15 Best Things To Do in Koh Lanta: The Complete Guide
Koh Lanta is a wonderfully laidback island in the Andaman Sea, situated just south of Krabi and east of Koh Phi Phi. Instead of the dramatic limestone karsts found on some of the neighbouring islands, here you’ll encounter a much more expansive landscape: wide open beaches, twisting mangroves, rolling hills draped in jungle, quiet fishing villages, and a rugged south where the wild edges of Mu Ko Lanta National Park begin.
The island has historical roots as a trading port where sea gypsies, Muslim fishing communities and merchants from China all lived together harmoniously. Koh Lanta still feels multicultural today, clearly seen in Lanta Old Town where Buddhist temples, Chinese shrines and mosques sit side-by-side. It’s also been made famous from the French reality TV show called “Koh-Lanta”, which has quietly brought waves of French visitors to its shores over the years.
Despite its popularity in certain parts of Europe, Koh Lanta has remained an under-the-radar destination. It doesn’t feel like a super touristy island, and its size and spread-out coastline means there’s something for everyone: whether it’s a family-friendly beach, romantic hideaway, backpacker hub or deserted cove.
Arriving to Koh Lanta
Untouched beaches of Koh Lanta
Funky cafes of Koh Lanta
Spectacular sunsets of Koh Lanta
How Our Days Unfolded on Koh Lanta
We visited Koh Lanta as part of an island-hopping trip in southern Thailand. After enjoying a few days in Koh Phi Phi, we booked a speedboat at one of the travel stalls in Tonsai village and took the 30-40 minute boat ride. As we approached the pier in Koh Lanta, the cramped feel of Phi Phi disappeared and the island stretched out in front us - flat and wide - with long golden beaches and quiet roads perfect for scooter adventures.
Our first port of call was Andawa Lanta Resort, near Klong Nin Beach, located almost perfectly halfway down the island’s west coast. We found it to be a simple, clean and affordable base for our 5-night stay. We hired scooters straight after checking-in and started exploring. Due to its size, the only practical way to travel around Koh Lanta is to go by scooter. The roads here are far quieter than other Thai islands, and the feeling of riding from one beach to the next is exhilarating.
We spent our days roaming around the beaches along the west coast, hunting for cool little cafes, trying dragon fruit and banana roti from the local markets, riding south into the national park, taking a phenomenal day trip to Koh Rok and Koh Haa (some of the best islands in Thailand), and finishing every evening at a beach bar admiring the sunset.
Koh Lanta also surprised us with its mix of cultures. You’ll hear the call to prayer in certain areas, while also seeing Buddhist temples sitting majestically nearby. There was actually a mosque right by our hotel, and although the 5:00 AM call to prayer was hard to get used to at first, we quickly adjusted and it became our daily alarm clock: kicking us into gear to seize the day even before the sun had risen!
Exploring Koh Lanta by scooter
Enjoying the sunset views
Visiting the paradise of Koh Rok
Koh Rok
15 Best Things to Do in Koh Lanta
1. Explore the Island by Scooter
Be sure to hire a scooter from your hotel or a rental shop nearby as soon as you’ve settled in - so you’ve got your transport sorted and can fill your days with easy exploration. The island is long and slender, taking roughly 45-60 minutes to go from the very north to the very south, with dozens of fantastic beaches to discover in between. Unlike busier Thai islands, the roads here are generally more quiet, spacious and flat, giving you that real sense of island freedom as you explore.
We found the hardest riding to be on the approach to the national park, where the jungle-lined roads get steeper and the curves become noticeably sharper. However, it’s nothing that an experienced rider can’t handle. Most of the main roads along the west coast are well-maintained, with just the occasional pothole to look out for. It costs around 300 THB per day for a 110-125cc bike, with cheaper daily rates for longer rentals.
Some of the scooters in Koh Lanta are a bit old and worn down to be honest, but ours still worked perfectly fine. You just have to be careful when heading down some of the gravel roads and when riding at night. Apart from that, riding scooters in Koh Lanta is a breeze. You’ll cruise along coastal roads with expansive sea views, past towering palm trees and golden beaches, and stop at funky little roadside restaurants and bars for a freshly opened coconut or cold Singha beer. This is what island life is all about!
