Explore Koh Lanta: A Tropical Paradise in Thailand | Go Travel Daily
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Explore Koh Lanta: A Tropical Paradise in Thailand

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Erin Medlicott

Set in the Andaman Sea on the west coast of Thailand, the island of Koh Lanta is idyllic. In addition to offering stunning beaches, it’s pleasantly less developed than one would expect for an island so easy to reach from the mainland. Unlike nearby Phuket, you won’t find any signs for familiar fast-food or coffee chains on Koh Lanta.

Once cherished by backpackers in the 80s and 90s, Koh Lanta obtained reliable electricity in 1996. Today, decent Wi-Fi and ATMs are available; however, the development has remained controlled since the 2004 tsunami. Malls and high-rise hotels are not part of the Koh Lanta landscape.

Among the beautiful islands in Thailand, Koh Lanta stands out for its versatility in attracting a diverse range of travelers. This sizable island seems to please backpackers, couples, families, and expats all at once.

Getting to Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta lacks an airport, which is actually beneficial for maintaining its charm. The most economical and common way to get to Koh Lanta is by minivan from Krabi, running daily regardless of the season.

You can arrange for connections directly to your hotel from Krabi Airport (KBV) upon arrival. The minivan journey includes a ferry to Koh Lanta Noi, followed by crossing the new bridge to Koh Lanta Yai. Although the estimated travel time from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta is around four hours, be prepared for potential delays.

During the high season from November to April, daily boats connect the island with the mainland at Krabi. Ferries also operate between Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Ao Nang.

Koh Lanta Orientation

Koh Lanta refers to a district encompassing an archipelago of approximately 52 islands within Krabi Province, spread over 131 square miles. Most of these islands remain undeveloped or exist as marine refuges within a national park.

When tourists mention “Koh Lanta,” they often refer specifically to Koh Lanta Yai, the largest and most populated of the three main islands. Tourism primarily thrives along the west coast that faces Koh Phi Phi island.

Visitors typically arrive in Ban Saladan, the largest town located on the northern tip of the island. Most tourists head south towards various beaches, experiencing a quieter atmosphere the further they venture.

Small bungalow accommodations nestled in bays along the southern part of Koh Lanta exhibit significant character and charm; however, the shore tends to be rockier, leading to less optimal swimming conditions.

The east coast is far less developed, with the exception of Lanta Old Town (often referred to simply as “Old Town”) in the south. A main road runs the length of the west coast, with two interior roads facilitating shortcuts to the island’s eastern side.

Koh Lanta Beaches

There is an abundance of beaches along the west side of Koh Lanta; however, many are compromised by sharp volcanic rocks visible during low tide, which can detract from the swimming experience. Long Beach is notable for providing some of the safest swimming on the island.

  • Klong Dao: Klong Dao is the busiest beach on Koh Lanta, ideally located near Ban Saladan with numerous dining options and three 7-Eleven stores with ATMs. This beach is particularly family-friendly, featuring a long stretch of sand with shallow waters and abundant amenities. Most accommodations here cater to midrange and higher-budget travelers.
  • Long Beach: Also known as Phra Ae, Long Beach is situated just south of Klong Dao. It attracts backpackers and budget travelers who prefer its quieter atmosphere and affordable accommodations along the northern part. The southern half features several resorts. Long Beach boasts the longest stretch of clean sand on the island, gently sloping into deeper water with minimal surf, making it an excellent swimming destination.
  • Klong Khong: Located south of Long Beach, Klong Khong is the rockiest beach on the island, which may limit swimming; however, it compensates for this with charming cafes, delightful dining options, and quaint bungalows.
  • Klong Nin: Below Klong Khong lies Klong Nin, a beautiful stretch of beach with decent swimming opportunities between sections of rocks. The pristine sand here has attracted a number of three-star resorts, with eateries being more spread out.
  • Kantiang Bay: While Kantiang Bay is only a kilometer long, it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, despite having limited options available.

Places to Stay

Koh Lanta is refreshing in that it does not feature tall high-rise hotels. Even upscale resorts tend to be a collection of bungalows or villa-style properties surrounded by lush pools and landscaping.

Visitors will find rustic bamboo bungalows with mosquito nets, as well as modern concrete options equipped with TVs and air conditioning. Many accommodations offer better prices—especially for longer stays—when guests are willing to negotiate.

Most bungalows typically come with Wi-Fi, though connection speeds may vary. If online work is crucial, consider checking out one of Koh Lanta’s co-working spaces featuring high-speed internet access.

Tip: Photos on accommodation websites are usually taken at high tide, which can hide rocky hazards. Guests who do not conduct due diligence beforehand sometimes discover that resort beaches are unsuitable for swimming and have to travel to other locations to enjoy the water.

Getting Around Koh Lanta

Sidecar motorcycle taxis operate along the main road for about US $2 – 3 each way.

If you feel comfortable, consider renting a motorbike (costing around US $10 in high season and US $5 in low season) to navigate the island more freely. Getting lost on its few roads is nearly impossible, and the coastal drives offer breathtaking scenery.

Tip: Koh Lanta presents a serene environment; however, the main road can be quite busy, with considerable potholes posing dangers for scooter drivers.

When to Go

Regular boat services from Krabi to Koh Lanta conclude around late April each year, with many businesses on the island beginning to close by late May. Typically, they reopen for the season in November.

While visiting Koh Lanta during the low season from June to November is feasible, options will be limited. Rain may not be the only concern, as storms can impact the western side of the island, damaging beaches and even destroying bamboo huts.

Koh Lanta Old Town

The primary attraction on the eastern side of the island is Lanta Old Town, which lacks decent beaches in the vicinity.

Old Town serves as a hub for Koh Lanta’s hospital and post office but also offers an interesting alternative to the typical beach scene. The limited selection of shops, galleries, and restaurants can be enjoyed on a leisurely afternoon escape from the sun.

Additionally, Old Town is home to the Chao Ley ethnic group, often referred to as “sea gypsies.” This seafaring community were the island’s first settlers over 500 years ago, and due to their lack of documented history, little is known about their origins. Presently, they mostly engage in fishing and reside in stilt houses along the coast, maintaining their own language, customs, and religious practices.

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