By Kylian Dev
Mu Ko Lanta National Park & its lighthouse
The wild southern cape, with a deserted beach and coastal jungle trails.
Destination guide · Andaman Sea
Koh Lanta: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget
A large, unspoilt island with no high-rises or aggressive mass tourism. Loved by families and independent travellers, its quiet roads are best explored by scooter, at the pace of the tides.
- Best: November to April
- €30 - 55 / day
In short
Koh Lanta (Andaman Sea) — Easy living, wild beaches and golden sunsets. Best time to go: November to April; average temperatures 29°C. Budget: about €30 - 55 / day. Weather: 29°C • Blazing sunsets every evening
RegionAndaman Sea
TypeIsland
Best seasonNovember to April
Avg. temperature29°C
Budget / day€30 - 55 / day
Thai nameเกาะลันตา
Must-sees
Top 10 things to do in Koh Lanta
Easy living, wild beaches and golden sunsets
Lanta Old Town
A traditional village of stilt houses and peaceful seafood restaurants.
Koh Rok & Koh Haa excursion
Two uninhabited islets with some of the best-preserved coral reefs in Southeast Asia.
More things to do in Koh Lanta
- 4
Snorkelling at Koh Rok
Sea & islandsFull dayThe two islands of Koh Rok, 1 hour south by speedboat, have some of the clearest water in the Andaman Sea. Open in the dry season.
- 5
Kantiang Bay
BeachHalf a day or moreOne of the most beautiful bays in the south of the island, surrounded by jungle, with a relaxed village.
- 6
Khlong Chak waterfall
Nature2 to 3 hA 45-minute walk through the forest to a small waterfall, most impressive in the rainy season.
- 7
Tham Mai Kaew caves
Nature2 to 3 hA family-run cave system in the centre of the island, visited with a guide and a headlamp. Some parts involve climbing ladders.
- 8
The Emerald Cave from Koh Lanta
Sea & islandsFull dayA boat trip to the Trang islands, swimming through a dark tunnel to a hidden beach inside the Emerald Cave.
- 9
Sunset at Klong Nin or Long Beach
Beach2 to 3 hThe west coast faces the sunset. Beach bars with cushions on the sand make it a good ritual.
- 10
Lanta Animal Welfare
CultureAbout 1 hA shelter caring for the island's cats and dogs, open to visitors. A good cause, and a way to meet the local community.
Great forBeaches & RelaxingYoga & WellnessDiving & Reefs
Weather
When to go to Koh Lanta?
29°C • Blazing sunsets every evening. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayRain / monsoon
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Koh Lanta: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €30 - 55 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Mid-range
30–55 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~17 €
Food
~11 €
Activities
~9 €
Local transport
~6 €
Transport
How to get to Koh Lanta
Transport tip
Minibus with a short car-ferry crossing from Krabi, or a direct speedboat from Koh Phi Phi.
From Bangkok → Koh Lanta
Long haul: a domestic flight or night bus/train is usually easier
Flight
~697 km
Nearest destinations
Koh Lanta → Koh Phi Phi
Boat
30–45 min
Koh Lanta → Trang Islands
Boat
1h–1h30
Koh Lanta → Krabi & Railay
Road
~46 km · ~1 h by road
Where is Koh Lanta?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Koh Lanta
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Klong Dao
Long, shallow beach in the north, ideal for families.
Long Beach (Phra Ae)
The liveliest beach, with bars and restaurants.
Kantiang Bay
Wilder bay in the south, very peaceful.
Lanta Old Town
Stilt village on the east coast, authentic charm.
See hotels in Koh LantaPartner
Full guide: where to stay in Koh LantaFood
What to eat in Koh Lanta
Authentic Massaman curry with melt-in-the-mouth beef
Authentic Massaman curry with melt-in-the-mouth beef
Fresh grilled squid with garlic and coriander
Thai roti with sweetened condensed milk
Can’t decide?
Koh Lanta or…? Compare
Budget, weather, vibe and activities side by side.
Excursions & activities
Tours and excursions in Koh Lanta
Island-hopping, snorkelling, kayaking, national parks: hand-picked, top-rated excursions with live prices and availability.
Combine with
Similar destinations
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Koh Lanta
What are the best things to do in Koh Lanta?
The must-sees are Mu Ko Lanta National Park & its lighthouse, Lanta Old Town, Koh Rok & Koh Haa excursion. Also worth your time: Snorkelling at Koh Rok, Kantiang Bay, Khlong Chak waterfall, Tham Mai Kaew caves.
How many days should I spend in Koh Lanta?
Allow at least 2 to 3 days to see the highlights of Koh Lanta, more if you combine it with nearby destinations.
Build an itinerary with Koh LantaWhat is the best time to visit Koh Lanta?
The best season is November to April. 29°C • Blazing sunsets every evening. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Koh Lanta?
Plan on roughly €30 - 55 / day per person (Mid-range), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for Koh LantaHow do I get to Koh Lanta?
Minibus with a short car-ferry crossing from Krabi, or a direct speedboat from Koh Phi Phi. From Bangkok, Koh Lanta is about 697 km away as the crow flies.
Krabi to Koh LantaWhich area should I stay in, in Koh Lanta?
The most popular areas are Klong Dao, Long Beach (Phra Ae), Kantiang Bay, Lanta Old Town. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in Koh LantaPlan your trip