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

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Koh Lanta is one of the biggest islands on the Andaman Coast, it’s practically built for a road trip.

The island has a dual personality: endless sandy beaches to the west coast and wild, untouched nature to the east side.

I spent a week exploring every corner on a moped, and it’s easily the best way to find all the lesser-known spots you’d otherwise miss.

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

Read on for the best way to plan your route and my top tips for staying safe on the road!

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

Koh Lanta Road Trip Itinerary

TL;DR: The Ultimate Koh Lanta Road Trip Itinerary

The Winning Strategy: North annd  East Coast in the morning (culture & shade), then cross to the West Coast in the afternoon (beaches & sunset).

  1. 🍳 Breakfast: Fuel up at a local cafe in the North.
  2. 🏝️ Hidden Beaches: Walk the calm shores of Laem Kgo Kwang and Hin Ngam.
  3. 🗼 Siri Bridge: Catch the view from the lighthouse at the Siri Bridge Dock.
  4. 🏮 Old Town: Wander the historic stilt-house streets and grab lunch over the water.
  5. 🪦 Cultural Stop: Stop by Plaew Hon Sai Cemetery (Urak Lawoi tribe heritage).
  6. 📸 Sunshine View: Snap a panoramic photo at the Sunshine Restaurant Viewpoint.
  7. 🏴‍☠️ Pirates Bay: Explore the rugged, peaceful rocks and “abandoned” vibes.
  8. 🗼 National Park: Visit the southern tip for the iconic Mu Koh Lanta Lighthouse.
  9. 🥾 Jungle Trek: Walk the Laem Tanod Trail (look out for monkeys!).
  10. 🌅 Sunset Dinner: Cruise back up the West Coast and eat with your toes in the sand at Klong Nin.

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 found a Thai restraint just by the road, and had a delicious 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, especially by the busy road.

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.

  • You will easily spot a big lighthouse near the shore.
  • It is a quiet, but charming place – with a view of the canal and sailing ships.
  • Visited mainly by locals, and also a great spot for fishing.
Red and white lighthouse

4. Koh Lanta Old Town

From the Siri Bridge Dock, head southeast to reach Koh Lanta Old Town.

It’s one of my favourite 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 by the pier.
  • Stroll along the Walking Street and visit Chinese shrines and small Thai temples.
  • Stop by small store run by friendly locals.
  • You Can also visit Community Museum to learn about the history of the island’s early inhabitants, like the Urak Lawoi tribe. 

Koh Lanta Old Towns is also a great place to have lunch, snack and just a drink.
Explore one of the seafront restaurants located in traditional houses on stilts.

I recommend trying “sticky mango rice” here, a must-try in this area.

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 also 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.

  • You can take stunning 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, although quite rocky, beach.
  • It’s also a nice place for a small hike on a red rock by the sea. 
  • If you stroll around, you will find remains of what looks like an old, abandoned amusement park or resort.
  • I really liked how peaceful this place was.

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:

You will reach the southernmost point of the island.
Here you will find a popular viewpoint with a lighthouse and dramatic cliffs.

9. Laem Tanod Forest Trek

Depending on what time you get to the Mu Koh Lanta National Park, you could still have time for a small jungle hike.

  • It will take you around 1 hour for a round trip, depending on your speed.
  • The trek itself is not very demanding, but it is still an adventurous experience.
  • Still always make sure to take water and bug repellent with you.
  • If lucky, you can spot interesting wildlife living in the National Park.
Rocky beach, trees and sea, Koh Lanta

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 head back north to find a place for dinner.

Luckily, there will be plenty of great beaches with sunset views right next to the sea on your way back home.

It will be equally easy not only to find a restraint but also a to get a foot massage or see a fire show.

Some of my favourite restaurants were located near Klong Khong Beach.

But Klong Nin and Klong Tob will also offer stunning sunset views and many dining options.

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. 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.

Itinerary described by me can be also adjusted based on where you stay in Koh Lanta.

But, don’t worry, you will always find a nice beach to relax on or a scenic jungle trail.

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

The advantages of a moped over an other transportation options are that:

  • it is cheaper to rent than car
  • it is quite easy to operate
  • you can park it almost anywhere
  • it also allows you to go on smaller roads where cars can’t
  • you can find moped rentals everywhere in Southern Thailand

We rented mopeds on Koh Lanta and traveled as a group of four:

  • We asked our hotel to help arranging a scooter rental for us.
  • The mopeds were already 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.

The prices for renting a moped range from 200 to 500 baht (6.50 – 15 USD) per day, depending on the model.

The prices for renting a moped range from 200 to 500 baht (6.50 – 15 USD) per day, depending on the model.

Car 

Renting a car is more convenient but also more expensive than moped.

  • Your hotel can help with arranging a car, but they might need to contact an external car rental service.
  • If you a car from day one, it’s worth arranging it in advance.
  • Be prepared to leave your passport or cash as a deposit.
  • Remember to get an insurance!

Renting a car will cost you around 1200 -1500 baht per day (35-50 USD).

Personally, I think Koh Lanta is not big enough to justify the cost of renting 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 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.
  • 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 local tuk-tuk driver for the whole day.

It’s especially a good idea if you don’t want to drive yourself but still stay flexible.

With a native Koh Lanta driver you could learn about the island directly from a local maybe even discover some hidden gems.

4 Scooters parked by the entrance to Pirate Bay on Koh Lanta, Thailand

Road Trip Essentials

When you have the trip planned and a vehicle secured, you can start packing for the road, don’t forget:

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.

Map Your Route

Use a map on your phone – 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.

Road Safety

Traffic can be heavy, especially in the north, along the coast, and near the old town.

To stay safe: always drive cautiously, make plenty of stops to rest, and ask locals for help if you feel lost.

Packing List

  • 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, for longer trips pack extra sunscreen with you.
  • Bug Repellent: This is definitely one of the most important things you will need in Southern Thailand. The jungle is beautiful but the mosquitoes can be vicious.
  • Water: 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, 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, like light sneakers.

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.
  • 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

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. 

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. It offers 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!

Read My Other Posts about Visiting Koh Lanta:

Beata is an expert in authentic, adventure-filled and culture-rich travel.
With years of exploring hidden gems across diverse countries her mission is to help you uncover unique, budget-friendly experiences that connect you with nature and local cultures.

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