Known for its coral-fringed beaches, mangroves, limestone outcrops and rainforests
Koh Lanta is an island district in Krabi Province on Thailand’s southern Andaman coast. Koh Lanta is known for its coral-fringed beaches, mangroves, limestone outcrops, and rainforests.
Koh Lanta National Park spans several islands, including the southern end of the largest island, Ko Lanta Yai. Koh Lanta Yai is home to semi-nomadic sea people known as the Chao Leh.
The main island is 6 km wide and over 30 km long, located approximately 70 km from Krabi Town. Koh Lanta has nine attractive white sandy beaches and small bays, all with wonderful scenery. Its coastlines have more than 70 small islands with forest, coral reefs, and marine life.
Koh Lanta Beaches and Bays
Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach): Kaw Kwang Beach, Klong Dao Beach, Klong Nin Beach, Secret Beach, Khlong Khong Beach, Hin Ngam Beach, Kantiang Bay Beach, Nui Beach, Klong Jark Beach, Nui Bay, Bamboo Bay, and Relax Beach.
Koh Lanta’s geography is typically mangroves, coral-rimmed beaches, and rugged trees covering the hills.
A paved road runs along the beaches from the island’s northern part almost to the southern tip. The last 8 kilometers leading to the headquarters of Koh Lanta National Park in the south are hilly.
Sunsets at Koh Lanta
Sunsets in Koh Lanta are amazing, the best beaches to enjoy are Klong Nim and Khlong Khong beaches simply for the rocky sunset beach setting and the bohemian-style bars that fringe those beaches.
Krabi province and Koh Lanta have a mix of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims, and even sea gypsies. With such a mix, Krabi province is always celebrating being part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese, or Thai-Islamic tradition.
The Chao-Ley, a sea-gypsy tribe in Koh Lanta, offer a unique lifestyle that remains largely unaffected by the island’s booming tourism. You can find the Chao-Ley close to Koh Lanta Old Town.
King Rama’s mother gave the Chao-Ley sea gypsies surnames because they lacked surnames necessary for registration into Thai society. On Koh Lanta, the surnames were given in three groups.
Chang Nam, Talay Luek, and Phra Mong Git
The government rebuilt homes for the Chao-Ley community after the Tsunami 2004 destroyed theirs, and these homes still stand today.
Koh Lek and Koh Kung are where the Chao Ley communities lived. The images below depict the current state of their village. As you approach Chao-ley village, you’ll notice the cremation area, still in use today, where people have cremated bodies. Monthly families will return to pray for lost loved ones.
Koh Lanta offers a very laid-back feel, perfect for those seeking an authentic Thai-style island, unlike Koh Samui or Phuket, which are much more Westernized.
Relax Beach, Klong Nim Beach, and Khlong Khong Beach have a true hippie feel.
While all the beaches on Koh Lanta Yai are located on the West Coast and offer stunning sunset views, Klong Nim stands out as the superior choice.
How to get to Koh Lanta
Getting to Koh Lanta by Air
The nearest airports are Krabi (KBV), Trang (TST) and Phuket (HKT). Krabi and Trang have direct road and boat connections to Koh Lanta, and are the best options if you’re only visiting Koh Lanta.
Getting to Koh Lanta by Road
Koh Lanta does not have roads connecting it directly to the mainland, but is served by car ferries. Take Rt 4206 off Hwy 4 about 20 km south east of Krabi airport. Drive to the end of the road, where there are car ferries from Baan Hua Hin to Koh Lanta Noi (operating 07:00-22:00). From the pier here, turn right and follow the road to the new bridge between Ko Lanta Noi and Ko Lanta Yai. to be a second car.
Getting To Koh Lanta by Boat
From Ko Lanta to other islands
Private companies on Koh Lanta operate boat services to many destinations. Tickets can be booked in advance online here.
Koh Lanta – Krabi
Koh Lanta – Ko Phi Phi
Koh Lanta – Ko Phi Phi – Krabi
Koh Lanta – Koh Jum – Krabi
Koh Lanta – Trang – Koh Mook
Ferry services run from Krabi and Ao Nang via Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta Yai’s Saladan pier. During high season, there are sometimes direct ferries as well.
