Koh Lanta Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Koh Lanta was one of the stops on our wider Thailand trip, and it turned out to be a very different experience from some of the busier islands we had visited.
We visited Koh Lanta in September, which is part of Thailand’s low season, and the island was extremely quiet during our stay. There were times when we felt like we had entire stretches of beach almost to ourselves, and the slower pace made Koh Lanta feel incredibly relaxed.
Of course, visiting during low season also meant dealing with some of the realities of travelling at this time of year, including unpredictable weather and some businesses operating on reduced hours. But for us, the lack of crowds was a huge part of the appeal.
In this Koh Lanta travel guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting, including the best things to do, where to stay, the best beaches, how to get around, when to visit and what Koh Lanta is really like during the quieter months.
Koh Lanta at a Glance
Before getting into everything there is to see and do, here is a quick overview of what to expect from Koh Lanta.
Koh Lanta is a laid-back island in Thailand’s Krabi province, known for its long sandy beaches, relaxed atmosphere, beautiful sunsets and easy-going pace of life. Compared with some of Thailand’s more famous islands, it feels much less developed and much less hectic.
For us, this was especially noticeable because we visited in September during the low season. Koh Lanta was extremely quiet while we were there, with far fewer tourists around than we had experienced on other islands during our Thailand trip. Some restaurants and businesses were also closed, but we actually enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re planning your own trip to Koh Lanta, these are some of the main things to know:
- Best for: Beaches, relaxing, sunsets, boat trips and a slower pace
- Location: Krabi Province, southern Thailand
- Atmosphere: Laid-back and much quieter than islands such as Koh Phi Phi
- Best time to visit: Generally November to April for drier weather
- Low season: May to October, with fewer visitors and more unpredictable weather
- Getting around: Scooter, taxi, tuk-tuk or organised tours
- How long to stay: Around 3–5 days is a good starting point
- Best known for: Long beaches, Old Town, island-hopping and a relaxed atmosphere
One thing I would keep in mind when planning is that Koh Lanta can feel very different depending on when you visit. Our September experience was incredibly quiet, so don’t necessarily expect the same atmosphere if you visit during the busy season.
Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting?
Yes, we definitely think Koh Lanta is worth visiting. We really enjoyed our time on the island, particularly because of how peaceful it was during our stay.
We visited Koh Lanta in September, which is low season, and the island was extremely quiet. If you enjoy having quieter beaches, fewer tourists and a much more relaxed atmosphere, this can be a great time to visit. It was a nice change of pace during our wider Thailand trip.
However, visiting during low season did come with some downsides. We found that some businesses were closed, while others had reduced opening hours. There were also fewer options when it came to restaurants, activities and services, and the weather was more unpredictable.
Because of this, if we were planning another trip to Koh Lanta, we would probably choose a different time of year. Visiting during the peak season or shoulder season would give you a better chance of having more businesses open, more activities running and more consistent weather, while still allowing you to enjoy everything that makes Koh Lanta special.
That said, we don’t regret visiting in September. The incredibly quiet atmosphere was something we really enjoyed, and if you’re travelling on a budget or don’t mind the possibility of rain and reduced opening hours, low season can still be a great option.
So, is Koh Lanta worth visiting? Absolutely. We would just consider your priorities when choosing when to go. If you want the best balance of good weather, fewer crowds and plenty of things open, I’d personally look at the shoulder seasons rather than visiting during the quietest months.
How to Get to Koh Lanta
Getting to Koh Lanta is relatively straightforward, with several options depending on where you’re travelling from. Most visitors arrive via Krabi, but you can also reach the island from popular destinations such as Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.
One thing to be aware of is that your journey can vary depending on the time of year. During the high season, there are generally more ferry and speedboat services available, while some routes operate less frequently or may not run at all during the low season.
How to Get from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Krabi is one of the easiest places to travel from if you’re heading to Koh Lanta. You can travel by minivan, taxi, ferry or speedboat, depending on the season and where you’re starting your journey.
If you’re arriving at Krabi Airport, a shared minivan or private transfer is one of the simplest options. The journey involves crossing to Koh Lanta via the car ferry before continuing to your accommodation.
If you’re already staying in Krabi Town or Ao Nang, you can also find shared transfers and boat services, although the options available can vary throughout the year.
How to Get from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta
Ao Nang is another popular starting point for Koh Lanta, particularly for travellers who have been exploring the Krabi area.
During the busier months, you can often travel by ferry or speedboat, which makes the journey relatively straightforward. Shared minivans and private transfers are also available and can be a better option if you’re travelling with luggage or visiting outside of the main season.
The boat journey can be a particularly scenic way to arrive on Koh Lanta, but always check the current timetable before booking, especially if you’re travelling during low season.
How to Get from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta
Travelling from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta is one of the easiest island-to-island journeys in this part of Thailand.
The most common option is to take a ferry or speedboat directly from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta. The journey is relatively short, making it easy to combine both islands into the same Thailand itinerary.
This is a route we particularly recommend considering if you’re already travelling around the Andaman coast, as Koh Lanta fits naturally between destinations such as Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Phuket.
