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10 Top Things to Do in Koh Lanta: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Beaches, Island Hopping & Hidden Gems

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If there’s one place in Thailand that completely exceeded my expectations, it’s Koh Lanta. Unlike some of the country’s busier islands, Koh Lanta has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Life seems to move a little slower here, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Instead of packed beaches and party streets, you’ll find long stretches of golden sand, jungle-covered hills, amazing local food and charming beach bars where you can enjoy the sunset.

I arrived thinking I’d spend a few days exploring before moving on, but it didn’t take long for me to understand why so many travellers end up extending their stay. I extended my stay twice and even chose to come back here not long after leaving. So it’s safe to say that Koh Lanta is one of my favourite island in Thailand so far.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or settling in for a month, here are the best things to do in Koh Lanta in my opinion.

10 Top Things To Do in Koh Lanta

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Koh Lanta. If you also want more practical information like where you should base yourself, how to get around and my favourite restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need, including personal tips to help you experience the island beyond the obvious.

three baby monkeys playing in a tree on koh lanta, thailand
Monkeys on Koh Lanta

Explore Mu Ko Lanta national park

At the southern tip of the island you'll find Mu Ko Lanta National Park. It’s one of the most scenic places in Koh Lanta and absolutely worth a visit.

You can choose to do a short hike into the national park, walking on a narrow path in the middle of the jungle. If you're lucky you'll spot some animals like monkeys or a water lizard.

The hike itself doesn't give you any stunning viewpoints, but if you like hiking in the jungle it's a fun thing to do.

I personally loved the beach and views points near the beach the most. It's one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and if you come early enough you'll find it completely deserted.

There's also a charming light-house you can walk to where you'll get some amazing views over the area and beach below.

koh lanta national park, thailand
the lighthouse in koh lanta national park, thailand
Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Visit Lanta Old town

I personally wouldn't base myself here as I think it's a bit too far away from the beaches, but I do think it's a very cozy town worthy of a visit.

The town is made up of colourful wooden houses built on stilts above the water, making it a super charming town to wander through. You'll also find lots of cafés, boutique shops, and seafood restaurants overlooking the bay.

It's not huge, so you don't need lots of time here, but it's a nice place for a stroll and either som lunch or dinner one day. I personally recommend eating at Pinto Restaurant if you want some nice food and a nice view of the water.

Koh lanta old town, thailand
Lanta Old Town
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Watch a fire show at Freedom bar

Almost every night you can come and watch a fire show at Freedom Bar.

I recommend coming before sunset so you get to witness that as well, and the shows usually start around that time. Check updated times when you get to Koh Lanta to be sure because I think it changes depending on the season.

Freedom Bar in itself is also a really cool spot with neon face and body paint you can use for free. I saw equally many kids having fun here around sunset as older people later on.

The performance consists of a group of people swinging flaming sticks around and doing various tricks right on the sand. It's a really nice show and a great way to spend an evening. It's free to watch, but they'll ask for tips at the end which I highly recommend giving them.

fire show at freedom bar in koh lanta, thailand
Fireshow at Freedom Bar

Relax at one of the beach bars in Koh Lanta

One of the things I loved most about Koh Lanta was all the amazing beach bars you'll find everywhere. They all have great music and really nice vibes.

My personal opinion is that even though they're clearly made for tourists, they have still kept it authentic and charming.

You’ll find many of them along Long Beach and there's usually a bigger party happening on one of them every night. I really love the fact that they don't all have huge parties every night, but instead choose various days so that you can either choose a spot to just have a slow and calm evening, or find a great party.

The fact that they don't do them every day also means that everyone who is looking for a good time on the island will most likely head to the same spot. Just look up their Facebook or Insta page or see random pamphlets around the island to see what days they're having parties.

Some of my favourite spots include Freedom Bar, Sanctuary Beach Bar, Pangea Bar and The Ozone Beach Club.

sunset at sanctuary bar in koh lanta, thailand
lights and lantern at a beach bar in koh lanta, thailand
Amazing beach bars in Koh Lanta
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Visit Lanta walking street

On the norther part of the island you'll find the islands night market.

I personally think that many of the night markets around Thailand and Asia have become too touristy and don't sell as good Thai food as you get other places, and this is the same for the one in Koh Lanta in my opinion.

I do however still think it's fun to walk around and watch. Maybe grab a drink or try some food if you find something you like.

