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.

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.

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.

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.

Koh Lanta island tours and diving day trips to Hin Daeng and Koh Haa are bookable on Klook during high season.

Book Koh Lanta tours & diving on Klook →

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