Koh Lanta is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, featuring stunning beaches, incredible snorkelling and diving spots, and some delicious food. It is located in the Krabi region, near the popular island of Koh Phi Phi, yet this island is completely different, in our opinion a great mix of tourism and remoteness.
Koh Lanta is a lot less developed than some of the other islands in Thailand however there is still plenty to do without getting caught up in the crowds.
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9 Amazing Things to do in Koh Lanta
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Koh Lanta, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Koh Lanta for any budget.
Luxury – Pimalai Resort & Spa – SHA Extra Plus is an exclusive accommodation nestled in amongst a lush forestry area overlooking the blue waters of the Andaman Sea. This 5-star hotel. The hotel has an over-the-edge infinity pool as well as a fully equipped fitness suite and tennis court. In addition, there are three restaurants onsite.
Book your stay at Pimalai Resort & Spa – SHA Extra Plus here.
Mid-Range – Lanta Sand Resort & Spa is a beachfront location that features 3 outdoor swimming pools, including a plunge pool in Koh Lanta.
The restaurant at the hotel is perfectly located to watch the sunset over the sea.
Book your stay at Lanta Sand Resort & Spa here.
Budget – We stayed at Lanta Sunny House during our stay at Koh Lanta and absolutely loved it. We had our own private affordable bungalow overlooking a pool and it was a 5 minute walk from the beach. The accommodation was very central and had scooter rental onsite.
Lanta Animal Welfare
If you are an animal lover, the Lanta Animal Welfare will break your heart but it will also fill your heart with so much joy when you hear about the success stories of the animals finding homes. The Lanta Animal Welfare was founded 25 years ago when founder Junie visited Koh Lanta and learned that there was nowhere on the island to take care of the stray dogs and cats. Junie moved her life to Koh Lanta where she started up a Thai Cooking school called Time To Lime and used the profits to build a shelter for the stray dogs and cats.
Today, Lanta Animal Welfare run two tours a day where you can visit and meet some of the animals whilst learning about the work that they do here. You can also learn about the adoption process and whether you can help to transport adopted animals to their new homes on your flight home. For a donation of 250 baht, this is such a lovely experience and you will most likely leave wanting to take them all home.
Lanta Cinema
If you are looking for something to do in the evening in Koh Lanta, make sure you check out Lanta Cinema. There are a couple of movies played each night that they are open and it is 100 baht for your first entry card which you will top up to spend on food and drinks at the bar. They serve cooked meals such as curries and pad thai, as well as cinema snacks such as candy floss and popcorn.
This is such a good way to spend the night underneath the stars watching a movie.
Go Snorkelling in Koh Lanta
Snorkelling in Koh Lanta is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss The waters are crystal clear and an abundance of marine life.
The island has a number of excellent snorkelling spots that are easily accessible by boat. There are plenty of tour operators who offer guided snorkelling trips that include all the necessary equipment and instruction. The surrounding waters are home to a vast array of colourful fish, vibrant coral reefs, and even sea turtles.
One of the most popular snorkelling destinations in Koh Lanta is the Koh Haa Islands, a group of five tiny islands located just a short boat ride from the main island. Here, you can explore a stunning underwater world that includes colourful schools of fish, sea anemones, and even some shipwrecks. The waters around Koh Haa are also incredibly clear, making it easy to see the sea life up close and personal.
Another great spot for snorkelling in Koh Lanta is the Mu Koh Lanta National Park, which is home to some of the most beautiful reefs in Thailand. The park has several snorkelling sites, including the famous Hin Daeng and Hin Muang dive sites, which are known for their large schools of fish and stunning coral reefs. These sites are best explored by boat, and many tour operators offer snorkelling trips that include stops at both of these sites.
Go Scuba Diving
There are many different companies offering scuba diving in Koh Lanta. With the water so crystal-clear and the diverse marine life Koh Lanta is a gateway to some of the best dive sites in the Andaman Sea. Some of the most popular dive sites including Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, where you can encounter everything from colorful tropical fish to larger creatures like manta rays and whale sharks. Whale sharks are more commonly spotted between February and April. With its warm waters and excellent visibility, Koh Lanta is perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
Get a Thai Massage
Going for a massage in Thailand is one of our favourite things to do. Many shops are offering this around the town and some hotels may offer it too. The treatments are usually very reasonably priced.
Visit Koh Lanta National Park
Koh Lanta National Park, located at the southern tip of Koh Lanta, is a stunning protected area with lush jungles, scenic beaches, and lots of wildlife. The park covers both land and sea, offering the chance to explore forested hiking trails, spot monkeys and exotic birds, and enjoy the beautiful beaches like Bamboo Bay and Laem Tanod.