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Kayak around the island

One of the most peaceful experiences I had on Koh Lanta was paddling around the island. The water was calm and the scenery was absolutely stunning.

I do however have to emphasise that there are various types of kayak tours you can take from Koh Lanta. Some only explore the nearby mangrove forest, which is also fun. But I recommend getting one of the tours that take you further out on a boat first and then kayak in the area where you can watch the cliffs and insane scenery.

Activities
This is the exact tour I did when kayaking on Koh Lanta

This tour takes you around the area through the mangroves, various beaches and islands

people kayaking on koh lanta, thailand
Kayaking around Koh Lanta

Relax on Long beach

If I had to pick one beach to return to again and again, it would be Long beach. It’s not the prettiest beach on the island, but it is the most versatile and the one I spent the most time on.

The sand stretches for kilometres, giving everyone plenty of space to spread out even during high season. The sunsets here are also unforgettable, so you can easily spend a full day here from morning to sunset without going back to your hotel.

people watching the sunset on koh lanta, thailand
Sunset on Long Beach, Koh Lanta

Join a snorkel trip around Koh Haa & Koh Rok

One of the most popular trips from Koh Lanta is a snorkelling trip to neighbouring Koh Rok and Koh Haa. They are two small islands with water so clear it feels unreal and pristine white sand beaches.

Along the way you'll stop at different spots for snorkelling and most likely see schools of tropical fish swimming by. Even if you’re new to snorkelling, the calm conditions often make it accessible and enjoyable.

Many also do day trips to places like Koh Phi Phi, but I personally think it's too far and way more crowded, so this is a better option

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Explore Kantiang Bay

If you’re searching for a quieter stretch of coastline, Kantiang Bay is a fantastic choice. The beaches here feels wonderfully untouched and are surrounded by jungle at every corner. Because the beaches here are a bit harder to reach, you’ll also be rewarded with fewer crowds than the islands more famous spots.

You can either rent a scooter or a driver and go beach hopping down the coast or pick one and just relax for the day. You’ll find my favourite ones in My Ultimate Beach Guide for Koh Lanta.

kantiang bay in koh lanta, thailand
kantiang bay in koh lanta, thailand
Kantiang Bay, Koh Lanta
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Take a four islands tour

For those who want to see more of southern Thailand’s incredible scenery, a Four Islands Tour is well worth considering. Especially if you're staying on Koh Lanta for a while.

You'll stop at various islands in the area, snorkel along the way and enjoy beautiful beaches on each island.

I do have to point out that it might feel a bit rushed, so if you're the kind of person who just prefers to stay on one beach and relax for a day, this might not be the tour for you. If you however, want to see as mush as possible, this is one of the most popular tours from Koh Lanta.

What is The Best Areas to Stay in Koh Lanta?

The best area to stay in Koh Lanta depends on the kind of trip you're planning. Long Beach is my top recommendation for first-time visitors, with a beautiful stretch of sand, plenty of restaurants and beach bars, and easy access to the rest of the island.

Klong Khong is a great choice for backpackers, budget travellers and digital nomads who enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, while Klong Nin is ideal if you want a quieter beach holiday with charming restaurants and boutique hotels nearby. For families, Klong Dao has wide sandy beaches and calmer water, whereas Kantiang Bay is my pick for couples looking for stunning scenery, luxury resorts and a more secluded escape.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a relaxing, but fun stay in Koh Lanta.

Layana Resort & Spa - Adult Only
Layana Resort & Spa - Adult Only

This is widely considered one of the finest hotels on Koh Lanta. Located directly on Long Beach, this adults-only resort combines luxury with an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. The rooms are elegant, the infinity pool overlooks the beach, and the service is consistently exceptional.

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Pimalai Resort & Spa
Pimalai Resort & Spa

This isn't just one of the best hotels in Koh Lanta, it's one of the best resorts in Thailand. It blends seamlessly into the rainforest-covered hillside above the bay, creating an experience that feels luxurious without ever feeling overdeveloped. Everything here is exceptional.

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Long Beach Chalets
Long Beach Chalets

This is one of my favorite hotels on the island because it feels so authentically Koh Lanta. The beachfront bungalows are surrounded by tropical gardens, and the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and unpretentious. It offers excellent value for money and puts you right in the heart of the island.

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Map of The Best Hotels in Koh Lanta

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Koh Lanta to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Koh Lanta?