How to Get from Phuket to Koh Lanta
If you’re travelling from Phuket, you have the choice of travelling by boat, minivan or private transfer, depending on the season.
The boat can be a scenic option during the high season, while travelling by road gives you more flexibility and is generally available for a longer part of the year.
If you’re planning to visit several islands in southern Thailand, Koh Lanta can easily be added to an itinerary that includes Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi.
Tip: If you’re travelling to Koh Lanta during the low season, don’t assume that every route you see online will be operating. We visited in September and found that low-season schedules can be much more limited, so it’s worth checking the current services and booking options before you travel.
Best Things to Do in Koh Lanta
One of the things we liked most about Koh Lanta was that there was no pressure to fill every day with activities. The island is perfect for slowing down, spending time at the beach and exploring at your own pace.
That said, there is still plenty to see and do if you want to get out and explore.
Explore Koh Lanta’s Beaches
The beaches are one of the biggest reasons to visit Koh Lanta. The island has a long coastline with several different beaches, ranging from popular stretches with restaurants and beach bars to quieter bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful afternoon.
We found that the beaches were particularly quiet during our September visit, which made it easy to find a peaceful spot to relax.
Visit Koh Lanta Old Town
Koh Lanta Old Town is a completely different experience from the island’s beaches. Located on the eastern side of the island, the historic area is home to traditional wooden houses, small shops, restaurants and views across the sea.
It’s worth spending a few hours wandering around, taking photos and stopping for something to eat or drink.
Explore Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Located at the southern tip of Koh Lanta, Mu Ko Lanta National Park is a great option if you want to explore beyond the beaches.
The park is home to forest, coastal scenery and a lighthouse overlooking the sea. There are also walking trails, although conditions can vary depending on the weather.
Take a Boat Trip
A boat trip is one of the best ways to experience the islands and coastline around Koh Lanta. Depending on the tour and time of year, trips can include stops for swimming, snorkelling and exploring nearby islands.
If you’re visiting during low season, make sure you check what tours are actually operating before planning your itinerary, as there can be fewer options available.
Go Snorkelling
The waters around Koh Lanta offer plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, particularly on organised boat trips to nearby islands.
If you’re hoping to see colourful fish and clear water, booking a trip further away from Koh Lanta can often provide better snorkelling conditions than simply swimming from the main beaches.
Watch the Sunset
Don’t leave Koh Lanta without watching at least one sunset.
The island’s west-facing beaches are a great place to finish the day, and there is something particularly nice about sitting on the sand as the sun disappears over the Andaman Sea.
Best Beaches in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta has a beach for almost every type of traveller, whether you’re looking for somewhere lively with restaurants nearby or a quieter stretch of sand.
Here are some of the main beaches to consider when planning your visit.
Long Beach
Long Beach, also known as Phra Ae Beach, is one of the most popular beaches on Koh Lanta. As the name suggests, it is a long stretch of sand with plenty of space to spread out.
There are restaurants, beach bars and accommodation nearby, while the beach itself is large enough that it doesn’t necessarily feel crowded.
Klong Dao Beach
Klong Dao Beach is located close to Saladan, making it a convenient option if you want to stay somewhere with easy access to restaurants, shops and transport.
The beach is wide and sandy, with relatively calm water, making it particularly popular with families and travellers looking for a relaxing beach stay.
Klong Nin Beach
Klong Nin sits further south and has a more laid-back feel. There are restaurants, bars and accommodation along the beachfront, but the area generally feels quieter than some of the more developed parts of the island.
It’s a good option if you want a balance between having facilities nearby while still enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
Kantiang Bay
Kantiang Bay is one of the more scenic beaches on Koh Lanta and is located towards the southern end of the island.
Surrounded by green hills, the bay has a more secluded feel and can be a good choice if your priority is beautiful scenery and a quieter beach experience.
If you’re visiting Koh Lanta in September like we did, keep in mind that the experience can be very different from what you see in peak-season photos. The island was extremely quiet during our visit, which meant the beaches were peaceful, but some nearby businesses had limited opening hours or were closed altogether.
Koh Lanta Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re visiting Koh Lanta for the first time, there are a few things I would keep in mind when planning your trip.
Choose your travel dates carefully. We visited in September and found Koh Lanta to be extremely quiet. While we loved the peaceful atmosphere, low season also meant that some businesses were closed and others had reduced opening hours. If you want more choice when it comes to restaurants, tours and activities, I would consider visiting during the shoulder or peak season instead.
Don’t try to see everything in one day. Koh Lanta is the kind of island where it’s worth slowing down. Give yourself time to enjoy the beaches, explore the island and have a few afternoons where you simply relax.
Consider where you stay. Koh Lanta is quite spread out, so your choice of area can make a difference. Staying somewhere close to the beach and restaurants you want to visit can save you a lot of time travelling around.
Plan your transport in advance. If you’re arriving from another island or travelling during low season, check your transport options before you arrive. Services can be more limited outside the main tourist season.
Don’t rely on every business being open in low season. This is particularly important if you’re visiting between May and October. We found that some restaurants and other businesses were closed or operating shorter hours during our September visit.
