Koh Lanta Travel Guide: 12 Best Beaches & Things to Do
Everything you need to know about Koh Lanta in Thailand, including the best beaches, towns to see, what to do and our best tips | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
The perfect holiday island
Thailand is a place we love to return to – from the delicious food and friendly locals to the warm weather and affordable prices, it’s hard not to fall for it.
Koh Lanta was the perfect choice for us during a longer trip in Asia, where we needed a reliable spot to work, hit the beach and have some new adventures.
It was also where Victoria’s father and his wife joined us in Thailand to celebrate his 50th birthday.
Koh Lanta is relatively large, with plenty of diverse beaches, but it’s still small enough that you can zip from one end to the other on a scooter in under an hour.
We made it our home for almost a month, and in this travel guide to the best things to do in Koh Lanta, we’ll share everything we know – including what to see, the best beaches and towns, where to stay, how to get around, when to visit and our top tips to make the most of your time on this lovely island.
Our favourites: Where to stay in Koh Lanta?
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- Luxury: Pimalai Resort & Spa – Koh Lanta’s most beautiful (and most expensive) resort.
- Value for money: Lanta Il Mare Beach Resort – Affordable, family-friendly resort in Klong Nin.
- Budget: Klong Jark Bungalow – Some of the most budget-friendly bungalows in Koh Lanta (right on the beach).
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Koh Lanta here.
Table of contents
- Why visit Koh Lanta
- Where is Koh Lanta?
- The best beaches in Koh Lanta
- Towns in Koh Lanta
- The best things to do and see in Koh Lanta
- How many days to spend in Koh Lanta
- Where to stay in Koh Lanta
- Best restaurants and cafes in Koh Lanta
- How to get to Koh Lanta
- When to visit Koh Lanta
- Our best tips for visiting Koh Lanta
Why visit Koh Lanta
There are so many islands in Thailand, so why visit Koh Lanta?
The island offers a little bit of everything, with things to do and see that cater to all types of travellers.
While none of Koh Lanta’s offerings might claim the title of Thailand’s absolute best or most unique, the island’s overall variety and well-developed infrastructure make it a reliable and fantastic choice for a great holiday in Thailand.
For first-time visitors to Asia or Thailand, Koh Lanta (also spelled Ko Lanta) is an excellent option that strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
The island’s long, wide, sandy beaches along the west coast are the main draw for most visitors. Perfect for swimming, these beaches are a significant reason why people visit Koh Lanta year after year.
With a wide range of affordable, family-friendly resorts, Koh Lanta is ideal for family getaways if you’re travelling with children.
That said, couples and young backpackers will also find plenty to enjoy.
Take a stroll through the charming Old Town with its stilted houses over the water or trek to the quieter beaches and the lighthouse at the island’s southern tip. Rent a scooter, and you can easily explore all of the best things Koh Lanta has to offer.
The food scene is another major highlight, with many great restaurants available throughout the island. While Thai cuisine is the dominant choice, you’ll also find healthy salads, wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, burgers, smoothie bowls and gelato to keep your taste buds satisfied.
So, whether you’re planning to stay for just a few days, a week or a month, Koh Lanta has something for everyone!
Where is Koh Lanta?
Koh Lanta Yai, often simply referred to as Koh Lanta, is located south of Koh Lanta Noi and is part of Krabi Province on Thailand’s western coast in the Andaman Sea.
The island is 25 kilometres (~ 15.5 miles) long and 6 kilometres (~ 3.7 miles) wide with a population of just over 20,000 residents.
Most tourists arrive in Koh Lanta’s largest town, Saladan.
If you drive along the main road on the island’s western side, you’ll pass several beautiful beaches before either turning east to explore the charming Old Town or continuing south towards the national park.
Koh Lanta offers solid infrastructure with well-maintained roads (though a bit potholed in places) and generally reliable internet access.
Map of Koh Lanta
Explore the best things to do and see in Koh Lanta by checking out the Koh Lanta map below, where we’ve highlighted all our recommendations from the article.
Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map to find the beaches, activities, best restaurants, etc.
The best beaches in Koh Lanta
The beaches in Koh Lanta are truly wonderful!
They’re the main reason people visit Koh Lanta, and it’s easy to see why.
Soft sand, crystal-clear waters and fantastic food options with breathtaking sunset views make for the perfect setting.
