Should You Skip Koh Lanta, Thailand? 20 Reasons to Visit – 2024 Guide

If you’re wondering whether Koh Lanta should be part of your Thailand itinerary, I can assure you it’s a destination you don’t want to miss.

I spent a week there in February and fell in love with the island’s relaxed atmosphere, diverse coastline, and abundance of nature-focused activities. Koh Lanta landscape is full of hiking trails, caves, and even a mangrove forest. 

For a taste of local culture head to Koh Lanta Old Town.And if you’re looking for truly unique experiences, don’t miss the ethical elephant sanctuary or the chance to support a local animal shelter.

If that’s not enough, Koh Lanta is also a perfect base for day trips to both popular spots and some less-discovered gems in the surrounding area. 

Read on to explore all the 20 reasons why you shouldn’t skip Koh Lanta on your next trip to Thailand!

Where is Koh Lanta located?

Koh Lanta, specifically Koh Lanta Yai, is an island in the Andaman Sea, situated in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca. 

Koh Lanta Yai, along with Koh Lanta Noi and some smaller islands, forms the Koh Lanta Archipelago. 

All the tourist activities and infrastructure are located on Koh Lanta Yai, which is what I’ll refer to as Koh Lanta.

How to get to Koh Lanta?

Koh Lanta is part of Krabi province and is well connected to other popular destinations on Thailand’s west coast. You can easily get there

• From Phuket and Koh Phi Phi: There is a direct speedboat from Phuket that stops at Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, and Koh Lipe. If you are not a fan of small speedboats, you can also find a ferry from Phuket and Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta.
• From Krabi Town: A ferry to Koh Lanta operates from Klong Jilad Pier.
• From Bangkok:
  1. The fastest way is to fly to Krabi Airport. From there, the most convenient option is to get a minivan that will take you directly to Koh Lanta. Remember to find the official ticketing office and avoid overpaying for your ticket.
  2. Fly to Phuket Airport, get a transfer to Rassada Pier, and change to a speedboat. The journey from the airport to Koh Lanta can be done on one ticket, or you can take a taxi and buy your tickets as you travel.
  3. Alternatively, you can find night buses from Bangkok to Krabi or Phuket. The journey will take around 11-12 hours. From there, you will need to get a ferry to Koh Lanta.

If in doubt about booking a legitimate transfer, ask your hotel on Koh Lanta for help with booking.

20 reasons to visit Koh Lanta:

1. Diverse and Easily Accessible Beaches

Koh Lanta is a 13-mile-long island, with coastlines full of beautiful beaches. All the most popular Koh Lanta’s beaches are located on the island’s west coast.

Starting from the north, where Sala Dan Pier is located (and where you most probably will arrive), you can visit the following west coast beaches: Khlong Dao Beach, Phra Ae Beach, Khlong Khong Beach, Khlong Toab Beach, Khlong Nin Beach, Nui Beach, Khlong Hin Beach, Bakantiang Beach, Ao Nui Beach, Khlong Jark Beach, and Bamboo Bay.

• Phra Ae Beach, Khlong Khong Beach, and Khlong Nin Beach are home to the main resorts, restaurants, and beach bars and massage parlours. Despite their popularity, these beaches are never crowded, and you can be sure to find a spot all to yourself.
• Further south on the west coast, you’ll discover smaller and less touristy beaches. Nui Beach and Bamboo Bay are calm and quiet places, perfect for relaxing and swimming in the warm Thai waters.

The east coast of Koh Lanta offers a completely different experience. Here, you will find mangroves, Koh Lanta’s Old Town, fishermen villages, and many rocks. Sandy beaches are practically non-existent, but there are hidden gems to explore.

While driving along the east coast, you can stop at small, charming restaurants right by the sea. There are also several scenic viewpoints along the way.

Traveling far north on the east coast, you’ll reach Pirate Bay. Although it’s not exactly a sandy beach, as it’s full of stones and rocks, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and a sense of seclusion, making it a less-visited destination.

2. Variety of Adventurous Hiking Trails

Koh Lanta offers diverse trekking paths, caves, and routes through the local villages. You can choose from:

• Laem Tanod Forest Trek: A moderate trek to the island’s northernmost point, taking about an hour round-trip. The path is a mix of paved and more challenging trails, offering a chance to spot Thailand’s rich biodiversity, including monkeys and birds.
• Mai Kaeo Cave: This cave requires a local guide. The half-hour hike involves some climbing, assisted by ropes, leading to interesting rock formations. If you enjoy caving this hike won’t disappoint you!
• Khlong Chak Waterfall and Bat Cave: A 1-2 hour jungle trek (1.1 miles/1.8 km) to a hidden waterfall, where you can also visit a bat cave. The trail is moderate and offers a peaceful experience away from crowds.
• West Coast Hike: A 13-mile trek along the west coast to see all the best beaches in one day. The walk includes sandy beaches and some rocky shorelines.
• Village Walks: Explore the local villages away from tourist areas to see rubber and palm tree plantations and experience the quieter side of island life.

