Last week (relative to the publication of this article) I explained how (and, as far as I could tell, why) Koh Lanta exceeded my expectations. It remains to be seen how many other travelers it will convince.

This article has a different goal. I assume you've already decided to visit Lanta and simply need help with travel planning. You know why and where; you just need assistance with planning and executing your trip.

Or, to be more precise: How many days should you spend on Koh Lanta? Read on, and I'll be happy to tell you more.

Accommodation in Koh Lanta

When it comes to hotels on Koh Lanta, the discussion usually focuses on the island's west coast. The central coastal areas (around the Pimalai Resort and the Sri Lanta Resort and Spa, for example) tend to be more lively (and offer more comfort); the north is quiet and authentic (for example, the Sayang Beach Resort); in the south, where the Mu Koh Lanta National Park is located, there are only a few hotels.

You can stay on the east coast, in Lanta's charming old town, in accommodations like the Mangrove House. However, be aware that this area is quite far from the island's beaches – most are at least 30 minutes away by motorbike. If you don't have your own motorbike, your stay here can be very isolated; moreover, getting there from the Saladan pier is expensive.

Things to do in Koh Lanta

Rent a motorcycle

I cannot stress this enough: there is no public transportation on Lanta. While you might occasionally encounter a conscientious tuk-tuk driver, they are slow and inefficient. Unless you have much time or money to spare, it is essential that you either rent a motorbike or befriend someone who owns one.

Choose a beach, and beach

No matter how many days you spend on Koh Lanta, one thing quickly becomes clear: the island's west coast is essentially one long beach. While some beaches are more beautiful than others (I personally particularly like Kantiang Beach in the center of the island and Bamboo Bay in the south), Lanta is more suited to relaxation than exploration.

Explore the coast (for at least one day).

Am I being a hypocrite? I probably should have said that one should at least try to balance enjoyment and exploration. In any case, one should definitely spend at least one day on the beaches (provided one has their own motorbike), from Saladan Pier in the north down to Mu Koh Lanta National Park in the south.

Don't forget the old town of Lanta.

Lanta's Old Town is an absolute must-see, no matter how long you're staying on the island. From the Chinese temple to the quirky blue lobster statue, it offers an authentic slice of southern Thailand right in the heart of a paradise island. Your drive around the island and back will also take you past many fantastic viewpoints – be sure to stop!

Stay as long as possible.

Lanta needs time to be discovered and truly enjoyed. After a few days in Krabi and Koh Phi Phi, you might be disappointed by the comparatively average beaches. But only when you relax and savor the moment does Lanta's special something become more tangible.

Is Koh Lanta overrated?

Koh Lanta is definitely not overrated – on the contrary, it's perhaps even somewhat underrated. I hesitated for years – more than a decade, I'm almost ashamed to admit it – before visiting, and was very pleasantly surprised when I finally arrived. If anything about Koh Lanta is overrated, it's its supposedly low price. It's anything but cheap, especially without your own car.

I highly recommend this, no matter how many days you spend on Koh Lanta. I don't ride a motorbike myself and probably never will; I traveled with a friend who has one, which made my life much easier. If you're traveling alone, I recommend befriending someone who owns a motorbike, ideally a motorbike.

More frequently asked questions about your trip to Koh Lanta

Is Koh Lanta too touristy?

Koh Lanta isn't actually that touristy. While some backpacker areas on the central west coast can be overcrowded with foreigners, I would even say that Lanta has one of the best ratios of locals to tourists of all the Thai islands.

Is Koh Lanta safe at night?

Koh Lanta is definitely safe at night in terms of violent crime and theft. However, many roads are winding and poorly lit, so I recommend avoiding them if possible. If this isn't possible, make sure you drive sober and alert.

Is Koh Lanta better than Koh Samui?

Personally, I prefer Koh Lanta to Koh Samui, although it's difficult to say for sure which of the two islands is "better." Koh Samui offers more beautiful beaches and more luxurious hotels; the local culture there is also somewhat less accessible and harder to experience. Koh Lanta, to put it simply, seems more rustic, but also more authentic.

Conclusion

How many days do you need on Koh Lanta? "Need" is an interesting word here. You don't actually "need" a specific amount of time; Lanta is probably the least touristy of all the larger islands in Thailand. It really depends on how long you want to stay. Personally, I ended up wanting to stay longer on Lanta than I had booked and planned. However, if you only want to focus on sightseeing, 2-3 days on Koh Lanta are perfectly sufficient. Do you need help planning your Thailand island trip? Then let us create a personalized itinerary for you!