Things to Do in Koh Lanta, Thailand – A Complete Guide

Flo MBT
Apr 30
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

This ultimate guide to Koh Lanta covers everything you need to know—from how to get there and where to stay, to the best things to do on the island, plus insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Best Ways to Reach Koh Lanta
How to Get Around Koh Lanta
How Long to Spend in Koh Lanta
Things to Do in Koh Lanta
Where to Eat in Koh Lanta

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Best Ways to Reach Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is actually one of the easiest islands to reach.

🚢 From The Mainland:

You can reach Koh Lanta from Krabi via minivan and ferry combos that are easy to book online via 12go.asia or at any local travel agency. It’s the most common and convenient route, especially if you’re coming from Krabi Airport.

🚢 From Other Thai Islands:

Direct ferries connect Koh Lanta to many other islands such as Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Phuket.

Booking Tips:

For ferries between islands (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, etc.), we book on 12go.asia or directly on the island minimum a day before departure.
Pro tip: Compare ferry companies both locally and online at 12go.asia.

How to Get Around Koh Lanta

The best way to explore Koh Lanta is by scooter! We visited in March, and with minimal traffic on the roads, it was a relaxed and enjoyable ride—even for beginners. To give you an idea of distance, doing a full loop around the island without any stops takes roughly 2 hours.

How Long to Spend in Koh Lanta

It really depends on what you're looking for! You can easily spend 2 to 3 full days exploring Koh Lanta.

Things to Do in Koh Lanta

#1 Wander Around the Different Beaches

Koh Lanta is home to some of Thailand’s most peaceful and scenic beaches, each with its own vibe and charm:

Klong Dao Beach – Wide, calm, and perfect for families or those who love long sunset walks. It’s close to Saladan (the main town), with lots of restaurants and relaxed resorts.
Long Beach (Phra Ae) – Great for swimming, catching golden hour, or enjoying a beachfront cocktail. A mix of backpacker-friendly spots and boutique stays.
Kantiang Bay – A quieter, more secluded beach in the south with a stunning backdrop of green hills. Great for couples or a peaceful day in the sun.
Bamboo Bay & Nui Bay – Hidden gems! Less developed, raw, and surrounded by nature. The kind of beaches where you might just have the whole place to yourself.

#2 Rent a Scooter and Explore the Island

Cruise from beach to beach, explore the jungle-covered hills, or just enjoy the freedom of riding with the sea breeze on your face.

#3 Explore Lanta Old Town

Step back in time in Lanta Old Town, a small village on the east coast with colorful wooden houses on stilts, cute cafés, and local shops. It’s a slower pace, with stunning sea views and a glimpse into traditional life on the island.

Koh Lanta Old Town & Pinto Restaurant

#4 Take a 4 Islands Boat Tour

One of the most popular day trips from Koh Lanta, the 4 Islands Tour is a must-do for adventure and nature lovers. The tour typically includes stops for snorkeling, exploring limestone caves, and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

The highlight? Swimming through the pitch-black Emerald Cave on Koh Mook, which leads to a hidden beach lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs—a truly magical experience.

Most tours also take you to Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan, where you’ll find white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and perfect spots to relax or snorkel straight from the shore.

Emerald Cave & Koh Kradan

#5 Hike in Mu Ko Lanta National Park

At the southern tip of the island, this national park offers a short but scenic hike, a lighthouse with panoramic views, and quiet beaches where you might see monkeys playing in the trees. Bring water and good shoes—it gets hot fast!

Pro tip: We decided to start the nature trail from the far end of the beach, rather than the official starting point at the car park, since a large group was beginning their hike from there.

Turns out, that was a great decision. Starting from the beach made the trail much more enjoyable and a bit easier to ease into. The first section of the trail from the car park is quite steep and slippery, so finishing with that part instead of starting with it made the overall hike much more manageable.