Exploring Koh Lanta by scooter
Heading towards the national park
2. Relax at the Beaches of Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta’s west coast is the beachy side of the island where you’ll find everything from long golden bays to secret little coves. The east coast, on the other hand, boasts more mangrove forests and rocky shorelines (without sand). Each beach on the west coast has its own unique beauty and vibe, whether it’s artistic driftwood structures or rocky “diamond” cliffs. Exploring two or three is a great way to spend the day in Koh Lanta.
Long Beach, as the name suggests, is the main beach in Koh Lanta with a continuous 4km stretch of golden sand backed by casuarina trees. Despite its popularity, the beach doesn’t feel overcrowded. The middle section is lined with beach bars, restaurants and sunloungers, but venture further south and more secluded swimming and sunset spots await you. Another great beach in Koh Lanta, considered a hidden gem, is Bamboo Beach. It’s one of the last beaches you see before reaching the national park and it offers a wild, peaceful and beautiful beach experience.
Beaches of Koh Lanta
Beaches of Koh Lanta
Beaches of Koh Lanta
Beaches of Koh Lanta
3. Venture to Mu Ko Lanta National Park
This protected area, nestled at the southern tip of the island, is a sanctuary of steep jungle, giant old trees, empty beaches and a lighthouse perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the turquoise sea. We came to Mu Ko Lanta National Park for the drive and to check out the lighthouse, but others come for more adventurous experiences such as the 1.5-hour nature walk that loops through the rainforest. On either side of the lighthouse are two beautiful beaches with golden sand and rocky formations. During the dry season, the water is clear and calm: perfect for a swim after the jungle hike (if you choose to do it).
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
4. Go Snorkeling at Koh Haa
Koh Haa was a real surprise to us: we hadn’t heard anything about it prior to visiting Koh Lanta but it turned out to be one of the most impressive snorkeling spots we’ve seen in Thailand! Koh Haa literally translates to “five islands”. Upon arrival, after taking the 45-minute speedboat trip from Koh Lanta, the small scattering of islets appear like limestone pyramids straight out of turquoise waters.
On our tour, we had a couple of hours to snorkel amongst the colorful coral gardens and schools of fish. Even Kat, who’s normally a bit timid when it comes to snorkeling, really enjoyed floating in the water and swimming to the small white sand beach tucked into the lagoon. Most boat tours combine Koh Haa with Koh Rok, which in our opinion is the best day trip you can book in Koh Lanta.
Koh Haa
Snorkeling at Koh Haa
Snorkeling at Koh Haa
Koh Haa
5. Discover the Beautiful Beaches of Koh Rok
Again, we didn’t have many expectations for Koh Rok but it totally blew us away with its natural beauty. Pulling up to the twin islands of Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok for the first time was a moment we’ll never forget. The water was shimmering in incredible shades of emerald, and small pockets of white sand were draped in a wild jungle backdrop. It was literally heaven!
We booked the Koh Haa + Koh Rok boat tour, and our time at Koh Rok was the most special part of the day for sure. It started with some snorkeling followed by a buffet lunch, and then we were given free time to spend how we pleased. This meant wandering along the beaches, relaxing under the trees and jumping straight back into the water for more snorkeling. The coral reefs here are just as impressive as Koh Haa, although we got a bit of a fright when we saw a sea snake emerge from behind the corals. Luckily, we swam away in the nick of time!
What makes Koh Rok so special is just how raw and untouched everything feels. Driftwood is scattered naturally along the shore, towering trees lean over the beach and the sand is so soft that it feels like you’re the first person to ever step foot on it. If you’re a beach-lover, then you’ll fall head over heels for Koh Rok (just like we did)!
Read more: Koh Rok & Koh Haa: Thailand’s Hidden Snorkeling Paradise
Koh Rok
Koh Rok
Koh Rok
Koh Rok
6. Watch the Sunset from a Beach Bar
Koh Lanta offers some of the most spectacular sunset viewing in Thailand, thanks to the many beautiful beaches on the western side of the island that face directly out towards the Andaman Sea. Watching the sunset from a beach bar is considered an essential part of every Koh Lanta itinerary: whether you choose a rustic wooden beach shack, a relaxed reggae-style lounge or a bustling bamboo terrace bar. Some of the best sunset bars include:
Why Not Bar
The Blue Moon Beach Bar
Reggae Bar (Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort)
Shanti Shanti Beach House (more on that below)
Each spot has its own vibe. Some are mellow, some energetic, all with front-row views of the neverending horizon. One of our favorite moments from our Koh Lanta trip was stumbling upon a random bar, ordering pizza and cold beers, and sitting on bean bags on the beach watching the sky transform into bright oranges and deep purples. It was our first night in Koh Lanta and helped us slip into the relaxing island atmosphere.
