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Koh Lanta travel guide
Guide me around Koh Lanta
Located just a few hours from Krabi and Phuket, Kho Lanta is for those who wish to escape the crowds and enjoy the Andaman Sea at its best. Long empty beaches, jungle-covered mountains, and a laid-back atmosphere make this island the perfect getaway to recharge your batteries. With a good selection of restaurants, bars, and accommodations for all budgets, Kho Lanta offers its visitors everything they need for a relaxed vacation feeling. Kho Lanta’s biggest attraction, by far, is its superb beach life.
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best beaches on Koh Lanta
Beaches & Bays
Koh Lanta’s west coast boasts some of Thailand’s best beaches, each with its unique charm and atmosphere. Here’s a brief guide to help you find the perfect one for you:
Long Beach: The most well-known and largest beach on the island, also known as Prae Ae. It features an extended beachfront lined with casuarina trees, along with restaurants, bars, and hammocks. The beach is known for its stunning sunsets.
Kawkwang Beach: Located in the north of the island, close to Saladan Pier. It offers white sand and shallow, calm water, making it ideal for families with children.
Klong Dao Beach: Also situated in the north and adjacent to Kawkwang Beach, it features white sand and shallow, calm water, making it another great option for families with children.
Klong Khong Beach: Located in the middle of the island, this beach has various restaurants and beach bars. However, bathing can be difficult during low tide.
Klong Nin Beach: Also in the middle of the island, this beach is home to restaurants, supermarkets, and cafes, as well as accommodations for backpackers. It has a steep shoreline with waves, so swimming far out is not recommended.
Ba-Kantiang Bay: Positioned in the south of the island, this tranquil beach is set against a jungle backdrop. It has fewer tourist facilities, with only a few resorts.
Klong Jark Bay: Another tranquil beach in the south of the island, it is relatively deserted and surrounded by jungle. There are no tourist facilities, and visitors are cautioned about the monkeys. A visit can also be combined with a hike to the nearby waterfall.
Bamboo Bay: Located in the south of the island, this tranquil and deserted beach, set against a jungle backdrop, lacks tourist facilities. Visitors should be aware of the monkeys in the area.
Mu Koh Lanta National Park: The southernmost beach in the national park, it requires an admission fee (ticket valid for several days). The beach has rocky spots in the water, and visitors should be cautious. Beach visits can be combined with hiking through the national park or a trip to the lighthouse. It’s important to watch out for the monkeys.
more activities on Koh Lanta
more activities
If you rent a scooter, you can easily explore the island, take in the beautiful views, or relax at quiet beaches. The roads are mostly paved and free from heavy traffic, but remember to drive on the left side of the road. There’s just one road that circles the island, so it’s difficult to get lost.
If you enjoy walking, consider taking a leisurely stroll through the old town of Kho Lanta, a peaceful village with teak houses located on the east coast. Here, you’ll find a small selection of shops and restaurants with stunning views of the sea.
You can also arrange various day trips, like visiting the Trang Islands, going snorkeling around Kho Rok or exploring scuba diving opportunities.
Kho Lanta boasts 20 square kilometers of pristine rainforest, which makes up the island’s national park. By staying here, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in nature.
Another way to contribute positively is by becoming a „trash hero.“ You can earn travel karma points by participating in a Sunday beach cleanup organized by Trash Hero Koh Lanta. Trash washed up on the beach poses a significant problem for Koh Lanta’s natural environment, and you can be part of the solution. It’s incredible to see the impact that just two hours of cleaning can make.
getting to Koh Lanta
getting there
Koh Lanta is connected to the mainland year-round by car ferry. Minibuses run from Krabi, via two car ferries, to Koh Lanta’s south. Regular ferry boats operate from Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket (Rassada Pier) daily during the high season (November to April).