Exploring the enchanting Koh Lanta the Island which offers vibrant beach bars, picturesque bays, bohemian-style villages, spectacular sunsets, and amazing beaches.
This blog is a comprehensive guide on what to do, and see at Koh Lanta with recommended accommodations to choose from on different beaches and areas of Koh Lanta. Food in Thailand is a very important part of Thailand travel therefore food recommendations that are special to Lanta are listed.
Koh Lanta is a charming Island that still offers that Thai Way that so many have come in search of this way of life. Most return time and time again then some never leave. That feeling of freedom, being lost in the moment and free of hassle and struggle just Sabai Sabai.
Bamboo bungalows on the beach, hammocks, and dusty roads always lead to a super cool bohemian beach bar. Regular Reggae Live bands play into the night, at wooden beach bars as the sunsets.
Koh Lanta is worthy of the travelers’ presence before it loses its Thai Way like its surrounding Southern Thailand tourist destinations – Koh Samui, Phuket, Khao Lak, and Krabi. Getting a sense of the Sabai Sabia or Mai Pen Rai before the Thai Way is a distant memory the Tropical Thai Island enchantment is lost.
The Best Time To Travel to Koh Lanta Krabi
The best time to travel to Koh Lanta is from November which is the end of the rainey season and until April. April starts the rainey season and although its isnt raining every day, the sea changes and further on into the months, the rainfall is heavier and lasting longer during the day.
An Introduction to Koh Lanta Beach bars
On almost every beach a super cool beach bar can be found, however on Klong Nim and Khlong Khong Beach this is where an array of super cool bars can be found. One after the other they are aligned with vibrance, deck chairs, or bean bag-style seating.
The coolest beach bar in Koh Lanta Freedom Bar- Seeking a chilled-out vibe funky bar then Freedom Bar is the one to be. The restaurant joining is part of the same business and the food here is delicious.
Catch the sunset here also, chill on Khong Khlong beach on a deck chair watching the sunset, or listen to weekly live music.
Late afternoon, visitors make their way to the beach, to grab the perfect seating location on the beach for sunset. The locals can be seen with their children playing in the sea as the heat of the day slowly disappears.
How to Find It – Freedom Bar
Free Soul Beach Bar – Kho Kwang Koh Lanta – A fabulous little bar, opposite Kho Kwang Beach. Super funky vibe, a photoograhers paradise. It has a large beer garden also for those preferring not to sit under the wooden bar canopy.
How To Find It – Free Soul bar
Shanti Shant Beach Bar – Khlong Toab beach . A peaceful afternoon retreat which makes you drift away into a moment of tranqulity.
How To Find It – Shanti Beach House
Irie Lanta – Live Music bar – Boutique shop and Silver Jewelry – This isnt beach side but it has great live bands playing. Join its Facebook page to follow the Live Music DATES.
How To Find It – iRie Restaurant. Bar. Boutique.
Where Else Garden bar and restaurant – The coolest of the cool bars on Koh Lanta. This is a sheer masterpiece and a photographers haven. You almost get lost inside, as your striol around glancing at the ceilings, the art, the awesome designs and woodwork which is transformed into walls.
Koh Lantas Hidden Gem is a must visit! How To Find It – Where Else Garden
Coffee Shops
Coffee shops are abound\dant but the fabulous Coffee shops are located in Khlong Nim and Phra Ae, we found this one below at Phra Ae beach. We came across this fabulous coffee shop Arthaya Coffee Shop also comes under Arthaya Villas. The coffee was a smooth blend and poured to perfection. The Banana Heart cake was super moist, the perfect breakfast snack. The grounds and internally is a warm cozy place with super friendly owners. A must visit!
How to find it – Arthaya Coffee Cafe
The Beach bar vibe along Khlong Khong Beach and Khlong Nim are the perfect destinations to end every day on Koh Lanta which a stunning sunset.
Experiencing the Magical Sunsets of Koh Lanta
Sunsets on Koh Lanta are amazing, but each beach offers a different setting. Klhong Khong and Phra Ae are my favourite sunset beaches. The sunsets over the rocks which enhances the sea rippling over and inbetween the rocks.
Koh Lantas Bohemian Style Villages
Driving around Koh Lanta you will come across small villages, bohemian style with boutique shops, cool cafes and wooden beach bars. Khlong Nin and Khlong Nim are worthy of exploring and enjoying a vegetarian dish or smoothie drink.
Koh Lanta has its very own unique taxis which are basically motorbikes with side cars, different to those in Krabi – See below the prices vary from 50 THB to 100 THB. Hiring a scooter in Koh Lanta is a good way to get around, and safer to drive than others Thai Islands. The driving is at a slower pace and not so erratic.
Discovering the Best Hotels in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta’s accommodation varies from Hostels, Low budget and mid range budget accommodation. Its not a 5* Resort Island unlike Phuket and Koh Samui and this is frankly the charm of the Island. Below are hotel/resort recommendations all within a mid range budget which are couples and family friendly accommodations. Below are our recommendations, click the links which takes you directly to Booking.com .
