After spending time exploring the island, stopping at countless viewpoints and watching the sunset almost every evening, I’ve made a list if my favourite beaches on Koh Lanta.
If you're planning a trip and wondering where to spend your beach days, here are the best beaches on Koh Lanta ranked from worst to best based on scenery, swimming conditions, atmosphere, accessibility, and overall experience.
Quick Overview of the Best Beaches on Koh Lanta
If you're short on time, here's my ranking:
- Bakantiang Beach
- Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach)
- Nui Bay
- Bamboo Bay
- Klong Nin
- Relax Bay
- Klong Dao Beach
- Secret Beach
Now let's take a closer look at each one. Even though they’re ranked from worst to best doesn't mean I wouldn't visit number 8. I honestly think all of the ones below deserve a visit, either to swim, enjoy the beach bar vibes or just to watch the sunset.
8. Secret Beach
Despite becoming increasingly popular in recent years, Secret Beach still feels like a hidden little corner of Koh Lanta. Tucked away between Long Beach and Klong Khong Beach, this small sandy cove offers a more intimate atmosphere than many of the island's larger beaches.
One of the things I liked most about Secret Beach was its relaxed vibe. The surrounding rocks and greenery create a secluded feeling, and it feels a world away from some of the busier stretches of coastline nearby. The water is often calm during the high season, making it a lovely spot for a swim, and the sunsets can be absolutely stunning.
That said, the beach is relatively small, and during peak season it can feel a bit crowded compared to some of the wider beaches on the island. It's definitely worth stopping by if you're exploring Koh Lanta by scooter, especially if you're looking for a quieter sunset spot.
7. Klong Dao Beach
Klong Dao Beach is one of the first beaches many visitors encounter after arriving on Koh Lanta, and for good reason. Located just south of Saladan, it's easily accessible and home to a large selection of resorts, restaurants, and beach bars.
The beach itself is long, wide, and incredibly easy to enjoy. The sand is soft, the water is generally calm, and there is plenty of room to spread out, even during the busiest months of the year. The beach is especially popular with families travelling with kids because of its shallow water and gentle conditions, which make it one of the safest swimming beaches on the island.
Personally, I found Klong Dao beautiful but a little less exciting than some of the beaches further south. The scenery is lovely, but it doesn't quite have the dramatic backdrop or hidden-gem feel of places like Nui Bay or Kantiang Bay. Still, if you're looking for convenience, great sunsets, and easy access to restaurants and accommodation, Klong Dao is a fantastic choice.
6. Relax Bay
True to its name, Relax Bay is one of the most peaceful beaches on Koh Lanta. Located just south of Long Beach, it offers a similar stretch of beautiful sand but with far fewer people.
What struck me most when I visited was how calm everything felt. There were just a handful of people enjoying the beach, reading books under palm trees, or taking slow walks along the shoreline.
The sand here is soft and golden, and the sunsets are among the best on the island.
5. Klong Nin Beach
I’ll admit that Klong Nin isn't my favourite beach to spend the day on. It’s quite rocky and I personally don't love swimming there. I do however love the atmosphere here in the evenings.
As the sun sets, people gather along the beach to watch the sunset while enjoying dinner with their feet in the sand. It felt lively but never crowded.
They also have various fire shows here in the evenings.
I wouldn't come here expecting a perfect day on the beach, do that somewhere else, and instead come here in the evening.
4. Bamboo Bay (Ao Mai Pai)
Located close to Mu Ko Lanta National Park, this beautiful beach is surrounded by lush forest and green hills. There are very few developments here, giving the entire area a wonderfully natural feel that can be difficult to find in more developed parts of Thailand.
The beach itself is stunning. The sand is soft, the water is usually clear, and the tropical backdrop makes it feel like something straight out of a travel magazine. During my visit, there were only a handful of other people around, which made the experience feel even more special.
If you're looking for a beach that showcases Koh Lanta's quieter and more natural side, Bamboo Bay is hard to beat.
3. Nui Bay
Nui Bay feels like one of Koh Lanta's little treasures. Hidden below the coastal road and surrounded by jungle-covered hills, this small cove immediately stands out from the island's larger beaches.
It’s one of the more popular small beaches, but it still feels uncrowded and nice even during high season. It also has a cute restaurant and some volleyball nets so it’s easy to spend a full day here relaxing and having fun.
Compared to many of the other spots there aren't as many scooter parking-spots here, but you’ll find something along the road if you’re coming later in the day.
To get to the beach you need to walk down a short, but steep set of stairs where monkeys can be quite intrusive. So if you’re bringing drinks or snacks, make sure to keep it well packed. We saw several monkeys trying to grab stuff from people and when we were heading home we had to wait for some of the monkeys to leave. I usually don't mind monkeys, but these ones were a bit intense.
2. Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach)
Long Beach is arguably the most famous beach on Koh Lanta, and after visiting, it's easy to understand why.
Stretching for several kilometers along the island's west coast, this beach offers some of the best swimming conditions on Koh Lanta. The sand is soft, the water is usually calm during the high season, and the beach is so large that it rarely feels crowded despite its popularity.
What makes Long Beach special is its versatility. Whether you're looking for beachfront cafes, sunset bars, swimming spots, or simply a place to relax, you'll find it here. It's one of the few beaches on the island that genuinely works for almost every type of traveler.
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1. Bakantiang Beach
If someone asked me to picture the perfect beach on Koh Lanta, Bakantiang Beach would immediately come to mind. It’s the best beach I went to and I was instantly surprised it wasn't packed. It felt like we had it almost to ourselves. When we visited there were only a handful of other people here.
It’s located in the southern part of the island, in a crescent-shaped bay surrounded by lush green hills and it feels almost impossibly beautiful.
Which Beach Is Best for Swimming on Koh Lanta?
The best beaches for swimming on Koh Lanta are:
- Bakantiang Beach
- Long Beach
- Bamboo Beach
- Klong Dao Beach
These beaches generally offer sandy bottoms, gentle waves, and plenty of space for swimming. They also have easy access to nearby restaurants, and plenty of accommodation options.
Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches on Koh Lanta
One of the reasons Koh Lanta remains one of my favorite Thai islands is the incredible variety of beaches. Whether you're looking for lively stretches of sand lined with restaurants or hidden coves surrounded by jungle, you'll find it here.
While Long Beach and Klong Nin are fantastic all-rounders, Kantiang Bay ultimately takes the top spot for me. It combines everything that makes Koh Lanta special: natural beauty, tranquility, excellent swimming, and unforgettable views.
I hope this helps you plan your upcoming adventure to Koh Lanta and Thailand. If you have any questions about travel in Thailand, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!
-Ingrid