If you’re visiting Koh Lanta with children, you’ll be pleased to know that several of the child-friendly beaches have calm, shallow waters, making them ideal for young swimmers.
Here are some of the best beaches in Koh Lanta, in our opinion.
Khlong Dao
Khlong Dao is Koh Lanta’s northernmost, longest and most popular beach. Despite its popularity, the beach never feels overcrowded due to its impressive length.
The sand is soft as powder, and the waves are gentle, making Khlong Dao an ideal choice for families with children.
Located just around 2 kilometres (~ 1.2 miles) from the island’s main town, Saladan, Khlong Dao offers a relaxing beach holiday with plenty of restaurants and amenities nearby. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to combine peace and convenience.
Long Beach
Khlong Dao is slightly longer than Phra Ae, which is mostly known as Long Beach.
Long Beach is wide, with plenty of restaurants right by the water offering chairs and “bamboo beds” on the soft sand.
The hotels along Long Beach are mostly tucked away behind palm trees, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
As the sun begins to set, people gather on the sand and at the beach bars to enjoy the impressive sunsets.
Klong Khong
On Klong Khong, there’s a different vibe compared to the other beaches on Koh Lanta.
Here, you’ll find some bars with reggae music, neon lights, glowsticks and a laid-back atmosphere that includes everything from magic mushrooms to spliffs.
Despite the alternative scene, you’ll still find families and other tourists mingling with the 90s nostalgia crowd and locals with dreadlocks, so it’s generally a peaceful place to be.
If you stay in a bungalow that’s not directly on the beach, the occasional party (which tends to be scattered and not too loud) won’t disturb your peace.
One thing to note about Klong Khong is the rocky shoreline, making it less ideal for swimming near the beach.
However, once you venture further out, swimming becomes easier. For those visiting with children, this might not be the most convenient spot for swimming.
On the plus side, the small pools that form along the shore create a beautiful reflection of the sunset, and accommodation in the area tends to be more affordable than other beaches on the island.
Klong Nin
The main road on the western side of Koh Lanta veers towards Old Town just before reaching Klong Nin, lending the beach a unique tranquillity.
The atmosphere here feels distinctly different from the rest of the island. It was one of our favourite beaches in Koh Lanta!
The long stretch of sand is ideal for sunbathing, and you’ll easily find shade at one of the beach bars or restaurants.
The seabed is sandy in most areas, making Klong Nin one of the best beaches for swimming on Koh Lanta.
Bamboo Bay
Bamboo Bay is Koh Lanta’s southernmost beach.
Few tourists venture this far south (or choose to stay here), so you can enjoy long stretches of sand all to yourself.
We visited Bamboo Bay on a day trip, but you can easily stay nearby and live within walking distance.
At the northern end of the beach, you can find shade at one of the local bars or indulge in a relaxing massage from the nearby masseuse — she was amazing!
Bamboo Bay is wonderfully secluded, and even during high season, it’s possible to have much of the beach all to yourself.
Southern beaches
In addition to Bamboo Bay, the southern part of Koh Lanta is home to several other beautiful beaches, including Kantiang Bay, Khlong Jark Beach, Khlong Tob Beach and Nui Beach.
These beaches are relatively small and far less crowded than other beaches in Koh Lanta.
Towns in Koh Lanta
Old Town
Koh Lanta’s oldest town, Old Town, has a relaxed atmosphere, and its main street, lined with old wooden houses and lush plants, is well worth a visit.
We chose to stay here at the start of our time on the island to enjoy some extra peace and quiet.
Victoria had sprained her foot on Koh Lipe, and since Koh Lanta’s hospital is near Old Town, it was also a practical choice.
The town has a wonderfully local feel, and it didn’t take long before we felt at home.
Shopkeepers greet you as you pass by, and there’s plenty of smiling and waving all around.
If you’ve come to Thailand and Koh Lanta mainly for the beaches, a day trip to Old Town is enough to get a feel for the place – or maybe two if you want to try several of the excellent restaurants.
Just a short distance from the main street, there’s a beautiful Buddhist temple complex. When we stopped by, the only people there were monks.
Saladan
Many visitors to Koh Lanta will get a brief introduction to Saladan, as most ferries to and from the island dock at this northern town.
Saladan has the island’s largest supermarket, several banks and a variety of shops and markets.
We stayed here for a few days, but while convenient, the town is more practical than charming.
