This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. More information.
Koh Lanta was actually one of the first Thai islands I thought of visiting. I’m French, and there’s a popular TV show (similar to Survivor) called Koh Lanta. So for many French people, it feels almost like a rite of passage to go there. But would the real Koh Lanta live up to my expectations?
Here’s more about our experience, along with some practical tips to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.
Where is Koh Lanta and how to get there?
Koh Lanta is on the Andaman coast in southern Thailand, not far from Krabi and Phuket. Getting there is straightforward, though not as simple as reaching the other famous destination near Krabi, Ao Nang. We rented a car at Krabi Airport, and the drive to Koh Lanta took us about 2 hours, including a short car ferry crossing. You can also reach Koh Lanta by minivan or private transfer from Krabi or Phuket, or take a passenger boat from Krabi town (during peak season only).
Why I think Koh Lanta is worth visiting
1. A laid-back vibe
Unlike Phuket or Phi Phi, Koh Lanta has a calm, relaxed atmosphere. We loved being able to explore at our own pace, stop at quiet cafés, and wander along beaches that were often empty. We also enjoyed empty beaches during our four islands tour.
2. Long, uncrowded beaches
The west coast has some of the longest stretches of sand you will see in Thailand. Long Beach and Klong Dao are the most popular, but even there you won’t feel packed in. Sunsets were magical, and it felt like you always had space to breathe.
3. Easy to explore by car or scooter
The island is big enough to keep you busy for a few days, but small enough that you can drive around without stress. We had our own car, which made things even easier. From the old town to mangroves and down to Mu Ko Lanta National Park, there’s a lot of variety in the landscapes.
4. A base for diving and snorkelling
If you’re into the underwater world, Koh Lanta is a great base. Day trips to Koh Rok and Koh Haa offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in Thailand. I wish I could tell you more about this as it’s one of the reasons we wanted to visit Koh Lanta, but we were recovering from a cold and didn’t get to dive!
We only managed a tour to four islands, including the famous Emerald Cave. While the cave was busy with large groups, it was such a surprising spot that it was still worth the visit – especially since the other islands we stopped at were completely empty!
5. Accommodation for every budget
One thing I liked is how varied the accommodation is. You’ll find simple beachfront bungalows, boutique eco-resorts, family-friendly villas, and even more luxurious retreats. It was easy to find something that suited our style and budget compared to the smaller islands or more popular areas.
If you’re looking for convenience, the northern part of Koh Lanta near Saladan is where most travellers start. Staying around Khlong Dao puts you within easy reach of the pier, shops, and restaurants, with accommodation ranging from budget guesthouses to beachfront resorts.
A little further down, Long Beach stretches for kilometres. It’s beautiful and lively enough without being overwhelming, but because it’s more spread out, getting around is easier if you rent a scooter or rely on tuk-tuks.
Families often choose Klong Nin, about halfway down the island. It has a good mix of places to eat, small shops, and accommodation, all within walking distance, so you don’t always need transport.
For our stay, we picked Kantiang Bay in the south – a quieter part of the island that perfectly suited us. We splurged a bit on a private villa (Villa Siam Lanna) with its own pool, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The area had a laid-back vibe, a few restaurants and bars within easy reach, and the iconic Koh Lanta statue that French travellers will recognise from the TV show.
If you head even further south, the island slows down even more. Beaches become almost empty, and apart from a few secluded resorts like Anda Lanta or LaLaanta Hideaway, there’s very little around. It’s the ideal spot if you want peace and quiet, but you’ll definitely need your own wheels.
Who would enjoy Koh Lanta (and who wouldn’t)?
Koh Lanta is ideal if you:
- Want a relaxed island without too much partying, but you’ll still find lively places with entertainement at night
- Like exploring by scooter or car at your own pace
- Are travelling as a couple or family and prefer a safe, welcoming vibe
- Enjoy nature, diving, or just peaceful days on the beach
If nightlife and beach clubs are your priority, or if you’re a solo traveller looking to meet people, you might prefer Phuket or Ao Nang in the same region.
Have you visited Koh Lanta? Share your experience in the comments below!
Things you should know before visiting
- Getting there takes a bit more effort – it was easy with a rental car or you could take a passenger boat from Krabi, but it’s less straightforward than going to Ao Nang or Phuket.
- Transport is essential – distances are bigger than you might think, so either rent a scooter/car or budget for taxis or tours, depending on where you stay on the island.
- It’s seasonal – the island is best between November and April. In the wet season, seas can be rough and some places shut. We were there the first few days of May, and it was starting to become very quiet.
Planning a trip to Koh Lanta? I’ve also shared how many days you need on Koh Lanta, including 3, 4 or 5-day itineraries to help you plan your stay.
Save this article for later!
Planning a trip to Thailand? Save this article on Pinterest to find it easily later!
