I didn’t really know what to expect from Koh Lanta apart from the fact it was a popular Thai island. I also knew that it’s a popular destination for digital nomads in Thailand.
Some of my friends were trying to convince me to check it out – so I let them convince me – after all, I can be a good friend once in a while, ha!
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Koh Lanta is the perfect reflection of the typical island vibes.
Don’t stop there though – rent a scooter- drive around. It’s a pretty small island so its easy to drive around. You might discover empty beaches, fun cafés with a view but more importantly, you’re going to soak in those great tropical vibes.
If you’re a driving maniac like me, you should know that I managed to drive across the island in less than 24h. I was surprised to see how small Koh Lanta was, ha!
Let’s dive in the real fun – what are the nicest things to do in Koh Lanta?
What to Do in Koh Lanta
Beaches… everywhere!
Even though some of the beaches are listed directly on Google maps, some others are worth checking out too. I went to so many beaches that I can’t recall which was which (sorry, not sorry).
That being said, if you’re renting a scooter you should definitely drive across the west coast and stop on the way!
I’ve seen the beaches at different times of the day which means the tides were low and high. Personally, I prefer driving in the morning so I don’t suffocate outside, but you can pick whatever makes you happy, eh!
The famous beaches in Koh Lanta are:
- Klong Khong
- Phra Ae
- Long Beach
- Bamboo Beach
And for your pretty eyes.
Organize a Day Trip from Koh Lanta
Apart from the beach bumming sessions, there are a few other things you can do in Koh Lanta.
It’s also a great spot to do day trips such as diving, snorkeling or island hopping.
My friends and I hired a charter boat so we can go on a snorkeling trip and visit Morakot Cave. Imagine jumping out the boat and swim across a cave in total darkness to reach a secret jungle spot.
It was pretty epic and lucky enough, it wasn’t that busy when we went. We spent the whole day on a boat, admiring the blues and swimming with the fish.
You can organize such a trip yourself, at your hostel or via GetYourGuide.
We organized it ourselves so we can pick our own spots and enjoy ourselves on our own. We were 6 people so we paid about TBH 860 each, which was absolutely worth it.
Driving around Koh Lanta
As I mentioned before, I’m a scooter maniac and I love exploring a place by scooter.
In less than 24 hours, I managed to see the whole island and then, later on, I also went to explore the North part of Koh Lanta, which is also pretty by the way.
It was a great occasion to smile at the locals and enjoy the friendly vibes far from the crowds.
Khlong Chak Waterfall, Koh Lanta
There’s one waterfall in Koh Lanta.
Although, my friends who have been living there for a while told me it’s much better during the rainy season as there’s almost no water during the dry season.
It can be a great idea if you’re running out of ideas on what to do while in Koh Lanta.
Mu Koh Lanta National Park, Koh Lanta
Another cool option to consider while in Koh Lanta would be to visit the National Park. Imagine monkeys on the beach and great views.
There’s a hike you can do also while you’re there that will bring you to a beautiful viewpoint. In the end, I didn’t have enough time to go myself, but it seems like people enjoy it but don’t mind missing it out either.
Chill Parties Every Day
I really enjoyed the party scene in Koh Lanta since it felt pretty chill and not overwhelming.
As I’m not getting any younger, I do struggle with big crowds nowadays when I try going out and the atmosphere in Koh Lanta was on point for me! From reggae bars to paint party, there’s something for everyone.
Here are a few options for happy hours, sunset drinks, games or chill parties:
- Pangea Bar
- Mushroom Bar
- Irye Bar
- Joker Bar
- Freedom Bar
- Cannabis Bar
- Funky Monkey
FAQ about Koh Lanta
Is Koh Lanta expensive?
Overall, the Thai islands are always a bit more expensive than the mainland.
In comparison to other Thai islands, Koh Lanta was a bit cheaper. You can find decent hostels at good prices, decent Thai dishes or expensive western meals.
Of course, it depends on your priorities. To give you an idea, you can rent a scooter for TBH 150-200 per day.
You can eat a Thai dish for about TBH 60 and get a bed in a dorm for about TBH 250 per night.
Traveling to Koh Lanta in off season is a great idea if you want to save money. For example, from April to November, prices are usually lower. You could rent a modern serviced apartment in Koh Lanta at a cheaper rate.
Does Koh Lanta have an airport?
Koh Lanta doesn’t have an airport. The closest one would be Krabi airport.
How to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi?
You can read information on how to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi here. You basically have two options – by boat or by van.
Is Koh Lanta safe?
I felt pretty safe in Koh Lanta. In fact, Thailand feels safer than Bali on many different angles, which feels weird to me! I didn’t have to take any extra precautions while I was in Koh Lanta.
Are you planning your backpacking trip to Koh Lanta?
Here are a few recommendations on where to stay in Koh Lanta:
Hostels: Blanco Hostel / Hub of Joys / Sweet Life Community Guesthouse
Mid-range: Cozy Guesthouse / The Valley / Baan Nok Resort
Luxury: Layana Resort & Spa / Pimalai Resort & Spa / Arthaya Villas