3. Unique Old Town

Koh Lanta’s Old Town is a must-see for those interested in Thai culture and history. Discover old wooden houses, picturesque temples, and local shops with handmade souvenirs.

The quiet pier is perfect for a relaxing stroll, and you’ll find an enigmatic shipwreck and a statue of a huge blue lobster. 

The Old Town is also ideal for beachfront dining with fresh seafood and delicious Thai cuisine. And you can find a typical Thai massage parlor too.

4. Learn about Urak Lawoi community

Visit the Koh Lanta Community Museum to learn about the Urak Lawoi tribe, one of the first groups to inhabit the Andaman Sea.

This indigenous tribe used to live semi-nomadically by the sea. Today you can learn about their history, not only in museum but also by visiting an old cemetery Plaew Hon Sai located on Koh Lanta.

As Urak Lawoi people are naturally very experienced with a sea, they know a lot about diving and fishing. To support their community try booking a fishing trip guided by them.

5. Experience Local Festivals

In March, the Laanta Lanta Festival in Koh Lanta Old Town celebrates the island’s diverse ethnic groups with parades, traditional clothing, music, arts, crafts, and authentic food. 

Koh Lanta also hosts typical Thai festivals like Loy Krathong in November, featuring beautiful floating lanterns, and Songkran in April (Thai New Year), known as the “water battle”.

6. Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary – Following Giants

If you are interested in wildlife but, like me, have doubts about visiting so-called “elephant sanctuaries,” booking a tour with Following Giants  will be perfect for you.

Described as Koh Lanta’s Ethical Elephant Sanctuary, Following Giants is a place where you won’t interact with the elephants directly. 

There is no riding, bathing, or touching of the elephants. You simply follow these incredible animals in their natural habitat.

Following Giants focuses on education. Not only can you trek with the elephants, but you can also learn about wildlife in Mu Koh Lanta National Park and help with reforestation efforts.

It is truly inspiring to see places like this in Thailand, and I hope to see more of them in other parts of the world.

7. Support animal shelter – Lanta Animal Welfare

Koh Lanta cares not only about the elephants but also about cats and dogs. Lanta Animal Welfare is a charity focused on rescuing homeless and injured animals.

This amazing place functions as a shelter, clinic, and adoption center for less fortunate animals. They help cats and dogs not only on Koh Lanta but also on other smaller southern islands.

As a tourist, you can visit Lanta Animal Welfare with a tour. It is a great way to learn about their mission and daily work. You can also play with the cats and support the foundation by shopping in their store.

It is also possible to adopt an animal, and Lanta Animal Welfare will help you with all the formalities of this process.

This is another amazing place in southern Thailand that helps animals and focuses on education to end animal suffering.

8. Kayaking in The Mangrove Forest

The east coast of Koh Lanta is home to an impressive mangrove forest. You can explore this natural wonder in a couple of ways.

You can either enjoy a 1 km walk through the mangroves, which offers a peaceful and scenic experience or, for a more immersive adventure, rent a boat or kayak and sail through the mangroves.

This allows you to get closer to nature and possibly spot some wild animals. It’s pretty common to see monkeys here, often looking to steal treats from tourists.

The cost of the walkway is 40 baht, renting a kayak costs 500 baht, and a long-tailed boat is 1000 baht.

9. Visit Tiny Islands of Koh Por and Koh Bubu

Koh Lanta is a perfect place for an off-beat adventure. Head to Koh Lanta’s Old Town Pier, which is not as busy as Sala Dan Pier since it’s mainly a fisherman’s pier. From here, you can catch a boat to the tiny islands of Koh Por and Koh Bubu.

These islands are not very touristy, making them ideal for finding secluded accommodations and spending a few days with the locals. You can see how they live, learn their habits and traditions, and immerse yourself in a more authentic experience.

10. Opportunity to Explore Koh Phee and Talabeng

The less discovered side of Koh Lanta is all about caves, mangroves, and hiking. If this is something you are looking for, you should book a boat tour to Koh Phee and Talabeng.

This adventure allows you to sail through the mangrove forest, paddle, and hike to a hidden cave. 