Koh Lanta sunsets
7. Have Dinner at Shanti Shanti Beach House
On our daily explorations around Koh Lanta, we would often ride past this rustic-looking beach house perched all alone beside a rocky shoreline. It looked like an amazing spot to enjoy a meal and watch the sunset, and we thought to ourselves “let’s just turn up at 5:00 PM and get a table”. We tried rocking up twice, only to find out it was fully booked. So we learnt our lesson and made reservations, which you can do via WhatsApp.
The food was just fantastic (fresh seafood and authentic Thai dishes), the atmosphere was intimate (only a few tables and some lovely music playing), and the sunset was gorgeous (the orange sun reflected beautifully onto the sea and rock pools). It turned out to be the best night out we had in Koh Lanta! Shanti Shanti Beach House is located on a scenic stretch of road between Klong Khong and Klong Nin beaches - you can’t miss it when riding up and down that area.
Shanti Shanti Beach House
Sunsets at Shanti Shanti
Shanti Shanti Beach House
8. Visit Koh Lanta Old Town
If you want to head off-the-beaten-track, Koh Lanta Old Town makes for a great little journey, as it’s situated on the remote east side of the island. This small, waterfront village is lined with wooden houses on stilts, colorful lanterns, traditional Chinese temples, boutique shops, and seafood restaurants overlooking the sea. The Old Town has a relaxed, artistic feel, and is a must-visit for travelers wanting to experience a more local, cultural side of Koh Lanta. Timing your visit for the Sunday Morning Market offers the best glimpse into authentic local life.
9. Give Back at Lanta Animal Welfare Centre
Lanta Animal Welfare Centre might be the most wholesome, feel-good experience on the island - perfect for animal-lovers or anyone (really) who loves to give back to the community. This organization is dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray cats and dogs. You can join one of their educational tours to learn about their animal welfare efforts and adoption program, or just swing by their cafe to pat the cats over a coffee.
If you have the time, you can also volunteer to walk one of the dogs, usually in the early morning or late afternoon so the pups avoid the mid-day heat! Lanta Animal Welfare Centre is located on the west coast, near Long Beach, making it a great place to visit when traveling between the northern and southern parts of the island.
10. Take the “4 Islands Tour” by Speedboat
Koh Lanta is situated very close to some of Thailand’s most remote and spectacular islands, those of the Trang archipelago, and the ”4 Islands Tour” can take you there without having to stay overnight. The four islands normally mean Koh Mah, Koh Chuak, Koh Ngai and Koh Mook, but some itineraries also stop at Koh Kradan - home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
The highlight for many is the Emerald Cave on Koh Mook: an 80-meter sea cave that opens up to a beach lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. But for us, our favorite place in the Trang archipelago is Koh Ngai - a tiny, picturesque island with one long stunning beach offering some of the best views in all of Thailand. The 4 Islands Tour provides a wonderful mix of activities: snorkeling, beach visits and unique natural attractions (like the Emerald Cave) all in one day.
Koh Mook
Koh Kradan
11. Eat Street Food & Visit Local Markets
We found the food scene in Koh Lanta to be really interesting: a unique blend of southern Thai flavors, local Muslim influences, and (being an island) plenty of fresh seafood. While many resorts and restaurants offer solid dining options, the island’s local markets and street-food stalls are where you’ll find the most authentic eats. Lanta Walking Street is the most touristy market, perfect for satay skewers, mango sticky rice, and Western food like pizza and burgers. But it’s at the rotating daily markets that you’ll find a much more local vibe, with more traditional Thai food on offer.
Local fruit markets
Eating street food
12. Get a Massage on the Beach
Like all of Thailand, on Koh Lanta there’s no shortage of massage shops and massage huts by the beach. Prices generally start from 400 THB per hour, and treatments are available at most major beaches including Long Beach, Klong Khong and Klong Nin. If you’ve spent too much time snorkeling, an Aloe Vera massage is ideal for soothing sunburnt skin, or if you’ve been hiking at Mu Ko Lanta National Park all day, a foot massage is a great way to ease tired feet.