The iconic lighthouse at the park’s southern point has breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and surrounding islands.
There is also a cafe and restaurant in the park where you can stop for refreshments.
Watch a Fire Show at Long Beach
A fire show on Koh Lanta is an incredible experience that adds a spark of excitement to the island’s laid-back nightlife. Often performed on the beaches at popular bars and restaurants, these shows feature talented performers spinning flaming poi, juggling fire sticks, and creating dazzling displays of light and skill. The shows typically begin after sunset, adding to the magical atmosphere as the flames dance against the night sky. With the sound of the waves in the background and the relaxed island vibe, a fire show on Koh Lanta offers a captivating evening of entertainment by the beach.
Indulge in the delicious food
Some of the best food we have eaten in Thailand has been in Koh Lanta. The curries and pad thai are absolutely unreal! We recommend looking out for the small local restaurants for some of the best food.
You can read more about our favourite restaurants in Koh Lanta here.
Visit the Stunning Beaches
Koh Lanta is home to some of Thailand’s most stunning beaches. Long Beach (Pra-Ae) is one of our favourites for its wide stretch of golden sand, perfect for swimming and watching the sunset. Kantiang Bay, located in the southern part of the island, is a more secluded option with crystal-clear waters and a very peaceful atmosphere. Bamboo Beach is even further south and offers a quiet retreat surrounded by lush jungle. For those seeking a more vibrant beach scene, Klong Nin Beach combines relaxation with a lively selection of beachfront bars and restaurants, making it ideal for both day and night.
Before You Leave for Koh Lanta
Before you set off on your way to Koh Lanta, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Koh Lanta
To get to Koh Lanta, a beautiful island in Thailand, you have a few transportation options. If you are arriving from abroad, the most common route is to fly into Krabi International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or a shared minivan to the Hua Hin Pier in Krabi, which is approximately a 2-hour drive. At the pier, you can catch a ferry or speedboat to Koh Lanta, which takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the type of boat and sea conditions.
Alternatively, if you are already in Thailand, you can travel by bus or minivan to Krabi Town or Ao Nang. From either of these places, you can take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Lanta. The bus journey from Bangkok to Krabi takes around 10-12 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
It’s also worth noting that during the high season (November to April), there are direct ferry services from Phuket to Koh Lanta, making it a convenient option for travelers starting from Phuket or nearby islands.
Once you arrive at Koh Lanta, you can explore the island by tuk-tuk, motorbike, or bicycle, as it is not large. Enjoy the stunning beaches, clear waters, and the relaxed atmosphere of this paradise island.
Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Koh Lanta, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Koh Lanta for any budget.
Luxury – Pimalai Resort & Spa – SHA Extra Plus is an exclusive accommodation nestled in amongst a lush forestry area overlooking the blue waters of the Andaman Sea. This 5-star hotel. The hotel has an over-the-edge infinity pool as well as a fully equipped fitness suite and tennis court. In addition, there are three restaurants onsite.
Book your stay at Pimalai Resort & Spa – SHA Extra Plus here.
Mid-Range – Lanta Sand Resort & Spa is a beachfront location that features 3 outdoor swimming pools, including a plunge pool in Koh Lanta.
The restaurant at the hotel is perfectly located to watch the sunset over the sea.
Book your stay at Lanta Sand Resort & Spa here.
Budget – We stayed at Lanta Sunny House during our stay at Koh Lanta and absolutely loved it. We had our own private affordable bungalow overlooking a pool and it was a 5 minute walk from the beach. The accommodation was very central and had scooter rental onsite.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Koh Lanta
When packing for your trip to Koh Lanta, include lightweight and breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection items (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), insect repellent, a beach towel, flip-flops, a reusable water bottle, electronics and travel adapters, medications and a basic first aid kit, and essential travel documents. With these items, you’ll be ready to enjoy the beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and laid-back atmosphere of Koh Lanta.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around here, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Koh Lanta
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your Guide for 9 Amazing Things to do in Koh Lanta. If you are visiting this incredible place and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Thailand trip soon then check out our other Thailand content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- The Best Places to Eat in Koh Lanta – Amazing Restaurants in Koh Lanta
- A Guide to the Best Things to do in Koh Phi Phi – Don’t Miss These Sights on your Koh Phi Phi Itinerary
- Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Luxury Resort in Koh Samui
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