If your goal is a beach holiday with a laid-back island vibe, we recommend heading further south.
That said, if the beach life ever feels too slow, you can always visit Saladan for a quick lunch or some snacks at the night market.
The best things to do and see in Koh Lanta
What to see in Koh Lanta?
In addition to enjoying the best beaches and exploring the towns, we have gathered some of the best things to do and see in Koh Lanta for a memorable visit.
Cooking class at Time for Lime
Cooking classes are actually quite easy to find in Koh Lanta.
We chose the cooking school Time for Lime, as their profits support Lanta Animal Welfare (which you can read more about below).
Our instructor, Noi, made the evening both fun and engaging, guiding us through a menu of deep-fried papaya salad, pumpkin coconut lime soup and Penang curry. The menu changes nightly, always featuring a mix of exciting flavours.
Everything can be made vegetarian or vegan (without fish sauce or dried prawns), making it a great option for plant-based travellers like ourselves.
Having taken several cooking classes in Asia, we found Time for Lime to be one of the best. The school is professionally run, with just as much focus on the experience as on the cooking itself.
Plus, the setting is fantastic – you’ll be preparing Thai dishes in good company, all while enjoying a beautiful sunset view.
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Lanta Animal Welfare
Lanta Animal Welfare is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of Koh Lanta’s animals. They mainly focus on the sterilisation and rehabilitation of stray dogs and cats.
You can cuddle the cats, take a dog for a walk or join a guided tour to learn more about their work.
Entry is free, but donations are, of course, greatly appreciated – and if you fall in love with a furry friend, adoption is an option too.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Located at the southern tip of Koh Lanta, the Mu Ko Lanta National Park offers a mix of adventure and natural beauty.
You can hike through the jungle, explore caves, relax on white beaches, snorkel around coral reefs and take in breathtaking views from scenic trails and viewpoints. The park also has an iconic lighthouse.
Along the way, you’re likely to encounter curious (and rather bold) monkeys. They are particularly interested in food and drinks, so it’s best to keep any snacks or plastic bottles tucked away in your bag.
The road to Mu Ko Lanta National Park is fully paved, making it easy to drive there yourself.
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Boat trip
Koh Lanta is in an ideal spot in the Andaman Sea, close to some of Thailand’s most stunning islands and coral reefs.
If you love deserted beaches and snorkelling, a boat trip is well worth it. There are also great opportunities for diving.
We took a private boat tour called the “Four Island Tour” where we snorkelled among colourful fish, explored a hidden lagoon and enjoyed lunch on a paradise island.
Tours are easy to arrange through hotels or one of Koh Lanta’s many tour operators.
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How many days to spend in Koh Lanta
As we mentioned at the beginning of this guide to Koh Lanta, we spent a month on the island, working along the way and enjoying slow travel with quiet days in between our adventures.
However, for a “normal holiday”, we wouldn’t stay that long.
Koh Lanta pairs perfectly with other experiences or islands in Thailand (such as nearby Koh Lipe).
If you do that, you can make the most of Koh Lanta in as little as 3-5 days.
That said, we’d recommend spending a week to truly experience the stunning beaches and visit the best sights at a relaxed pace with time to fully unwind.
Two weeks can easily be spent lounging on the beach and indulging in all the delicious food.
If you’re travelling as a family with small children or simply prefer a more leisurely pace, you could easily spend your entire holiday in Koh Lanta.
Ultimately, it all comes down to your travel preferences!
Where to stay in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is not a large island, but where you stay can make a big difference.
For most visitors, we recommend choosing accommodation along one of the west coast beaches.
If you feel like a change of scenery, it’s easy to visit Saladan or Old Town, but staying by the beach is the best way to enjoy Koh Lanta.
Here, you’ll find everything that makes a perfect holiday in Thailand: soft sand, clear water, affordable quality accommodation, great food, stunning sunsets, refreshing drinks, relaxing massages and a laid-back atmosphere.
While the beaches share many similarities, they each have their own character. Do you want a lively spot with plenty of activity or are you looking for complete relaxation?
We’ve put together a detailed guide on where to stay in Koh Lanta, featuring the best hotels and resorts by beach and area.
If you’re after a quick overview, you can see the short version below.
Where to stay in Koh Lanta? The best beaches:
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- North: Khlong Dao – The longest and most popular beach on Koh Lanta. It’s very child-friendly, with plenty of restaurants and facilities nearby.
