Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting on Your Trip to Thailand?

A trip to Thailand isn’t complete without a visit to an island or two, and Koh Lanta is a popular option for a few different reasons.

It’s aesthetically gorgeous, is fairly easy to get to, and is an affordable beach escape to cap off your time in Thailand.

I’m just getting started, too. Koh Lanta, also spelled Ko Lanta, was easily one of our favorite parts of our Thailand itinerary. It’s hard to deny its appeal, and the minimal effort required to get there is well worth the planning.

Is Koh Lanta worth visiting?

Visiting Koh Lanta is worth it for its incredible beaches, opportunities for adventure, relaxed vibes, and kind people.

This was one of our favorite destinations on our trip to Thailand for a reason. Actually, it was more a collection of reasons that had us ranking the destination as one of our favorites in Asia overall.

Getting to Koh Lanta is an adventure, but it’s worth it.

Most visitors to Koh Lanta come from Krabi. If you’re traveling from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, you’ll need to get to Krabi first.

There are loads of regional flights to get you there, as Krabi is a popular entry into the rest of Thailand’s islands. If you’re traveling during the main tourist season, you can choose between a speedboat or a ferry to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi town or Ao Nang.

We chose to take the ferry, which was just fine. You’ll be choosing between at least two ferry times during high season.

Keep in mind that those boats aren’t running during Thailand’s wet season, ceasing operations by the end of April until about November.

If you’re traveling in the off-season, you can still visit Koh Lanta. You’ll just need to take a minivan there.

Note: No, said minivan doesn’t float you across. You’ll still hop onto a ferry meant for vehicles to the mainland.

Assuming you’ve arranged accommodations ahead of time, most will offer to arrange transportation for you from the ferry docks to where you’re staying while on Koh Lanta. Take advantage of this perk.

Otherwise, you’ll have to catch a shared taxi upon arrival to get to your final destination.

It’s completely different from Krabi.

With more time, Krabi’s beaches and adventures are worth a look on your Thailand itinerary. Railay Beach is home to Phra Nang Cave Beach, a cave of wonder but also phalluses. It’s also home to one of our favorite beach bars, the Tew Lay Bar.

Krabi is meant for adventure, though. Koh Lanta is ideal for a peaceful escape. While mainland Krabi is arguably more diverse in terms of what you’ll encounter (and eat) while you’re there, we found our time there comparable to the rest of Thailand.

Koh Lanta felt more like a world away.

Koh Lanta has a relaxed vibe.

Compared to many Thai islands, Koh Lanta has a more relaxed vibe. While there is certainly a high level of tourism activity on the island, tourists who choose Koh Lanta do so to relax. That makes it feel less touristy than islands known for their party scene.

That doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time, especially if your idea of a party is listening to reggae while sipping on an umbrella drink.

If you do want to spice things up a bit, you can do that at a fire show on the island.

They’re easily visible from beachside bars where you can have a side of a tropical cocktail with your free fire show. The bars along Klong Khong and Klong Dao beaches are popular spots if you don’t want to work that hard.

Note: If you’re like, “Be more specific!” you can catch a show with more certainty at The Indian Bar on Klong Dao. It’s an institution on the island.

The locals are super friendly.

You could say this about many parts of Thailand, but the hospitality in Koh Lanta seemed to be next-level. That doesn’t mean it ever feels inauthentic. While the island is certainly supported by tourism, it never feels touristy or transactional.

The people here seem genuinely warm and welcoming, and they’ll answer any and all questions you have for them if you make the time for interaction. (You should!)

READ MORE: We loved the welcoming vibes of Chiang Mai, too. Check out my itinerary for making the most of three days there.

Koh Lanta remains affordable.

As with much of Thailand, despite the resort-style accommodations and spa opportunities, you’ll still find a budget-friendly destination in Koh Lanta.

Koh Lanta is a fantastic place to have a great time without too much baht, especially if you do as the locals do and fill your days exploring where they spend their time.

The beaches are fantastic.

If you’re seeking calm waters and long swaths of soft sand, Klong Dao on the north side of the island is for you, and is considered by many to be the best beach on Koh Lanta. It’s also just south of Oasis Yoga if you’re looking to limber up before beach-combing.

