Koh Lanta: An Island Escape to Find Authenticity in Thailand

Koh Lanta Island is the perfect answer to the question, "Which island in Thailand should I go to if I want to avoid the crowds?" Here, you can get closer to nature, swim in transparent waters, hear the legends of locals, find truly little-visited secluded places, enjoy the delicious local food, and relax all on Koh Lanta. I would like to share with you this beautiful island: what to do, what to see, and how to get there. So here's a comprehensive guide that will help plan your days. I hope you like Koh Lanta in Thailand as much as I do. Let's go!

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 05-11-2024

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Koh Lanta Overview: What Sets It Apart From Other Thai Islands?

Koh Lanta is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, lying off the coast of Krabi, at about 70 km away. It takes you around an hour to drive there. Encircled by white sand beaches and splendorous landscapes of mangroves, coral-fringed beaches, and forested hills, Mu Ko Lanta National Park is also noted for being a home to giant whales when coming here.

The center of Koh Lanta is Ban Saladan. Here you can find cheap transportation, diving trips, banks, and shops.

Life on Koh Lanta is characterized by its history of settlement by Chinese traders and sea gypsies of Malaysian and Indonesian descent. The majority of Lanta's population is Muslim, with more women wearing hijabs than in other parts of Thailand. What is better about Koh Lanta is the peacefulness and quietness in comparison to other beaches in Southeast Asia. There are no street vendors, no loud music of restaurants or bars, no noisy motorboats. Besides, the hotels are not jammed on one another, which gives it space and more relaxed ambiance.

On the way to Koh Lanta: All about transport

• Krabi to Koh Lanta island

This island belongs to Krabi. To get there, the easiest way is to go to Krabi first. Thai AirAsia, EVA Air, and Thai Airways operate direct flights between Bangkok and Krabi. 

Travelers usually arrive at Krabi International Airport and then take a minibus to Koh Lanta, including a ferry crossing. The cost of a private minibus is around $54.48, while a shared bus costs around $21.84 

• Bangkok to Koh Lanta via Krabi

The cheapest way to get to Koh Lanta from Bangkok is to take a 12-hour night bus. The bus will drop you off at a bus station, and then you will need to take a minibus for about 2 to 3 hours to reach Koh Lanta.

• Phuket to Koh Lanta

To reach Koh Lanta from Phuket, you have several options: bus, ferry, or speedboat.

• Bus: This is the cheapest option but also the longest. The ride takes about six hours and costs around $16.
• Ferry: The ferry takes about four hours to arrive in Koh Lanta and costs approximately $25.
• Speedboat: The fastest option, the speedboat, gets you to Koh Lanta in less than two hours for around $40.

Best Times To Visit

The tourist season in Koh Lanta island runs from October to April, with a peak influx of visitors from December to March. More and more people are also visiting during the green season (May to October), when the daily rains usually last only a few hours.

During tourist time, it is sunny and nice, just right for beaches and other kinds of outdoor activities. During the green season, although it will be interspersed with occasional showers, the climate is warm, and the island is less crowded for those seeking peace.

>>>> Journey Through Southern Asia: Check Out Our Thailand's Highlights 2 Weeks Itinerary! 🌊🏞️🌍

Koh Lanta's natural must-sees

• The beautiful beaches

Bamboo Beach: At the southern tip of Koh Lanta, Thailand is Bamboo beach, famous for its powdery sand and great snorkeling opportunities. Although there are no amenities, this isolated beach features very clear water and fine soft sand, resulting in a sense of peace and beauty that is hard to describe.

Pirate Beach: This beach offers quieter experience compared to other popular beaches

Long Beach: The longest beach on Koh Lanta is located on the northern part of this island near its capital Ban Saladan. You will find a range of accommodation choices to suit every budget, making it one of the most visited areas on the island. While Long Beach may not be a swimming destination par excellence, it does have many restaurants and bars along the shore where you can have dinner or cocktails during happy hour. Observe sunset over this thrilling and calm seaside spot.
 

• Mu Ko Lanta National Park

This southernmost park on the island offer coast views and should be visited. The park has prolonged paths with steep stairs and rough terrain making them a good go-to place for fitness lovers. Your drive to the park is lovely. A 40-minute to one-hour jungle walk through the park provides opportunities for caching glimpses of wild animals and tropical birds. Your hard work will be met with a stunning beach that features refreshingly crystal clear water.

