The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches on Koh Lanta, Thailand (2024)

Table of Contents

July 27, 2024

Koh Lanta in Thailand is an island full of incredible beaches stretching along its 13 miles long coastline.

After spending almost a week there, I was able to discovered some of the hidden gems along Koh Lanta’s diverse shoreline.

The west coast is a paradise for beach lovers, with pristine sandy beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife. It’s perfect for slower days and nightlife.

The east coast, however, is wild and unspoiled, with rocky shores and unique mangrove forests.

Moreover, for an authentic local experience, you can easily venture out to small neighboring islands accessible from Koh Lanta.

Read on to learn about all the diverse beaches you can visit on Koh Lanta and find out how to easily access them!

Best Beaches on Koh Lanta’s West Coast

Laem Kho Kwang Beach and Hin Ngam Beach

In the far northwest of the island, you’ll find Laem Kho Kwang Beach and Hin Ngam Beach, located next to each other. Both beaches are calm, offering plenty of space for long walks.

These beaches also feature stunning viewpoints with huge cliffs covered in lush jungle. Nearby, there is a small mangrove forest, adding to the natural beauty of the area. It’s a truly tranquil destination and a perfect spot to enjoy a lovely sunset.

Laem Kho Kwang Beach and Hin Ngam Beach are quite far from the tourist activities, so you won’t find beach bars and restaurants here. However, there are a few hotels in the area, providing accommodation for people wanting to stay in this peaceful setting.

Klong Dao Beach

Klong Dao Beach is the northernmost gem on the west side of Koh Lanta. It’s a perfect spot for a serene beach experience. This beach is very close to the busy Salad, making it easy to get to.

The beach spans three kilometers and has pristine white sands. The sand is always clean and the trees provide plenty of shade.

The shore has a gentle slope, making it great for swimming. Unlike many other popular beaches, Klong Dao is very quiet. You won’t hear any noise from boats or jet skis.

The sunsets at Klong Dao are spectacular. You can see limestone cliffs and islands in the distance.

Klong Khong Beach

Klong Khong Beach is a lively and well-developed spot on Koh Lanta. It’s known for its bustling atmosphere and many amenities. The beach is long and wide, with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops near the shore.

Klong Khong has a party vibe, making it a best spot for nightlife on Koh Lanta. You can enjoy beachside massages, yoga sessions, and evening parties. There are even tattoo parlors available.

Kantiang Beach

Kantiang Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. It is surrounded by lush jungle and mountains, creating a secluded and scenic atmosphere and a picturesque spot

Although Kantiang Beach is quite calm you will find there a few bars, restaurants and a resort. Located further south on the island, it is a peaceful retreat away from the busier tourist spots.

Nui Beach

Nui Beach is a hidden gem on Koh Lanta if you are seeking peace and natural beauty. This is one of the most deserted beaches on the island. You can reach it via the Diamond Cliff Restaurant.

The beach is a mix of sandy and rocky landscape. The crystal-clear water makes it perfect for swimming. You can even try snorkeling to see fish hiding between the rocks.

It’s the perfect spot for anyone wanting to connect with nature. There are no amenities, and you might even meet monkeys there.

It’s best to visit Nui Beach during low tide when the beach is easier to access.

Last Beach – Klong Chak Beach

Last Beach, also known as Klong Chak Beach, is a favorite for its serene and secluded environment. This beach has soft sand and perfect water for swimming, making it a nice spot to relax.

It is home to a few bars, a restaurant, and bungalows, offering affordable food and accommodation options. There is not much shade, so hiding in a beach bar might be the best option for relaxation.

The laid-back atmosphere and minimal crowd make Last Beach a great destination to spend a peaceful day.

Bamboo Beach – Had Mai Phai

Bamboo Beach sits at the southernmost tip of Koh Lanta, near the national park. This scenic beach is a bit challenging to reach, but it’s worth the effort.

The beach is quiet and less crowded, offering a peaceful retreat. You might see cows near the beach and monkeys trying to steal your food.

You can find two beach bars at Bamboo Beach, making it a great spot to enjoy a relaxed meal in a tranquil setting.

Swimming here isn’t ideal due to the rocks underwater. However, Bamboo Beach offers beautiful views and a rustic vibe.

Koh Lanta’s Wild East Coast

You won’t find many beaches on the east coast of Koh Lanta. This part of the island is known for its wild, local character rather than a touristy vibe.

When you drive along the east coast, which is perfect for a scenic road trip, you can stop at a few restaurants. Some offer stunning viewpoints, while others are closer to the beach. These beaches, however, are small with dark sand or rocks.

Most of the east coast is covered with mangroves, wild shores and rocks. Some areas are inhabited by the local community and used by fishermen. You can even visit the Urak Lawoi Cemetery located in the forest by the beach.

If you drive further south, you will reach Pirate Bay. It is a remote spot with a restaurant right next to the beach and some stretch of sandy shore. My favorite part is actually the rocky coastline, where you can make a short, but scenic trek.

On the east coast, you will also find Koh Lanta Old Town, with a fisherman’s pier and many interesting things to do and see, but unfortunately, no beach.

