Explore Koh Lanta in One Day: 24-hours Itinerary filled with Nature and Culture (2024)

Table of Contents

July 21, 2024

Koh Lanta is a vast and beautiful island in Southern Thailand. It offers an abundance of adventurous activities and stunning places to explore.

If you only have 24 hours to spend there, planning the perfect itinerary might seem overwhelming.

But don’t worry – I spent a week on Koh Lanta and can recommend the best plan for an active and fulfilling one-day stay.

Make sure to visit the old town, rent a kayak to paddle through the mangroves, and enjoy the island’s stunningly long coastline.

With thoughtful planning, Koh Lanta can be the perfect destination for a 24-hour adventure packed with diverse and memorable activities.

Read on to discover how to experience the best of Koh Lanta in just one day!

Restaurant next to the view point at east coast

How to Choose Activities

With only 24 hours to spend on Koh Lanta, you’ll need to focus on activities that interest you most and fit within your overall travel plan. While the island offers many unique experiences, some can be found elsewhere in the region.

For instance, while Koh Lanta has beautiful beaches, they may not rival those of Koh Lipe in terms of turquoise waters. Similarly, mangrove tours are also easily available in Krabi and Langkawi, Malaysia.

That being said, if you’re not visiting those places, mangroves forests on Koh Lanta are worth exploring, especially for nature lovers. I recommend choosing at least one activity that brings you closer to nature, as southern Thailand has a truly unique biodiversity.

There are numerous full-day activities on Koh Lanta that you can enjoy without feeling rushed. You can even embark on a fantastic road trip to discover various spots all around the island.

Flexibility and prior research are essential to making the most of your time.

While having more time is always beneficial, if you only have 24 hours to spend on Koh Lanta you will need to prioritize. I’ll describe my plan based on the things I’ve done on the island to give you the best and personally proven recommendations.

Koh Lanta 24 Hours Itinerary

Morning – Thung Yee Pheng Mangrove Forest or Tham Mai Kaeo Cave

Start your day with an immersive nature experience. You will find several options to explore the wilderness on Koh Lanta. They are perfect for the cooler morning hours before the afternoon heat sets in.

You can choose between kayaking in the mangrove forest or hiking to Tham Mai Kaeo Cave.

Mangrove Forest

The Thung Yee Pheng Mangrove Forest, located on the northeast side of Koh Lanta, is a must-visit. To get there early, rent a moped or car, or arrange for a tuk-tuk or local taxi.

You can explore the mangrove forest by renting a kayak (500 baht) or taking a boat tour (1000 baht).

It can be done independently or by joining an organized trip. Guided tours often include hotel pickup, snacks, and a dedicated guide, making the experience a bit more convenient.

When exploring the mangrove forest you might encounter monkeys and other wildlife living in the swamp.

Tham Mai Kaeo Cave

If you’ve already experienced a mangrove forest somewhere else, consider visiting Tham Mai Kaeo Cave instead.

Located in the island’s interior, this activity involves trekking through the jungle, climbing (assisted with ropes), and exploring dark cave passages.

Entrance costs 300 baht and includes a guide, which is mandatory and supports local employment.

This adventure also takes around three hours.

Afternoon – Koh Lanta Old town

After an adventurous morning, head to Koh Lanta Old Town to soak up the local culture and relaxed atmosphere.

This charming area is a must-see. I honestly recommend paying a visit to Koh Lanta Old Town, especially if it’s your first visit to the island.

In the Old Town, you can find seafront restaurants serving delicious Thai food, if you feel hungry already.

Spend some time walking around and exploring Chinese and Thai temples, old wooden buildings, the fishermen’s pier, a blue lobster statue, a shipwreck, and quaint local shops.

For history enthusiasts, the Koh Lanta Community Museum offers insights into the local ethnic groups, including the Urak Lawoi, an indigenous tribe that traditionally lived as semi-nomads by the sea.

Allocate at least two hours for the visit to Koh Lanta Old Town. For more guidance, check out my post with detailed information about Lanta’s Old Town.

Evening – Sunset Spot on the West Coast

As evening approaches, it’s time to find the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Since Koh Lanta Old Town is on the east coast, you’ll need to head west. The drive takes about 15-20 minutes, and there are many great sunset spots along the west coast.

Klong Nin Beach is a destination I recommend, but you can choose any beach close to your accommodation. The west coast of Koh Lanta, which is 13 miles long, is dotted with stunning sandy beaches, making it easy to find a beautiful spot to relax and end your day.

(Extra) Night Activity – Muay Thai Fight

If you still have energy after a full day of exploring, consider attending a professional Muay Thai fight.

Koh Lanta has a boxing arena that usually hosts matches on Fridays at 21:00.

Watching a Muay Thai fight can be an exciting and culturally enriching way to wrap up your 24 hours on Koh Lanta.

How to Travel to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is accessible via several routes. Most travelers from Bangkok reach the island by flying to Krabi Airport. From there you can easily arrange for a minivan transfer, which includes a ferry crossing and direct drop off at your hotel.

If you’re staying in Krabi, the town has a well-connected ferry pier. You can take a speedboat or ferry directly to Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta.

If coming from nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi and Phuket or even Koh Mook and Koh Lipe in the south, regular speedboat or ferry services are easily available.

When planning transport to Koh Lanta, keep in mind that during the low season (June – September), regular services may operate less frequently.

What to Expect When Visiting Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is known for its laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more busy Thai islands.

Saladan Pier is the most popular entry point and provides great connections to other parts of the island. Koh Lanta is fairly large and not easily walkable, so renting a moped, car or bicycle is recommended for getting around.

Accommodation options are plentiful and quite affordable (though those by the beach tend to be pricier). Unlike the party-heavy islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta offers a more relaxed vibe with many beachfront bars and restaurants, but fewer wild parties.

The west coast is lined with numerous beaches, each offering its unique charm. You will find both small and secluded beaches as well as popular spots with bars, massage parlors and evening fire shows.

Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities on Koh Lanta, including water sports, popular day trips (Emerald Cave is the one most in demand), and hikes through the island’s lush nature reserves.

Final Thoughts

Even a short visit to Koh Lanta can be adventurous and interesting. With a little planning, you can experience the best of this lovely island.

Koh Lanta is also a great place for a relaxed holiday, so if you feel like extending your stay, you can always head to the nearest beach and unwind.

Whether you’re kayaking through mangroves, exploring caves, wandering through historical towns, or simply watching a stunning sunset, Koh Lanta promises a memorable experience.

For more ideas and planning a longer stay check out my other post about visiting Koh Lanta!

Explore Koh Lanta in One Day: 24-hours Itinerary filled with Nature and Culture (2024)

How to Choose Activities

Koh Lanta 24 Hours Itinerary