If you’re all, “Where are the humans?” you’ll likely find them on Long Beach, the most popular beach on Koh Lanta. It’s named as such because it’s long, naturally, and is a hub of activity on Koh Lanta, particularly at sunset.

Fun fact: If you want to be extra impressive, or just extra, know the local name of Long Beach, too. It’s Phra Ae, which I assume still translates to Long Beach.

The central Klong Khong beach boasts some of the island’s best beach bars, a welcome respite when you’re looking for a break from the hot sun. Lanta Klong Nin is further south and another great spot for sunset-seekers.

Approaching the southern end of the island, Kantiang Bay, also known as Bamboo Bay, is a more secluded option. This one boasts rocky outcroppings on one end and sandy shores on the other.

Continue south for Nui Bay, a rocky stretch likely void of tourists.

Mopeds are the preferred mode of transit.

If you’ve never sat on the back of a moped in Koh Lanta, zipping along bumpy, dusty roads and narrowly avoiding potholes, you truly haven’t lived.

While my kidneys barely survived the adventure, I stand firm in my belief that exploring Koh Lanta via moped is the most fun way to do so.

There’s also no public transportation on the island, so your choices are scooters, bicycles, walking, or renting a car while you’re on the island. There are shared taxis around, as well, but they’re not regulated.

Those mopeds sound ideal, right?

Old Town feels like a different time.

Spending a few hours strolling through Koh Lanta’s Old Town is the perfect way to get acquainted with life on the island.

Pop into any of the shops that strike your fancy or find a bite to eat at the waterfront eateries. The wooden shophouses here hearken to a different era.

You’ll find Old Town on the east coast of the island. It’s best seen on foot so that you can choose your own adventure as you explore.

Koh Lanta is delicious.

The eats on Koh Lanta aren’t as diverse as in mainland Thailand, but they’re still fresh and delicious.

If you’re staying at a higher-end hotel, you’ll probably start there with your dining. Unlike many destinations, it’s not a bad option for convenience, but I know you’re here to explore.

Here are a few restaurants that stood out for us:

• The Apsara Cafe in Old Town boasts excellent service and a solid menu for vegans and vegetarians.
• Panorama on the east side of the island is well-known for the self-proclaimed best coffee on Koh Lanta and the beautiful view you’ll enjoy with your meal there.
• Patty’s Secret Garden in Long Beach should be your pick if you just really need a burger. They serve up the best one on the island, on top of other Thai delights.
• Phad Thai Rock ‘n Roll on the west coast of the island serves up delicious Thai specialties in a lively atmosphere.
• If you really need a slice of pizza, your best bet is Sole Mare Italian Pizzeria and Restaurant.

If you’re not one to trust travel guides, you can also just tap the shoulder of your moped driver to pull over wherever you see folk gathering. It’s likely that something yummy is happening.

Also, why the distrust?

The island has excellent diving.

Whether you’re into scuba diving or snorkeling is more your scene, the waters of Koh Lanta are known as having some of the best dive spots in Thailand.

Spot manta rays in the marine sections of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, also known as Mu Koh Lanta National Park.

Float through the coral gardens of Koh Rok or try to avoid leopard sharks in the Hin Bida reef. The marine activity here is fantastic.

If scuba is your jam, you have options when it comes to choosing a guided tour.

Flip Flop Divers boasts excellent reviews online if you want a local company to start your research with. They have both beginner and advanced tours, on top of snorkeling jaunts if you want to take it easy.

Many tour companies will take you to the islands that surround the main Koh Lanta Yai, as well, including trips out to the Emerald Cave and the Four Islands.

You may even see some swimming monkeys on a day trip like that.

If you’re after a guided tour of the Four Islands, check out some highly-rated options below:

You can have adventures on land, too.

While adventures on the water are a big draw for travelers to Thailand’s islands, Koh Lanta has plenty to intrigue those who want to spend more time on land. (For those with seasickness out there, I relate.)

Mu Ko Lanta National Park in the southern part of the island is perhaps the most impressive excursion. The park straddles multiple islands in Thailand, but you’ll have quite a bit to explore on Ko Lanta Yai alone.

There is a fee to enter the park of 200 baht, or about 7 USD, per person, on top of a nominal parking fee if you arrive via car or scooter.

