My first impression of Koh Lanta was not good. But that was almost entirely my fault.

I had just arrived from Koh Phi Phi and was quite exhausted, considering the relatively short speedboat ride. When the persistent woman, who had even followed me into the bathroom, told me the songthaew ride to my hotel would cost 500 baht, I thought that was reasonable. After all, transport costs on the Thai islands are generally overpriced; the hotel wasn't exactly close to the pier.

Or was it? Yes, that was it, although I only realized that – and that I had been cheated – when it was too late.

Fortunately, my stay on Koh Lanta improved quickly after this minor incident. Is Koh Lanta worth a visit? Absolutely – there's no doubt about it.

Why Koh Lanta surprised me

Until recently, I didn't know if a trip to Koh Lanta was worthwhile – and to be honest, I didn't really care. During my backpacking days, the island was all the rage among my fellow travel bloggers. Unfortunately, I spent most of my time processing childhood and adolescent traumas and expanding my list of countries visited by exploring places that didn't interest me, instead of focusing on Thailand, where I'd always felt at home.

Perhaps it's because I only visited Koh Lanta for the first time a few days after my 39th birthday that it surprised me so much. Or perhaps the island is simply objectively magnificent, even though it's not as postcard-perfect as Koh Phi Phi or quite as remote as Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, or Koh Lipe. Let's get to the bottom of it.

My favorite things about Koh Lipe

The pace

After being scammed and finally arriving at my beach hotel, I was pleasantly surprised by everything around me. The pace of life at my beach resort was like the gentle sea breeze: slow enough to be inaudible, but refreshing enough to cool me down. This was true almost everywhere on the island and in practically everything I did.

The space

A key reason why Koh Lanta is worth a visit is the peace and tranquility that the island offers almost everywhere, with only a few exceptions. The west coast, for example, stretches for 20 kilometers, more than half of which is flat and easily accessible beach. This means that even when all hotels and resorts are fully booked, there is still plenty of space for all guests. The same applies to restaurants and bars.

The authenticity

When my friend WeiLe and I were exploring Koh Lanta, I remarked to him that Lanta was, in some ways, the most "Thai" island. By this, I didn't just mean that the hospitality of the locals seemed more natural and less forced than elsewhere, but also that the island truly seemed to function primarily for those very locals. Even as short-term tourists, we experienced this without feeling that the island had been changed for us.

The amount

If, based on the reasons mentioned, you still have doubts about whether a visit to Koh Lanta is worthwhile, the other travelers you meet there will surely agree. Of course, there are a few arrogant types on Lanta too – you find them everywhere in Thailand. But most of the people I met there were experienced travelers, down-to-earth, and very entertaining.

The beach (so to speak)

Are Lanta's beaches as spectacular as those in Krabi and Koh Phi Phi, or as objectively beautiful as those on Koh Kradan or Koh Lipe? Certainly not. But they stretch for hundreds of meters (sometimes even several kilometers) and offer clean, golden sand and relatively clear, turquoise water. Combined with Lanta's many other advantages, this is, in my opinion, an unbeatable mix.

Accommodation in Koh Lanta

Most accommodations on Lanta are located along the island's long west coast. The good news? Almost all coastal towns offer golden sandy beaches with breathtaking views of the Phi Phi Islands in the distance. And the even better news? Since renting a motorbike is practically essential to truly experience Lanta, choosing the "right" spot isn't so crucial – you can always head off somewhere else.

Generally speaking, the closer you are to the center of the coast – for example, at resorts like the Pimalai Resort or the Nirvana Beach Resort – the more international the clientele; the selection of restaurants and the culinary variety are also greater. The northern stretch of coast (where the Lanta Sand is an excellent hotel) is quieter and more authentic; the southern stretch extends to the Mu Koh Lanta National Park, which, while beautiful, is virtually uninhabited.

More frequently asked questions about visiting Koh Lanta

Is a trip to Koh Lanta worthwhile?

Koh Lanta is definitely worth a visit – even if, like me, you wait 15 years longer than you should. The island combines stunning beaches with affordable hotels, a charming old town, and a relaxed atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in Thailand. So what are you waiting for?

Which is better, Krabi or Koh Lanta?

Strictly speaking, Koh Lanta is in Krabi! But if you're thinking of beaches like Ao Nang and Railay, the decision isn't so easy. On the one hand, the imposing limestone cliffs on the Krabi mainland are iconic and a perfect postcard image. On the other hand, Koh Lanta is much more relaxed than Ao Nang and Railay, which are absolutely packed during peak season.

Is Koh Lanta better than Koh Phi Phi?

In terms of natural beauty, it's undeniable that the rather unassuming beaches of Koh Lanta, with their crystal-clear water, fine sand, and towering limestone formations, are quite appealing. On the other hand, Lanta – like Krabi – scores points with its relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion

Is Koh Lanta worth a visit? Absolutely, because I consider it the most authentic "Thai" island, even if it might not be my favorite (and objectively speaking, certainly not the "best"). What Lanta lacks in dreamy beaches, it makes up for with its relaxed atmosphere and a local culture that seems to have remained largely untouched by decades of tourism. I was only there for a few days myself, but I would recommend staying as long as possible if you have time in your travel plans. Speaking of which, if you entrust me with planning your Thailand trip, you can be sure you make the most of your time in the Kingdom.