With an abundance of things to do in Koh Lanta, it’s not hard to see why this small Thai Island is slowly getting on the tourist radar.
Located in the Krabi area, Koh Lanta is one of the most underrated destinations to add to your Thailand itinerary.
If you want to plan a trip to a Thai Island that lacks the crowds of Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, then you need to visit Koh Lanta.
From cruising on your motorbike to empty beaches to uncovering the most spectacular viewpoints or island hopping to hidden lagoons, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Koh Lanta.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Koh Lanta, this travel guide will show you 18 of the most epic activities in Koh Lanta, including where to stay and how to get there while sticking to a backpacking budget.
Keep reading to learn about the top attractions you MUST add to your Koh Lanta itinerary.
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TOP THINGS TO DO IN KOH LANTA
TALABENG SEA KAYAKING TOUR
The highlight of my trip to Koh Lanta was kayaking on Koh Talabeng which is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Koh Lanta.
The best way to visit Koh Talabeng is to join this guided tour which also includes hotel transfers, lunch, drinks, fruits, and a tour guide.
The tour starts in Koh Lanta Noi where you will take a boat ride to Koh Phee (Ghost Island) which is made up of several caves. You’ll actually have to climb over old tires attached with ropes to get inside the cave. Finally, all your efforts will be rewarded with an incredible view of the emerald ocean and neighboring islands.
After you’re done exploring the caves, a buffet lunch will be served with fresh fruits which btw, was one of the best meals I had in Koh Lanta.
Next up will be swimming at a secluded beach before hopping on your kayaks for about one hour to explore Koh Talabeng.
The group was not too big (only about 15 people), so I highly recommend it if you’re wondering what to do in Koh Lanta without the hordes of tourists. The guide was really funny and friendly and immediately made everyone feel at ease.
BEACH HOPPING
One of the top activities to do in Koh Lanta is beach hopping. The west side of the island is lined with sandy beaches which become more scenic and less crowded as you move towards the south. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Lanta:
Ba Kantiang Beach
Ba Kantiang is one of the best beaches in Koh Lanta, featuring a few hotels and restaurants. The bay isn’t too rocky and the powdery sand makes it perfect for swimming.
Nui Bay
Nui Bay is a small picturesque beach located in the south of Koh Lanta, perfect for those looking for some peace and quiet. To reach the beach, you’ll need to park your vehicle along the road and walk through a short jungle trail.
Khlong Hin Beach
You probably haven’t heard of Khlong Hin Beach, but it’s one of my favorite beaches thanks to its unique landscape. Although you can’t swim there due to the sharp rocks, there are a few swings and benches where you can just relax and enjoy the view.
Related post: 12 incredible beaches in Koh Lanta
YOGA CLASSES AT OASIS YOGA BUNGALOWS
One of the best things to do in Koh Lanta is taking a yoga class at Oasis Yoga Bungalow. I attended a yoga session and did the Vinyasa Flow which is perfect for beginners, and had a meditation session at the end.
Oasis Yoga Bungalows offers classes from Mondays to Sundays for 400 baht (check the schedule on their website here). Just keep in mind that they might not offer classes during the low season from May to October (again make sure to check their schedule beforehand).
VISIT THE OLD TOWN
If you’re wondering what to do in Koh Lanta, be sure to visit the Koh Lanta Old Town which is located on the east side of the island. Here, you’ll find souvenir shops and restaurants where you can have lunch with a view of the ocean. Most houses are built on wooden stilts and look quite similar to the Clan Jetties in Penang.
RENT A MOTORBIKE TO EXPLORE KOH LANTA
Koh Lanta is quite big and since there isn’t much public transportation, the best way to explore the island is by renting a motorbike.
Driving a motorbike will give you the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace and discover some hidden spots. For instance, when I was driving towards the south of Koh Lanta, I followed a little pathway and ended up at an abandoned villa with an amazing view of the ocean.
The roads on Koh Lanta are flat and well-paved in most parts except for those toward the south coast which have a few twists and turns.
You do need an international driver’s license but you probably won’t be asked for it when renting a motorbike. And don’t forget to wear a helmet.
Motorbike rentals start from 180 baht per day and gas costs 40 baht per liter.