• Admission price: 200 THB ~ $5.65 (half-price, only for locals Thai 40)
• Hours: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

>>> Also read: The 10 Best National Parks in Thailand

• Jungle and Waterfalls

Trails through dense jungles lead to beautiful waterfalls, though some paths can be steep and slippery. Along the way, you may frequently encounter monkeys, lizards, and other wildlife.

Other must-do activities

• Snorkeling and Diving

This area of the seabed is highly diversified, so this is a great place for snorkeling and diving expeditions. There are many such offers on the island, one of the most popular is the Four Islands Tour. Different travel agencies offer this possibility, and the tour consists of visiting Koh Kradan, Koh Ma, Koh Chuek, and Koh Mook, pretty little islands around Koh Lanta.

The highlight is at the Emerald Cave on Koh Chuek, where one swims through an 80m underwater tunnel and comes up to discover a secret lagoon with a sandy beach and cliffs all around.

>>> Learn more about: Diving in Thailand: 10 Underwater Paradises

• Exploring the island by scooter

Making use of a scooter for rent gives one the ability to be flexible and have the freedom to tour every attraction on this island, delve into fishing villages, or even participate in local daily lives. Unique local architectural structures and community practices depict Thai, Chinese, as well as Muslim influences all over the island. Apart from tourism, inhabitants earn their livelihood through fishing and farming. The constant rise and fall of water levels behind most houses make them look as if they are swimming in ocean waters.

• Lanta Pedestrian Street

On weekends, the "Walking Street" turns into a lively market where you can find all kinds of delicious snacks. The shopping here is really relaxing, with no one pushing for sales, reflecting the overall laid-back atmosphere of the island.

• The old town of Lanta

Located on the east coast of the island, this charming town is mainly inhabited by Thai-Chinese families. Some of the main attractions include a beautiful Chinese shrine, quaint wooden houses by the sea, excellent fish restaurants, and charming cafes.

• Night markets

Almost every night market at Koh Lanta offers fresh seafood, traditional Thai dishes, and unique specialties like coconut ice cream. Mango sticky rice and tom yum can be found everywhere. A few local restaurants offer both local and international food at reasonable prices, while many others boast picturesque locations. For those wondering where to enjoy a good mango shake, "Pirasta Bar" is the place!

• "Follow Giants", elephant sanctuary in Koh Lanta

Address: 265 Mu 5, Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta, Krabi, 81150, Thailand

“Follow Giants” is a sanctuary that gives a one-of-a-kind opportunity of encountering and observing elephants in their natural environment while adhering to the ethical guidelines. The sanctuary emphasizes the welfare of its elephants and does not provide rides or shows like traditional tourist destination spots. Because it comprises rescues, the sanctuary provides an open setting for its elephants.

A tour will entail an array of hands-on experiences with the elephants during various routines. Get insight into their happy-go-lucky personalities, catch them eating their favorite food and treasure wonderful moments too.

• Muay Thai or Traditional Thai Massage

For those longer staying on the island, you may join Lanta Muay Thai Complex or Lanta Muay Thai Academy for Muay Thai lessons. You will find different short courses for both kids and adults.

Alternatively, there is the option of a traditional Thai massage which goes beyond what may be considered as just massage. Thai massage is believed to have been used thousands of years ago down till this day. In case you don’t know, it is in Wat Pho temple located in Bangkok where Thai massage originated from and where this therapeutic art was initially studied and applied.

>>> Read more: Thai Massage: A Journey into the Art of Wellness

Where to stay in Koh Lanta?

Koh Lanta southern part is the most amazing region with its stunning coastlines and total disconnection from the chaotic world that is perfect for feeling one with nature. However, there are scarce hotels, restaurants and other public utilities in this area.

On the other hand, the northern section of the island where there is a major pier is more active and has many conveniences. If you are looking for a place to stay in lush surroundings but else where do not want to miss out on amazing sites by trekking through southern part with car rentals it would even be better.

Final Thoughts

Koh Lanta is a fascinating destination, attracting visitors with its wonderful blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, all packed into a serene and less crowded environment. People love it for the opportunity to explore at a relaxed pace without any restrictions.

We hope this detailed guide will be helpful as you prepare your itinerary. Additionally, you can take a look at our Thailand tours to learn more about the diverse Thai islands. If none of these tours suit your requirements, contact us to create a trip exclusively designed according to your preferences.

See you soon!

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