Located in the Andaman Sea, southwest of Thailand, and part of the Krabi province, the island of Koh Lanta Yai is an ideal destination for a few relaxing days on the beach without getting bored. Its relative obscurity compared to its famous neighbor, Koh Phi Phi, adds to its charm. This lower popularity and tourist influx help it maintain its unique character, making it an excellent choice for family vacations.
We have visited Koh Lanta three times: as a couple, as a family, and as part of the Lanta Animal Welfare volunteer team. This diverse experience allows us to highly recommend this corner of Thailand for a relaxing getaway.
With its long beaches lined with coconut trees, long-tail boats, and bars playing chill-out music nonstop, Koh Lanta Yai, the largest island in the archipelago, attracts a variety of travelers. It’s no wonder, given the many activities available, whether in the village, the mangrove swamp, on the high seas, or on nearby islands.
The best time to visit Koh Lanta is generally from November to April, during the dry season. However, we’ve also been there in early May when the first monsoon rains arrive. Despite the occasional storms, we enjoyed absolute tranquility.
March and April can be overwhelming for those sensitive to heat, as the high temperatures make it uncomfortable to stay on the beach for more than a few minutes, feeling like you are about to evaporate.
Travel Advice: Check out our article on the best time to visit Thailand for month-by-month climate information.
It’s essential to travel to Thailand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular 5% IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well. You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
While many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in Thailand offer free Wi-Fi, some travelers prefer or need a constant connection. We’ve included details on obtaining a eSIM Thailand card with unlimited data (from Holafly) or with fixed data but cheaper (from Saily).
If you want to get it directly, here’s the link (with a discount) for both companies:
To reach Koh Lanta, you need to travel to Krabi or Trang. Considering the distances, if you’re coming from Bangkok or northern Thailand, it’s best to fly.
Once you arrive in Krabi or Trang, you can take a bus or minivan to Koh Lanta from the airports:
I recommend Khlong Dao Beach, located in the north of the island, especially for traveling families. Although it may not have crystal-clear waters like some other beaches on Koh Lanta, many of its accommodations are family-friendly, featuring swimming pools and shops with floats and toys.
Additionally, along the main street behind the beachfront accommodations, you’ll find various restaurants, pharmacies, and other shops.
Long Beach, or Phra Ae, lives up to its name. Stretching along the island, this beach has a variety of hotels, resorts, and cabins. It’s a great spot for those who like long sunset walks.
Khlong Khong Beach may not stand out for its beauty, with rocky shores at low tide (that’s the bad thing about Thailand, even though it is a beautiful destination, there is too much to compare it to). However, its array of restaurants, beach bars, and sun loungers under palm trees make up for any shortcomings.
It was our choice on our first visit to the island, and its central location makes it easy to reach other destinations on Koh Lanta. Ideal for backpackers.
Kantiang Bay could be considered Thailand’s hidden gem. Its sand is whiter, and the waters are clearer. It features some more luxurious resorts, but fortunately, they don’t monopolize the beach, allowing everyone to enjoy its beauty.
Due to its location and less accessible nature, Khlong Jark, near Mu Koh Lanta National Park, is a quiet beach with fewer visitors. It’s perfect if you’re seeking a more secluded spot with shallow waters and stunning views.
Additionally, about 800 meters from the beach, you’ll find the Khlong Jark Waterfall, nestled in the heart of the National Park.
In the protected area of Mu Koh Lanta National Park, you’ll find two small beaches: Had Hin Ngam and Laem Tanod. As they are in a protected area, there are no hotels here, preserving their natural tropical beauty.
At the southernmost point of the island, Cape Tanod, a lighthouse offers breathtaking views. You can stay near these beaches, but be sure to check with the national park for information.
Khlong Nin is a small village in the central part of Koh Lanta. It features a beautiful, long strip of sand with rocky areas on either side and dense jungle surrounding it. The beach, with its crystal-clear waters and light sand, is popular with backpackers and is lined with bars, restaurants, and guesthouses.
Not as spectacular as its neighbor, just south of Khlong Nin, Khlong Toab Beach is narrower and separated from the jungle by a road. Many fishermen use it to moor their longtail boats.
Ban Sri Raya, the main town on Koh Lanta Yai, was once a major port on the Andaman Sea, connecting with places like Phuket, Trang, Krabi, and Penang. However, after the construction of a road connecting to the mainland in the 1940s, it saw a decline in maritime traffic and became a very quiet area.
Today, Ban Sri Raya is a blend of cultures, including Muslim, Chinese, Chao Lay, and Thai influences. While there aren’t many major attractions, if you venture a bit down the main street, you’ll find old wooden houses, small artisan workshops (beyond the souvenir shops), and restaurants with sea views.
For a change from lounging on the sand, consider exploring the Khao Mai Kaew Caves. This network of chambers, formed over millions of years by persistent monsoon rains on limestone, offers an exciting adventure.
You can explore the caves with a guide and a headlamp. The size, labyrinthine structure, and bats make it a truly impressive experience!
