WHERE TO STAY IN KOH LANTA
Koh Lanta has a reputation as one of southern Thailand’s most laid-back islands. It’s known for its slower pace of life and its barefoot and bohemian style vibes.
Geographically, the island of Koh Lanta sits south of Krabi and Phuket, forming part of Krabi Province and the Mu Ko Lanta National Park area, and at around 25 km by 6 kilometres wide, it is big enough to explore and yet relaxed enough to never feel crowded.
I’d arrived in Thailand at the very end of October and the last couple of weeks of the southwest monsoon season. I’d arrived early, hoping and for some quiet island time and to beat the crowds once the ferry and boat services between the islands started up again in mid-November.
For reliable travel and for the best island hopping experience along the Andaman Sea, it is recommended to visit from November to April. Between May to October, but particularly from July to October, the seasonal monsoon weather causes heavy rain and rough seas, impacting travel and limiting boat services. During this time, it is unsafe for longtail boats to operate and ferries may be cancelled, reduced, or restricted, especially to the smaller islands off the coast on this side of Thailand.
If you are wondering how to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi while travelling ‘out of season’ and while the usual ferry or speedboats are out of service, you take the longer route to Koh Lanta by road. I booked a minivan transfer from Krabi Town which takes you along the coastal route and includes the short ferry crossing from the mainland over to Koh Lanta.
Having spent many wonderful months exploring Thailand and several blissful weeks staying on the island, I’m now able to share with you a practical guide to the best areas and beaches and near to the beach accommodations to help you choose where to stay in Koh Lanta.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- WHERE TO STAY IN KOH LANTA
- BEST AREAS TO STAY ON KOH LANTA
- BEST KOH LANTA HOTELS ON THE BEACH
- FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY ON KOH LANTA WITH MY INTERACTIVE MAP
- HOW TO GET TO KOH LANTA
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH LANTA
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH LANTA
Koh Lanta’s west coast is lined by long and beautiful sunset-facing beaches and its east coast offers mangroves, fishing villages, and Old Town heritage, making Koh Lanta feel less like a party island and more like a place to truly slow down, exhale, and stay awhile.
I planned to use Koh Lanta as my gateway for island hopping down the Andaman Sea, staying a few nights on each of the tiny idyllic tropical islands along this coastline that can lead you all the way to Langkawi, Malaysia.
I did a lot of preparation and research on the best area to stay on the island and to find the best beaches in Koh Lanta.
Having now spent several blissful weeks on the island, staying at Long Beach at Mook Lanta Eco Resort, I’m able to share with you a practical beach-by-beach guide to help you choose where to stay on Koh Lanta.
For the best swimming beaches and for sultry sunset views you’ll want to stay on the west coast. It’s worth noting that the further south you go then the quieter it gets on Koh Lanta.
FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY ON KOH LANTA WITH MY INTERACTIVE MAP
BEST AREAS TO STAY ON KOH LANTA
Best All Round Beach Base Area: Long Beach (Phra Ae) is the best all-round base as most people love this area for its laid back social vibe. There’s a long walkable shoreline with a choice of restaurants, beach bars, shops, and lots of different types of accommodations to choose from whether you are looking for a budget hostel, a little bungalow near the sand, or a boutique beachfront spa resort, you can find them all here on Long Beach.
First Time Visitors and Families: Khlong Dao has a long sandy beach with calm, shallow water that’s perfect for swimming, sunset walks, and families. Lined with beachfront resorts, laid-back bars, and restaurants right on the sand.
Connections and Convenience: Saladan is the island’s main village and ferry port and offers offering the widest choice of restaurants, shops, dive centres, and night markets, making it ideal if you like having amenities and transport connections within easy reach.
Chilled Cafes and Walkable Area: Khlong Nin. Relax and chill here at a slower pace than at Long Beach but you’ll still have lots of food and drink options. Popular with couples for a romantic feel and with access to resort facilities without being too far south.
Quiet and Scenic Area: Kantiang Bay (Ba Kan Tiang). One of the most picturesque parts of the island so a top choice for honeymooners and romantic couples looking for luxury, resort and spa accommodations, and quiet seclusion a bit further away from the shopping and nightlife areas.
Budget Area and Sunset Bars: Khlong Khong Beach. Known for its casual social vibe and backpacker bohemian style beach bar energies. Popular with budget travellers and long stayers. I loved spending time at Moonwalk Bar.
Culture and Waterfront Views: Lanta Old Town. Best for culture, food, and experiencing a different side of Lanta with historic streets, waterfront views, and a local pace of life.
BEST KOH LANTA HOTELS ON THE BEACH
HOW TO GET TO KOH LANTA
How to get from Krabi to Koh Lanta: Popular options – especially from Krabi airport – is for a shared minivan and car ferry crossing. Some providers will also provide hotel drop off and stop all along the island (this is the option I took) but do bear in mind this door to door option can take much longer if you’re staying in the far south. You might feel a private taxi transfer is worth it to avoid these time consuming multiple drop offs.
How to get to Koh Lanta by ferry/speedboat (seasonal): You can take a ferry or a water taxi from the Krabi area to Saladan Pier. Always check the schedule as times can vary and the weather can often effect services.
How to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta (seasonal): Take a direct ferry/speedboat from Rassada Pier (Phuket) to Saladan Pier (Koh Lanta). Fast services often take around one to two hours depending on operator and sea conditions. Some services run as speedboats via Phi Phi. But sea services can be seasonal and also weather-dependent so do check schedules especially around monsoon months particularly from July to October.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH LANTA
Best Overall: November to April (Dry Season) If you want postcard-perfect weather, this is the time to visit Koh Lanta and the islands of the Andaman Sea. This is the best time for sunny days and blue skies. Calm seas (great for snorkelling & diving). Beautiful sunsets almost every evening. All hotels, tours, and ferries are operating.
Peak months: December–March. Best weather: Choose January and February.
Good to know: Prices are highest around Christmas & New Year
Shoulder Season: Late April & November for fewer crowds, lower hotel prices. Occasional short tropical showers. Sea can start getting slightly rough. Great balance between value and decent weather.
Low Season: May to October (Monsoon Season) Expect heavier rain (often short but intense). Rougher seas (some dive/snorkel trips cancelled). Many beach bars and resorts will close. Those open will offer cheaper accommodation.
Good to know: The island is lush green and very quiet. Good if you want total peace and don’t mind rain.
For more info see my popular post The Best and Worst Time To Visit Thailand.
Are you planning to visit Koh Lanta?
Have you already experienced Koh Lanta?
Let me know in the comments below!
FOR MORE ON MY STAY ON KOH LANTA READ MY FULL POST!
