Last Updated on September 4, 2025 by Sam
If you’re looking for an island paradise in Thailand without the crowds, then Koh Lanta is the place for you. Situated off the coast of Krabi, it offers a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the ever popular Koh Phi Phi. That doesn’t mean there’s a lack of things to do in Koh Lanta though, with great dive spots, a beautiful national park, white sand beaches and more. Travellers are starting to catch on, and while there’s still plenty of secluded places to enjoy, there may not be for too long! Whether you want to know where to stay, when to visit or how to get there, this Koh Lanta guide has everything you need to know before you visit.
Check out our guide to the best Thailand travel apps for booking tours, accommodation, and more for your trip!
How to get to Koh Lanta
Ferry
To get to Koh Lanta, you can take the ferry from either Krabi, Ao Nang, or Railay. Schedules vary depending on the time of year, with more boats running during Lanta’s high season (around November to April).
It’s cheapest to get the ferry from Krabi, with tickets costing around 500 baht as of 2025. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Ao Nang or Railay, tickets cost between 1,030 baht and 1,260 baht as of 2025.
The easiest way to book ferry tickets to Koh Lanta is via the 12go website, and we suggest booking in advance to secure your preferred travel dates.
Click here to book your ferry on the 12go website!
Minivan
Your alternative to taking the ferry is to take a minivan. There is still a short ferry ride involved, but the rest of the journey is by road. The journey should take around 3 hours from Krabi Town, or slightly longer from Ao Nang.
Minivans to Koh Lanta start from 350 baht from Krabi, but expect to pay slightly more if you’re coming from Ao Nang. If you do go by minivan you’ll get dropped off at your accommodation in Koh Lanta, whereas if you take the ferry option above you’ll need to make your own way there.
Click here to book a minivan transfer on the 12go website!
Getting around Koh Lanta
Scooter/bike
By far the most convenient way to get around Koh Lanta is to rent a scooter/bike. This gives you the freedom to explore everything the island has to offer, without having to pay for multiple tuk tuk rides.
Despite a few potholes here and there, the main roads are generally well paved. Legally you are required to have an international drivers license to ride a scooter/bike here, but most rental companies don’t enforce this.
Rentals start at 200 baht a day, but in high season may set you back 300 baht a day. Gasoline is available at stalls on the side of the road for 30–40 baht depending on the place, with one bottle filling around half a tank of a small bike.
Tuk tuk
If you’d prefer not to rent a bike, tuk tuks are readily available to take you wherever you need to go. Be prepared to negotiate with the driver to get a good price, as you’ll end up overpaying if you pay the amount initially quoted.
For one off journeys, taking a tuk tuk isn’t too expensive but if you do a few it can quickly add up. If you’re planning to spend a day exploring, you can negotiate a price with a driver to hire their services for the day. This will most likely be a lot cheaper than paying for individual journeys.
Best time to visit Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta’s high season falls between mid-November and mid-April, as there is generally less rainfall during this period. In particular, December, January and February have some of the sunniest days of the year.
Things to do in Koh Lanta
Relax on the beach
The most popular thing to do in Koh Lanta is head to the beach. With plenty of beaches to enjoy around the island, it’s easy to pass your days soaking up the sun or cooling off in the sea.
What beach you choose to do this at depends on where you’re staying on the island. One of our personal favourites was Bamboo Beach. As most people don’t make it so far south, you’ll only have to share this beautiful white sand beach with a handful of other people.
If you’re looking for a nice spot to enjoy the sunset, Khlong Khong Beach has a fantastic choice of beachfront restaurants and bars. With great happy hour deals, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two!
For more on the the best beaches in Koh Lanta, check out this guide!
Koh Lanta National Park
One of the area’s most beautiful spots, Koh Lanta National Park lies at the southern tip of the island. Many tourists opt not to venture this far, so it’s relatively secluded. As a result, you’re able to enjoy the park and its beautiful beach in peace – unless you come across some mischievous monkeys!
