Is Koh Lanta Old Town Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Visit – 2024 Guide

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July 17, 2024

If you’re staying on Koh Lanta and considering a visit to the Old Town, I can assure you it’s worth your time. In fact, it’s one of my favorite spots on the island.

Rich in history, with its wooden stilt houses, local shops, and small temples, Koh Lanta Old Town offers a unique cultural experience. Despite its popularity with tourists, it still retains a very local charm.

I stayed a week on the island and loved visiting Old Town for a relaxing stroll on the fishermen’s pier and a meal with a seafront view.

Surrounded by historical buildings, it’s a perfect place to immerse in the island’s unique culture.

Read on to discover what not to miss when visiting Koh Lanta Old Town and why it should be on your must-visit list!

Where is Koh Lanta Located?

Koh Lanta Old Town is located on the southeast side of the island, at the Ban Si Raya Pier (Sri Raya is the name of Lanta Old Town). The east coast is not the most popular with tourists, as all the best and longest beaches are located on the west coast.

Although it might seem quite far from the popular beach resorts when looking at a map, the travel distance is not significant.

Depending on where you are staying, it will take you between 15 to 30 minutes to get to Koh Lanta Old Town by moped or car from the west coast, and possibly a bit longer by tuk-tuk.

How to get to the Koh Lanta Old Town?

Getting to Koh Lanta Old Town isn’t hard; the roads are in good shape and the route is quite easy to follow.

As Koh Lanta is one of the largest Thai islands, it is not very walkable, so you will probably need some form of transportation to reach the Old Town

By Moped or Bicycle: Renting your own two-wheeler is a great option. We always opted for a moped, but a cycling trip can be a pleasant and scenic way to explore Koh Lanta as well.
By Tuk-Tuk: This is the most popular option for tourists. Tuk-tuks are cheap and easy to find, and the drivers we met were usually very friendly and helpful. While it might not be the fastest mode of transportation, it’s a good option if you are not comfortable driving a moped or need a lift late at night.
By Taxi: The easiest way to get a taxi on Koh Lanta is to ask for assistance at your hotel. Taxis are not as popular as tuk-tuks, since the island is not very large and tuk-tuks are more readily available.

If you plan to do a day road trip on Koh Lanta, Old Town should definitely be one of your stops! This charming area is full of history and local culture, making it a must-visit destination on the island.

10 reason to visit Koh Lanta Old Town:

1. Stroll Along the Peaceful Ban Si Raya Pier

Ban Si Raya Pier is not the busiest pier on Koh Lanta. The main pier, Ban Sala Dan, is located much further north and is where the majority of tourists arrive. In contrast, Ban Si Raya Pier is more of a fisherman’s pier.

You won’t see crowds of travelers and taxi drivers swarming around here. It is a much calmer place, and although there is some traffic near the roundabout, it is not really overwhelming.

The Ban Si Raya Pier itself is very long, making it a great place for a stroll. Since it’s quite empty, you can easily walk to the end and enjoy views of the sea and surrounding islands.

2. Take a Picture with a Blue Lobster Sculpture

A giant blue lobster will definitely be the first thing you see after parking your scooter next to the pier. The lobster is indeed huge and looks very intriguing.

Thai people love their original sculptures, and Koh Lanta has its share of this quirky art.

3. Discover the Capsized Ship and a Lighthouse

While strolling on the pier, you will likely notice a huge shipwreck near the shore. It is believed to be the Rawi Warin Grand Ship, which capsized during the monsoon a few years ago.

You can walk along the coast to see the shipwreck and a lighthouse from a closer distance. It is an interesting tourist attraction, and we found it quite fascinating to see a huge shipwreck right near Koh Lanta’s Old Town.

4. Learn History in Koh Lanta Community Museum

Just before the roundabout and entrance to the pier you will find the Koh Lanta Community Museum. This place is dedicated to the history of the different communities inhabiting the Island.

You can learn there about the Urak Lawoi, an indigenous group in Thailand. Urak Lawoi translates to “People of the Sea,” and that’s how the community calls themselves. In Thailand they are also called Chao Leh or Chao Naam, which means “sea gypsies”.

