Koh Lanta Travel Guide

Introduction

Koh Lanta is Krabi Province’s largest and most relaxed island. Where Phi Phi is overwhelmed with day-trippers and Koh Samui feels resort-heavy, Koh Lanta has long beaches, excellent diving, and a genuinely laid-back atmosphere that rewards those who make the extra effort to reach it.

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Best Beaches

Long Beach (Klong Dao): The main beach. 3km of sand with gentle waves, good for families, lined with low-key resorts and restaurants.

Phra Ae Beach (Long Beach North): Livelier section with beach bars and sunset views. Popular backpacker area.

Klong Khong: Quirky beach with budget bungalows, a laid-back scene, excellent cheap food.

Kantiang Bay: Southern Koh Lanta. A perfect curved bay with crystal water and dramatic hillside backdrop. Beautiful but remote.

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Diving on Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s best diving bases — access to sites that Phuket and Krabi also use, but with fewer divers.

Best sites: Hin Daeng and Hin Muang (deep pinnacles, manta rays, whale sharks seasonally), Koh Haa (lagoon cave diving), Shark Point.

Dive season: November–April.

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Getting to Koh Lanta

From Krabi: Minivan + ferry (2 hours, ฿300–450). High season only.

From Phuket: Minivan + ferry (4 hours, ฿600–800). High season only.

Note: Koh Lanta ferry services run November–April only during dry season. Outside this window, services are limited or suspended.

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