How to Do a Road Trip in Koh Lanta, Thailand – Detailed Guide (2024)

July 20, 2024

Koh Lanta is one of the largest islands on the Thai Andaman Coast. Unlike other popular but smaller Thai islands Koh Lanta offers vast landscapes ideal for a one-day road trip.

The island’s coastline is remarkably long, with beautiful, sandy beaches on the west coast and wild nature on the east coast.

During our week-long stay on Koh Lanta, we traveled by moped every day, exploring both popular and lesser-known spots.

There’s so much to see on the island, and driving around lets you visit all the best viewpoints and some hidden gems.

Luckily, the roads on Koh Lanta are well-maintained and easy to navigate, making driving conditions perfect for a road trip.

Read on to learn more about planning a road trip on Koh Lanta, and use our tips to safely explore the island by road.

People walking on Koh Lanta beach, boat and cliff covered with jungle in the distance.

How to Prepare for a Road Trip in Koh Lanta

Plan Your Route

When planning a road trip, the first thing to consider is your route. Below, I’m describing a detailed itinerary with all the best places to stop by. You can adjust it based on where you stay in Koh Lanta. Having a clear plan will help you have a smooth travel experience.

That being said, it’s also important to stay flexible. Things happen. You might find one place more interesting and decide to stay there longer, or you might get bored and head quickly to the next spot.

There are so many things to do on Koh Lanta that you can easily adjust your plans and go with the flow. You will always find a nice beach to relax on or a challenging hiking trail. There’s no need to rush or feel discouraged if you need to change your plans.

Rent a Vehicle

As Koh Lanta is quite large, it’s quite convenient to rent a car or a moped there. To do that ensure you have a driving license, preferably an international one, as some places might require it.

Moped

We rented mopeds on Koh Lanta and traveled as a group of four. The advantages of a moped are that it is cheaper to rent, easier to operate, and you can park it almost anywhere. It also allows you to go on smaller roads where cars can’t.

You can find moped rentals almost everywhere. We usually just asked the hotel we stayed in, and in Koh Lanta, the mopeds were waiting for clients at the hotel, so we didn’t have to wait. All the paperwork was handled by the hotel, and we felt comfortable leaving our passports with them.

And let’s not forget that driving a moped is an essential experience when visiting Southeast Asia.

The prices for renting a moped range from 200 to 500 baht per day, depending on the type.

Car

Renting a car is more convenient but also more expensive and a bit more difficult. Your hotel can help with arranging a car, but they might need to contact an external car rental service, so if you need it from day one, it’s worth arranging it a bit earlier. Remember to get insurance and be prepared to leave your passport or cash as a deposit.

Renting a car will cost you around 1200 -1500 baht per day.

Personally, I think Koh Lanta is not so big that you need to rent a car unless you are traveling with a family or large group.

Bicycle

An alternative to a moped and car is to rent a bicycle. It is less popular than a moped, so it might not be as easy to find a rental place, but it is still doable on Koh Lanta.

Cycling will be especially nice on the smaller roads and paved paths along the coastline on the west side of the island.

However, Koh Lanta does not have many accommodations for cyclists, as there are no separate cycling paths, but if you stay away from busy roads, it will still be enjoyable.

The downside of cycling is that it takes more time and requires more fitness than riding a moped, as you should expect some steep roads.

Tuk-tuk

Another option for a road trip is to hire a tuk-tuk for the whole day. You can find a local driver who will be willing to take you for a ride, and this can be an interesting idea as you could learn about Koh Lanta from a local. And maybe even discover some hidden gems.

Pack All the Essentials

When you have the trip planned and a vehicle secured, you can start packing all the essentials for the road:

Map: Use a map on your phone and add stops beforehand to make navigation easier. Google Maps or Maps.me are good options. Some places in Koh Lanta don’t have mobile service, so having an offline map can be handy. Remember to charge your phone as it might be hard to find a place to charge it later.
Hat: You need to wear a helmet on the road, but a hat will be useful when stopping. The sun in Thailand is very strong.
Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen before leaving your accommodation. For longer trips pack extra sunscreen with you.
Bug Repellent: This is definitely one of the most important things you will need in Thailand. The jungle is beautiful but the mosquitoes can be vicious.
Water: Thailand is usually very hot, so stay hydrated and bring plenty of water with you. Consider a reusable water bottle to minimize plastic use.
Snacks: Pack some dry snacks just in case. You will find places to eat near the road, but it’s also a great opportunity to try local snacks and fresh fruit.
Raincoat: It almost never rained when we were in Thailand, but check the weather forecast and pack a light raincoat if needed.
Towel: A towel is useful if you plan on visiting a beach or having a picnic on the grass.
Swimwear: pack all the essentials you need for swimming; there will be plenty of places where you can swim.
Cash: Visit an ATM beforehand, as you will need to use cash to pay in restaurants and food stalls along the road.
First Aid Kit: Include basic first aid supplies along with any personal medications.
Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes; preferably covered. Although flip-flops might seem to be the most popular footwear in Thailand, for a whole road trip, I’d rather choose light sneakers.

Wooden buildings and small piers in the sea on koh Lanta Old Town.

Get a Full Tank

Make sure your moped is fully tanked before starting the journey. If you need to buy more petrol, there are small gas stations on the way, or you can buy a bottle by the road.

Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet is mandatory in Thailand, especially for tourists. While many locals might drive without one, it is not safe, and regulations are strictly enforced for tourists.

Road Safety

Apart from wearing a helmet, be careful on the road. Traffic can be heavy, especially in the north, along the coast, and near the Old Town. Drive cautiously, make plenty of stops to rest, and ask locals for help if you feel lost.

