Koh Lanta is the perfect beach destination for anyone seeking a relaxed vacation with gorgeous beaches, epic sunsets and unique things to do.
Located in the south of the island, this national park has a beautiful sandy beach and plenty of jungle trails to explore.
It’s free to enter and a great place for a beach day. Just be wary of the monkeys and don’t take any food with you!
1. Beaches
Ko Lanta has some of the most stunning beaches in Thailand. They are known for their soft, pristine sands and crystal clear water.
The most famous is the long beach known as Pra-Ae and boasts excellent swimming conditions, beautiful sunsets and plenty of restaurants to choose from! It’s also a great place to stay as there are plenty of budget options.
Another great beach in the north of Koh Lanta is Klong Dao – it’s an extremely wide beach with spectacular sunsets but without the crowds. The sand is also very soft and there aren’t many rocks to worry about!
If you want to go a little bit further south, you can visit the small bays of Nui Bay and Bamboo Beach. These beaches are surrounded by forest and jungle, so there isn’t much going on around them, but they’re perfect for an afternoon of quiet relaxation.
2. Lanta Old Town
Koh Lanta Old Town is a historic and preserved part of the island where buildings are more than 100 years old and shophouses are still made from wood in the traditional style. It is a great place to see and explore, especially for visitors who are interested in history or heritage.
The main street in the old town is lined with wooden houses that were once shops supplying residents with goods imported to the island via the long pier and selling provisions to passing ships. Originally this was a major commercial hub on the sea lane between the Straits trading ports of Malacca and Penang, and the trading ports to the north such as Phuket and Mawlamyine in Myanmar.
Visiting this charming, multi-ethnic area is an excellent way to get a real taste of Thai culture and traditions. It also provides you with a unique opportunity to stay in a more authentic accommodation compared to the beach resorts on the west coast of the island.
3. Nightlife
Ko Lanta has a lot to offer tourists who are looking for a laid-back island experience with beautiful beaches and incredible sunsets. The island is also famous for its scrumptious food and its low cost of living.
The nightlife in Ko Lanta mainly centers around Long Beach, which is known for its many bars and party nights. The Ozone Beach Bar is one of the best, featuring electronic music and a great vibe all night.
Another popular option is Pangea Beach Bar, located directly on the beach. It features local DJs who play tech and house music.
In addition to the beach bars, there are a few Karaoke Bars along Klong Dao Road that offer karaoke on Friday nights. This is a good place to meet Thai girls and try your hand at some karaoke.
4. Waterfalls
Koh Lanta has a plethora of waterfalls to visit if you’re looking to take a break from beaches. You can go for a hike to visit the Khlong Jark Waterfall, take a dip in the natural swimming pool at Laem Tanod Beach or even explore the Mu Koh Lanta National Park.
- If you’re a fan of nature, you can also try your hand at snorkeling and diving. The island also has some interesting caves to see, including the Emerald Cave.
- Another must-see is the Bamboo Beach, a secluded beach in between bays covered with mountains with imposing palm trees dotting its 800-meter long beach area. It is one of the most scenic beaches on the island and a real insider tip.
- The bamboo beach is located in the southern part of the island and it is an amazing place to relax and unwind. It is a very tranquil and solitary place and the beach is perfect for sunbathing.