Take advantage of the sunsets. Koh Lanta’s west coast is the perfect place to finish the day, so make sure you leave some evenings free to simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset.
Most importantly, don’t feel like you need to have every day planned. One of the best things about Koh Lanta is its relaxed atmosphere, and sometimes the best days are the ones where you have nowhere you need to be.
Final Thoughts: Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting?
After spending time on Koh Lanta as part of our wider Thailand trip, we can definitely see why people love the island.
It has a much slower pace than some of Thailand’s more famous islands, with long beaches, beautiful sunsets, boat trips and plenty of opportunities to simply relax. For us, visiting in September made the island feel particularly peaceful, as there were very few tourists around.
However, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend September if you’re looking for the full Koh Lanta experience. The quietness was lovely, but the trade-off was that some businesses were closed, opening hours were reduced and the weather was less predictable.
If we were planning another trip, I would probably choose a shoulder or peak-season visit to experience more of what the island has to offer while still hopefully avoiding the busiest periods.
Ultimately, whether Koh Lanta is right for you depends on what you want from your Thailand trip. If you’re looking for somewhere relaxed, beautiful and less hectic than islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
For us, it was a really enjoyable stop and a welcome change of pace during our Thailand travels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Lanta
Is Koh Lanta worth visiting?
Yes, we definitely think Koh Lanta is worth visiting. The island has beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, great sunsets and plenty of opportunities for boat trips and snorkelling. We visited in September and found it extremely quiet, although some businesses were closed or had reduced opening hours because it was low season.
How many days do you need in Koh Lanta?
We would recommend spending around 3–5 days in Koh Lanta. This gives you enough time to explore the beaches, visit Koh Lanta Old Town, take a boat trip and still have plenty of time to relax.
What is Koh Lanta known for?
Koh Lanta is best known for its long sandy beaches, relaxed atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, boat trips and quieter pace compared with some of Thailand’s more developed islands. It is a good choice if you want a more laid-back island experience.
Is Koh Lanta expensive?
Koh Lanta can suit a range of budgets. You can find affordable accommodation and local restaurants, while there are also plenty of mid-range and more luxurious options. Your overall costs will depend on where you stay, how you get around and how many tours you take.
What is the best time to visit Koh Lanta?
The main tourist season generally runs from around November to April, when the weather is typically drier and more businesses and activities are operating. The shoulder seasons can be a good compromise if you want fewer visitors without the full downsides of low season.
Is Koh Lanta worth visiting in September?
Koh Lanta can still be enjoyable in September, but you should be prepared for low-season conditions. We visited in September and found the island extremely quiet, which we loved. However, some businesses were closed, others had reduced opening hours and the weather was less predictable.
If you want more reliable weather and a wider choice of restaurants, tours and activities, we would personally consider visiting during the shoulder or peak season instead.
Can you visit Koh Lanta without a scooter?
Yes, you can visit Koh Lanta without hiring a scooter. Taxis, tuk-tuks and organised tours are available, although having your own transport makes exploring the island much easier. If you’re not confident riding a scooter, there is no need to hire one just to get around.
What is the best area to stay in Koh Lanta?
The best area depends on what you want from your trip. Long Beach is a popular choice for first-time visitors, while Klong Dao is convenient for restaurants and facilities. Klong Nin offers a more laid-back atmosphere, while Kantiang Bay is a good option if you want a quieter and more scenic setting.
Is Koh Lanta good for couples?
Yes, Koh Lanta is a great option for couples. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, sunset spots and range of restaurants make it easy to have a more peaceful island getaway.
Is Koh Lanta better than Koh Phi Phi?
Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi offer quite different experiences. Koh Phi Phi is generally more compact and lively, while Koh Lanta is larger and has a more relaxed atmosphere. Which one suits you best will depend on whether you are looking for nightlife and a busier atmosphere or beaches, space and a slower pace.
How do you get to Koh Lanta?
Most travellers reach Koh Lanta from Krabi, although you can also travel there from Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. The best option depends on where you’re coming from and the time of year, as some boat services operate seasonally.
Is Koh Lanta touristy?
Koh Lanta is a tourist destination, but it generally feels less hectic than some of Thailand’s most popular islands. When we visited in September, it was extremely quiet, although this was partly because we were travelling during low season.
Is Koh Lanta good for beaches?
Yes. Koh Lanta has several long sandy beaches, including Long Beach, Klong Dao, Klong Nin and Kantiang Bay. The beaches vary in atmosphere, so it’s worth exploring more than one during your stay.
Is Koh Lanta good for snorkelling?
Yes, but some of the best snorkelling opportunities are found on boat trips to nearby islands rather than directly from Koh Lanta’s main beaches. Boat trips can take you to areas with clearer water and more marine life.
What should you know before visiting Koh Lanta?
The biggest thing to consider is when you’re visiting. Koh Lanta can be very different during low season compared with peak season. We visited in September and loved the lack of crowds, but some businesses were closed and there were fewer options for activities and dining. If having everything open is important to you, consider visiting during the shoulder or peak season.
