Upon arrival on Koh Lanta, you'll typically reach Baan Saladan, the island's main town. However, about 20 kilometers further south lies a small village that was once Koh Lanta's capital and is now known as "Lanta Old Town." Often overlooked by tourists who usually travel between Baan Saladan and the beaches of the west coast, this place has plenty of charm. Lanta Old Town was originally an important port for sea nomads. Over the decades, it developed into a village centered on trade and tourism. The old town has a distinctly Chinese influence and feels as if time has stood still, although the few shops and accommodations are clearly geared towards tourists. If you're looking for something more authentic, you'll find guesthouses in old wooden houses, such as Old Times Lanta or Mango House. Alternatively, you can simply explore the streets (especially the main street, as it's not wide), stroll along the pier, and relax on the terrace of one of the stilt restaurants by the sea. These often serve excellent fish and seafood and offer beautiful views of the surrounding islands.

The old town of Koh Lanta is often overlooked by tourists who commute between the beaches of Baan Saladan and Koh Lanta, but it has quite a bit of charm and offers some nice cafes and restaurants.

There is no public transport to Lanta Old Town, so you'll need to arrange your own transportation or get a ride. You can rent a scooter or, if you're feeling adventurous, a bicycle. That's what I did, but it can be a bit tiring. On the way from Baan Saladan, you can stop in the pretty village of Yee Peng.

How to get there

How do you get to Lanta's old town? There's no public transport. So you'll have to drive yourself or get a ride. You can rent a scooter or, if you're feeling adventurous, a bicycle. That's what I did, but it can be a bit tiring. Alternatively, you could stop in the pretty village of Yee Peng on your way from Baan Saladan.