malina’s Kitchen and the Backyard.
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I SPEND IN KOH LANTA (3-5 DAYS)?
Koh Lanta has a laid-back vibe, making it the perfect destination for relaxing holidays. We think 3 to 5 days is enough time to explore all it has to offer while still leaving room for some lazy, do-nothing days. It’s high up on our Thailand favorites, and although we could easily stretch it for weeks, you can still have a blast in 3-5 days, especially with a bit of planning.
3 DAY KOH LANTA ITINERARY
You can use the “3 Day Koh Lanta Itinerary” below as your go-to guide to map out your days on the island and ensure you don’t miss a thing!
DAY 1
Begin your day by exploring Long Beach, one of the island’s most popular beaches. Enjoy the soft sand and clear waters, but also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try some water activities.
As the sun sets, grab a beachfront spot at one of the bars or restaurants and witness a breathtaking sunset.
DAY 2
In the morning, head to Khlong Chak Waterfall. The short hike through the jungle is a great experience but, the best part is the stunning waterfall – make sure to dip in for a morning splash. On your way back, don’t forget to check out Khlong Chak cave and admire the awesome stalactites and stalagmites.
DAY 3
Start your day early and explore the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, where you can trek, swim, and maybe even have a close encounter with the local wildlife, such as cute monkeys.
As the evening approaches, unwind at your favorite beach or enjoy a laid-back evening at one of the island’s bars.
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PRICES IN KOH LANTA
Koh Lanta is an amazing destination, and the best part is, it’s budget-friendly. You can find an array of accommodations, including budget-friendly hostels, beach bungalows, and luxurious resorts. The prices start from as little as ฿ 300 per night, depending on the season. The food is not only delectable but also easy on your wallet, with Thai dishes ranging from ฿50-140. Renting a scooter costs somewhere between ฿150-200, allowing you to effortlessly explore the island.
IS KOH LANTA WORTH VISITING?
The answer is a hard yes! We had the most amazing time in Koh Lanta and we hope to visit again sometime in the future. The hospitality of the people was humbling, the food was wonderful and the beaches were stunning. It is the perfect island to relax and enjoy slow-paced days but it also offers plenty of activities that’ll fill your days so you don’t feel idle – not that that bothered us.
We hope that this Koh Lanta guide convinced you to add this incredible destination to your Thailand itinerary. Don’t forget to pin all the locations on your map for easy planning!
