Koh Lanta

Last updated on May 26, 2023

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Koh Lanta, this stunning Thai island, is a must-visit for all adventure seekers and beach lovers! From its breathtaking beaches to the relaxed atmosphere with incredible wildlife, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re into scuba diving, snorkeling, or island hopping, the turquoise waters surrounding Koh Lanta are teeming with exotic marine life. And if you’re looking for an adventoure above sea level, check out the lush national parks and forests, home to diverse wildlife.

But, it’s not all about adrenaline and adventure, Koh Lanta also offers the perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature. With the island’s abundant seafood, you’re in for a treat, with fresh catches served up daily in local restaurants. And, with a wide range of accommodation options, you’ll be able to find the perfect place to call home during your stay at Koh Lanta.

Phuket to Koh Lanta

The atmosphere on the island is relaxed and peaceful, making it an ideal spot to find respite from the stresses of everyday life.

So, what are you waiting for? Book that ticket to Koh Lanta and experience the ultimate in tropical island living! You won’t regret it!

Must-visit destinations on Koh Lanta

Hat Khlong Dao Beach

The first place on our list of must-visit destinations on Koh Lanta is Hat Khlong Dao Beach. This stunning beach is a true paradise for those seeking sun, sand and crystal-clear waters. With its pristine sands and turquoise waters, Hat Khlong Dao is one of the most popular spots on the island for sunbathing, swimming and relaxation.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends or as a family, Hat Khlong Dao Beach has something for everyone. And, with a range of local restaurants and bars, you can enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing drink while taking in the stunning views. So, what are you waiting for? Head down to Hat Khlong Dao Beach and make some unforgettable memories!

Mu Koh Lanta National Park

Krabi to Koh Lanta

Mu Koh Lanta National Park is a breathtaking tropical haven encompassing 25 large and small islands. The largest island, Ko Lanta Yai, forms part of the national park, with only its southernmost tip falling within the protected area. The park is an idyllic destination offering pristine beaches, lush forests, and abundant marine life. Visitors can explore the park’s hidden treasures by snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, hiking through lush jungle trails, or simply lounging on the soft, white sand. On the southern part of Koh Lanta Yai, the iconic lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding scenery, making it a must-visit spot.

Ban Saladan Village

Last but not least, Ban Saladan Village. This traditional Thai village is a hub of culture and history and is the perfect place to get a taste of authentic Thai island life. From local markets selling fresh produce, to street food stalls serving up delicious Thai cuisine, Ban Saladan Village is a foodie’s paradise.

But, it’s not just about the food, Ban Saladan Village is also home to a range of traditional temples, museums and art galleries, making it the perfect destination for culture vultures. So, whether you’re into history, food or culture, Ban Saladan Village is a must-visit destination on your trip to Koh Lanta. Don’t miss out!

Things to do in Koh Lanta

Island Hopping

The aerial view from a drone of the "Thale Waek" (Separated Sea) in Krabi, Thailand provides an amazing sight. This area, known as the Koh Dam group, is made up of two large islands - Koh Dam Hok and Koh Dam Kwan.

Koh Lanta is surrounded by a number of stunning islands, each with its own unique character and charm. If you’re looking for adventure and excitement, then island hopping is the perfect activity for you! With crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches and a variety of marine life, each island you visit will leave you in awe. Whether you prefer to relax on a secluded beach, snorkel in the turquoise waters, or explore the lush jungles, island hopping is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Koh Lanta and its surroundings.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

For those who love to explore beneath the waves, scuba diving is a highly recommended activity in Koh Lanta. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and exotic marine life, the waters surrounding the island are a scuba diver’s paradise. So, why not strap on your tanks and dive into the underwater world of Koh Lanta?

Wildlife Watching

Mu Koh Lanta National Park
Light house at Mu Koh Lanta National Park © Anil Varma / Shutterstock.com

For those who love to experience the wonders of nature, Koh Lanta is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, both on land and in the sea. From monkeys swinging through the trees, to exotic birds and colorful marine life, there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer to explore the lush national parks and forests on foot, or venture out to sea on a snorkeling or diving trip, the wildlife of Koh Lanta is sure to leave you in awe. So, why not grab your binoculars and get ready for some unforgettable wildlife watching on Koh Lanta?

Getting to Koh Lanta

Ways to Travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Since Koh Lanta is an island without airport all travels require a short ferry ride © Andrey Burstein / Shutterstock.com

Bangkok to Koh Lanta

Getting to Koh Lanta from Bangkok is a long journey, as the island is located 700 kilometers (437 miles) away from Bangkok. There are three main options to get to Koh Lanta: by flight, by bus, or by bus and ferry.

The quickest way to get to Koh Lanta from Bangkok is by flight, but there is no airport on the island so the closest one is Krabi Airport. From there, travelers can take a speedboat or private minivan to reach their Koh Lanta hotel. Flying is the fastest option, but also the most expensive.

For budget-conscious travelers, taking a direct bus from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is the cheapest option. Buses are available from the Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok. Taking a bus and ferry is an affordable option, but also the slowest as it requires a long bus journey and a ferry ride.

Read the full detailed information in the blog post Bangkok to Koh Lanta.

Krabi to Koh Lanta

Toyota Commuter
Toyota commuter most commonly used as minibus/minivan in Thailand © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com

Traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta is easy, with several options available. Krabi is located on the Andaman coast of Thailand, and Koh Lanta Island is nearby. The journey to Koh Lanta involves a ferry ride as it is an island. Options are renting a car, booking a private taxi, taking a shared minivan, or taking a direct ferry.