The tours vary in what they offer, but all organized trip include a tour guide to assist you throughout the adventure. It’s truly a unique experience that combines natural beauty and exploration.

11. Great Hub for Visiting Popular Spots in Southern Thailand

From Koh Lanta’s Sala Dan Pier, you can easily catch a speedboat or ferry to popular destinations like Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, Krabi Town, and even the southernmost Thai island, Koh Lipe.

If you are looking for a day trip, you can join one of the popular island hopping tours. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• 4 Island Tour: Visit Emerald Cave and enjoy snorkeling around Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and Koh Chueak.
• Snorkeling around Koh Rok and Koh Haa: These spots are renowned for their clear waters and vibrant marine life.
• Visit to Ao Nang: Explore the beautiful beaches and enjoy a variety of water sports.
• Discover Famous Spots Near Koh Phi Phi: This tour includes some of the most iconic and scenic spots around the Koh Phi Phi area.

12. Join Thai Cooking Classes

Have you ever tried learning how to cook local Thai food? Fortunately, there are several places on Koh Lanta offering cooking classes.

These classes usually start with a visit to the local market to buy fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on instruction in preparing traditional Thai dishes.

It’s a fun and immersive way to experience Thai culture and cuisine. So, if cooking like a Thai is your dream, you should definitely take a class on Koh Lanta!

13. See a Professional Muay Thai Fight

If you dream of seeing a real Muay Thai fight in the birthplace of this sport, Koh Lanta is the place to do it. There is a stadium on the island, and matches are advertised on the streets, so you’ll be able to see if there is a match planned soon.

The atmosphere at these events is electric, and it’s a great way to experience an important part of Thai culture. Watching skilled fighters in action and see the traditional parts of the event will give you a deeper appreciation for this sport.

14. Great Diving Centers

If you’re wondering whether there are diving centers on Koh Lanta, rest assured there are plenty. Many tourists come here to start their diving adventure or to get their PADI certification.

The waters around Koh Lanta and nearby islands are an excellent destination for both beginner and advanced divers. 

Dive sites like Koh Haa and Koh Rok are renowned for their clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, Koh Lanta offers fantastic underwater experiences.

15. Fishing with the Locals

Koh Lanta is not only perfect for adventures, but it is also a place where you can try more relaxing activities like fishing. You can find organized tours that will take you on an open sea fishing experience, where you can enjoy the serene waters and potentially catch some impressive fish. 

These tours will include all the necessary gear and guidance, making it suitable for beginners.

You can also try fishing on your own from Koh Lanta Old Town Pier. Some friendly locals might even give you advice on how to fish, sharing techniques that are unique to the area. 

Fishing at the pier will provide a more relaxed experience, allowing you to connect with the local community.

16. Variety of Sports Activities

Koh Lanta offers an array of water sports, including diving, snorkeling and kayaking. The island’s clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Not every island in Southern Thailand offers yoga classes, but fortunately, Koh Lanta has several options.

You can also visit a fitness center and find a place offering Muay Thai classes, both private and in groups. These classes are a great way to learn about Thailand’s national sport and get a good workout at the same time.

17. A lot of Accommodation Options

Koh Lanta is quite a big island, offering a wide range of accommodations to choose from. Depending on your budget, you can find affordable bungalows or larger resorts that are often less expensive than those on smaller, more remote islands.

If you love the beach, you can book a luxurious sea-front room with stunning views and easy access to the beach.

For a more cultural experience, stay in Koh Lanta Old Town, where you can enjoy a chilled atmosphere and even stay in a traditional house to get a closer look at Thailand’s fishermen community.

If you’ve been dreaming of spending a few nights in a hut in the middle of the jungle, Koh Lanta is the perfect destination.

And lastly, if you’re tired of crowded, touristy places, head south to find hotels located by more secluded beaches. These quieter areas provide a peaceful retreat, perfect for relaxation.

18. There are Almost No Crowds

You will rarely see huge crowds of tourists on Koh Lanta. The busiest spot is usually Sala Dan Pier, where you will likely arrive and depart.

This pier can be a bit chaotic with all the visitors, sellers, and taxi drivers, but the rest of the island is much calmer.

Koh Lanta is quite long and doesn’t have a single main street where all the tourists gather to enjoy nightlife. Instead, the island’s Old Town and occasional night markets can get busy, but you won’t be overwhelmed by crowds.

19. Koh Lanta is Very Safe

I have always felt safe on Koh Lanta. The locals are very friendly and helpful. We could easily order a tuk-tuk at night and completely trust our driver.

I enjoyed some solo activities, such as walking to Phra Ae Beach, Phra Ae Beach Health Park, and visiting Lanta Animal Welfare on my own, and I never felt unsafe.