For a brilliant viewpoint of the park, make your way up to the lighthouse. From here, you’ll have picture-perfect views of the beach and surrounding forest.
If you prefer to be more active, head beyond the beach for a nature trail through the forest – but be warned there are lots of steep steps! Entrance to the park costs just 200 baht per person (as of 2025), which is well worth it to escape the crowds and enjoy the nature Koh Lanta has to offer.
If you’re looking for other national parks to visit in Thailand, we definitely recommend a trip to Khao Sok National Park, which is home to stunning karst scenery and the enchanting Cheow Lan Lake.
Lanta Animal Welfare
Voted as one of the best things to do in Thailand on Tripadvisor, Lanta Animal Welfare is a must visit for animal lovers. The centre takes in homeless, sick and injured animals, cares for them and finds them new homes.
Tours cost 300 baht (as of 2025) and give you a chance to get up close with the animals – and if you fancy it you can walk one of the dogs. They really do some great work, having treated over 15,000 animals since 2005. If you’re flying home from Thailand then you may even be able to help take one of the animals to their new home.
They do all the hard work for you and it costs nothing to do – so if you’re interested in helping out click here to find out more! Other ways to help out include sponsoring animals or making donations, but if you don’t have the money to do that they still appreciate the support!
Lanta Old Town
Until around 50 years ago, Lanta Old Town was the main town on Koh Lanta. The town has remained relatively unchanged as the years have passed, and it’s still a fishing village to this day.
At the waterfront you’ll find wooden houses on stilts, with views out to nearby islands. If you have time, Lanta Old town is certainly a pleasant place to stroll around, to see the local way of life and what the shops have to offer!
Diving and snorkelling in Koh Lanta
For many, one of Koh Lanta’s biggest attractions is the proximity to amazing dive sites. The area is home to an abundance of spectacular marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, leopard sharks, hawksbill turtles and more.
There are great options for both snorkelling and diving in the area, so don’t miss the chance to explore the underwater world. One of the island’s top diving centres is Phoenix Divers, but there are several others to choose from as well.
You can book amazing snorkelling tours through Get Your Guide, and some of these tours even include trips to the best snorkelling spots in Koh Phi Phi.
Best places to stay in Koh Lanta
Whether you’re looking for luxury or sticking to a budget, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options in Koh Lanta.
If money is no object, Avani Plus Koh Lanta Krabi Resort is the pick of the bunch. Complete with two swimming pools, a private beach, poolside restaurant, spa and more, everything you could possibly need is at your disposal.
In particular, the oceanfront reggae bar is a highlight. It doesn’t get any better than enjoying cocktails in a private cabana as the sun sets over the Andaman Sea. While a number of room types are available, spaciousness and luxury remains a constant theme throughout.
Our personal recommendation is the ocean view pool villa – which includes your very own private pool! What more could you possibly want?
Click here to check out this amazing resort on Booking.com!
Alternatively, there are still plenty of budget properties to choose from. Whatever you’re looking for, Booking.com offer excellent prices for a number of properties and hotels on Koh Lanta.
Click here to take a look at the brilliant properties available on Koh Lanta through Booking.com!
If you’re planning a trip to the nearby island of Koh Phi Phi, make sure to check out our guide to the best hotels and places to stay in Koh Phi Phi!
Where to eat in Koh Lanta
Friend House – Without question the best Thai curries we had throughout our travels in Thailand were at Friends House. Both the green and red curries were extremely tasty and come served with fresh naan bread for just 100 baht. At that price, it’s an absolute bargain, and we couldn’t resist going back for more at every opportunity.
With plenty of other choice on the menu and fruit shakes available from 50 baht, this is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner – especially if you’re looking for high quality meals at budget prices!
Three Sisters Restaurant – A cheap and easy option near Khlong Khong beach, with a reasonable selection of Thai food on offer. Dishes start from just 60 baht, meaning you can keep costs down without compromising on taste!
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