Ferries to Koh Lanta

Almost all visitors to Koh Lanta arrive by ferry, either on the car ferry or a passenger ferry from a variety of destinations.
During high season (Oct - May) passenger ferries run every day between Koh Lanta and Krabi, Ao Nang, Railey, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, Koh Ngai and Koh Lipe.

Saladan town

Saladan is the main port and town on Koh Lanta. Chosen for its sheltered position, between Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai, many boats use its facilities. Here you will find the ferries, many diveshops, waterfront seafood restaurants and a wide selection of shops.

Klong Dao Beach

Klong Dao is the first beach most people visiting Koh Lanta by road will see. Close to all amenities in Saladan this 3km beach is popular with families as the water is shallow and clear, making it extremely safe to swim and paddle. There is a huge variety of entertainment facilities in this area.
Klong Dao has a wide selection of budget to high end accommodation.

Long Beach

Just south of Klong Dao and equally as popular is the stunning long beach. An impressive 4km long, Long Beach is so beautiful it will take your breath away. Long beach has a steeper incline to sea, getting deeper far more quickly than Klong Dao. At both ends of the beach, around the rocks, you can find reasonable snorkelling, although no way near as impressive as the many dive and snorkel sites nearby. The resorts and facilities are more spread out here but offer good accommodation and plenty of bars and restaurants.

Klong Khong Beach

Klong Khong has a good selection of different resorts famous for their picturesque sunsets and laid back local attitude. At low tide the beach becomes a little rocky, but offers some good snorkelling. As a result the room prices are generally a little cheaper than equivalents on the northern beaches and many resorts are small and family owned.

Klong Nin Beach

With a similar atmosphere to Klong Khong, this 2km beach boasts golden sand with emerald green waters. The waves here are good for body boarding, especially during the low season (June – October). Walk into the sea and look back to admire the tropical rain forest covering the green mountains. The best thing to do on this beach is simply lay down and relax, either on the beach or in one of the many beach bars and restaurants.
Resorts offering bungalows are scattered up and down the beach, ranging from simple, inexpensive family accommodation to more upscale pool and spa resorts.

Koh Lanta Old Town

Located on the Koh Lanta’s east coast, Old Town is the traditional Thai centre of Koh Lanta. The islands only hospital is situated here, as well as the main police station. Several restaurants, bars and shops here cater for tourists although follow the Thai’s for really authentic tastes.
For traditional Thai holidays and celebrations, Old Town is the place to go.

Chao Lay (Sea gypsy) village

Many of the oldest inhabitants are the “Chao Lay” or sea gypsies, who inhabit a small settlement just south of Saladan and Sang Gau village in the South Eastern tip of Lanta.
The sea gypsies have their own language although most speak Thai as well. Although many Chao Lay now work as captains on various boats, the sea gypsy village shows a very traditional lifestyle. Catching the daily food, living on the waterfront, there is a lot of culture to be found here.

Koh Lanta National Marine park

Around 150 sq km of tropical evergreen forest, coastal grasslands, unspoilt islands and vibrant coral reefs make up the Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Home to a wide variety of animals, birds and fish, Koh Lanta and its surrounding islands are worth visiting for any nature lovers. Here you are almost guaranteed to see the wild monkeys, which run around freely with little concern for humans. There is a lighthouse on the cape with an amazing view.

Thai markets

Saturday >> Klong Nin >> 7am - 3pm
Sunday >> Saladan >> 7am - 2pm
Monday >> Old Town >> 5am - 10am (Get there early!)
The markets are a great experience and you can always find some amazing bargains. Meat, veg, fruits, barbequed food, clothes, housewares....the list goes on!

Scuba diving and snorkelling

The waters surrounding Koh Lanta are clear and blue, filled with a wide array of coral reefs and tropical reef fish. Many dive schools offer courses and day trips to Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Koh Bida, Koh Phi Phi, the King Cruiser and Shark point.
If diving isn't for you then snorkelling trips to Koh Rok, Koh Mook's emerald cave or the shallower dive sites can be a stunning day out.

Caves

Running deep into the mountains are several impressive cave systems. The Khao Mai Kaew caves form a labyrinth of tunnels, which your local guide will navigate you through. Wearing a head torch you can find many different species, including hundreds of bats just before you emerge to daylight.

Elephant trekking

Elephant trekking can be found at a few locations on Koh Lanta, where you can sit back and enjoy the slow pace through the jungle. A wonderful experience into the natural world of Koh Lanta.

Parties and entertainment

Lots of bars hold weekly parties every week, so check with the locals for whats going on each night. Larger nightclubs are around for the late night parties, but most bars have a more relaxed and island feel. Enjoy a cocktail at sunset, or later maybe a bucket of sangsom and coke. A selection of local, Thai and international bands bring their tours to Koh Lanta, with some great talent at many shows.

Sunsets to take your breath away!

The West coast of Koh Lanta is famous for its sunsets. Let the pictures do the talking...

Viewpoints

Koh Lanta has many islands in its surrounding waters, especially towards the east. Many viewpoints exist up in the mountains that offer food and drink with some truly amazing views.

Muay Thai boxing

Muay Thai boxing is the national sport of Thailand and Koh Lanta is home to a former world champion. Muay thai fights take place every week during high season (Nov - May), featuring a diverse mix of ages, experience and nationalities. Training courses are also available at the Lanta Gym, which has a full fitness center.