Koh Lanta Travel Guide

Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta is a serene gem in southern Thailand that offers a quieter alternative to the bustling resorts of Phuket. The island comprises two main islands, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta No, with most of the tourism concentrated on Koh Lanta Yai, which is often simply referred to as Koh Lanta.

The atmosphere here is laid-back and will appeal to travellers seeking an idyllic beach holiday without noisy crowds or all-night parties. It's a favourite with older visitors who prefer the comfort of quiet resorts and rustic bungalows that stretch along the island's pristine shores.

Beaches are Koh Lanta's main attractions, and visitors can spend their days lounging on the soft sands of Klong Dao, Kor Kwang, or the picture-perfect Kantiang Bay, where the waters are calm and clear. To get a taste of the island's rich culture, travellers should head to Lanta Old Town, a charming historic settlement where wooden shophouses line the streets, or visit the Sea Gypsy Village for a glimpse into the traditional way of life.

Diving enthusiasts won't want to miss Koh Lanta's underwater offerings, which are some of the best in Thailand. Spots such as Koh Haa and Hin Muang are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, making them top choices for divers of all levels. For the adventurous, there are the Khao Mai Kaew Caves, which can be explored on foot or even by elephant-back for a truly unique experience.

Shopping

Koh Lanta is not as popular with shoppers as perhaps Bangkok or Phuket, but all the essentials travellers need and more are available on the island. The most popular shopping spot on the island is the night market near Saladan pier. This market sports everything from locally made clothes to delicious treats out of a hot wok. Many cafes and small shops cater for quick purchases and street vendors are popular around the pier for curios and trinkets. Travellers will also find the odd bargain on locally produced goods.

Restaurants

A fairly large island compared to many of the southern Thai outcrops, Koh Lanta has a good variety when it comes to restaurants. From the luxurious eateries in the top resorts, to the lonely street vendor operating from their mobile cart, the food around Koh Lanta is delicious no matter the location or facility. It seems that everyone is a chef on Koh Lanta, as around every corner one finds a sizzling wok cooking beautifully fresh ingredients or blending together some of the islands freshly picked mangoes, bananas and coconuts for a brilliantly refreshing smoothie on those scorching tropical days. But Koh Lanta isn't all about the street food, although it's almost always surprisingly good and remarkably cheap. The island also offers some very fine eateries that serve up both wonderful local and international cuisine. And the best thing about a good restaurant on Koh Lanta is that the view is more often than not a breathtaking vista of the bright blue Andaman Sea.

Nightlife

As one of Thailand's more 'family friendly' islands, Koh Lanta isn't known for its all night parties, such as visitors might find on its near neighbour, Koh Phi Phi. However, this doesn't mean that Koh Lanta doesn't have any nightlife to speak of, as many of the beaches, including Phrae Ae (Long Beach) and Klong Dao, are lined with seaside bars that serve as perfect spots for a sundowner to watch the magnificent Koh Lanta sunsets, and often begin to come to life after dark. If visitors are looking for more of a club scene, Saladan Pier would be a good bet, as would various places along the northwest coast of Koh Lanta.

Holiday activities

Koh Lanta is a great island for a fun, activity-filled holiday, as there's something for everyone. With many beautiful beaches scattered around the island, from the popular Phrae Ae (Long Beach) and Klong Dao to the more hidden and secluded Klong Nin and Kantiang Bay, visitors can soak up some sun in an environment that suits them. The best ways to get to these beaches would probably be by scooter, and what better place to start a riding career than Koh Lanta? The roads on Lanta are far less busy than many surrounding islands and the mainland, meaning it's the perfect place to learn to ride a scooter to explore the cliffs and beaches around the miles of coast. Day trips are also popular from Koh Lanta to popular diving and scuba spots, including Koh Haa and Hin Muang, which are rated as some of the best diving locations in Thailand. Other popular activities include yoga on the beach, cooking lessons from some fantastic teachers, and a visit to the wonderful Koh Lanta Animal Welfare, a non-profit organisation that protects the island's animals and allows visitors to take dogs for walks along the beach.

Any negatives?

Although the roads are negotiable, the many potholes and dirt patches can be dangerous when exploring the island by scooter.