Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Long Beach, known locally as Phra Ae, is the most famous stretch of beach on Koh Lanta: a roughly four-kilometer-wide, golden sandy beach shaded by casuarina trees and palm trees on the island's west coast. It's so long that even in peak season it never feels crowded.

Swimming is most reliable on this island. The sand here slopes more steeply than in Klong Dao to the north, allowing swimming even at low tide, and the sun sets directly off the coast. At low tide, you can walk the entire length of the exposed sandy beach.

The beachfront promenade behind the hotel is lined with relaxed bars, restaurants, and bungalow complexes – from simple backpacker huts to family villas with pools. This makes it the ideal base for exploring the beaches of the west coast. Saladan Pier is about 15 minutes north, and a tuk-tuk ride from the pier costs approximately 100–150 baht.

The best time to visit is between November and April, the dry season on Koh Lanta, when the sea is calm. From May to October, the sea is rougher and some beach shops close.