Koh Lanta is a long, tranquil island in the Andaman Sea, south of Krabi and Phi Phi. It is approximately 6 km wide and over 30 km long. A road runs along the west coast, passing a series of beaches. In the north, around Khlong Dao and Long Beach, it is lively and relaxed, while further south, towards Kantiang Bay and the National Park lighthouse at the tip, the landscape becomes wilder and more secluded. Koh Lanta is quieter than Phuket and Phi Phi, with little nightlife beyond the beach bars. This is precisely why the island is so popular with families and long-term vacationers.

The most beautiful day trips are by boat to the Four Islands and the Emerald Cave or to the reefs of Koh Rok. Plan for five nights, choose your beach before booking, and travel between November and April, as the monsoon from May to October makes many places inaccessible and most boats don't run.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta

This route ends in Koh Lanta. Search for hotels in Koh Lanta for your travel dates or narrow your search to the specific region you wish to visit. Filter for hotels with free cancellation if you'd like to book a room and decide later.

Open Booking.com with your travel dates · also on Expedia · Trip.com

My recommendations for every price category on Koh Lanta

  • Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi ResortLuxury · 5 stars · 4.6 (1,202)
  • Anda Lanta Resort - Budget · 3-star · 4.6 (798)

    • Key facts

    First, choose your beach, because the island is long.

    Khlong Dao and Long Beach in the north offer the most restaurants and are the easiest to reach. The south, from Kantiang downwards, is quieter and more beautiful, but restaurants outside this area require a longer drive.

    Grab is not available, so you should rent a scooter.

    On a flat, easy road, a scooter costs about 200–300 baht per day. A tuk-tuk ride from Saladan to Kantiang costs about 400–800 baht.

    The boat trips are the highlight, roughly from November to April.

    The tour to the four islands costs approximately 1,000 baht by longtail boat, and to Koh Rok by speedboat approximately 1,800 baht. National park fees of 200–400 baht are not included in the price.

    The national park at the southern tip costs 200 baht.

    Mu Ko Lanta National Park is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and features a lighthouse and a short jungle trail. Entry for children is 100 baht.

    Two to three hours by minibus from Krabi airport.

    Minibuses run until 8:30 pm for approximately 400–540 baht. Speedboats from Phuket operate year-round and take about an hour and a half.

    The monsoon, from May to October, brings peace to the island.

    In September and October, the Phuket weather station receives an average of about 350 mm of rain. Many bungalows and bars close, and most boat trips are cancelled.

    Would you like your Thailand trip planned and booked for you?

    Tell me your travel dates, your budget, and who will be traveling with you. I will then suggest a route, recommend hotels, and arrange transfers between destinations. Once you are satisfied, you can book.

    Is Koh Lanta worth a visit?

    Yes, if you're looking for beaches without crowds and noise. Lanta's west coast consists of a long stretch of sandy beach with numerous bays. The water at the main beaches is calm and shallow during the season, and the island never feels as crowded as Phi Phi or Patong. It's one of Thailand's best islands for families, and many visitors come for a week and then end up staying for a month.

    It's not the place for nightlife or famous viewpoints. The bars are beach bars, the evenings are quiet, and the most beautiful scenery is found offshore – so a boat trip or two is highly recommended. The island is also so large that you'll need a scooter or a driver to explore it.

    Krabi or Koh Lanta? Krabi (Ao Nang and Railay) captivates visitors with its limestone cliffs and the opportunity for island hopping right on its doorstep. Koh Lanta, on the other hand, entices with longer, quieter beaches and a more relaxed pace of life. The two islands are two to three hours apart by car, so many tours include both. You can find my detailed answer with comparisons in "Is Koh Lanta worth a visit?".

    The beaches of Koh Lanta, from north to south

    The west coast in the order you will travel along it from the ferry. The further south you drive, the quieter it becomes.

