Located in the district of Krabi, Thailand, in the stunningly beautiful Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta is an island that is synonymous with laid-back charm. Not as developed or over-touristed as some of Thailand’s other famous islands, Koh Lanta offers a quiet escape from the crowds and the cares of daily life.
Koh Lanta has something for every kind of traveller. It’s the perfect place for solo wanderers to unwind, for couples to grow closer and for families to create beautiful memories.
Lanta may embody the concept of “slow life” better than any other Thai island. While Koh Lanta’s appeal lies in its relative lack of tourist attractions and spectacle, there is no shortage of things to see and do here.
Ready to find out what to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand? Enjoy our Koh Lanta Island Guide.
Welcome to Koh Lanta, Thailand
Koh Lanta (sometimes spelled Ko Lanta) is actually two islands: Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. Koh Lanta Yai is the main island. At 6 km wide and over 30 km long, it is not the kind of island you can easily walk from end to end!
Its attractions and natural features — stunning beaches, breathtaking jungle and fascinating mangrove forests — are spread out across the island, making it a great place to explore by motorbike.
Koh Lanta is easily accessible from Krabi and Phuket, so it’s a perfect island getaway for visitors to these Southern Thailand hotspots. However, unlike some parts of Krabi and Phuket, much of the island still feels quiet and remote.
Let’s discover Koh Lanta together.
1. Check Out the Beautiful Koh Lanta Beaches
One of the best things to do on Koh Lanta is to simply relax and enjoy its famous beaches. Located on the west side of the island, the beaches all have their own distinct vibe and personality.
You will find both well-serviced touristy areas and rustic, remote getaways. Generally, the beaches in the north have fine golden sand and can be a little more crowded. As you move south, the sand becomes whiter and the beaches less busy.
Here are a few of the best Koh Lanta beaches:
Long Beach
One of the most visited beaches on the island, Long Beach is a 4-km strip of fine golden sand with lots of hotels, restaurants, tours and amenities available. Its convenient location near the main port of Ban Saladan makes it popular with families, and it is great for swimming and sunset photos.
Kantiang Bay (Bamboo Bay)
Another visitor favourite, the beach at Kantiang Bay is close to some of the best hotels on Koh Lanta. Located in the southern part of the island, Kantiang Bay boasts gorgeous white sand and perfect sea views. The relaxed vibe here makes this Koh Lanta beach a traveller favourite.
Bamboo Beach (Had Mai Phai)
For a more private and remote feeling beach, head south to Bamboo Beach. There usually aren’t many tourists here, and there is not much to do but experience nature. It’s ideal for swimming, surfing and snorkelling. Watch out for the curious monkey troupe and keep your belongings secured, though!
Check out our complete Koh Lanta Beach Guide for more recommendations!
2. Walk Around Koh Lanta Old Town
With so many beautiful beaches along Lanta’s west coast, it’s easy to forget that the island has another side. However, it’s a great idea to head over to the east coast to have a stroll through charming and picturesque Old Town Koh Lanta.
A single street winds through the old village, providing a glimpse into the island’s past. Historic teak stilt houses, most between 100 and 200 years old, have been lovingly maintained and restored. The main street features souvenir shops, boutiques and quaint restaurants with sea views.
What to Do in Koh Lanta Old Town
Visitors can walk to the Old Town Pier and Wharf where fishing boats and tour boats return from the sea. The Old Town Pier is a perfect place to take photographs of the seascape with Ko Por and small islands in the distance.
To get to know the culture of the island, visit the Koh Lanta Community Museum. Its displays offer a chance to learn about the local sea gypsies and the history of the island, including the fateful tsunami of December 2004.
No matter where you meander, Lanta Old Town is a quaint place to pass some time on your Koh Lanta holiday. You can combine your Old Town outing with a trip through the Tung Yee Ping Mangroves by booking a van and boat tour that also includes planting sea grass and learning about the local Lanta way of life.
3. Discover Mu Koh Lanta National Park
No visit to Koh Lanta is complete without a visit to Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Situated at the southern tip of Koh Lanta island, this large nature reserve encompasses jungles, hills, beaches and several offshore islands. It is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including birds, monkeys and large monitor lizards.
The park entrance fee is 200 Baht per person for foreign adults, 100 Baht for children aged 3-14. There is an additional parking fee of 20 Baht for scooters, 30 Baht for cars. The park is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is a visitor centre at the car park.
