Koh Lanta, Thailand

A laid-back Andaman island with long sandy beaches, a historic old town, and jungle waterfalls.

🏛️ Sights & Attractions in Koh Lanta

Mu Ko Lanta National Park — is a national park in the southern part of Krabi Province, Thailand, consisting of several islands. The two largest islands are Ko Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai. Although both are inhabited, Ko Lanta Yai is the primary tourist destination. The park was esta
Lanta Old Town Pier — A historic wooden pier in Lanta Old Town, a former trading port with Chinese-Thai shop houses, sea gypsy heritage, and views across to mainland Krabi.
Khao Mai Kaew Cave — A large limestone cave system in the island’s interior, accessible via a jungle trail from the cross-island road. Visitors need a local guide and a flashlight to navigate the narrow passages and rock formations inside. The hike to the cave is about 2km through dense rainforest.
Tiger Cave — A cave shrine south of Klong Nin, reachable by a 30-minute hike from a signed trailhead. Local legend says tigers once sheltered here. The trail leads through forest to a small cave with a Buddha image and natural rock formations.
Khlong Chak Waterfall — A small jungle waterfall in the south of Koh Lanta, reached by a stream-crossing trail through rainforest. Best visited in the wet season when water flows; in the dry season it reduces to a trickle. The trail continues past the falls to Khlong Chak Cave, a bat cave.
Sea Gypsy Village — A traditional Urak Lawoi fishing village near the island’s southern tip, home to one of Thailand’s indigenous sea-nomad communities. The village remains a working fishing community with a distinct language and animist traditions. Best known for the biannual Loy Ruea boat-floating ceremony. Visit respectfully through community-organised tours.
Lanta Lighthouse — The whitewashed lighthouse at Laem Tanod on Koh Lanta’s southern tip, perched on a limestone headland inside Mu Ko Lanta National Park. A short climb up stone steps gives panoramic views over twin beaches on either side of the cape and islands to the south. Park entry fee required (200 THB for foreigners).
Saladan Night Market — A lively nightly walking street market in Sala Dan town near the pier, selling Thai street food, fresh seafood, fruit shakes, roti pancakes, souvenirs, and clothing. Open daily from around 5 PM to 10 PM, it is the most popular night market on Koh Lanta and a great spot for an evening stroll after island tours.

🥾 Trails & Hikes in Koh Lanta

Khlong Chak Waterfall trail — A 2.1km moderate trail through southern rainforest along river streams to a small waterfall. Crosses the stream several times — wear shoes you can get wet. Continues past the falls to Khlong Chak Cave, a bat cave. Best in wet season when the water flows.
Khao Mai Kaew Cave trail — A 2.1km moderate trail from the cross-island road through dense jungle to a large limestone cave system. A local guide and flashlight are required — the cave has narrow passages requiring crawling. Not recommended during the rainy season (July–October) when the trail floods.
Tiger Cave trail — A 3.5km out-and-back moderate hike to a cave shrine south of Klong Nin. The trail starts at the end of a dirt road and climbs through forest for about 30 minutes to a small cave with a Buddha image. Named for local legends of tigers once sheltering here.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park nature trail — A 1.7km rainforest trail inside Mu Ko Lanta National Park near the southern tip of the island. The trail loops through coastal jungle to a quiet beach and the lighthouse viewpoint. Park entry fee required (200 THB for foreigners). Best November to May.