The park is home to three caves: Tham Khao Mai Kaew, Tham Seua, and the Khlong Chak Cave, a cave known for its bat activity. The first, Tham Khao Mai Kaew cave, is only accessible with a guide, and the second is down a well-marked, 30-minute trek.

The third, the bat cave, is the easiest to visit. You’ll also meet up with Khlong Chak Waterfall on your way there, a small but lovely waterfall surrounded by rainforest.

Additional trails will lead you to beautiful views of the island, and a lighthouse that marks the southernmost point of Koh Lanta.

The island is home to Time for Lime.

Signing up for a cooking class at Time for Lime was our favorite activity on the island.

Their approach to Thai food was as apparent as their focus on making sure everyone in our group, a United Nations of tourists from all over the world, was having a great time.

On top of being able to eat every delicious morsel you create, you’ll be supporting an important cause with your visit to Time for Lime.

The cooking school is the primary donor for Lanta Animal Welfare, a nonprofit that works with homeless, abused, and injured animals in Koh Lanta.

For those who really like it at Time for Lime and want to stay a while, they rent out bungalows, as well. A traveling pal of mine whose opinion I trust loved her overnight stay in the bungalows and would highly recommend it.

READ MORE: If you love ethical animal organizations, check out my guide to our favorite elephant rescue in Thailand.

The sunsets are dazzling.

You better believe a beautiful place like Koh Lanta boasts some spectacular sunsets.

The added treat is that you don’t need to go to a special location to catch those colors dancing in the sky.

Return to your favorite Koh Lanta beach, find a beachfront eatery with live music to add a little ambiance to the experience, or take it all in from the cocktail bar at your resort.

It’ll be awesome either way.

It’s a great base for island-hopping.

We loved our time in Koh Lanta enough that we stayed put on our trip, but with more time, more islands await those interested in island-hopping.

Here are a few popular options to help inspire your trip:

• Koh Lipe: This one was a Koh Lanta alternative for us as we were planning our trip. It’s known for spectacular beaches minus the crowds.
• Koh Samui: You can bypass Koh Lanta and reach this one via Bangkok by air if you’d like. That’s why it’s popular with luxury travelers.
• Koh Phangan: This one is known for its infamous full moon travelers. That might intrigue or repel you, depending on your idea of a good time.
• Koh Tao: If you’re a diver, you likely know about this one already. This one is a particular certification spot for scuba enthusiasts.
• Phuket Island: This large island west of Koh Phi Phi is known for being super touristy, so it’s just not high on our list. It’s popular with divers, too.

How Much Time to Spend in Koh Lanta

Three days is the minimum recommended time spent in Koh Lanta. We had three full days and felt we saw all of the best things to do in Koh Lanta within that time.

That said, if you have more time available, you won’t tire of Koh Lanta’s island vibes.

As far as when you should find yourself here, the best time to visit Koh Lanta is from January through April, Thailand’s dry season.

You may think it’s cool to do some island-hopping during the off-season for cheaper deals on flights and accommodations. Your options may be limited due to heavy rains experienced during that time.

Where to Stay in Koh Lanta

You have loads of options when you’re looking for accommodations in Koh Lanta. You won’t find the all-inclusive vibes when searching out hotels, but if you know anything about this island by now, that’s not what you’re looking for anyway.

We stayed at the Avani Plus Koh Lanta Krabi Resort, formerly known as the Crown Lanta Resort & Spa, on our visit to Koh Lanta. We loved it.

The beachfront resort comes highly recommended (by me) if you’re looking for comfort and a world-class staff who will help you book anything you need during your stay.

While we didn’t make use of the spa as we were too busy adventuring, the amenities there are top-notch, too. The resort is available on Booking.com, too.

Fun fact: Booking.com is generally our default on accommodations worldwide with the exception of Asia. Agoda often has the same properties at a lower cost, but no method is perfect. Check all of your options before booking!

I’m all about shopping around. Use the map below to make that happen:

Island-hop to Koh Lanta while you’re in Thailand.

Koh Lanta isn’t just a fantastic option for your island-hopping in Thailand. I’d say it’s one of the best destinations to visit in the country overall.

Koh Lanta travel offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and relaxation. It’s the perfect way to cap off an adventurous stay in Thailand, too.

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