KOH LANTA

Koh Lanta

One of the most beautiful of all of the islands in Thailand, Koh Lanta is situated just offshore from Krabi on the Andaman coast and is definitely worth checking out if you are on that side of the country.

Koh Lanta in a nutshell

One of the most beautiful of all of the islands in Thailand, Koh Lanta is situated just offshore from Krabi (a mere 20-minute ferry ride) on Thailand’s west Andaman coast. In actual fact, Koh Lanta is made up of more than 50 islands in all of which only 3 are inhabited. The main island, which is just 27km long, comprises 2 separate islands connected by a bridge – Koh Lanta Yai, the larger island in the south, where most visitors stay, and the unspoilt paradise of Koh Lanta Noi in the north.

Koh Lanta is peaceful and quiet rather than a place to party, making it more popular with families and those who want to get away from it all. Party lovers should head for other islands like Koh Samui and Phuket. Koh Lanta’s beaches are superb (there are about 12 of them in all), considered some of the best in Thailand. 

Best time to visit: Peak season is from November to April, so come in the shoulder months, October or April and May, when it’s dry. Rainy season is from June to September. 

Best Area for Sightseeing: Koh Lanta Old Town This tiny little slice of history is very picturesque, basically one street on the east side of the island lined with shops, eateries and quaint old buildings. 

Shopping in Koh Lanta: Head for the largest village on the island, Baan Saladan, where you’ll find markets and souvenir stores aplenty.

Food & Restaurants in Koh Lanta: You’ll find lots of eateries in and around Klong Nin Beach, and all of the beaches on the island feature beach cafes where you can have a bite to eat. Restaurants offer a variety of foods, with seafood always the highlight. In Saladan village, there’s plenty to choose from for a light lunch or snack.

Nightlife: There are lots of beach bars to relax in and enjoy a night out. But Koh Lanta isn’t party central. The scene here concentrates around beach bars and is far more laidback.

The views from Koh Lanta are beyond beautiful.

Beaches: Considered one of the best beaches in Thailand, Kantian Bay is gorgeous. Then there’s Long Beach, or Phra Ae Beach, on the northwest coast, which is very laidback, Klong Dao Beach close to Saladan village, which is very popular with families and Klong Khong Beach, a rocky stretch that features a small swimming area and offers spectacular sunsets. Two tranquil beaches to try are Klong Nin Beach and nearby Klong Tob, and then there’s stunning Kantiang Beach towards the south of the island. Further south you’ll find a few other beaches surrounded by natural forest and jungle, including Klong Jark Beach and the southernmost beach, Bamboo Bay.

Things to do in Koh Lanta:

• Hike to Koh Mu Lanta National Park in the south of the island, with its gorgeous beach and lighthouse. 
• Take a boat trip to explore 4 outlying unspoilt islands – Koh Chuek, Koh Kradan, Koh Ma and Koh Mook.
• Koh Chuek boasts an underwater tunnel to swim through so check this out if it is your thing.
• Go deep sea diving in the reefs around Koh Tao.
• Enjoy a walk through the mangroves.
• Visit the Khao Mai Kaew Cave in the center of the island.

Best way to get around: Rent a scooter to explore at leisure. 

Best Area for Families: Khlong Dao This area is just 1km from Saladan village, home to a stunning beach with safe swimming and various family-friendly accommodation options.