Historically, they were a semi-nomadic Indo-Malay group that came to the Andaman Sea region before Thais arrived. The Urak Lawoi, reside on various Andaman Sea islands such as Lipe, Phi Phi, Lanta, Phuket, Mook and Bulon.

This indigenous group has their own language, which, while closest to Malay, has also been heavily influenced by Thai.

Although traditionally their religion was animistic, many Urak Lawoi have converted to Islam and Buddhism.

Their lifestyle used to revolve around fishing and foraging, but recently, many Urak Lawoi have found employment in the tourism industry.

However, heavy urbanization and huge influx of tourists is also contributing to the disappearance of Urak Lawoi heritage.

Additionally, in the Koh Lanta Community Museum you will learn about the tsunami from 2004, that hit Koh Lanta and many other islands in southern Thailand.

5. Admire Traditional Wooden Houses on Stilts

Walking Street in Koh Lanta Old Town is where you will see beautiful old, wooden houses built on stilts and extending into the sea.

As Koh Lanta became an important trade center for the Chinese sailors, you can see a lot of Chinese cultural influence there. The wooden stilt houses built along the shoreline are said to be around 100 years old.

These iconic buildings are now home to the cafes and restaurants. I highly recommend stopping by for dinner and enjoying your meal at a table facing the picturesque sea, though careful it can get quite windy!

6. Explore the Beauty of Hidden Temples

Chinese Shrines

When strolling through the streets of the Koh Lanta Old Town, you can spot a few buddhist temples.

The beautiful Chinese shrine called Maha Katyayana is definitely one of the highlights of Koh Lanta’s Old Town.

It’s located between the wooden buildings, where you will find restaurants, and it’s hard to miss due to its colorful and well-maintained appearance.

Painted in bright red and gold, Maha Katyayana Shrine certainly catches the attention of the visitors. You will need to walk by the small pier guarded by two golden dragons to get to the shrine.

Just across the street, you can see another small Chinese shrine. This one, however, is more popular with locals than tourists.

When we visited Koh Lanta during Chinese New Year, it looked like there were many offerings made in this small temple.

Kromluang Chumphon Khetudomsak Shrine

If you head back to the parking lot next to the Ban Si Raya Pier, you will see the Kromluang Chumphon Khetudomsak Shrine built in the middle of a roundabout.

It is certainly not the most peaceful place and might seem a bit odd to find a shrine there. It took a while to understand that it is actually a little temple built just in the middle of a street!

Thai Buddhist Temple

If these three temples aren’t enough for you, I have good news! You can find a Thai Buddhist temple just 10 minutes walk (or short scooter ride) from the Old Town.

This temple is much larger than three others but located in a more secluded and less popular spot. You might also encounter monkeys there, so be careful with your food and small belongings.

7. Stop by the Sunday Morning Market

If you have been traveling through Thailand (or other Southeast Asian countries), you probably already know that night markets operate on different days at certain locations.

In Koh Lanta Old Town, there is a Sunday Morning Market. So, it’s not really a night market, but a local morning market open on Sunday mornings. This market is located next to the pier, near the site of the shipwreck.

Although we didn’t visit on Sunday morning, we found many stalls operating on Friday afternoon. We could buy street food, fresh vegetables and even clothes there. So, it is definitely worth checking if there are vendors selling things, even if it is not yet a Sunday morning!

8. Find Perfect Souvenirs in the Local Shops at the Street Market

I am not a shopping lover; actually, shopping can be quite exhausting, especially in very hot and humid weather.

That being said, browsing the local stores at the Koh Lanta Old Town Street Market was quite an enjoyable experience for me.

I only bought two pairs of elephant pants, but the shops weren’t crowded and they were run by local people, who didn’t pressure us to buy anything.

Koh Lanta Old Town is also a great destination to find incredible souvenirs. One of the most unique places is Hammock House where you can buy handmade hammocks in all shapes, sizes and colors.

In the evenings, especially on weekends, the Koh Lanta Old Town Street Market turns into more of a street food place, providing a typical night market experience.

9. Try Fishing at Ban Si Raya Pier

If you are an avid fisherman or want to try fishing for the first time, Ban Si Raya Pier is a great place to do it.

