Neil Aronson Ko Lanta is a beautiful unspoiled island lying just off the coast of Krabi in the south of Thailand. Its long coastline, stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush jungle, and magical sunsets make Ko Lanta a true paradise. Add of course with delicious food, mellow but good nightlife, friendly locals, you may end up staying on the island longer than you planned.
Most of the best restaurants, bars and accommodations can be found in Ban Saladan, the island’s capital in the north, and along the entire west coast. The best time to visit Ko Lanta for a beach vacation is in the dry season between December and April.
The Islands are in Ko Lanta National Park, which makes it a protected and pristine area. The biggest islands in the park are Ko Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai. “Mu” in thai means a group/group of, “Mu Ko” means group of islands. There is more to see on some of the other smaller islands than on the main island.
There are 16 major islands in the park, of which the biggest is at Ko Lanta Yai (only the southern tip of the park is part of the national park). While nearly 20 km² of the national park is rainforest, Ngu, Mai Ngam and Mai Ngam Tai islands are covered with mangrove forest. Parts of Ngai Island (Ko Ngai) is covered with beach forest.
The national park is home to nomadic sea gypsies called Chao Le. They are well known for their traditions of setting boats adrift during the full moon in June and November, according to Chao Le belief to drive out evil and bring good luck.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Where To Stay In Ko Lanta
Different Areas:
- Saladan Village is the island’s largest village and the arrival port for most ferries. It has a bustling atmosphere and a lively evening market every Wednesday. This area has the most activities and nightlife.
- Khlong Dao beach is the nearest beach to Saladan Village and has a wide selection of resort like hotels and is popular with families.
- Phra Ae (Long Beach) is on the north west of the coast and is the place to stay if you want a little more peace and quiet. A long beach featuring turquoise water & picturesque sunsets as well as various bars & restaurants.
- Klong Khong beach is a beautiful 3km stretch of white sand beach on the north of the island with a good selection of restaurants and bars, ideal for those who want to enjoy the island’s nightlife.
- Klong Hin beach is on the south west of the island and is where to come if you like a beach without a crowd.
- Nui Beach is an intimate, laid-back beach for swimming & snorkeling, surrounded by a tropical forest.
While most visitors stay on the West Coast, Koh Lanta’s Old Town on the East Coast could be an interesting option if you are looking for something different.
The East Coast is quieter, greener, and less developed, but there are no beaches.
It’s a 15-minute drive across the island to the nearest beach at Khlong Nin and you’ll enjoy sunrises rather than sunsets.
The Old Town is a cute street of wooden houses on stilts over the water. All the buildings house souvenir shops and restaurants now, but it is very pretty.
High End:
Layana Resort & Spa (Adult Only) is a sophisticated hideaway destination on the island for those over 18 years old, that want to bask in peaceful tranquility and savor warm Thai hospitality. Located on ‘Long Beach’, so you are close to restaurants and bars. Sip a tropical beverage on your balcony and enjoy a leisurely breakfast against the backdrop of a vibrant tropical rainforest.
Pimalai Resort and Spa (Romantic) is nestled within their expansive 100-acre tropical forest. The resort showcases the lush greenery and diverse wildlife of Krabi. Take leisurely walks through the forest trails, go bird-watching, or simply revel in the tranquil ambiance of this natural haven. Located on the quieter southwest part of the island.
Rawi Warin Resort is a 5-star luxury resort set on a large property on a beautiful stretch of Klong Toab Beach, and a hillside covered in lush tropical rainforest. Accommodation includes 185 standard rooms, private villas, and suites. Contemporary southern Thai-style designs create serene interiors with a secluded ambiance. Spa, fine dining, and infinity pool are just a few of the amenities.
Avani Plus Koh Lanta Krabi Resort (Khlong Dao) Explore the best of resorts with one of the world’s top-ranked islands from a stylish hilltop hideaway.
Mid Range:
Oasis Yoga Bungalows (Khlong Dao) Oasis Yoga Bungalows is located in the heart of Koh Lanta, a minute’s walk from Klong Dao Beach. It features Thai massage services and cozy bungalows. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Oasis Yoga Bungalows offer balconies and a choice of either air conditioning or fan. Each has a mini-bar and private bathroom with toiletries.
Banana Beach Resort (Khlong Dao) Family Friendly and on the beachfront. While taking a sunbathing you can keep an eye on your little one on the nearby playground and the Tree Hut. At Tour Information, you will find the reasonable rate for a scooter rental and all the leisure activities. We are a family-type resort, a joyful place for children.
Puteri Lanta Family Villas (Family Friendly) is promoted as a Muslim friendly resort. They have a nice pool and restaurant, and rooms with kitchens. It is located on one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Lanta, Ba Kantiang Beach, only 6km from Mu Koh Lanta National Park.
It is a Thai-Malay culture-style villa. Suitable for travelers who want privacy and family space.
Lanta Castaway Beach Resort (Long Beach) Located in directly on the southern end of Ko Lanta’s Pra Ae Beach, Lanta Castaway Beach Resort features a garden and comfortable sun lounging areas by the beach. Free WiFi and parking are available.