Related post: Krabi Island hopping guide: 11+ islands not to miss
WATCH A FIRE SHOW ON THE BEACH
I absolutely love the fire shows in Koh Lanta which happen almost every night starting from 8 p.m at the beach bars on Klong Khong Beach. You can also watch fire shows at the Indian Bar on Klong Dao Beach.
Typical of Thailand, the fire shows in Koh Lanta are so much fun and free to watch.
ENJOY THE SUNSET WHILE LISTENING TO LIVE MUSIC
Sunset watching is one of the top things to do in Koh Lanta. The entire west coast has some of the best sunset views and you can even listen to live music on the beach while watching the sunset. The bar at Bee Bee Bungalow on Klong Khong Beach has live music almost every night.
WALK DOGS AT THE KOH LANTA ANIMAL WELFARE
If you’re an animal lover, I recommend taking a guided tour of Koh Lanta Animal Welfare, a non-profit organization that helps rescue stray animals in Koh Lanta.
If you’re staying in Koh Lanta for an extended period, you can also volunteer at the animal welfare center. Keep in mind that you need to be at least 25 years old to join the volunteer program.
BAMBOO BEACH VIEWPOINT
One of the top things to do in Koh Lanta is to head to the Bamboo Beach viewpoint which is found in the south of the island. Go to Bamboo Bay Restaurant which has an incredible view of the bay.
The restaurant is relatively small so you will have to come early or wait for quite a bit before snatching the best seat.
Related post: Top things to do in Krabi: 4-day itinerary guide
GET A MASSAGE ON THE BEACH
Fancy a relaxing massage on the beach? For less than 500 baht, you can get a full body massage in Koh Lanta. You’ll find massage parlors on Long Beach, Klong Khong Beach, and along Saladan Pier as well.
VISIT THE LIGHTHOUSE AT MU KOH LANTA NATIONAL PARK
If you’re not on a super tight budget, you can explore the Mu Koh Lanta National Park in the south of Koh Lanta. The entrance costs 200 baht and the parking fee is 20 baht for motorbikes or 30 baht for cars.
At the entrance, you’ll find a rocky beach leading to a lighthouse that sits on top of a hill. Once you hike up to the lighthouse, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of the whole national park.
On the other side, you’ll find a sandy beach where you can swim but keep an eye out for the cheeky monkeys as they are notorious for stealing people’s belongings.
If it’s not too hot, I also recommend hiking along the 1.7-km jungle trail.
FOUR ISLAND TOUR AND EMERALD CAVE
Another popular thing to do in Koh Lanta is going on a 4 island tour. You’ll do some snorkeling on the islands of Koh Maa, Koh Chueak, Koh Ngai and then visit the Emerald Cave.
The Emerald Cave is a beautiful lagoon surrounded by tall limestone cliffs that can only be accessed during low tide through a pitch-black tunnel. Don’t worry as you’ll be provided with flashlights and life jackets.
The tour price also includes hotel transfers, a buffet lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A 4 ISLAND AND EMERALD CAVE TOUR
Note: The islands are closed from June to September.
TAKE A STROLL AROUND SALADAN PIER
Located in the north of Koh Lanta Yai, Saladan Pier is a small harbor where ferries depart to the neighboring islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe, Phuket, etc.
Here, you’ll find lots of souvenir shops and restaurants. If you need to exchange money, you’ll usually get the best exchange rate here. This is also the only place in Koh Lanta where I was able to get a sim card.
KOH ROK SNORKELING TOUR
The island of Koh Rok is very popular for snorkeling activities in Koh Lanta. The tour usually includes stops at Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai with some beach time and a buffet lunch on the islands.
You can book the tour in Koh Lanta itself but if you prefer to have everything planned in advance, I recommend this snorkeling tour which includes lunch, drinks, fresh fruits, national park fees and snorkeling gear.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A SNORKELING TOUR OF KO ROK
EAT LOCAL FOOD
From Pad Thai to Green Curry, Koh Lanta has some of the best food I’ve tasted in Thailand! Some of my favorite places to eat in Koh Lanta include Bee Bee Bungalows and Lantasure on Klong Khong, Bamboo Bay Restaurant at Bamboo Beach viewpoint, and Kan-ent Restaurant on Kantiang Bay.