Traveling by road from Krabi to Koh Lanta is possible throughout the year regardless of season. You can rent a car from Krabi airport or book a private taxi if you don’t want to drive yourself. If you prefer a cheaper option, you can book a shared minivan, which can be crowded and hot. Alternatively, during the high season, which is between November and April, you can take a ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta.

Read the full detailed information in the blog post Krabi to Koh Lanta.

Phuket to Koh Lanta

High Speed Ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta
Tigerline Travel’s high speed ferry arriving in Koh Lanta.

The distance between Phuket and Koh Lanta is 90 kilometers (56 miles), but as the two destinations are both islands, the journey is not straightforward. One option is to travel by land on one of the many minivans, buses or taxis available, but this takes around 4 to 6 hours because of the distance involved and the fact that Koh Lanta does not have a bridge to the mainland. For this reason, many tourists opt for ferries, which are more comfortable and faster, depending on the type of ferry chosen.

The most popular ferry option is the standard two-hour journey to Koh Phi Phi, with a one-hour wait before the final one-and-a-half-hour trip to Koh Lanta. Other options include the Satun Pakbara Club speedboat with two daily departures, as well as high-speed ferries and other speedboats which depend on weather conditions.

Read more about the different options to travel from Phuket to Koh Lanta

Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta

Ferries to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta
Interior of a smaller Ferry between Krabi and Koh Phi Phi © SIHASAKPRACHUM / Shutterstock.com

As both Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are islands without airports, the only mode of transportation between them is by boat. The Andaman Sea separates the islands by just under 40 kilometers (about 25 miles), making the ferry journey approximately an hour long, depending on conditions.

The Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta route is quite popular, offering several different ferry options. While prices are generally similar across companies, some may be cheaper or more expensive than others. It’s crucial to consider safety when selecting a ferry, as some budget options may compromise on quality.

Ferries typically operate during daylight hours, with more frequent crossings during peak season (November to March). During low season (April to November), fewer boats are available and the journey may be affected by weather conditions.

For a faster and more luxurious alternative, consider traveling by speedboat, which takes roughly 30 minutes in good conditions. However, be prepared to pay more for this option.

In summary, when looking at your options for traveling between Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, ferries provide a more affordable option but may be crowded, while speedboats offer a quicker, more comfortable experience.

Other Destinations to Koh Lanta

Traveling from Koh Lanta

Koh Lipe sunny beach
Koh Lipe

Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe

Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe can be reached by ferry or speedboat, but both modes of transportation can be a bit bumpy if the sea is rough. The journey is relatively fast and covers 140 km of open sea travel. It can take up to 3 hours to reach Koh Lipe, and the journey can be particularly nerve-wracking if the waves are larger. Despite the discomfort of travel, Koh Lipe is a beautiful destination well worth the hassle.

Once arriving at Koh Lipe, passengers will disembark at Pattaya Beach, which does not have a deep water harbor or long pier. Speedboats will pull up to floating piers made of plastic while larger boats such as the Langkawi Ferry will dock at a floating pier 50 meters off Pattaya Beach. Passengers will then need to take a local wooden boat to the beach, with a 50 THB fee sometimes charged. However, this fee is often included in the ticket price for those departing from Koh Lipe.

Koh Lanta to Koh Phangan

Raja Ferry
Raja Ferry travels between Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Donsak Pier, near Surat Thani © OlegD / Shutterstock.com

If you’re planning to travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Phangan, the journey involves a combination of boat and land transfers.

Minivan to Krabi: First, you’ll need to take a minivan from Koh Lanta to Krabi, which usually takes around 2 hours. Minivans are available throughout the day during peak season, but it’s always best to book your tickets in advance, either online or at a local travel agency.

Krabi to Surat Thani: Once you arrive in Krabi, you’ll need to travel to Surat Thani by bus or minivan. This leg of the journey takes around 3-4 hours, and it’s best to book your tickets beforehand to ensure a smooth transfer. You can purchase combined ferry and bus/minivan tickets, making the entire trip more seamless.

Surat Thani to Koh Phangan: The final stretch of your journey will be from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by ferry. The trip usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the type of ferry you choose. There are both high-speed and traditional ferries available, so select the one that best suits your budget and preferences.

In summary, the journey from Koh Lanta to Koh Phangan involves three main steps: a minivan to Krabi, a bus or minivan to Surat Thani, and lastly a ferry to Koh Phangan. Although the trip requires multiple transfers, it’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Southern Thailand and take in the diverse experiences each destination has to offer. Don’t forget to plan ahead, book your tickets in advance, and embrace the adventure!

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Kamolchat Thanaditsayakun
About Kamolchat Thanaditsayakun

My name is Kamolchat - a writer with a passion for travel who loves sharing stories of new destinations and unforgettable adventures. I was born and raised in Thailand and I have always been captivated by the beauty and diversity of my homeland which inspired me to venture out and discover the world.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of contributing to various travel publications and websites, such as Lonely Planet and Viator. I strive to provide an authentic representation of the places I visit, get into the heart of local cultures and finding authentic experiences that nourishes the soul.

As I continue to journey across the globe, I want you to join me in experiencing the wonders of our world through my stories. Together, we can learn, grow, and be inspired by the incredible people, places, and cultures that make our planet such an extraordinary place to explore.