Lanta Pearl Beach Resort Long Beach – This accommodation at first glance didnt appeal to me, until I entered its grounds and instantly felt a warm friendly feeling. It was filled with jovial laughter, children running around with happy smiles and families enjoying their holiday sat around the pool area. The perfect family resort.
Long Beach Chalet Beach resort Koh Lanta – Fantastic beach location offering beach sports and activities. The grounds are a combination of grass areas blending into sandy areas. The accommodation and out buildings are of a cool design.
The Mellow Mango Resort, Khlong Khong Beach Koh Lanta – A beautiful done small resort just 5 minutes from the beach. The rooms are the older Thai style bungalows but well maintained and re modernised.
Nautilus Resort, Right On The Beach – Phra Ae Beach.
Lanta Casa Blanca – Beach Resort – Phra Ae Beach. A beautiful beach location, with a super relaxing vibe. The grounds flow niely with rustic greenery dotted around the grounds. The swimming pool has a great view of the beach and the in pool loungers are fabulous for those hot days.
Lanta Miami Resort – Koh Lanta – Klong Nin Beach. I have a soft spot for this resort, such a warm friendly vibe going on. The bar and restaurant areas have beautiful greenery and trees covering the areas making it a super coll place to relax out of the hot sun. The pool area is a great size for a small resort. Its located in Klong Nin a super cool little village with little boutique shops and bars dotted around.
Lanta Lazy Days Bungalows – Phra Ae beach – Koh Lanta
Thai Speciality dishes in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is home of muslim communities which offer the best Massaman Curries I have tasted around Southern Thailand, Beef massan is very popular on Koh Lanta and very rare to find outside of prodeimently muslim communities. Beef Soup is another favourite, the beef is boiled in herbs for hours, and has the, most amazing flavour, before leaving Koh Lanta this is a must eat for us. Khao Mok Gai is yellow muslim style rice, tops with fried onions and you eat it with either boiled chicken or fried chicken. This you can find in most area of Thailand, around muslim communities but on Koh Lanta this restaurant below serves the most delicious. Below are restaurants that we recommend for each dish…
Yawee Restaurant – Massaman Curry with crispy chicken
You find it here: Yawee Restaurant
Klong Khong Restaurant – Spicy Mango seafood salad
You find it here: Klong Khong Restaurant
Pinto Restaurant Lanta Old Town – Seafood
You find it here – Pinto Restaurant
Muslim Restaurant – Beef soup, and Khao Mok Gai
You find it here – Ooan noodle shop
Thai Cooking Class
Whilst we are recommending Thai food in Koh Lanta why not join a cooking class and try to make your own Massaman and Mango Salad.
Book directly here: Lanta Thai Cookery School
Exploring Koh Lantas surrounding Islands on day tours
Koh Rok Koh Haa Snorkeling Speedboat Tour – Beautiful Tropical Islands offering a fantastic snorkeling experience with an abundance of Marine Life.
Book directly here: Tin Adventure Sea Tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa from Koh Lanta
Koh Mook, Koh Cheul, Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai and Koh Mah – I cant rate this tour highly enough. The Emerlad cave around Koh Mook is simply awesome magical experience. The snorkeling around Koh Kradan is excellent and the colour of the sea makes for stunning holiday photographs.
Book directly here: Tin Adventure Sea Tour to 4 Islands & Emerald Cave from Koh Lanta
Exploring Koh Lanta Old Town with a Guide. Koh Lanta Old Town must be added to your bucket list of places to visit in Koh Lanta. Its charming old houses, boutique shops and cafes. Seafood restaurant with amazing settings and the famous Lanta Old Town Taxis…
Book directly here: Lanta Old Town and Mangrove Forest Sightseeing Tour
Childrens Actvities
Childrens Corner – Chomview Waterpark Koh Lanta – Not by any means a western style waterpark but still a lovely spot for the children to enjoy and mum and dad relax. The entry fee all day is from 150 THB to 200 THB depending on the childs height.
You find it here – Chomview Waterpark
Learn Muay Thai like the locals in Koh Lanta
Lanta Muay Thai Academy – Muay Thai Camp and Training
You find it here – Lanta Muay Thai Academy
Getting To Koh Lanta From Krabi, Phuket and Bangkok
Flights are from Don Mueang International Airport Bangkok (DMK) to Krabi International Airport (KBV) with the following airlines:
- Air Asia: https://www.airasia.com/th/th
- Nok Air: https://www.nokair.com/
From Krabi (Ao Nang) to Koh Lanta by Ferry: Ao Nang to Koh Lanta by Ao Nang Princess Ferry
By Private Transfer: Krabi airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer
From Phuket to Koh Lanta by ferry: Phuket to Koh Lanta by Ao Nang Princess Ferry via Ao Nang
By Private Transfer: Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer
From Phi Phi to Koh Lanta by ferry: Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta by Ferry
From Railay Beach to Koh Lanta by ferry: Railay Beach to Koh Lanta by Ao Nang Princess Ferry
For more information about Koh Lanta please follow our page Koh Lanta (Krabi Province, Thailand). For first timers to Thailand please find here my Thailand Travel Tips by Samui Explorer.