When walking on the pier you might spot locals fishing, using rods and nets. As the pier is quiet, it’s perfect for fishing.

You won’t be bothered by tourists or loud boats. You might even get some advice from the local fishermen, who are often friendly and willing to help.

10. Get a Boat and Explore Neighboring Koh Por and Koh Bu Bu

While strolling on Ban Si Raya Pier, you can see Koh Por and Koh Bu Bu in the distance. You can visit these two islands by renting a private longtail boat from the pier.

It is also possible to take a longer trip and spend a few days on secluded Koh Por, as it is an inhabited island.

You can stay in a homestay with local people who will show you their daily life and traditions. The community on Koh Por is small, making it a perfect place to enjoy peaceful island life.

Where to stay when visiting Koh Lanta’s Old Town

Staying on the East Coast

Although the Old Town on Koh Lanta isn’t large, there are many options for finding great accommodation. Most of the hotels are located along the harbor, where you can easily find a lovely room in a house on stilts with a stunning sea view.

Waking up to the sight of the sunrise over the sea can be a truly magical experience. These accommodations often come with the added charm of traditional Thai architecture.

If you are looking for something cheaper, the best option is to look at places located inside the island, further from the sea.

These inland accommodations might not offer the same scenic views, but they are often more budget-friendly. Staying inland also gives you a chance to explore different landscapes and local villages.

The downside is that it will take you more time to reach Old Town or the popular beaches, so consider renting a moped or bicycle to get around easily.

Staying on the West Coast

Most of the accommodations on Koh Lanta are located on the west side of the island, where all the longest beaches are found.

If you are looking for a beach holiday and only want to visit Koh Lanta’s Old Town once or twice, then you should stay closer to the west coast. It will be more convenient to walk to the beach, and getting transportation to the Old Town won’t be a hassle either.

The west coast also offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options, making it a great base for your stay.

Final thoughts on visiting Koh Lanta’s Old Town

If you’d like to experience culture and learn a bit of history, Koh Lanta’s Old Town is your destination. We loved strolling around the wooden Chinese-style buildings and discovering small Buddhist temples.

Koh Lanta’s Old Town is not swarmed by tourists, and it definitely feels more local than other parts of the island.

Despite its peaceful atmosphere, you can find there many restaurants serving fresh seafood, plenty of shops offering local crafts and souvenirs, and even a local community museum where you can learn about the island’s rich heritage.

Although it’s not a beach holiday spot, Koh Lanta’s Old Town is still a lovely place to visit. I recommend spending at least an hour or two exploring.

If you have more time, you can spend the whole afternoon wandering around, enjoying a meal by the sea, and immersing yourself in the history and culture of this unique part of Koh Lanta.

QAs About Visiting Koh Lanta Old Town:

What is the history of Koh Lanta Old Town?

Koh Lanta Old Town was once inhabited by the indigenous Urak Lawoi people and later became an important trading port. It was shaped by Chinese, Thai, and Arabic communities.

What is the other name of Koh Lanta Old Town?

The other name of Koh Lanta Old Town is Ban Si Raya.

Is Koh Lanta Old Town a touristy place?

It is quite popular with tourists but definitely not crowded and is rather peaceful.

Are there beaches near Koh Lanta Old Town?

No, there are no beaches near Koh Lanta Old Town. You can take a boat from the Ban Si Raya Pier to nearby islands to enjoy sandy beaches.

Is there a pier in Koh Lanta Old Town?

Yes, there is Ban Si Raya Pier. It’s mostly a fisherman’s pier, but you can also get a boat from there (though not popular ferries).

Where to eat in Koh Lanta Old Town?

There are many restaurants to choose from in Koh Lanta Old Town. I recommend trying locally sourced fish and seafood.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta Old Town?

You will find many guest houses in Koh Lanta Old Town. To experience the unique atmosphere of this place, try staying in a wooden house on stilts by the sea.

Is there a night market in Koh Lanta Old Town?

No, there’s a Sunday Morning Market and a Street Market on the Walking Street.

Can I get a massage in Koh Lanta Old Town?

Yes, you can find massage parlors in Koh Lanta Old Town.