KHLONG CHAK WATERFALL
Located in the south of Koh Lanta, Khlong Chak Waterfall can be reached after a short 30-minute trek through the jungle. Try to visit during the rainy season to witness the waterfall at its most powerful. You can check out this guide to find out how to get there.
EXPLORE THE NIGHT MARKETS
Night markets are very popular in Thailand. Although Koh Lanta is a small island, you can find a few night markets with great food at the Saladan Pier and near Klong Khong Beach. Just inquire with your hotel since the night market locations may vary.
Related post: How to visit Thailand in 10 days?
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH LANTA
CAT Bungalow
CAT Bungalow is the best place to stay in Koh Lanta. Perched on top of the hills in Klong Khong, close to all the main Koh Lanta attractions, CAT Bungalow boasts great sunset views and is run by the friendliest hosts (and their cats).
The rooms are clean and spacious and each comes with a king-size bed, private bathroom, mini-fridge, and Wi-Fi. Breakfast and snacks throughout the day are also included in the price.
The location is very convenient, only about a 10-minute walk from Klong Khong Beach. You’ll find lots of restaurants and convenience stores like 7-eleven nearby.
CHECK LATEST PRICES ON BOOKING.COM OR AGODA
Lanta Baan Nok Resort
Another place to stay in Koh Lanta is Lanta Baan Nok Resort. Located about a 15-minute walk from Long Beach, the hotel is clean and spacious. Each bungalow even comes with a hammock where you can relax with a view of the garden.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON BOOKING.COM OR AGODA
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN KOH LANTA
HOW TO GET TO KOH LANTA?
You can get to Koh Lanta by either taking the ferry or a minivan. I recommend 12go.asia to get an idea of all the different options available and schedules.
Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta
Krabi has an international airport and from there, it’s pretty easy to reach Koh Lanta by minivan. Taxis are also available, though they will be more expensive.
BOOK A TRANSFER FROM KRABI AIRPORT TO KOH LANTA
Ao Nang to Koh Lanta
If you’re coming from Ap Nang, you can take a shared minivan to Koh Lanta. The total journey takes about 3-4 hours. Note that the van will also make a stop in Krabi Town to pick up other passengers. Alternatively, ferries are also available from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta.
BOOK A TRANSFER FROM AO NANG TO KOH LANTA
Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta
I personally took a high-speed ferry from Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta with Satun Pakbara Speed Boat. The journey lasted about 4 hours and unfortunately, the boat ride was very bumpy. Almost everyone was sick and the engine even stopped working a few times in the middle of the ocean.
So, if you’re prepared to deal with an extremely bumpy boat ride, you may choose this option.
BOOK A TRANSFER FROM KOH LIPE TO KOH LANTA
If I had to do it again, I would choose the longer route; that is, taking a 2-hour ferry to Pak Bara pier followed by a shared minivan to Koh Lanta.
Once you get to Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta, you will need to take a taxi/tuk-tuk to your accommodation.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH LANTA
The best time to visit Koh Lanta is between November and April for the best weather. December to February is the peak tourist season and this is when it’s a bit more crowded and prices tend to be slightly higher. May to October is the low season, so you end up with better hotel deals, but do expect some rain.
Thanks to its chill vibes and cheap cost of living, Koh Lanta is slowly becoming a favorite among budget travelers. So, you should definitely take advantage of this and visit Koh Lanta during your trip to Thailand. I hope you found this guide to the best things to do in Koh Lanta helpful and if you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below.
Read more about Thailand:
- 12 most beautiful beaches in Koh Lanta
- The best Krabi Itinerary
- Top islands in Krabi
- Ultimate guide to Railay Beach
- What to do on Koh Lipe?
- How to spend 10 days in Thailand?
- Things to do on Phra Nang Beach Krabi
- Top attractions to see on Koh Hong Krabi
- Complete guide to Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill in Krabi
- 15 best beaches in Krabi that you need to see
- How to visit Pai Plong Beach, Ao Nang?
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- How to take a day trip to Ayutthaya?
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