Travelling to Ko Lanta

Beach Life All Day Long

Ko Lanta is an idyllic island with long, wide, and mostly untouched beaches. Klong Dao, a two-kilometer-long beach at the northern end of the island, is spacious, with shallow waters and family-friendly. This is where most of the hotels are located. Just south is the beautiful Long Beach, with light yellow, fine sand. Despite its name, it is slightly shorter than Klong Dao. Further south is Klong Khong Beach, which has a lot of rocks and stones. For fantastic snorkeling waters, take a trip to one of the smaller surrounding islands. At most beaches, you can rent kayaks and diving equipment.

Relaxed, Peaceful and Beautiful

Hotels on Ko Lanta are situated on the largest island, Ko Lanta Yai. Here, you can choose between both upscale and simpler accommodations. Saladan, the northernmost and liveliest village on the island, has three or four streets and is the go-to place for shopping and a wider selection of restaurants.

Explore on Your Own

The island of Ko Lanta Yai is long and narrow, with low, forested hills and beautiful beaches along the west coast. Inside the island, rubber, fruit, and cashew nuts are cultivated. The main road runs along the west coast, getting narrower and rougher the further south you go. As traffic is still a bit less hectic than in other parts of the country, renting a scooter is a great way to explore the island on your own.

Local, Picturesque and Authentic

Most activities on Ko Lanta happen on or near the beaches. You’ll find small local Thai restaurants, a few bars, and other entertainment options. Dining on the stilt houses in Saladan's harbor offers a charming experience. The places are quite simple with short menus, but the food is excellent, and the views of the water and harbor are typically stunning. Seafood is the specialty here. Most shopping on Ko Lanta is found in Saladan, with a selection mainly focused on clothing, various souvenirs, and diving equipment.

HIGHLIGHTS WE LOVE

• Ko Lanta: its calm atmosphere, limited car traffic, and long sandy beaches. It's hard to find a more family-friendly island.

• Snorkeling at Ko Rok Yai.

TRAVEL FACTS

TRANSPORTATION: Affordable options include tuk-tuks and taxis.

Beach: Many long sandy beaches. Significant differences between high and low tide. Underwater currents and waves can occur, particularly during the summer months.