13. Watch a Fire Show on Koh Lanta
No island visit in Thailand is complete without watching a fire show, and on Koh Lanta there are plenty of places to choose from that host these dazzling performances. Just ask around and see which resorts, bars or beaches are hosting fire shows on the night you want to go. Then, sit back with a cocktail in-hand, settle into a beanbag, and immerse yourself in the night-time entertainment. It’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy!
14. Try Yoga Classes at Oasis Yoga Bungalows
Oasis Yoga Bungalows is the ultimate destination for yoga classes in Koh Lanta. This boutique hotel, which also acts as a yoga retreat, is based on a holistic approach to wellbeing. Drop-in classes are available, but the best experience is being a guest and incorporating yoga into your daily routine. They also have an on-site restaurant which compliments the yoga practices with clean and healthy eating.
15. Continue Your Island Hopping Adventure
Koh Lanta sits strategically on the border of the Krabi and Trang provinces, making it one of the best jumping-off points to explore southern Thailand’s more quiet and pristine islands. As already mentioned, Koh Ngai is one of our favorite Thai islands and possibly the most romantic island for couples in the area. Koh Mook is also nearby, home to the famous Emerald Cave and a much more local village vibe. Koh Kradan is another beautiful destination, with a “castaway island” feel.
Koh Ngai
Koh Ngai
Koh Ngai
Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta can be divided into a few main sections: northwest, centralwest, southwest and east. Each area has its own charm, depending on your preferences. The northwest is more developed and a great option for families, the central-west is the best location for ease of exploration, and the southwest has a secluded, romantic atmosphere. The east coast is mainly known for the Old Town which offers a cultural alternative to the beachy areas.
Klong Dao & Long Beach (Northwest)
Budget: Hey Beach Hostel
Mid-Range: Lanta Casa Blanca
Luxury: Layana Resort & Spa
Klong Khong & Klong Nin (Centralwest)
Budget: Andawa Lanta Resort
Mid-Range: SriLanta Resort
Luxury: Rawi Warin Resort & Spa
Kantiang Bay (Southwest)
Budget: Aha Lanta Cozy Hostel
Mid-Range: Puteri Lanta Family Villas
Luxury: Pimalai Resort and Spa
FAQs About Visiting Koh Lanta
When is the best time to visit Koh Lanta?
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Koh Lanta is from November to April - and while this is largely true, there’s still some nuance to factor in. The heat and humidity really starts to ramp up in March and April, and for some travelers this will be offputting. We went in February and the weather was honestly perfect, so we definitely recommend that month.
From May to October, the rainy season arrives and with that comes more limited boat trips and island-hopping tours due to the rough seas and national park closures. We’ve heard that September and October are the wettest months in Koh Lanta, but you could probably find some really cheap hotel deals if you don't mind a bit of rain interrupting your travel plans.
Koh Lanta in February
Boat trips in February
Koh Rok in February
How long should I stay in Koh Lanta for?
We stayed in Koh Lanta for 5-nights and found it to be a good amount of time to really get under the island’s skin. The island is reasonably big, not a place you can easily explore in a day or two, which is why we recommend staying for at least 3-nights. This will give you time to settle in, rent a scooter, explore the beaches, visit the Old Town and national park, and most importantly take a day trip to Koh Rok & Koh Haa or do the 4 Islands Tour. If you prefer a slower pace, Koh Lanta is the type of island where you could stay for a week or more and never get bored.
What is the best way to get to Koh Lanta?
Getting to Koh Lanta is best achieved from either Krabi or Koh Phi Phi, incorporated into your island-hopping route. From Ao Nang Beach (Krabi), you can easily take a speedboat from the nearby Nopparat Thara Pier which takes about 45-60 minutes. If you’re coming from Koh Phi Phi, like we did, the trip is even easier: simply book a speedboat from one of the travel stalls in Tonsai village and you’ll reach the island in around 30-40 minutes.
It’s important to note that these are typical routes for the dry season in Thailand. In the rainy season, the waves can become too strong for the smaller speedboats, so instead you’ll need to take the minivan/car ferry route which makes the journey a lot longer (3-4 hours). But it’s still worth doing to experience the laidback vibe and rugged beauty of Koh Lanta!