- North: Long Beach – Even more picturesque than Khlong Dao, this beach is also long, family-friendly and offers a relaxed atmosphere.
- Central: Klong Khong – A beach with more rocky areas, an alternative vibe, and affordable resorts and pools. Perfect for those seeking a quieter stay.
- Central: Klong Nin – Our favourite beach to stay at in Koh Lanta. Quiet, great for swimming and still offering a good selection of places to eat and enjoy.
- South: Bamboo Bay – Arguably the most beautiful beach on the island, located right at the southern tip of Koh Lanta with serene surroundings.
You can also search for the cheapest and best hotels in Koh Lanta here.
Luxury resorts in Koh Lanta
Although Thailand is generally an affordable destination, luxury hotels can be on the pricier side.
Koh Lanta’s top-rated hotel, the 5-star Pimalai Resort & Spa (adlink), is no exception, but many of the island’s other high-end hotels offer surprisingly reasonable prices – even during high season.
The best luxury hotels in Koh Lanta:
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- Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort – Private beach, large pool and great views from the northwest part of Khlong Dao.
- Layana Resort & Spa – The best hotel on Long Beach.
- Rawi Warin Resort & Spa – Private beach, large pool and stunning sea-view double rooms at great prices between Klong Khong and Klong Nin..
- Lanta Corner Resort – Also features a private beach and a large pool. Slightly cheaper sea-view double rooms between Klong Khong and Klong Nin.
- Pimalai Resort & Spa – Koh Lanta’s most beautiful (and most expensive) resort. Kantiang Bay.
- Baan KanTiang See Villa Resort – Just 8 villas at Kantiang Bay, each with a pool and a panoramic view of the bay.
Value for money hotels in Koh Lanta
Perhaps Koh Lanta’s biggest draw for families is its wide selection of affordable, mid-range hotels.
Here, you can typically find beachfront hotels offering pools and spacious rooms (or bungalows) with air conditioning at excellent prices.
The best value for money hotels in Koh Lanta:
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- Golden Bay Cottage – Comfortable, family-friendly double rooms just metres from the best stretch of Khlong Dao.
- Lanta Garden Home – Affordable option with air conditioning, wifi and a private terrace.
- Peaceful Resort Koh Lanta – With a pool and set in beautiful surroundings at a great price, just around 300 metres from Long Beach.
- Khum Laanta Resort – Charming bungalows with a pool and direct beach access at Klong Khong. Some huts include a small kitchen.
- Lanta Il Mare Beach Resort – Family-friendly resort with great prices on Klong Nin.
- Lanta Infinity Resort – Pool with a lush green view at reasonable prices. Klong Nin.
- Lanta Emerald Bungalow – Budget-friendly double rooms with pool at Klong Nin.. Save more by opting for a fan instead of air conditioning.
- Anda Lanta Resort – Large family rooms with a pool in a tranquil area. Khlong Jark.
Budget hotels in Koh Lanta
If you’re looking for the absolute lowest prices, staying on one of Koh Lanta’s beaches can still be an option.
You might have to forgo air conditioning, and the rooms are usually small and simple, but it’s a practical choice if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the island rather than staying indoors.
The best budget hotels in Koh Lanta:
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- Lanta at Home – Comfortable, budget-friendly hotel at Khlong Dao.
- Ozone Beach Hut – Simple double rooms with fan or air conditioning on Long Beach.
- Lanta Long Beach Hostel – If you’re happy sleeping in a dormitory, this is the most affordable place with a pool in Koh Lanta. Long Beach.
- Klong Jark Bungalow – Some of the most budget-friendly bungalows in Koh Lanta (right on the beach). Khlong Jark.
Best restaurants and cafes in Koh Lanta
Sunee Place (Old Town)
Sunee Place in Old Town (on the main street of Old Town) offers some of the island’s most personal service, thanks to Sunee and her daughter.
The menu includes a good selection of Thai dishes, fruit juices and pancakes, but the real highlight is the freshly made Indian curries and roti.
Everything is prepared from scratch, and the food is both delicious and reasonably priced.
Apsara (Old Town)
The menu at Apsara is designed in a charming, childlike style.
The place is cosy with a view of the water, and we received excellent service.
Most of the dishes can be made vegan – just make sure to specify no egg and no fish sauce.
