Koh Lanta

เกาะลันตา

A laid-back island 25 km long, south of Krabi, with a string of long beaches on the west coast, a stilt-house old town and Mu Ko Lanta National Park. It is a holiday spot for escaping the crowds.

Koh Lanta (Ko Lanta Yai) lies in the Andaman Sea about 70 km south of Krabi. It is roughly 25 km long and 6 km wide. The island's original inhabitants are Chao Leh sea gypsies and Muslim fishermen. Since the 2000s it has grown into a holiday island favored by families and long-stay travelers, with a far slower pace than Koh Phi Phi. Along the west coast, a string of beaches runs from north to south. Klong Dao and Long Beach (Phra Ae), near the pier, are the longest and have the most accommodation. Klong Khong and Klong Nin in the middle are quiet and have beach bars for watching the sunset. At the southern tip is Mu Ko Lanta National Park, with a lighthouse, viewpoint trails and two wild beaches (entry fee 200 baht). On the east coast, Lanta Old Town preserves seaside stilt houses built by Chinese and Muslim merchants about a century ago. Today they house restaurants, cafes and craft shops, making it the island's most characterful spot. You can rent a motorbike (about 250–300 baht per day) to tour the island; from the pier to the national park takes about 1 hour. You can also join speedboat tours from Lanta to Koh Rok (best for snorkeling), Koh Haa and the Four Islands, or visit the island's mangrove kayaking and elephant sanctuary. Itinerary tips: stay at least 2 nights, spend one day touring the island (Old Town, the national park, sunset at Klong Nin), and one day on a boat trip to Koh Rok for snorkeling. Getting there: from Krabi Town or Ao Nang, take a minibus across two bridges (no ferry needed since the bridge opened in 2016), about 2 hours (350–450 baht). In the dry season you can also take a 2-hour ferry (about 500 baht). There is a direct 1-hour ferry from Koh Phi Phi. Notes: during the rainy season, May–October, many shops close and seas are rough. Roads are winding and sandy or gravelly, so ride carefully. Dress modestly in Muslim villages. Entry to the national park area is not permitted after 4 p.m.

Koh Lanta

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Places to eat nearby