Koh Lanta Island Guide: a paradise island off the beaten track

Koh Lanta Island Guide: a paradise island off the beaten track

Trying to escape touristy hotspots like Phuket and Koh Phi Phi? Looking for pristine beaches without the crowds?

Koh Lanta isn’t on the list of all tourists visiting Thailand and that means that you can still enjoy this remote, exotic island paradise and it can still happen that you are the only one around on a beautiful beach- making it the perfect escape.

It is a paradise for backpackers as well as holiday makers looking for luxurious resorts.

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Getting There

Koh Lanta is a medium-sized island on the eastern side of the Andaman Sea, located approximately 70 km from Krabi and is easy to reach by ferry. To get here from Phuket it will take you 4 hours.

The constructions of a bridge connecting the island to the mainland are almost complete making Koh Lanta even more accessible and easy to reach.

We took the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to get there. The journey was around one hour and cost us 350 Baht.

After arriving at the ferry terminal there are taxis waiting to take you to your accommodation.

Where to stay on Koh Lanta

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Koh Lanta has different kind of accommodation for all budgets. Whether you are looking for a dorm room, a basic bungalow or you want to splurge on a luxury resort you will find it here.

$ Marley Hippie Bar

This place is very laid-back and . At nighttime its bar turns into a popular meeting point for travelers and you can enjoy a drink, good music and the friendly vibe.

$$ Crown Lanta Resort & Spa

Experience the privacy and stunning natural setting in this boutique resort. Relax in the two pools, get pampered in the spa and enjoy a cocktail for sunset in their Reggae Bar. This resort is located along the famous 3km long Klong Dao Beach and gives you the privacy of a paradise but is also not far from the sights and sounds Koh Lanta has to offer.

$$$ Layana Resort & Spa

Layana Resort & Spa is situated on Long Beach, a stretch of 4 km long white sandy beach. This is the place if you want to treat yourself to a very special getaway. Layana Resort& Spa truly is an oasis with two large swimming pools, an award-winning spa, gym, dive base and during your stay you can try the incredible cuisine offered in their restaurant. I would simply come back just to have breakfast there again.

It is definitely worth looking into visiting this resort off season, as you might be able to secure a very good deal.

What to do on Koh Lanta

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Koh Lanta’s main attractions are definitely the still unspoiled nature: misty mountains, lush jungle, long stretches of sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.

  • Be a beach bum all day long

On Koh Lanta I found some of the nicest beaches during my time backpacking through Thailand. They aren’t crowded at all and with a bit of luck you end up being the only person there. My favorite ones where: Long Beach, Kan Tiang Beach, Klong Kong Beach, Klong Dao Beach, Klong Nin Beach.

  • Cruise around with a scooter

Clearly the best way to discover Koh Lanta is by renting a scooter (which will only set you back around 250 Baht for the day) and start cruising around the island. It allows you to stop whenever you see a beautiful spot. I found Koh Lanta very easy to ride a scooter as there isn’t too much traffic, just be careful and always wear a helmet.

  • Visit the historic Lanta Old Town

Traditional wooden stilt houses, little parks, a lighthouse and a long pier form the setting of this 100 year old village. Pictureque& historical, definitely worth a visit!

  • Explore the National Marine Park

Rugged cliffs with a verdant green backdrop, ruins of an old lighthouse & unspoiled beach.

  • Head up to the Viewpoint

  • Head to Bamboo Bay for a relaxed getaway without the crowds

Those who persist, will be rewarded! Peaceful resorts, away from the crowds, close to nature. A recommended getaway.

  • Take a day trip to the nearby islands

Where to eat

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  • Ao Nui Bay Restaurant

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Often you don’t need to visit a fancy and expensive restaurant in order to get the most amazing food. We came across this little restaurant at Ao Nui Bay and enjoyed some delicious curry and papaya salad while sitting on bamboo mats on the beach and along with great food we also got a fabulous view.

  • Diamond Cliff Beach Bar and Restaurant

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This was a great pit stop during our day exploring Koh Lanta on the scooter. Stop here for fruit shakes and if you feel hungry some Thai and Western favorites. The view is beyond words and you can go down some steps from here to reach this beautiful beach and go for a dip in the ocean.

  • Mr.Wee Pizzeria on Long Beach

I have to admit I love eating Thai food and I could eat it all day, every day. But sometimes when you are traveling for weeks or even months you start missing your favorite dishes from home. Here at Mr. Wee Pizzeria on Long Beach you can get authentic, Italian pizza out of a stone oven and of course other dishes like pasta or the usual Thai dishes.

  • Ozone Beach Bar

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There are 2 comments for this article
  1. Erika’s Travels at 9:47 pm

    I really, really wish I’d heard about Koh Lanta before my trip to Thailand last year. I loved Koh Phi Phi/Krabi, but there were just so many tourists. I only heard about Koh Lanta right before leaving the country. Great guide for people who are heading to the island.

    On another note, I saw that you are also a flight attendant blogger. I’m always on the lookout for other flight attendant bloggers and often wonder why there aren’t more of us since we have so many opportunities to see the world at work and for fun.

    Great coming across your blog and connecting.

    Happy travels!

    Erika

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