Top 10 Impressive Things To Do In Koh Lanta

Do you know the meaning of “Koh Lanta”?

The word “Lanta” is believed to derive from the Thai words ‘koh lan daa’ or ‘island of a million eyes’. Koh Lanta is a charming, little-discovered island in southern Thailand with a relaxing atmosphere and some of the best beaches in the country. If you’re looking for things to do in Koh Lanta, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy, don’t miss this guide. That’s for you!

With our traveling experience, Hanoi Voyages hopes this guide will make you satisfied with some instructions about things to do when you visit Koh Lanta, what to eat, and some travel tips for your trip.

Top things to do and see in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is another beautiful island destination located in the Andaman Sea, off the western coast of Thailand. Koh Lanta offers pristine beaches, lush jungle-covered hills, and a wide range of activities for travelers seeking a more tranquil and less crowded island experience.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park

• Entrance fee: 200 Baht

• Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Let’s explore the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, which covers several of the islands in the Koh Lanta group. Visit the beautiful Tanod Beach and trek to the park’s viewpoint for panoramic views. The beach in the national park is also fantastically beautiful because the sand is particularly bright and the water crystal clear.

But be careful not to leave your swimsuit alone as cheeky monkeys won’t miss a chance to hunt here. After that, sports enthusiasts will take a jungle tour through the national park and if you’re lucky, you can spot wildlife and tropical birds.

Koh Lanta Old Town

That’s where it all started. This is the oldest part of Koh Lanta, although somewhat overlooked today. However, the trip to meet the locals and dine at one of the restaurants with delicious local food is well worth the effort.

Discover the charming and quaint Koh Lanta Old Town on the eastern side of the island, known for its traditional wooden houses, seafood restaurants, and a peaceful ambiance. Hike up to the Koh Lanta Viewpoint to witness breathtaking views of the island and surrounding sea.

Koh Lanta Animal Welfare

If you love animals, this place will not make you disappointed. Visit Koh Lanta Animal Welfare, a sanctuary for stray animals where you can interact with dogs and cats, and support their welfare efforts.

Koh Lanta Animal Welfare (KLAW), a Thai non-profit, rescues, rehabilitates, and cares for vulnerable street dogs and cats. With spaying/neutering initiatives, education, and global volunteer support, KLAW not only transforms animals’ lives but also fosters responsible pet ownership and community compassion.

Nui Bay

Spend the day at Nui Bay which hidden and mostly deserted, this is our favorite Koh Lanta beach. Visiting Nui Beach is surely one of the best things to do in Koh Lanta!

Nui Bay on Koh Lanta is a tranquil escape adorned with soft sands, turquoise waters, and lush surroundings. Its secluded beauty offers respite from the island’s busier beaches. Framed by cliffs and greenery, Nui Bay’s pristine charm is perfect for relaxation and snorkeling. Accessed through a short jungle trek, its remote nature requires packing essentials. Unwind, soak in sunset hues, and immerse in the serene ambiance of this unspoiled paradise, a treasure trove for those seeking a quieter slice of Koh Lanta’s coastal paradise

Khlong Chak Waterfall

• Highlights: The waterfall is majorly known for its hiking trail and shallow pool ideal for swimming.

• Location: Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta District, Krabi

• Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Khlong Chak Waterfall is a pretty small waterfall and one of Koh Lanta’s most famous natural spots. It is part of a national park and is located in the southern part of the island. It takes about 1 hour to drive through the jungle, but it’s worth visiting in your list of things to do in Koh Lanta.

Take a refreshing dip at Khlong Chak Waterfall, a small but picturesque waterfall in the jungle. The Khlong Chak Waterfall carries the most water in the rainy season, in the dry season, unfortunately, quite little water flows here.

Koh Lanta: Some other activities you can't miss

• Kayaking: Paddle through the mangroves and calm waters around the island, discovering hidden coves and natural beauty.

• Snorkeling and diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world by snorkeling or diving around Koh Lanta’s clear waters. Many dive shops offer trips to nearby dive sites, including Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

• Thai Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare delicious Thai dishes by joining a cooking class on the island.

• Relaxation and yoga: Koh Lanta offers a range of wellness and yoga retreats. Unwind with massages, meditation, and rejuvenation amidst the island’s serene surroundings.

How many days in Koh Lanta: Suggested itinerary for your trip

It’s up to you! If you want to relax on this beautiful island, We recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Koh Lanta. There is so much to do on the island that you can spend a full week doing fun activities!

Day 1 in Koh Lanta – Beach escape & outdoor cinema

• Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach): Expansive shoreline, crystal-clear waters, great for swimming & sunbathing.

• Kantiang Bay: A quieter, more secluded spot with a serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

• Perfect for relaxing, swimming, and soaking up the sun.

• Visit Lanta Cinema or another outdoor cinema.

• Watch a film under the stars – a unique and relaxing way to end the day.

Day 2 in Koh Lanta – Culture & cuisine

• A non-profit center dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray animals.

• Take a guided tour, learn about their work, and spend time with the animals.

• A meaningful, educational, and heartwarming experience.

• Join a class at Time for Lime or Lanta Thai Cookery School.

• Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes.

• Enjoy the hands-on experience and savor your own creations.

Day 3 in Koh Lanta – Heritage & nature

• Stroll through wooden houses, local shops, and seaside restaurants.

• Pick up unique souvenirs and soak in the island’s cultural charm.

• A laid-back and picturesque setting.

• Located at the island’s southern tip.

• Highlights: lush forests, hiking trails, and stunning viewpoints.

• Visit Khlong Chak Waterfall for a refreshing dip.