Peak Café (Klong Khong)
As an alternative to Thai food, Peak Café is a great spot for a sandwich.
We both had aubergine and basil in freshly baked bread, and word is that their coffee and breakfasts are excellent, too.
Three Sisters (Klong Khong)
In Thailand, you have to be really unlucky to have a truly bad Thai meal. The challenge is more about finding something that stands out since the general standard is already high.
One of our best Thai meals in Koh Lanta was at Three Sisters.
The place is popular, so arriving early is a good idea. The wait was a bit long but absolutely worth it.
Prices are low, with main courses costing under 100–200 baht.
Fruit Tree Coffee Shop (Long Beach)
At Fruit Tree Coffee Shop, we enjoyed a good coffee and a tasty sandwich with guacamole.
Tempted? Then this little café might be just the spot for you.
The prices are reasonable, the service is quick, and there’s plenty of cosy seating both outside and inside (with air conditioning).
Two Scoops (Khlong Dao)
If you need to cool down after a day in the sun, Two Scoops is the perfect spot.
The fantastic gelato is made in-house and is possibly as close to authentic Italian gelato as you can get in Thailand. Their sorbets are vegan, and they also offer vegan chocolate banana fudgesicles.
When we visited, Two Scoops also had raw and vegan desserts on offer.
How to get to Koh Lanta
Flights to Krabi or Phuket are generally the quickest way to reach Koh Lanta, but if you’re already in Thailand, there are other options as well.
Below, we’ll cover some of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel to Koh Lanta from various parts of the country.
Get to Krabi
Most international travellers fly into Krabi International Airport (KBV), as it is the closest major airport to Koh Lanta.
If you’re arriving in Bangkok, you can easily book a flight to Krabi, with frequent flights that take around 1.5 hours.
If you prefer not to fly, there are buses from Bangkok to Krabi, with a journey time of approximately 12-14 hours.
Alternatively, you can take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, then continue by bus or minivan to Krabi, before transferring to Koh Lanta.
Find the cheapest flights to Bangkok or Krabi on Momondo (adlink).
From Krabi to Koh Lanta
While Koh Lanta is an island, it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge in the northern part.
This means you can reach the island by car, minivan or bus, either by driving directly across the bridge or using a combination of driving and a short boat ride.
Express transfer
The fastest way to travel from Krabi Airport (or from Ao Nang or Railay Beach) to Koh Lanta is by express transfer.
This service usually involves an air-conditioned minivan ride to a pier, followed by a short 15-minute speedboat ride to Koh Lanta. You’re usually taken directly to your hotel on the island, with the journey to the northern part of the island typically taking around an hour and a half.
Minivan or bus
If you don’t mind a slower pace, a minivan or bus transfer from Krabi to Koh Lanta is a more affordable option. This takes about three hours.
The total duration can be longer depending on the number of stops to drop off other passengers, though. Especially if you’re not one of the first to be dropped off.
We paid 300 baht per person for a minivan ride from our hotel in Koh Lanta to Krabi.
Ferry
Alternatively, you can take a ferry directly from Krabi to Koh Lanta. The ferry ride normally takes just over two hours.
Please note that the ferries usually don’t operate during the low season.
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From other islands to Koh Lanta
You can also travel to Koh Lanta from other islands, such as Phuket (a major flight hub), Koh Lipe in the south, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Jum and more.
While it’s easy to book tickets once you’re in Thailand, checking some of the ferry options below in advance can give you a better idea of schedules and travel times.
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How to get around in Koh Lanta
By scooter
We rented a scooter for most of our stay in Koh Lanta, giving us the freedom to explore the island at our own pace.
The rental cost was 250 baht per day (~ 6.8 EUR / 7.3 USD), though in the low season or with good bargaining skills, prices can drop to around 150 baht (~ 4 EUR / 4.4 USD).
Always wear a helmet, as road conditions can be uneven with occasional potholes.
And don’t forget that they drive on the left side of the road in Thailand!
Without a scooter
If you’re staying at a good hotel on one of Koh Lanta’s larger beaches, a scooter isn’t necessary.
You’ll find plenty of great places to eat nearby, and for excursions, transport is usually included or easy to arrange.
There’s no public transport on the island, but getting around is still simple. Scooter taxis with sidecars, car taxis, pick-up trucks and minivans are all available at reasonable prices.