Leam Tanod Nature Trail
One of the park’s standout activities is hiking the Nature Trail. This 1.7 km trail winds through the jungle, beginning with a steep ascent followed by dusty pathways and sections of cement stairs. The trail offers educational boards about the ecosystem. It ends at a viewpoint where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Hin Ngam Beach and the park’s lighthouse.
The trail takes between 40 and 60 minutes to complete. Please wear appropriate walking shoes; visitors have reported that flip-flops are not sufficient for this hike. Be alert for the monkeys as they can be very aggressive. The park staff can provide thin metal poles to keep them at bay.
Mu Koh Lanta National Park Lighthouse
For more great views, head to the Mu Koh Lanta National Park Lighthouse. Admission to the lighthouse is included in the park fees, so there is no additional charge to enjoy this iconic Koh Lanta attraction. From the trail to the lighthouse and the observation deck, you will be treated to amazing views of beaches, cliffs, coastline and the azure sea stretching to the horizon. After you come down, you can even cool off with a swim from the sandy beach below the lighthouse.
4. Motorbike Around the Island
Wherever you stay on Koh Lanta, you may be tempted to relax and not venture too far from your home base throughout your trip. Most visitors to the island simply eat and swim at the resort or hotel where they are staying (or within a short walking distance). To really appreciate the rest of the island, though, the best way to explore is by motorbike.
Compared to the busy roads of Chiang Mai, Bangkok or even Koh Samui, the roads of Koh Lanta provide a much more relaxed riding experience. While no motorbike excursion is ever 100% safe and we recommend taking all necessary precautions (proper license, training, insurance, helmet, footwear and clothing) motorbiking around the island can be one of the most memorable and fun Koh Lanta activities.
The island really opens up as you cruise around checking out new beaches, food stands, viewpoints and attractions as you go. With only one main road and a few other side roads on the island, it’s very easy to navigate. The freedom of zipping through the jungle on your Koh Lanta holiday is exhilarating.
Many hotels or local motorbike rental shops will be happy to provide a scooter for around 200 to 300 baht per day. Taxi and tuk-tuk options on Koh Lanta are relatively limited and can be pricey, so if you plan to see some of the sights on this list, consider renting a motorbike for at least part of your stay.
5. Explore the Tung Yee Peng Mangrove Forest
Take a trip through the beautiful Tung Yee Ping Mangroves for a unique look into the natural wonders of Koh Lanta. In this protected area, it’s possible to see lots of wildlife, including swimming macaque monkeys, many species of birds, colourful crabs and even fish that walk across the mud. Of course, the mangroves are quite impressive with their characteristic root structures stretching down into the salty water.
There are several options for exploring this beautiful coastal forest. From the port at Tung Yee Peng village, you can rent a kayak and explore on your own, go kayaking with a tour group or skip the paddling altogether and zip through the mangroves with a local guide on an unforgettable longtail boat tour.
Kayak rental starts at around 300 baht per day. Kayak tours range from 900 to 1300 baht, depending on the tour company and duration. Or, you can take a quick walk among the mangroves by paying a 4 baht entrance fee at the kayak rental stand, then enjoying the trees from the pontoon platform.
6. Take a Koh Talabeng Sea Kayaking Tour
One of the many popular island tours available from Koh Lanta is a trip to Koh Talabeng. A 40-minute longtail boat trip will take you to Talabeng Island, where two large rock formations welcome you. The water around Koh Talabeng is usually calm, making it a popular Koh Lanta destination for kayaking.
The island features small beaches, shady coves, tranquil canyons and a dramatic sea cave. You can encounter an assortment of shore birds, sea life and curious monkeys.
Kayaking around the island is a unique and amazing experience that is perfect for families and adventurers alike. The quiet mystery of the sea cave at low tide is truly memorable.
There are variations on this half-day or full-day tour. Some tour operators include stops at mangrove forests, Koh Phee (Skull Island) and Koh Oung in addition to Koh Talabeng. Most will offer hotel pickup and provide lunch and water. Just check with your guide and choose the tour that sounds best to you.