Mu Koh Lanta National Park covers approximately 130 square kilometers and protects several islands. At the southern tip of Koh Lanta Yai, there is a section that visitors can explore for a fee. Among the animals that can be spotted with relative ease is the dusky langur, which can often be seen muttering from trees or lampposts.
One of the most popular activities in Koh Lanta is the “Four Islands Trip.” This tour, typically lasting about 7 or 8 hours, includes stops for snorkeling, a visit to the spectacular Emerald Cave on Koh Mook, and lunch on Koh Ngai.
Located on Koh Mook, the Emerald Cave, or Morakot Cave, is about 80 meters long. Swimming through the cave leads to a small beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters.
You can book the Four Islands and Emerald Cave tour by a Long-Tail Boat through the link provided. Or you can try these other options:
If you’re interested in exploring Phi Phi, there are tours with various itineraries, including stops at Ko Phi Phi Lee, Pi Leh Lagoon, and Koh Phi Phi Don Island.
While these destinations are stunning, not all that glitters is gold. During high season and peak hours, places like Maya Bay can become overcrowded.
You can book the Koh Phi Phi speedboat tour with lunch through the link provided. Or these other option where you get to visit 7 islands with a snorkeling and sunset tour.
The accommodation offer in Koh Phangan is quite wide, but we still leave you a selection made by us.
These accommodations are selected by price range (from cheapest to most expensive), so you can choose the one that best suits your pocket.
Echo Beach Hostel is located on Baan Tai beach. It has double or bunk rooms with shared bathrooms. All are equipped with air conditioning, WiFi and a beachfront bar with hammocks. It also has laundry facilities, bike rental and organizes parties for the Full Moon Party.
In Thing Nai Pan Yai Beach, we find Bamboo Bungalow, which offers accommodation with restaurant, bar and garden. In addition to 24-hour reception and WiFi for guests in all facilities. It is located just one kilometer from Thong Nai Pan Noi, the other beach we recommend.
BeauBo Beach is located a few steps from Baan Tai Beach, and offers beachfront accommodation with a garden, terrace and a bar. Rooms have private bathrooms and some have balconies or garden views. Courier service, a tour desk and free Wi-Fi are available.
Coco Garden Resort is a complex near Thong Sala with bungalows overlooking the garden or the sea. The fan bungalows include a bathroom with a cold water shower and the air-conditioned bungalows have a hot water shower. Thai and international dishes are available at the beach restaurant. The tour desk can arrange excursions or lend bicycles.
In front of Baan Tai beach we find First Villa Resort, a complex of rooms and comfortable bungalows among tropical gardens. All have balconies, private bathrooms, air conditioning and a small refrigerator. Hot water is provided by solar panels. Free WiFi throughout the facilities and the option to rent motorcycles or bicycles to explore the area.
Sea Love Resort is located in Ban Tai, very close to the beach of the same name. It offers comfortable bungalows not very big, but clean and with hammocks on each of the terraces and have air conditioning, fridge and Wifi, mosquito net and private bathroom. They have laundry service and tourist information.
Baan Manali Resort is a small resort surrounded by coconut trees overlooking a lagoon and Nai Wok beach. It offers free WiFi throughout. The bungalows feature a private balcony and hammocks. Private bathrooms have showers with hot water. A restaurant and bar overlooking the beach can be enjoyed.
Exploring the underwater world is a fascinating yet sometimes daunting activity. Simply putting on a diving mask and peering beneath the surface reveals a whole new world of colors and unfamiliar life forms.
However, this world needs to be cared for and respected. If you’re planning to include snorkeling in your trip and want to ensure your presence doesn’t negatively impact the ecosystem, consider learning about responsible diving practices (whether with or without a tank).
During our visits to Koh Lanta, we stayed in the Khlong Khong area. The main street in Khlong Khong has several restaurants offering a wide variety of Thai dishes at reasonable prices. We frequented Khlong Khong’s restaurant, run by a Muslim family, which offers an extensive and exquisite menu, though no pork or beer is served.
Another notable spot is Three Sisters, which offers vegetarian dishes and delicious massaman curry. Additionally, there’s a restaurant without an English name serving typical street food; details can be found in the article.
For breakfast or a delicious tea, visit Peak Cafe. If you’re near Khlong Nin, be sure to stop by Rickey Bar, which offers great views of the beach, delicious curries, and shakes.
Upon arrival in Koh Lanta, if you have a reservation, your hotel or guesthouse will likely arrange a pick-up from the terminal. There are also pickups available that travel to the main areas of the island; you just need to let them know your hotel location.
Once settled, the best way to explore the island is to rent a motorbike. It offers great freedom, allowing you to visit less touristy areas for a few baht, and most roads are in good condition.
We know there are many other travel insurance companies on the market, and you may already have one in mind. That’s why we’ve secured exclusive discounts with both Chapka Seguros and Intermundial, helping you save a little when purchasing through our links.
In the links above, you’ll find detailed information about both companies. However, if you prefer, you can go directly to the discount using the buttons below. In both cases, the final reduced price will be displayed on their website.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Koh Lanta.