For example, we paid 150 baht (~ 4 EUR / 4.4 USD) for a scooter taxi ride from Saladan to Long Beach.
When to visit Koh Lanta
Seasons and weather
The best time to visit Koh Lanta depends on what you’re looking for.
The island has two main seasons: high season and low season.
Temperatures stay around 28°C (~ 82°F) year-round, with highs of 34°C (~ 93°F) and lows of 24°C (~ 75°F).
January and February tend to be the driest months, making it a popular time to visit Koh Lanta.
That said, weather patterns can vary from year to year, so having a bit of flexibility is always good.
Koh Lanta’s high season (November to April)
During high season, the weather in Koh Lanta is fantastic with plenty of sunshine and very little rain.
The dry season runs from November to April, attracting more visitors – especially in December, January and February when conditions are at their best.
Temperatures rise towards April, but the coastal breeze and a dip in the sea help keep things comfortable.
We visited from late January into early February and had plenty of sunny days.
While Koh Lanta was clearly a popular destination, it never felt overcrowded.
That said, some hotels were fully booked, so if you’re planning a winter trip, booking accommodation in advance is a good idea.
Tip: Air-conditioned rooms cost more than those with just a fan, but in the high season, they’re worth it – especially towards March and April. Koh Lanta’s weather is always warm and humid, but it gets particularly hot as the season progresses.
Koh Lanta’s low season (May to October)
As with any destination, visiting Koh Lanta in the low season comes with both advantages and drawbacks.
From May onwards, rainfall increases, and during the summer months, it rains every other day on average.
This keeps the island green while also making it far less crowded.
Some hotels and restaurants close for part of the year, but many remain open. Accommodation prices drop significantly, making it possible to find excellent deals.
Koh Lanta’s weather is unpredictable, so while rain is more common, it’s still possible to get several sunny days in a row.
In short: Travelling in the low season can save you a lot on accommodation, but you’ll need to be prepared for a higher chance of rain.
Our best tips for visiting Koh Lanta
- Koh Lanta is a beautiful island. Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content.
- Koh Lanta is situated in southern Thailand, a region with a significant Muslim population. As a result, don’t be surprised if you hear the calls to morning prayer from the mosques and see local women wearing headscarves.
- The locals are accustomed to Western tourists on the island, but it’s still a good idea to cover up a bit when you’re not on the beach out of respect.
- Book accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling to Koh Lanta during the high season. While there will always be rooms available, many of the best hotels get fully booked months ahead of time.
- ATMs and currency exchange spots are normally easy to find, especially in Saladan. It’s usually most cost-effective to withdraw money in baht, and to minimise extra fees, it’s a good idea to take out the maximum allowed amount at once.
- The electrical outlets in Koh Lanta generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances, as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan. The standard voltage is 220 volts.
- Wifi is widely available in hotels and cafes, and it’s usually very fast. Saladan and Old Town have the strongest connections. If you need internet access elsewhere, consider buying a local SIM card or eSIM with data. We’ve previously used Airalo (adlink) with great success. At the big beaches, you can expect data on your phone to work – at least most of the time!
- Digital nomads can check out the coworking site KoHub.
- It’s hard to say how long to spend in Koh Lanta. The island is large enough to offer new experiences every day but compact enough that you can see all the highlights in about a week.
- Avoid supporting elephant trekking! These animals endure cruel training methods to make them submissive. Read more about why you shouldn’t ride elephants here. Instead, visit Lanta Animal Welfare.
- Koh Lanta is very family-friendly and a great destination for families. The beaches are safe and the locals are warm and welcoming, making it easy to feel at ease when travelling with children.
- The island is especially popular with Scandinavians – there’s even a Swedish school here.
- The sun is strong. Remember your sun protection and stay in the shade during the hottest hours in the middle of the day.
- If you want to stay active during your holiday in Koh Lanta, you can get a short-term membership at one of the island’s gyms. There are also several places offering yoga and martial arts, especially Thai boxing.
- Koh Lanta’s hospital is one of the largest in the region and is equipped with X-ray facilities. In addition, there are many small private clinics across the island.
- Remember travel insurance! We compare the best travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travellers here.
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading our travel guide to Koh Lanta. We hope it has been useful!
What do you think of the laid-back island?
Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments if you haven’t been to Koh Lanta yet. We are happy to help.
And if you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks.
Our favourite travel resources:
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- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
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