7. Trang Islands: Tour 4 Unforgettable Islands Near Koh Lanta
If you are ready for more island-hopping adventures, the Trang Islands Tour is another exciting item to add to your Koh Lanta itinerary. On this full-day tour, a longtail boat or speedboat will take you to Chuek Island, Muk Island, Kradan Island and Ma Island.
Koh Cheuk
The first stop, Koh Cheuk, is a beautiful place to snorkel in the pristine clear water. You will enjoy seeing a rainbow of tropical fishes and soft corals. The island also has a narrow strip of white sand where you can relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
Koh Mook
The next stop is at Koh Mook (Ko Muk) to explore Morakot Cave, which has been dubbed the Emerald Cave in honour of the stunning hue of the water. Here, you can swim through a dark cave tunnel into a sunny open area edged with cliffs and lush foliage — a secret paradise!
Koh Kradan
The third stop is at Koh Kradan, a magical island with clean white sand and perfect turquoise waters. You will love relaxing on the beach and capturing amazing photos here.
Koh Ma
Last is a stop at Koh Ma, a horse-shaped rocky island. The water around the island is ideal for snorkelling, and you can see a dazzling array of colourful sea life here before returning to your hotel.
Tours of the Trang Islands usually go from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t forget to bring sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, beach towel, sandals, camera and (of course) a swimsuit.
8. Relax and Get a Massage
Looking for the perfect way to set your internal clock to island time? A massage is a great way to slow down and relax. With a selection of world-class spas, wellness programs and massage therapists at your doorstep, you are in good hands here!
You can choose the Koh Lanta massage experience that best suits you, whether it’s a traditional Thai massage with a compress of healing aromatic herbs, a reviving foot massage, a head neck and shoulder massage, an essential oil massage or a refreshing body scrub.
Remember, there’s no rule against getting a massage every day of your holiday! Why not try a few different options on your quest to find the best massage on Koh Lanta? You only live once!
9. Visit Lanta Animal Welfare
Looking for educational and fun Koh Lanta activities? Families and animal lovers should not miss Lanta Animal Welfare during their visit.
Established in 2005, the non-profit organization plays a crucial role in caring for animals in need of help. The sanctuary staff feed, provide veterinary and emotional care for, rehabilitate and rehome (when possible) rescued island dogs and cats that have been abandoned, mistreated or lost.
Since they opened their doors, the charity organization has sterilized and treated over 15,000 animals and helped many find forever homes. A tour of Lanta Animal Welfare allows visitors to learn about animal care and rehabilitation, and the entry fee supports the important work they do.
After the tour, don’t forget to have a snack at the on-site vegan cafe!
One-hour guided tours are available Sunday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is 250 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Lanta Animal Welfare is conveniently located inland from the Long Beach area. Check out their website for more information. If you are wondering what to do in Koh Lanta when it rains, Lanta Animal Welfare is a great option.
10. Enjoy the Slow Life: Dining, Drinking & Nightlife
Finally, we probably don’t have to tell you that some of the best Koh Lanta activities just involve taking it slow, enjoying the tranquil island vibes and being open to whatever happens.
A favourite pastime on Koh Lanta is simply eating your way across the island! From beachside palapa huts to posh resort restaurants and everything in between, there is so much delicious food here that dining is a highlight for many travellers.
Enjoy your favourite comfort foods or live boldly and try authentic southern Thai dishes you’ve never experienced before. Stay tuned to our blog for our Koh Lanta restaurant recommendations.
In the nightlife department, Koh Lanta is a little quieter than some Thai island destinations. The list of things to do in Koh Lanta at night is short, but there are a few bars with entertainment scattered around the island, and even a few weekly late-night dance parties. Most visitors prefer to go with the flow and appreciate the simple pleasures of island life.
Speaking of which, if you hang around Klong Khong Beach or Klong Dao Beach after sunset, you can take in a dramatic fire show. They are free to attend. Just bring mosquito spray!
Finally, while you are on the island, you won’t want to miss a single Koh Lanta sunset. The beaches provide many lovely places to relax with tasty food and a cold drink while mother nature puts the perfect finishing touch on another unforgettable island day.
See You on Koh Lanta!
Whatever activities you choose from our guide to the top things to do in Koh Lanta, we hope your trip to this magical Thai island is a memorable one. For a luxurious boutique resort experience with breathtaking views of Kantang Bay, stay with us at Vacation Village Phra Nang Lanta!