  • 1. Khlong Dao, North, 2 km from Saladan. Family-friendly. Approximately 3 km of fine sandy beach with shallow, gentle water, close to the shops and pier of Saladan. The beach is particularly child-friendly. Khlong Dao Beach, 4.5 (503), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 2. Long Beach (Phra Ae), North-Central: Restaurants and some nightlife. This approximately 4 km long stretch of beach is the busiest on the island, with the most restaurants and several bars that stay open late. However, by Thai island standards, it's still relatively quiet. Long Beach (Phra Ae) 4.4 (809) Directions
  • 3. Khlong Khong, Central Khong: Beach bars and sunsets. Rocks and reefs at the waterline make swimming difficult at low tide, but the sunsets and relaxed beach bars more than make up for it. The island's backpacker district. Klong Khong Beach: 4.4 (449), open 24 hours daily. Getting there.
  • 4. Kantiang Bay, South: The most beautiful bay. Approximately 1 km of sandy beach, surrounded by jungle hills, with only a few hotels and a small village. Many consider this bay the most beautiful on the island. Kantiang Bay: 4.5 (603), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 5. Bamboo Bay, in the far south, next to the national park. Away from the crowds. The southernmost beach before the national park, small and quiet, for most the end of the road. Bamboo Beach 4.3 (1,174) Open 24 hours daily. Directions

    • The sights that make the trip worthwhile

    These are the five activities I would include in my first visit. For the complete ranking with prices and opening times, boat trips and their seasons, tips for the rainy season, and recommendations on what to skip, see "Things to Do in Koh Lanta".

  • 1. Four Islands and Emerald Cave Trip, Trang Islands, South of Lanta – The perfect day trip: A full day by boat to four islands off the coast of Trang. The highlight is the Emerald Cave on Koh Mook: an 80-meter swim through a dark sea cave into a hidden lagoon, followed by lunch on Koh Ngai beach and snorkeling at Koh Chueak and Koh Kradan. Longtail boat tours cost around 1,000 baht and last seven to eight hours. The national park fee is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Getting there: Hotel pickup or boat from the pier in Lanta's Old Town. Best time to go: Approximately November to April when the sea is calm. Koh Kradan: 4.7 (442) Directions
  • 2. Koh Rok and Koh Haa, about an hour south by speedboat. Best snorkeling spots: Two islands with white sand and clear water in the national park, with the best reefs near Lanta and the five rocky islands of Koh Haa along the way. Speedboat trips cost approximately 1,800 baht and take about eight hours, plus a park fee of 400 baht. Koh Rok is closed to visitors from June to September. Getting there: Speedboat from Saladan Pier with hotel pick-up. Best time to go: November to April, on calm days. Mu Ko Lanta National Park, 4.4 (4,346), open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Directions.
  • 3. Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Southern Tip: Lighthouse and Viewpoint. The white lighthouse sits atop a promontory overlooking two bays at the island's end. A short jungle loop trail of approximately 1.7 km leads there. Entrance costs 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Directions: Drive to the end of the west coast road. Best time to visit: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, in the late afternoon to enjoy the light. Mu Ko Lanta National Park: 4.4 (4346), open daily 8:30 am–5:30 pm. Directions.
  • 4. Lanta Old Town, East Coast: History and seafood. The island's original port was settled by the Urak Lawoi, a seafaring people, Muslim fishermen, and Chinese traders. The wooden shophouses stand on stilts over the water; some are over a hundred years old. Today, it's a quiet street lined with cafes, seafood restaurants, and craft shops. Getting there: By scooter across the island's center. Best time to visit: Late afternoon and dinnertime.
  • 5. Khao Mai Kaew Cave, Inland, Central Lanta: A jungle adventure. A cave system that you explore by climbing with a headlamp, guided by the local family who maintain it for a few hundred baht. Wear shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Getting there: By scooter, then a short walk. Best time to go: Anytime, even ideal for rainy days. Tham Khao Mai Khew 4,6 (247) Mon–Thu 9:00–16:30, Fri 13:30–16:30, Sat–Sun 9:00–16:30 Directions

    • The 4-island tour from Koh Lanta

    If you only take one boat trip, make it this one. The Emerald Cave is the reason: swim with a headlamp through a pitch-black tunnel that opens into a lagoon surrounded by cliffs. Spend the rest of the day snorkeling and enjoying a beach lunch on Koh Ngai. During peak season, book a day or two in advance and choose a longtail boat for the cheaper, but more leisurely, journey.

    How many days does one need on Koh Lanta?

    Five nights is ideal for most people. This allows one day for the Four Islands, one day for Koh Rok (depending on the season), one day for a scooter trip to Kantiang and the national park with a visit to the old town on the way back, and two days on the beach.