Southern Thailand is a really welcoming place, and Koh Lanta is a great example of how easy and safe it is to travel in Thailand. Whether you’re exploring the beaches, trekking through the jungle, or enjoying local culture, you can do so with peace of mind.

20. It’s Suitable for Remote Work

Working remotely from Koh Lanta is quite easy. There are many accommodation options, and the rooms are usually spacious and equipped with a desk. 

We didn’t have any issues with the internet speed or quality, making video calls and online work seamless. The island’s peaceful environment also provides great conditions for productivity.

Our only problem was a power cut that lasted around an hour, but this is a rare occurrence and can happen anywhere. Most accommodations have backup generators to ensure minimal disruption. 

Downsides of Koh Lanta

Not Walkable

One of the main disadvantages of Koh Lanta is the fact that it is too big to be walkable. While staying near Phra Ae Beach, it took us at least 15 minutes to walk from our hotel to the beach. That was still walkable, but for other activities we had to rent a scooter or get a tuk-tuk. 

Main attractions like the mangroves, Klong Khong Beach, and Old Town are spread out and require transportation.

Traffic and Road Safety

The two main roads along the west and east coasts can get quite busy with fast-driving cars, motorbikes, scooters, and tuk-tuks. Walking near these busy roads isn’t enjoyable, and sidewalks are not always available. 

When crossing the road, be extra cautious as vehicles might not stop for you.

Limited Nightlife

Koh Lanta lacks a vibrant nightlife scene. Beach bars along Klong Khong and Long Beach are more relaxed, with people enjoying drinks rather than dancing to loud music. 

While you might find a bar with live music and a fireshow, those looking for huge pool parties should head to Koh Phi Phi instead.

The island’s size and layout can make it also more challenging for solo travelers to socialize.

No Food Delivery or Transportation Apps

Despite being a big island, there are no food delivery or transportation services like Grab. You’ll need to rely on local taxis, tuk-tuks, or rent a bike or car. 

Arranging a private driver through your hotel for trips might be the most convenient option. 

Less of a Paradise Vibe

Koh Lanta’s size makes it feel less like a tiny paradise typical to smaller Thai islands. The two-lane roads full of speeding cars give it rather a mainland feel. 

Many buildings with restaurants and shops line the main streets, and plantations stretch outside the villages. And unless you stay at a seafront resort, it can take some time to reach the beach. 

The water is warm and clean but not crystal and turquoise. The overall vibe, while relaxed, is less dreamy compared to smaller islands like Koh Mook and Koh Lipe.

Pollution

Unfortunately, you will occasionally encounter trash in certain areas of Koh Lanta. The practice of burning trash is still common, which can sometimes affect air quality and the overall environment.

As a visitor, you can participate in the beach cleanups and always be mindful of your waste. Reducing plastic use, carrying reusable bags and bottles, and properly disposing of trash will make a significant difference.

When to visit Koh Lanta

Definitely, the best time to visit Koh Lanta is during the high season, which runs from October to June.

During this period, you will not only have guaranteed sunny weather but also find it easier to secure ferry rides and book organized tours. Some hotels and bars close during the low season, making the island less lively at that time.

I visited Thailand in January and February, so keep in mind that all the activities I’m describing might be less available in the off-season.

Final thoughts 

For me, the highlights of Koh Lanta were countless hiking opportunities, the unique Old Town and the variety of beaches. The island offers a diverse range of activities including sports, nature, and cultural experiences. 

Activities like Walking with Giants, visiting Koh Por or Animal shelter are unique in the area. There is plenty to do, and you can easily spend several active days on Koh Lanta.

However, the island’s size and lack of walkability were downsides for me. Koh Lanta feels more like the mainland than a small, idyllic island. If you’re seeking turquoise waters and secluded white sand beaches, Koh Lanta might not meet those expectations.

Overall, visiting Koh Lanta served as a nice break from more crowded destinations. Although not a place for everyone I will certainly visit the island again.

Read My Other Posts about Visiting Koh Lanta:

• Koh Lanta vs. Koh Lipe – Which Island is Better for Your Vacation – 2024 Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches on Koh Lanta, Thailand (2024)
• How to Travel to Koh Lanta, Thailand – Ultimate Guide (2024)
• Epic 5-Day Koh Lanta Itinerary: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide (2024)
• Explore Koh Lanta in One Day: 24-hours Itinerary filled with Nature and Culture (2024)
• How to Do a Road Trip in Koh Lanta, Thailand – Detailed Guide (2024)
• Is Koh Lanta Old Town Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Visit – 2024 Guide