🏖️ Beaches in Koh Lanta

Klong Dao Beach — The first beach south of Sala Dan pier and the most developed on Koh Lanta, a 3km crescent of fine white sand with calm shallow water. A wide range of guesthouses, restaurants, and beach bars line the road behind the sand, with sunbeds for hire and safe swimming in the dry season. The beach is wide at low tide when rocks appear at the southern end.
Long Beach — Also known as Phra Ae Beach, this is the longest beach on Koh Lanta at over 3km of golden sand lined with casuarina trees. A mix of budget bungalows and mid-range guesthouses along the beach road, with some of the island’s best casual restaurants and the 7-Seas diving school. Good swimming with no underwater rocks, and spectacular sunsets over the Phi Phi Islands.
Klong Nin Beach — A medium-sized beach in the centre of Koh Lanta with a village feel, calmer and quieter than the northern beaches. Beachfront restaurants and bars are clustered close together and easily accessible by road. The beach is narrower at high tide but offers a better position for sunsets. Several independent restaurants and a handful of guesthouses give it a relaxed local atmosphere.
Kantiang Bay — Widely considered the most beautiful beach on Koh Lanta, a near-perfect crescent of sand and sea framed by limestone formations at each end. Voted one of Thailand’s top ten beaches, it has excellent corals for snorkeling and dense vegetation behind the sand. Home to the luxury Pimalai Resort but otherwise quiet, 18km south of Sala Dan.
Bamboo Bay — Also known as Ao Mai Pai, a serene and secluded crescent bay in the far south of Koh Lanta just before the national park boundary. Crystal-clear water with fine sand, surrounded by forested hills that reach down to the beach. Only a single guesthouse on the beach, with spectacular sunsets and good snorkeling. Access via a steep road with dramatic viewpoints.
Nui Beach — A small secluded beach between Klong Nin and Kantiang Bay, accessible via a short walk down steep steps. The middle of the beach is mostly sandy with rocky formations on the sides, and a small rocky islet sits just offshore. Clear water makes it a nice spot for snorkeling at high tide. Very quiet even in high season.
Khlong Chak Beach — A serene 500m beach in the south of Koh Lanta near the Khlong Chak Waterfall. Minimal development with just a couple of beach bars and restaurants behind the sand. The nearby waterfall and jungle trail make this a good spot to combine a beach visit with a short hike. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in the calm water.
Beautiful Beach — A secluded gem between Relax Bay and Klong Khong Beach, reached by a 300-meter walk down from the main road. Soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and palm trees creating a natural border along the shore. A small local beach café offers drinks and snacks. Great swimming when conditions allow, with rocky areas good for snorkeling. Often uncrowded even in high season.

🍽️ Restaurants in Koh Lanta

Fat Turtle — A popular beach bar and restaurant on Long Beach known for its sunset views over the Andaman Sea. Burgers, seafood platters, and Thai dishes with a laid-back crowd.
Picasso Bar — A Thai restaurant-bar with a casual vibe, serving curries and cold beers near the beach.
Tiw Laythai — A regional Thai-Italian restaurant known for wood-fired pizzas alongside southern Thai curries.
Sawasdee — A small Thai restaurant in Sala Dan serving classic dishes like pad thai and green curry at budget-friendly prices.
Chaiphum Restaurant — A no-frills Thai restaurant in Sala Dan serving local curries, stir-fries, and fresh seafood at fair prices.
Cicada — A seafood and Thai-European restaurant in Sala Dan, highly rated for fresh catches and evening dinners.
Suza Hut — A beachfront eatery with Thai food and fruit shakes, popular with backpackers for its cheap prices and sea views.
Jam Bar & Restaurant — A relaxed bar-restaurant on the main road with Thai food, Western dishes, and live music some evenings.
Thai Pancake — A street-food stall open evenings, serving roti pancakes, pad thai, and mango sticky rice. A Saladan Walking Street favourite.
The fat pig — A grill-focused spot serving pork ribs, burgers, and Thai-Western fusion plates.
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🍸 Bars & Nightlife in Koh Lanta

JJ Bar — A lively bar in Sala Dan opening at 4 PM with cocktails, local beers, and regular live music. A social hub for travelers meeting in the evening.
Coco Loco Bar — A casual beach bar with cocktails and reggae tunes near the west-coast beaches.
Joker Bar — A no-frills bar on the main road with cheap drinks and a pool table.
Seaculture — A beachfront bar-restaurant open from morning to night, serving drinks and seafood with sea views.
Ozone Bar — A relaxed bar with cocktails and music near the beach road.
Veed vew — A beach bar-restaurant serving burgers, Thai food, and cold drinks with a laid-back vibe.
Feeling Bar — A small friendly bar on the main road with cheap cocktails and a local crowd.
Irish Embassy — An Irish pub open daily from 9 AM serving Guinness, pub grub, and showing live sports.
Pangea Beach Bar — A beach bar halfway along Long Beach known for sunset sessions, techno nights, and deep house. Happy hour 5–9 PM with cushions on the sand.
Boom Boom Lanta — A lively beach bar with fire shows and late-night drinks.
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🎯 Activities & Tours in Koh Lanta