Best Beaches on Neighboring Islands to Koh Lanta

Koh Bubu and Koh Por

You can rent a long-tailed boat on Koh Lanta to visit the uninhabited island of Koh Bubu. Here, you’ll find stunning sandy beaches with no crowds, perfect for private escape. The crystal-clear waters surrounding Koh Bubu are great for swimming and snorkeling.

Since there are no restaurants on the island, remember to pack some snacks for the day.

On the same day, you can also visit nearby Koh Por, a larger and inhabited island. You’ll find there lovely sandy beaches.

Koh Por is a peaceful destination with a few homestays for overnight stays and places to eat.

Koh Tabableng

Visiting Koh Tabableng is a true adventure. To explore this island, you need to book an organized tour, which will take you kayaking through mangrove forests, hiking, exploring caves, and relaxing on the serene beaches.

Depending on your trip itinerary, you might also stop at other smaller islands with pristine beaches, such as Koh Aung.

Where is Koh Lanta Located and How to Get There

Koh Lanta is located in the Andaman Sea on the northern part of the Malacca Strait. It’s in close proximity to Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi.

Koh Lanta’s Saladan Pier is a busy hub, where you can catch speedboats and ferries to all the popular destinations in the area. You can travel as far south as Koh Mook and Koh Lipe by speedboat.

Land connections to Koh Lanta are also well developed, thanks to the bridge and ferry pier. You can catch a taxi or minivan from the nearest airports, such as Krabi or Phuket. This is especially convenient when traveling from Bangkok.

Read my guide on how to travel to Koh Lanta for more tips.

Essential Things You Need to Know About Koh Lanta

It’s large and not walkable: Koh Lanta is not a tiny island, so you’ll need transportation to get around. Renting a scooter or car is the most convenient way to explore all the different areas.
It’s not very crowded: Due to its large size, Koh Lanta remains relatively uncrowded, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
There are many accommodation options: You can find a wide range of accommodations across the island, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. You can stay right next to the beach or find a cheaper option inland.
It’s quite developed, and you will find tons of things to do: Koh Lanta is well-developed with plenty of activities like Muay Thai classes, yoga sessions, water sports, shops, massage parlors, and restaurants.
It has a relaxed nightlife: Koh Lanta offers a laid-back vibe. The party scene is not huge and is concentrated around the most popular beaches.
It’s a great hub for taking popular day trips on the Andaman Coast: The island serves as an excellent base for day trips to nearby attractions such as the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Rok, and Emerald Cave (Four Island trip).

Short Summary of The Best Beaches on Koh Lanta

Beach Name	Location	Description
Laem Kho Kwang	Northwest	Tranquil and spacious. Great for long walks. Stunning viewpoints, small mangrove forest. Hotels, but no restaurants.
Hin Ngam Beach	Northwest	Located next to Laem Kho Kwang Beach, offers similar tranquility and space.
Klong Dao Beach	Northwest	Peaceful with pristine white sands, close to Saladan Pier. Three kilometers long, quiet, great sunset spot.
Klong Khong Beach	Southwest	Long and wide. Lively and well-developed with a vibrant atmosphere, massages, shops, bars, and restaurants.
Kantiang Beach	Southwest	Beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by lush jungle and mountains. Bars, restaurants, and a resort. Scenic and peaceful.
Nui Beach	Southwest	Hidden gem, perfect for peace and natural beauty. Sandy and rocky landscape. Crystal-clear water, good for snorkeling. No amenities, monkeys. Accessible via Diamond Cliff Restaurant.
Last Beach (Klong Chak Beach)	Southwest	Serene and secluded environment. Soft sand, perfect for swimming. Bars, restaurant, bungalows, laid-back atmosphere.
Bamboo Beach (Had Mai Phai)	Southernmost beach – west coast	Quiet and less crowded. Beach bars, rocky underwater. Beautiful views, rustic vibe. Far end of the island.
Pirate Bay	Southernmost beach – east coast	Secluded spot on the east side of Koh Lanta. One restaurant. Small sandy beach and long rocky shore great for hiking.
Koh Bubu	Island of Koh Bubu	Can be reached by long-tailed boat from Koh Lanta. Secluded and uninhabited. White, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear water.
Koh Por	Island of Koh Por	Can be reached by long-tailed boat from Koh Lanta. Quiet sandy beaches. Local homestays and restaurants available. Fishermen community.
Koh Tabableng	Island of Koh Tabableng	Can be reached on an adventurous day trip. Secluded beach near caves on Koh Tabableng.

Final Thoughts

Koh Lanta is full of beautiful, sandy beaches, most of which are peaceful and spacious. However, if you prefer more vibrant destinations, you’ll find something for yourself as well.

The variety of beaches is a great advantage of Koh Lanta, though it can be overwhelming. Consider what your perfect beach day looks like and choose the perfect itinerary for you.

If you still can’t decide, hop on a moped and take a road trip to visit all the beaches on Koh Lanta!

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches on Koh Lanta, Thailand (2024)