Things to Do in Koh Lanta: Beaches, Old Town, Snorkelling & National Park
Published 12 April 2026
Koh Lanta is the island Thailand travellers discover after they have done Phuket, Samui, and the Full Moon Party — and then quietly return to year after year. The draw is what it does not have: no jet skis, no go-go bars, no Bangla Road equivalent, no airport. What it has instead are long, wide beaches that empty out by afternoon, a fishing-village Old Town with stilted houses over the water, a national park with a lighthouse at the island’s southern tip, and an atmosphere that runs at roughly half the speed of the rest of Thailand’s tourist islands.
The island is 30 km long and narrow — a single road runs the west coast past a series of beaches, each one slightly less developed than the last. The further south you go, the quieter it gets.
Koh Lanta Highlights
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Best beach: Kantiang Bay — sheltered cove, excellent swimming, sunset restaurants
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Best snorkelling: Koh Rok — crystal water, coral gardens, day trip from Lanta
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Best culture: Lanta Old Town — stilted houses, seafood restaurants, Chao Ley (sea gypsy) heritage
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Best sunset: Mu Ko Lanta National Park lighthouse — southern tip of the island
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Best for families: Long Beach (Phra Ae) — shallow water, wide sand, kid-friendly hotels
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Peak season: November-April (dry, calm seas)
Beaches (North to South)
Klong Dao Beach
The first beach south of Saladan (the main town). Long, flat, and family-friendly — shallow water extends far out, making it safe for children. The most developed beach on the island with the greatest concentration of hotels and restaurants. Sunsets are good but better further south.
Long Beach (Phra Ae)
The backpacker and mid-range centre of the island. 3 km of sand, beach bars, cheap eats, and a sociable vibe that is still nowhere near Chaweng-level busy. The closest thing Koh Lanta has to a nightlife area — a handful of reggae bars with fire shows after dark.
Klong Nin Beach
Where Long Beach mellows out further. A mix of beach bars, small restaurants, and guesthouses set back from a lovely stretch of sand. The evening atmosphere — fairy lights, low music, seafood grilling — is Koh Lanta at its best.
Kantiang Bay
Many repeat visitors’ favourite — a sheltered horseshoe bay with calm water, fine sand, and a jungle-backed setting. Fewer hotels means fewer people. The Pimalai Resort (five-star) occupies one end. Several excellent restaurants with beach tables. Good swimming year-round.
Bamboo Bay & National Park
The southernmost beaches before the national park. Bamboo Bay is quiet and rocky at the edges with good snorkelling. Beyond it, Mu Ko Lanta National Park occupies the island’s southern tip — a short trail leads to a lighthouse on the cliff. The views from the lighthouse — open Andaman Sea, Koh Ngai in the distance — are the best on the island. Park entry 200 THB.
Day Trips & Snorkelling
Koh Rok
The best snorkelling trip from Koh Lanta — twin islands with some of the clearest water in the Andaman Sea. Visibility reaches 20+ metres over healthy hard coral. Sea turtles are commonly spotted. Speedboat tours (1,500-2,500 THB) depart from Saladan Pier. The islands are a national park — entry 400 THB. Open November-May only.
4-Island Tour
Longtail boat tour to Koh Ngai, Koh Mook (including the Emerald Cave — swim through a dark sea cave into a hidden lagoon), Koh Kradan, and Koh Chueak. Cost: 800-1,200 THB. The Emerald Cave is the highlight — bring a waterproof phone case.
Koh Phi Phi
Day trips available by speedboat (1-1.5 hours each way, 1,500-2,000 THB). Or take the regular ferry and stay overnight for a deeper experience.
Things to See
Lanta Old Town
On the east coast — the original settlement before tourism moved everything to the west coast beaches. Stilted wooden houses over the water, Chinese shrines, a mosque, and the Chao Ley (sea gypsy) community who have lived here for generations. Excellent seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Visit for lunch, stay for sunset over the mangroves. Sunday afternoons have a small market.
Mangrove Forests
The east coast has extensive mangrove forests accessible by kayak. Guided kayak tours (800-1,200 THB) paddle through the mangrove channels of Thung Yee Peng. You will see monitor lizards, kingfishers, crabs, and possibly crab-eating macaques.
Lanta Animal Welfare
A rescue centre for dogs and cats. Volunteers welcome for day visits (no charge, donations appreciated) or longer stays. Popular with families.
Getting Around
Scooter: 200-250 THB/day. The island’s one main road is straightforward. Essential for exploring the southern beaches. Same insurance advice as always.
Tuk-tuk/Songthaew: Run along the west coast road. 50-200 THB depending on distance.
Mountain bike rental: 100-200 THB/day. The island is manageable by bicycle if you stay on the flatter northern section.
Where to Stay
- Klong Dao — families, convenience
- Long Beach — sociable, backpackers, mid-range
- Klong Nin — best evening atmosphere
- Kantiang Bay — couples, quiet luxury
Browse Koh Lanta accommodation or luxury hotels on Koh Lanta.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need on Koh Lanta?
Three days covers the main beaches and a snorkelling trip. Five days lets you explore Old Town, the national park, and have genuine downtime. Many visitors stay a week or more — Koh Lanta rewards slow travel.
Is Koh Lanta quiet?
Yes, compared to Phuket or Koh Samui. No major nightlife strip, no jet skis on the beach, limited late-night options. That is the appeal. If you want parties and shopping, this is the wrong island.
How do I get to Koh Lanta?
From Krabi Airport: minivan + ferry (2-2.5 hours, 400-600 THB). From Ao Nang: speedboat (1 hour, 700-1,000 THB) or minivan (2 hours, 300-500 THB). From Phuket: minivan + ferry (4-5 hours, 700-1,000 THB). From Koh Phi Phi: ferry (1-1.5 hours, 300-500 THB).