    Three nights are the minimum to make the trip from Krabi or Phuket worthwhile. Lanta is also suitable for longer stays, and many families spend two weeks or more there in winter.

    Accommodation on Koh Lanta

    Khlong Dao, or Long Beach, is suitable for families and first-time visitors, as most restaurants are within walking distance. Khlong Khong offers beach bars, and Kantiang, or the area further south, attracts visitors with its picturesque scenery and tranquility.

  • 1. Lanta Sand Resort & Spa, Long Beach – Ideal for first-time visitors. A beachfront resort with a pool in Long Beach, surrounded by some of the island's best restaurants. My recommendation for most first-time visitors. Lanta Sand Resort & Spa, 4.4 (950), open 24 hours a day. Directions.
  • 2. Avani+ Koh Lanta, North, near Saladan: Family-friendly with pool villas. An upscale beachfront resort near the pier with pool villas, two restaurants, and a spa. Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort, 4.6 (1,202 reviews). Directions
  • 3. Chada Lanta Beach, Khlong Dao – Calm waters for children. A beach resort with a pool on Khlong Dao, the island's gentlest swimming beach. Chada Lanta Beach 4.1 (617) Directions
  • 4. Nakara Long Beach Resort, Long Beach – Mid-range bungalows – Beachfront bungalows on Long Beach with three pools, restaurant, and bar. Nakara Long Beach Resort – 4.0 (665) – Directions
  • 5. Lanta Lazy Days Bungalows, Khlong Khong: Simple and relaxed beach bungalows in a garden on Khlong Khong, close to beach bars and sunsets. Lanta Lazy Days Bungalows: 4.7 (332) Daily 7:30 am–10:00 pm. Directions
  • 6. Pimalai Resort & Spa, Ba Kantiang, South – Luxury. The island's luxurious grand sky resort is situated on a jungle hillside above its own private sandy beach in the south and offers pool villas and a spa. Pimalai Resort & Spa, 4.8 (1,700), open 24 hours daily. Directions.
  • 7. Anda Lanta Resort, in the far south. Quietly situated near the national park. A beachfront resort with a pool at the southern tip, not far from Bamboo Bay and the national park. Free kayaks are available. Anda Lanta Resort, 4.6 (798), open 24 hours daily. Directions.

    • The best-rated hotels in Koh Lanta

    Here is my ranking of the 10 best hotels in Koh Lanta. Each button will take you directly to the hotel's page on Booking.com, where you can enter your travel dates.

  • #4 Lanta Sand Resort & Spa 4.4 (950 reviews) Modern rooms with balconies in an elegant resort with direct beach access and a spa. Check prices
  • #5 Lanta Pearl Beach Resort 4.5 (700 reviews) Uncomplicated bungalows in a relaxed resort, plus uncomplicated dining and a cocktail bar. Check prices
  • #6 Lanta Lazy Days Bungalows 4.7 (332 reviews) Rustic bungalows in a relaxed beachfront hotel with a restaurant, garden, and free Wi-Fi. Check prices

    • Arrival in Koh Lanta

    From Krabi, take a minibus. These run from Krabi Airport until 8:30 pm for approximately 400–540 baht, and during the day from Krabi Town and Ao Nang. The journey takes two to three hours, including a short ferry crossing from the mainland to Lanta Noi and the bridge to Lanta itself. During peak season, there can be hours-long waits at the car ferry. A bridge to the mainland is planned for completion around 2029.

    From Phuket, you can reach Bundhaya by speedboat from Rassada Pier in about an hour and a half for 1,260–1,700 baht. These boats operate year-round. Slower ferries via Phi Phi operate from November to April. From Phi Phi, you can reach Bundhaya by speedboat in 30 minutes for 700 baht – also year-round. Most boats dock at Saladan Pier in the north.

    Bookable departures · updated daily

    Krabi → Koh Lanta: Departure times you can book now

    All flights currently bookable via 12Go on this route, sorted by booking class. The prices shown are distributed across the different booking classes; the exact price for a seat and a specific date can be found on the booking page.