Snorkel Adventure Sea Tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa from Koh Lanta — Live an unforgettable experience on a snorkeling tour to the picturesque sister islands of Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok with sandy white beaches and a backdrop of palms and jungle. The friendly boat crew will show you the best snorkel places with soft and hard coral reefs in the c
Ao Nang to Koh Lanta by Ao Nang Princess Ferry — Travel from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta by Ao Nang Princess ferry with a convenient hotel pick-up service in Krabi.
Mangrove Tour by Kayaking in Ko Lanta With Lunch — Experience the tranquility of Koh Lanta with a kayaking adventure through the mangrove forest of Tung Yee Peng village. Paddle through the serene waters, surrounded by lush greenery and a rich variety of wildlife, including birds, climbing perch, fiddler crabs, and more. Visit a
Tin Adventure Sea Tour to 4 Islands & Emerald Cave from Koh Lanta — Visit the 4 islands in the south of Koh Lanta on a speed boat tour with 35 limited seats taken care by the fantastic crew of Tin Adventure Sea Tours. The adventurous trip includes 2 snorkelling stops, 2 relaxing breaks and a swim through the stunning Emerald Cave which leads into
Half day Mangrove by Kayaking or Longtail boat from Koh Lanta — This tour is an eco-tourism that conserves the nature of the mangrove forest. Including being another good place for ozone. Which you may not have seen in other places before, such as mangrove forests and mangrove trees that grow into large forests that are still fertile by natur
Snorkel in Koh Lanta, Thailand — If you aren't a fan of scuba diving, snorkeling is an another amazing activity that can show you the underwater beauty of Koh Lanta. We go to special spots that are wonderful for snorkelers and away from scuba divers. You will always be guided by one of our trained guides who can
Koh Lanta: 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat with Snorkeling — Embark on an unforgettable journey with our 4 Islands One Day Tour and explore the best of Thailand's tropical beauty! This unique adventure will whisk you away to four breathtaking islands: Koh Chuek – A snorkeling paradise teeming with vibrant marine life. Koh Mook (Emerald Ca
Snorkel Tour to Phi Phi Islands by Speed Boat from Koh Lanta — Take a one day tour by speed boat to the stunning islands of Phi Phi Islands with pick up service from your hotel on Koh Lanta. Snorkel in crystal clear water over gorgeous coral reefs with colorful fish in Viking Bay and Shark Point. Walk from Loh Samah Bay to the famous beach a
Koh Lanta Private Transfers to or from Krabi Airport (KBV) — Our private transfer service prioritizes your comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. From Krabi Airport (KBV) to your hotel in Koh Lanta—or vice versa—we ensure a seamless, relaxing experience. Choose between a one-way transfer or a convenient round-trip option. For arrivals,
Krabi to Koh Lanta Transfer by Shared Air Conditioned Van — Travel easily from Krabi to Koh Lanta with a shared air-conditioned van service. Departing every two hours, this transfer picks you up from Krabi Town, the bus station, or Krabi Airport and takes you directly to your hotel on Koh Lanta. As this is a shared service, a short wait a
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🏨 Hotels & Stays in Koh Lanta

Pimalai Resort And Spa — Pimalai Resort And Spa is a luxury luxury hotel in Kantiang Bay, koh-lanta. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring koh-lanta. It is a 5-star property.
Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort — Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort is a luxury luxury hotel in Klong Dao Beach, koh-lanta. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring koh-lanta. It is a 5-star property.
Layana Resort and Spa — Layana Resort and Spa is a luxury luxury hotel in Long Beach, koh-lanta. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring koh-lanta. It is a 5-star property.
Twin Lotus Resort and Spa — Twin Lotus Resort and Spa is a luxury luxury hotel in Klong Dao Beach, koh-lanta. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring koh-lanta. It is a 5-star property.
Rawi Warin Resort and Spa — Rawi Warin Resort and Spa is a luxury luxury hotel in Klong Nin Beach, koh-lanta. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring koh-lanta. It is a 5-star property.
Lanta Casa Blanca — Lanta Casa Blanca is a mid-range hotel in Long Beach, koh-lanta. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring koh-lanta. It is a 4-star property.
Long Beach Chalet — Long Beach Chalet is a mid-range hotel in Long Beach, koh-lanta. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring koh-lanta. It is a 3-star property.
Royal Lanta Resort and Spa — Royal Lanta Resort and Spa is a mid-range hotel in Klong Dao Beach, koh-lanta. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring koh-lanta. It is a 4-star property.
Lanta Casuarina Beach Resort — Lanta Casuarina Beach Resort is a resort in Long Beach, Koh Lanta. Guest review score: 8.2/10. Check current rates and availability via the booking link.
Sayang Beach Resort — Sayang Beach Resort is a resort in Klong Dao Beach, Koh Lanta. Guest review score: 8.8/10. Check current rates and availability via the booking link.
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