All rooms and bungalows are fitted with air conditioning, a fan and cable TV. There is a kettle, a mini-bar and a patio. Included in the private bathroom are a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Budget:
The Wings Boutique is a great bargain. Rooms with a private balcony, each cozy bedroom is complete with a flat-screen cable TV, a seating area and a refrigerator. All include an private bathroom accompanying a shower. You can arrange diving excursion, sightseeing trips as well as ticketing at the tour desk. The property also provides bicycle rental, laundry service and a business center. For outdoor enthusiasts, they can enjoy fishing and horse riding on site.
Coco Lanta Eco Resort (Khlong Khong) Coco Lanta Resort offers modern air-conditioned rooms. Approximately 5.6 mi from Saladan Center, the resort is equipped with an outdoor pool, massage service and free Wi-Fi. This resort also has an on-site tour desk.
The Narima Bungalow Resort (Khlong Nin)
Beach Bungalow at Lanta Resort (Klong Dao Beach)
Lanta Fa Rung Beach Resort (Khlong Khong Beach), an amazing deal. Located on the sandy beach, the resort offers cozy bungalows with garden and sea views. During the stay, guests make use of motorcycle rentals, a restaurant and soothing massage service. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
How To Get Around Ko Lanta
You do not have too many options to move around the island. Basically songthaews as taxis are the prevailing means of transport for tourists and those charge between THB150 and THB300 for travelling from one beach to another depending on the distance.
Motorbikes can be rented from many guesthouses or rental shops for about THB200-THB300 per day. And while it is not recommended to use then if you are not familiar with riding two wheels, Koh Lanta’s roads seems less treacherous than those of the other islands like Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, for instance as Koh Lanta is much flatter.
What To Do Around Ko Lanta
These islands are of course famous for the obvious, which would be the incredible beaches to lounge on and go for a swim. And of course the is eating great food, going to a beach bar, or getting a massage. Those are all great and part of the fun, but for more activities where you actually move, here are some ideas. There are also cooking classes, which we did in Chiang Mai and was a blast.
Kayaking And Caves
I love kayaking where ever I can. Many hotels will be able to provide you with them. However, if you want to go to the top place to go kayaking, then book on Viator. Here you can explore Koh Talabeng Sea Cave before heading to Koh Bubu, where you can savor an included Thai lunch and relax on the beach.
Ko Lanta National Park
If you love nature, and you are basically staying in the middle of a national park, then you are in luck. The main attractions in the park are many white beaches, trails, islands, coral reefs, viewpoints and some very impressive caves. Ko Talabeng has some limestone karsts and sea level caves that can be explored by kayaking.
There are currently around 130 bird species reported from Ko Lan National Park. Much of the common birds of the area can be found on the islands. Also known as flying lemurs, Sunda colugos are seen relatively often in Ko Lanta National Park.
There are a few park accommodations for rent at the visitor center area of the park. These have 2 rooms for 4 persons and cost 1,500 Baht per night.
The accommodations can only be booked through the DNP website in advance. As the money transfer must be done within 2 days and the fact that it takes a longer time with transfer from abroad, it is only possible to book from within Thailand. Payments can be done at 7-Eleven convenience stores or banks. Camping is also available at two sites.
The easiest way to visit the park is by booking a day tour. Check with your hotel or on Viator.
Yoga
Whether you’re a yoga pro or you don’t know what your doing like me, Koh Lanta has been a heaven for yoga enthusiasts for years with dedicated yogis flying across the world for a sea view class in paradise.
You can find a range of studios offering all kinds of yoga; Oasis Yoga is one of the most popular at Klong Dao Beach, offering power and dynamic flows, through to relaxing sunset yin for THB400. For the same price, you can also visit Relax Bay Resort near Long Beach where you’re more likely to get a smaller more intimate group.
Old Town
It’s quiet and peaceful here with a few small settlements of simple bamboo huts and the historic Old Town—a village of teak stilted houses overlooking the sea. Old Town bears a palpable Chinese presence with red lanterns and typical shop houses lining its narrow streets.
There are only a few shops and restaurants so it won’t take long to explore, but it makes a good break from the beaches.
Snorkeling & Diving
Snorkeling on small islands around the area is amazing and can be booked on Viator. Spend the day snorkeling off the Rok and Haa Islands with this full-day tour from Koh Lanta. Travel by speed boat to Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok for the first two snorkeling stops.
The area is a mecca for Scuba Diving. Find out more and book at the PADI Website.
Island Hopping
Koh Lanta has two trips you can take to spend a day in the ocean and on the beaches of the beautiful Thai islands. The more extensive one of the two is the Four Islands Tour which takes you around Koh Chuek, Koh Kradan, Koh Mook (Emerald Cave), and Koh Mah. You’ll be driven around in a comfortable speedboat, and taken to plenty of snorkeling points in the turquoise waters. You’ll get some decent beach time, too, and a picnic under the shade of palm trees!
How to get to and from Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is great in terms of transport links and you can arrive from Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi, or Phuket. 12Go is a great place to book.
The ferry tickets will range from THB400-450 depending on the retailer and your haggling skills! If you are planning on coming from Krabi there are two options, the passenger ferry, or the car ferry. The passenger ferry runs between November – April, but outside of those months you can still get to the island by car ferry.
You can expect the journey to take anywhere from 1 hour, to 2 hours and 45 minutes depending on which island you are coming from (Phuket is the farthest, Phi Phi is the closest). Ko Lanta is one the bottom right of this map.
Flights to Krabi or Phuket can be booked with 12Go or Air Asia.
