Koh Lanta Travel Guide: Laid-Back Beaches on the Andaman Sea

Koh Lanta: The Quieter Andaman Choice

Koh Lanta is the name given to two adjacent islands south of Krabi on the Andaman coast. The main island, Koh Lanta Yai (Big Koh Lanta), is 30 km long with a west-facing coast of beaches that catch the sunset directly. It is less developed than Koh Samui or Phuket, quieter than Railay, and genuinely good for families, divers, and people who want beach time without the full resort circuit.

The population of Koh Lanta is a mix of Thai Buddhists, Thai Muslims, and Chao Ley (sea gypsies) — the original inhabitants, who have lived on the island for centuries and continue to maintain a small community at the southern tip. Old Lanta Town (Ban Koh Lanta), on the east coast, is a wooden shophouse village of the Straits-Chinese style that has survived largely intact and has been converted into a quiet strip of guesthouses and restaurants.

The Beaches

Long Beach (Hat Khlong Dao) at the northwest of the island is the main beach: 3 km of sand, calm shallow water, and the densest concentration of accommodation. It is particularly good for children due to the gentle gradient. Phra Ae Beach (Long Beach) further south is slightly more lively with more beach bars. Kantiang Bay in the south is arguably the most beautiful: a sheltered cove with clear water and jungle hills on three sides, less developed than the northern beaches. Lanta Noi, the smaller northern island, has near-deserted beaches accessible by longtail.

Diving and Snorkelling

Koh Lanta is a major dive destination. The dive sites to the south — Hin Daeng and Hin Muang — are among the best in Thailand: a submerged pinnacle with strong currents that attract manta rays, whale sharks (November–April), and large pelagic species. These sites require experience and the right conditions. For beginners, the reefs around the Phi Phi Islands (accessible by day trip) and the shallower sites near Koh Haa are more suitable. Several dive shops operate on the main beach strip.

Old Lanta Town

On the east coast, the old town is a 150-year-old trading settlement of wooden houses on stilts over the water, mostly built by Chinese merchants who traded between Penang and the Thai coast. The main street has been gentrified — boutique guesthouses, coffee shops, galleries — without losing its physical character. The wooden structure of the buildings, the views over the mangrove estuary, and the slower pace make it a good half-day excursion from the beach side of the island.

Koh Lanta National Park

The southern tip of the island is protected national park. The road ends at the park entrance (entry 200 baht); a trail continues to a lighthouse at the southernmost point with views over the islands to the south and the Strait of Malacca. The park has a small beach accessible from the entrance and several marked trails through jungle. The Chao Ley village at the tip is a traditional sea gypsy community — respectful visits are welcomed.

Practical Information

Koh Lanta is reached by ferry from Krabi Town (2h, 350 baht), from Phuket (2.5h, 450 baht), and from Koh Phi Phi (1.5h, 350 baht). High-season ferries run daily; in the low season (May–October) services reduce significantly. The island also has a road bridge from the mainland at Ban Hua Hin — if you have a vehicle, you can drive directly from Krabi.

On the island, the main road runs the length of the west coast. Motorbike rental is the standard way to explore (250–300 baht/day). The road is paved and flat on the northern half; the southern section is rougher. There are no ATMs in the south — withdraw cash in the north before heading down.

The season is November to April. The southwest monsoon hits Koh Lanta harder than Koh Samui in summer — many businesses close in June through September. November, February, and March are the sweet spots: dry, sea is calm, not yet at peak-season prices.