I think four to six days is the sweet spot for most visitors. That gives you enough time to relax on the beaches, take an island-hopping trip, explore the national park, wander through Lanta Old Town, and still leave room for a few lazy afternoons by the sea.

If you’re a remote worker or simply looking to unwind, Koh Lanta is also an excellent place to stay for several weeks.

a temple in koh lanta old town, thailand
a woman sitting in a hanging net overlooking the beach on koh lanta, thailand
Koh Lanta
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Best Restaurants on Koh Lanta

If you want the full breakdown with all my favourite spots, I recommend checking my Food Guide in Koh Lanta. But, below you'll find some of my all time favourite spots.

thai food in koh lanta, thailand
Amazing food on Koh Lanta

How Do You Get to Koh Lanta?

Getting to Koh Lanta is surprisingly easy, and depending on where you're coming from, there are several different ways to reach the island.

How to get to Koh Lanta by ferry or speedboat

One of the most scenic ways to arrive is by ferry or speedboat from nearby islands like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe or from Krabi.

If you're travelling during the high season (roughly November to April), there are plenty of daily departures, and it's worth booking in advance to secure the best times and prices.

The crossing can be bumpy depending on weather, but nothing to worry about. I usually compare routes and book all my trips in Thailand through 12Go, and I highly recommend them for you as well.

How to get to Koh Lanta by car or bus

If you're travelling from Krabi you can choose to skip the boat entirely and drive to Koh Lanta. There is a very short car ferry from the mainland that only takes about 5 minutes, and you never have to leave the car. I did this once and it was super breezy.

If you for some reason really don't want to take a speed boat you can get here from Phuket or other parts of Thailand by bus as well, it's just a much longer ride.

For backpackers and budget travellers, this is often the most convenient choice, especially if you're already exploring southern Thailand.

Can you fly to Koh Lanta?

Koh Lanta doesn't have its own airport, so the closest option is Krabi International Airport (KBV). From there, it's around a two-hour drive to the island, including the vehicle ferry crossing.

If you're flying into Thailand from abroad or connecting from another part of the country, this is usually the quickest route. Once you land, you can pre-book a shared minivan or private transfer directly to your hotel on Koh Lanta.

Travel to Koh Lanta by Private transfer

If you're travelling with family, carrying lots of luggage, or simply want a hassle-free journey, booking a private transfer can be well worth the extra cost. You'll be picked up from the airport or your hotel and driven all the way to your accommodation on Koh Lanta without needing to coordinate multiple forms of transport. It's as easy as it gets.

a wooden boat docked at the shore of koh lanta, thailand
people kayaking outside koh lanta, thailand
Koh Lanta

How Do You Get Around in Koh Lanta?

One of the things I loved most about Koh Lanta is how easy it is to explore. The island is long and narrow, with a main road running from north to south, so getting from one beach to another is usually pretty straightforward.

Rent a scooter

I actually never rented a scooter, but I know most people swear by it. It gives you freedom to stop wherever you want whenever.

The roads are generally in good condition, and traffic is much calmer than on islands like Phuket, so renting a scooter on Koh Lanta is fairly common.

Just make sure to have your international drivers license with you and be properly insured. Daily rental prices are usually very reasonable, and many hotels and guesthouses can arrange one for you.

Take a tuk-Ttuk or taxi

If you’d rather not ride a scooter, tuk-tuks and local taxis are easy to find in the main tourist areas. They’re a convenient option for short trips between beaches, heading out for dinner, or getting back to your hotel after an evening at a beach bar.

It’s a good idea to agree on the fare before setting off, especially for longer journeys.

Walk around local areas

While Koh Lanta is too large to explore entirely on foot, many of its individual beach areas are very walkable.

Places like Long Beach and Klong Dao have plenty of cafés, restaurants, massage shops, and convenience stores within easy walking distance, so you may not need transport every day.

a monkey sitting on a scooter in koh lanta, thailand
Koh Lanta

Final Thoughts: Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting?

Without question! For me, Koh Lanta captured everything I love about Thailand. It has spectacular beaches, friendly locals, incredible food, unforgettable sunsets, and just enough adventure to keep every day exciting without ever feeling overwhelming.

It's calm, but still exciting and just touristy enough for it to be an easy destination to visit without it loosing its charm.

Plan Your Trip to Koh Lanta

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan what to do in Koh Lanta. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

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Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

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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.

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-Ingrid

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