• Spot local wildlife and end the day with sunset views over pristine beaches.

To make your trip to Koh Lanta even more special, let Hanoi Voyages craft a tailor-made itinerary that combines the island’s best resorts with exclusive experiences across Thailand.  

Hanoi Voyages offers personalized tours to Thailand that suit every style of traveler.

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Where to stay in Koh Lanta: Best accommodations

Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s most laid-back islands, famous for its golden beaches, lush nature, and friendly local atmosphere. Choosing the right place to stay can make your trip even more memorable, as each area of the island offers a different vibe - from lively beach resorts to secluded romantic hideaways.

Pimalai Resort and Spa

The luxurious Pimalai Resort and Spa is set amidst beautiful tropical scenery along Kantiang Bay at the southern end of Koh Lanta. The resort basically has a 900m long sandy beach for you to enjoy the serenity of the tropics.

There’s a swimming pool with stunning ocean views, plenty of restaurants and bars and of course a spa to make this a fully-equipped luxury getaway. Pimalai Resort and Spa is a great choice for couples looking for a luxury tropical escape.

Nirvana Beach Resort

Nirvana Beach Resort is a luxury resort located at the southern end of Khlong Nin Beach, along the west coast of Koh Lanta. This hotel offers a variety of accommodation options, including fully furnished suites and gorgeous villas with stunning ocean views. Go ahead and own a villa with stunning ocean views, jacuzzi or your own private pool!

Nirvana Beach Resort also features a swimming pool, a restaurant serving delicious Thai and international dishes, and a beachside bar serving evening drinks. With crystal clear waters and white sands of the beach at your doorstep, this resort is the perfect choice for a relaxing stay.

Long Beach Chalet

Long Beach Chalet is a mid-priced beachfront tropical resort located midway down Long Beach on Koh Lanta’s northern end. The resort has 45 beautiful traditional Thai bungalows located among the grounds directly on the beach. There are seaside bungalows that are more luxurious, garden bungalows that are more affordable, and even budget bungalows.

The resort is a great choice for travelers looking for a more laid-back vibe, a little closer to nature than the larger resorts.

Must-try dishes in Koh Lanta 

Koh Lanta offers a delectable array of Thai and international cuisine to satisfy every palate. Here are some must-try dishes and culinary experiences on the island:

• Fresh seafood: Being an island, Koh Lanta is renowned for its fresh seafood. Enjoy grilled fish, prawns, squid, and crab at beachside restaurants. Kantiang Bay and Old Town are great spots to savor seafood delicacies.

• Massaman Curry: Sample this rich and aromatic Thai curry made with tender meat (usually beef or chicken), potatoes, and peanuts, served with fragrant jasmine rice.

• Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad): Embrace the flavors of Thailand with this spicy, tangy salad made from shredded green papaya, chili, lime, fish sauce, and peanuts.

• Tom Yum Goong: Savor the bold flavors of this classic Thai soup, featuring shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, and a burst of tangy lime juice.

• Pad Thai: Indulge in the quintessential Thai dish of stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, egg, peanuts, and a medley of flavors.

Immerse yourself in the delightful gastronomic journey that Koh Lanta has to offer, where the blend of authentic Thai flavors and international influences will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds.

Best time to visit Koh Lanta

Prepare your trip carefully, and don’t forget to check the best time to visit Koh Lanta. This guide will help you clearly understand the weather in Koh Lanta. There are two main seasons in Koh Lanta: dry season and wet season

• January – April: Dry season

• May – December: Wet season

The best time to visit Koh Lanta is from January to April. When the temperature ranges between 25 to 32 degrees Celcius all around the year.

How to get to Koh Lanta

Let’s come back to find out how to get to Koh Lanta. In fact, Koh Lanta is an island – Three islands and it doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airport is in Krabi and Phuket.

Krabi to Koh Lanta

• By road: You can either rent a private minivan or a car from Krabi airport or your hotel, take the public van or hitchhike. We recommended renting a private minivan more than using a public van. When you rent a private minivan, you have to pay for the ferry but it is cheap, just about 2 $ and it is very comfortable. However, public van, it’s normally crowded and hot, but nevertheless an option.

• By boat: The ferry is definitely the fastest and most pleasant way to get to Lanta, although it’s not an option if you’re staying there from May to October. The seas can be rough at this time. Another option is the Speed Boat, which normally includes a pick-up from your hotel to the pier, a 10-15 min – instead of 2 hours – boat ride. But it is very expensive.

Phuket to Koh Lanta

• By road: A straight line from Phuket to Koh Lanta will take you 90 kilometers (or 56 miles), but the actual journey is about 240 kilometers (or 150 miles), or three times as long.

• By boat: During the high season, the sea is more predictable, therefore you can take either a public ferry, a high-speed ferry or a speedboat.

Getting around Koh Lanta

Taxi or scooter are 2 choices for you to get around on the island. Renting a scooter is much more convenient as it gives you the freedom to go to hidden spots and all the other things to do in Koh Lanta.

Travel tips before visiting Koh Lanta

Here, we will provide for you some necessary tips before starting your wonderful trip!

• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen

• Change money to Thai Baht before coming to Koh Lanta for tourism. If you change on the island, maybe the exchange rate will be more expensive than in Vietnam.

• Buy a 4G sim to use when coming to Surat Thani. There are two ways to buy, one is you buy first in Vietnam. Second, you can find them at convenience stores or airports in Thailand.

• Scuba diving is an activity that many tourists love. But do not break or tear the coral ashore.

• If you see starfish in Koh Lanta. You are also not allowed to go ashore. Because when you catch them, these starfish will die.