Koh Lanta Road Trip Itinerary

1. Breakfast

If you are not having breakfast at your hotel, choose from many places along the main road when traveling from north to south. We had a delicious traditional Thai breakfast that kept us full for a long time.

Not all places will be open early in the morning, but you will definitely find somewhere to eat.

2. Laem Kgo Kwang and Hin Ngam Beach

The first stop (after having breakfast) will be a small foreland in the far northwest of the island. Head to Laem Kgo Kwang Beach and then to Hin Ngam Beach.

Both beaches are rather calm, with plenty of space to park, and you can enjoy a long walk. There are lovely viewpoints of the cliffs covered with jungle, and you can also see a small mangrove forest there.

Tree, people walking on the beach, mountains in the distance

Sea, small mangrove forest and hills in the distance, Koh Lanta

3. The Lighthouse at Siri Bridge Dock

The next spot is located right next to the bridge connecting Lanta Yai with Lanta Noi. It is a lighthouse with a view of the canal and sailing ships.

It’s a quiet, but charming place. Visited mainly by locals, and also a great spot for fishing.

4. Koh Lanta Old Town

From the Siri Bridge Dock, head southeast to reach Koh Lanta Old Town. It’s one of my favorite places on the island, full of culture and history.

Park your moped near the pier and head there for a walk. You can see a blue lobster statue, a shipwreck, and a lighthouse.

Explore the Walking Street and stay for lunch or just a snack or drink in one of the seafront restaurants located in traditional houses. I recommend sticky mango rice, a must-try in this area.

Koh Lanta’s Old Town offers many things to do and see that you can include in your itinerary. You can visit Chinese shrines, small temples, and the Local Community Museum to learn about the history of the early inhabitants of the Andaman Sea, like the Urak Lawoi tribe.

It is also my favorite place for shopping on Koh Lanta. The small stores along the Walking Street are run by friendly locals and it’s a joy to shop there.

5. Plaew Hon Sai Cemetery

After visiting the old town, keep heading south. On your way, you can stop by the old cemetery – Plaew Hon Sai, to see how the Urak Lawoi tribe buries their deceased.

It’s a very calm spot and you can find information tables describing the history of this place.

6. Viewpoint at Sunshine Restaurant

Drive further south and don’t forget to stop at a lovely viewpoint and take pictures of the sea and small islands in the distance.

This is a stunning place with views similar to ones you will see on more remote islands like Koh Lipe on Koh Mook.

You can stay longer, If you wish, and dine in the restaurant or even buy some petrol in a bottle.

Sunrise view point, little island in the distance,

7. Pirates Bay

The furthest you can drive south on the east side is Pirates Bay. There is a small restaurant and a lovely beach. It’s also a nice place for a small hike on a red rock by the sea.

I really liked how peaceful this place was. There are even some remains of what looks like an old, abandoned amusement park or resort.

8. Mu Koh Lanta National Park

At this point, you need to head back to get on the west coast of the island and go south again. The next stop is Mu Koh Lanta National Park, the southernmost point of the island and a popular viewpoint with a lighthouse.

9. Laem Tanod Forest Trek

Depending on what time you get to the Mu Koh Lanta National Park, you could still have time to do the trek. It will take you around one hour for a round trip, depending on your speed.

The jungle hike itself is not very demanding, but always make sure to take water and bug repellent with you. If lucky, you can spot interesting wildlife living in the Mu Koh Lanta National Park.

10. Dinner with a Sunset

You can stay south and enjoy the sunset at the viewpoint there. But if you are getting tired and hungry, you should probably head back north to find a place for dinner.

Luckily, there will also be plenty of great beaches with sunset views right next to the sea on your way back home. Some of our favorite restaurants were located near Klong Khong Beach. But Klong Nin and Klong Tob will also offer stunning sunset views and many dining options.

And it will be equally easy to find a relaxed bar, get a foot massage or see a fire show.

How to Get to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Yai is the main and most touristic island from the Koh Lanta Archipelago. It’s quite conveniently located not far from other popular tourist destinations.

You can get a direct speedboat or ferry to Koh Lanta from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Krabi Town.

From Bangkok, the fastest way is to fly to Krabi Airport and take a minivan to Koh Lanta. You can also fly to Phuket Airport, but you will need to transfer to Rassada Pier and take a speedboat from there.

Alternatively, buses from Bangkok to Krabi or Phuket take 11-12 hours, followed by a ferry to Koh Lanta.

Best Time to Visit Koh Lanta

The most optimal time to visit Koh Lanta is during the dry season – between October and May. The skies are clear, the sea is relatively calm, and the weather is very hot.

If you decide to visit during the monsoon season, nice weather is not guaranteed; expect heavy rains and rough seas. Planning a road trip will still be doable, but you will have to double-check, if the places I recommend are operating on the same terms as during the high season.

Final Thoughts

Koh Lanta is an incredible destination for a road trip, offering a unique blend of serene beaches, local culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re navigating the scenic coastline, exploring the historic old town, or hiking through the jungle, there’s plenty of authentic activities on the island.

Renting a moped, car, or bicycle is an excellent way to experience the Koh Lanta’s local atmosphere and discover the hidden gems with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

With careful planning, a sense of adventure, and all the essentials packed, your road trip on Koh Lanta will definitely be an unforgettable experience. So, fuel up, don’t forget your helmet, and get ready to discover the magic of Koh Lanta!

How to Do a Road Trip in Koh Lanta, Thailand – Detailed Guide (2024)