    Minivan

    bus

    12Go timetables and fares are updated daily. Services that operate only locally—regular trains, weekend trips, and ferry terminal tickets—are not listed; these can be found in the table above. Sponsored link: We may receive a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

    Book the van or boat from Krabi to Koh Lanta

    12Go lists the airport and Krabi town vans with hotel transfers on Lanta, the boats from Ao Nang and Railay on the days they run, and private cars with seats.

    Sponsored link – We may receive a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

    Getting around on Koh Lanta

    A scooter is the best means of transport. It costs about 200–300 baht per day, and Lanta's main road on the west coast is flat and easy to drive on by island standards.

    Otherwise, tuk-tuks with sidecars wait in Saladan and along the beaches, but they are not cheap (approx. 400–800 baht from Saladan to Kantiang). Grab is hardly available on the island, so ask your hotel to call a driver.

    When should you go?

    The peak season lasts from November to April. February is the driest month, with approximately 24 mm of rainfall recorded at the Phuket weather station. The sea is calm and clear, and all boat trips operate. December and January are the busiest and most expensive months. During these months, Lanta's coastline is comparable to that of the Gulf Islands.

    Monsoon season lasts from May to October. September and October are the wettest months, with approximately 350 mm of rainfall each. Strong currents on the west coast cause many beach bungalows, bars, and dive centers to close, and excursions to Koh Rok and most other islands are suspended. Vans and speedboats continue to operate, and the resorts that remain open offer significant discounts – ideal for those who prefer a secluded island getaway to a traditional beach holiday.

    Plan the rest of your trip.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions about the Koh Lanta travel guide.

    Yes, it's ideal for long, quiet beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and some of the most beautiful boat trips in the Andaman Sea to the Four Islands and Koh Rok. Perfect for families and longer stays, but not necessarily for night owls.

    Five nights' accommodation for the Four Islands, Koh Rok, a scooter trip to Kantiang, the national park and the old town, plus two days at the beach. Three nights' accommodation is the minimum to make the trip worthwhile.

    Khlong Dao is ideal for families and offers calm waters, Long Beach attracts visitors with restaurants, Khlong Khong with beach bars and sunsets, and the Kantiang Bay to the south impresses with its picturesque scenery and tranquility.

    Krabi, more specifically Ao Nang and Railay, is known for its limestone cliffs and island-hopping tours. Koh Lanta, on the other hand, offers longer, quieter beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. The two places are a two- to three-hour drive apart, making them easy to combine.

    From May to October, the monsoon season, many bungalows and bars close, the sea is rough, and most boat trips are suspended. September and October are the rainiest months.

    Taking a van from Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, or Ao Nang takes two to three hours and costs approximately 400–540 baht. Speedboats operate year-round from Phuket (journey time approximately 1.5 hours) and from Phi Phi (journey time approximately 30 minutes).

    Hardly. Rent a scooter for about 200–300 baht per day or use the tuk-tuks with sidecars, which cost about 400–800 baht from Saladan to Kantiang.

    No, it's one of the more affordable Andaman islands, with bungalows and resorts to suit every budget. Boat trips cost around 1,000–1,800 baht, plus parking fees of 200–400 baht.

    Compare prices on the major booking portals and filter for rooms with free cancellation if you want to book now and decide later.

  • Compare prices on different websites.
  • Filter for free cancellation
  • Secure checkout on the partner site

    • Compare prices on Booking.com

    Compare prices on Trip.com

    We may receive a commission for bookings made through these links – this will not incur any additional costs for you. Learn more.

    You might also like this

    Bangkok travel guide

    A city with three zones and a river – once you understand the structure, everything else falls into place.

    Chiang Mai City Guide

    A walled square, a mountain, and the best value for money for good living in Thailand – if you know the calendar.

    Things to do in Bangkok

    Ten experiences worth traveling to – sorted by rank, price and time, so you can experience each one at the best time.

    Things to do in Chiang Mai

    Twenty-five things worth a trip to the north, ranked by rank, price and time of year to visit, centered around the mountain, the markets and the smoke-free months.

    Best time to travel to Thailand

    The best time to travel is from November to February; the rest of the year is best on the east coast.

    I lived in Bangkok for four years and traveled throughout the country from there. The guidebooks reflect my personal opinion and are written as I would explain things to a friend planning a trip.

    Ready to create your travel itinerary?

    Use our free trip planner to save places, organize days, and share your trip.