Koh Lanta Travel Guide 2025: Beaches, Nature & Family Adventures
- Barry
- Aug 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 4
Writer: Barry
Updated: August 2025
Why Visit Koh Lanta in 2025?
Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s most laid-back islands — a rare paradise where long white-sand beaches meet mangrove forests, jungle trails, and a community that has worked hard to keep the island authentic.
Unlike Phuket or Koh Samui, Koh Lanta hasn’t been overrun by mass tourism. Families, couples, and solo travelers still find quiet stretches of sand, family-friendly resorts, and local seafood restaurants where sunsets steal the show.
During our 2024 trip with two kids, we stayed near Long Beach, rented scooters to explore hidden bays, took a snorkeling trip to Koh Haa, and biked through the Old Town’s wooden stilt houses. Compared to Phuket and Samui, we loved how peaceful Koh Lanta felt — fewer crowds, more space for kids to play, and a truly relaxed atmosphere. It quickly became one of our favorite islands in Thailand.
Quick fact: Koh Lanta is actually made up of two islands — Koh Lanta Noi (smaller, local, connected to the mainland by bridge) and Koh Lanta Yai (the tourist side where beaches and hotels are located).
Table of Contents
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Best Time to Visit Koh Lanta
Cool Season (Nov–Feb):
Perfect beach weather (26–30°C / 79–86°F). Calm seas for snorkeling and diving. Peak season for families.
Hot Season (Mar–May):
Temperatures up to 36°C (97°F). Fewer crowds, but afternoons can be intense for kids.
Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Lush landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and cheaper hotels. Ferries are less frequent, but many resorts remain open.
Check live weather updates via the Thai Meteorological Department.
How to Get to Koh Lanta
From Krabi Airport: 2–3 hours by minivan + ferry (or direct speedboat in high season).
From Phuket: 4–5 hours by minivan + ferry, or 90 minutes by speedboat.
From Koh Phi Phi / Koh Samui: Regular ferries connect via Krabi.
Best Beaches in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta’s west coast is lined with over 20 km of sandy beaches, each with its own personality. Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple on honeymoon, or a solo traveler looking for peace, there’s a beach for you.
Long Beach (Phra Ae):The island’s most popular beach, stretching for nearly 3 km. It’s perfect for families thanks to its shallow entry, soft sand, and plenty of restaurants within walking distance. Many mid-range resorts line the beach, making it a convenient base for longer stays.
Kantiang Bay:Often voted one of Thailand’s most beautiful bays, Kantiang combines a crescent-shaped beach with emerald waters and lush hillsides. Home to the luxury Pimalai Resort & Spa, it’s ideal for honeymooners or travelers who want upscale comfort in a quiet setting.
Bamboo Bay (Ao Mai Pai):A hidden gem at the southern end of the island. With almost no development and crystal-clear water, it’s one of the best spots for couples seeking seclusion or day-trippers exploring by scooter.
Klong Dao:Located close to Saladan Pier, this beach is wide, calm, and very child-friendly. Resorts here cater especially to families and first-time visitors. Sunset dinners on the sand are a highlight.
Nui Bay & Waterfall Bay:These tiny coves are tucked between cliffs and jungle, offering a Robinson Crusoe vibe. Best for adventurous travelers or those who don’t mind a short trek down rocky paths to reach the sand.
Top Things to Do in Koh Lanta
1. Snorkeling & Diving
Koh Haa & Koh Rok: Crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and colorful fish. Day trips available from Saladan Pier.
Hin Daeng & Hin Muang: World-class dive sites, sometimes with manta rays.
2. Visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Located at the southern tip of Koh Lanta Yai.
Scenic lighthouse, hiking trails, and quiet beaches.
Entrance: ~200 THB adults, 100 THB kids.
3. Explore Lanta Old Town
Wooden stilt houses over the sea.
Local seafood restaurants and souvenir shops.
Great spot for sunset over the mangroves.
4. Family Activities
Kayaking through mangroves at Tung Yee Peng.
Batik painting workshops with locals.
Thai cooking classes (kid-friendly options available).
5. Night Markets
Saladan Market: Fresh seafood, fruit shakes, and snacks.
Sunday Market near Long Beach: Crafts, toys, and street food.
Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
Area | Best For | Example Hotels |
Klong Dao | Families, first-timers - (from nov-april adult only) | |
Long Beach | Families, mid-range stays | |
Kantiang Bay | Luxury & honeymoon | |
Old Town | Culture & quiet stays |
Getting Around Koh Lanta
Scooter rental: ~250–300 THB/day. Helmets required.
Tuk-tuks: Short rides between beaches, negotiate fares.
Songthaews: Shared pickup trucks along the main road.
Bicycles: Some resorts provide free bikes.
Taxis: Fixed price, more expensive
Travel Costs in 2025 (Family of 4)
Methodology: Prices checked August 2025 on Agoda, Expedia, and 12Go Asia.
Travel Costs in 2025 (Family of 4)
Methodology: Prices checked August 2025 on Agoda, Expedia, and 12Go Asia. Based on two adults + two kids.
Budget Type | Daily Cost (USD) | Details |
Budget | $55–$75 | Basic bungalows, street food, scooter rental |
Mid-range | $130–$170 | Boutique hotel, 1–2 tours, shared transfers |
Comfort | $200–$260 | Beachfront resort, private tours, diving trips |
Per Person, Per Day (approx. in THB):
Backpacker: ~1,800 THB (hostel, scooter, street food)
Mid-range: ~3,500 THB (boutique hotel, tours, restaurants)
Comfort: 5,500+ THB (luxury resort, private excursions, fine dining)
Food & Nightlife
Street Food: Satay skewers, grilled fish, roti pancakes.
Restaurants: Fresh seafood at Old Town; family-friendly beachfront spots at Long Beach.
Nightlife: Low-key bars at Klong Khong; reggae and fire shows at beach clubs.
Safety & Money-Saving Tips
Safety
Koh Lanta is safe for families and solo female travelers.
Roads can be sandy — drive scooters carefully.
Emergency: dial 191.
Money-saving
Eat at local noodle stalls.
Buy fruit shakes at markets instead of resorts.
Book ferries online via 12Go Asia for best prices.
Pack a reusable water filter bottle (LifeStraw → Amazon).
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1: Relax at Long Beach + sunset dinner.
Day 2: Day trip to Koh Haa for snorkeling.
Day 3: Visit Old Town + Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
5 Days
Add: Kayak mangroves + night market.
Add: Cooking class with the kids.
7 Days
Include: Diving at Hin Daeng.
Add: Bamboo Bay for a quiet retreat.
Relax at a beachfront resort with a family BBQ.
FAQ
How to get around Koh Lanta without a scooter?
Use songthaews (shared pickups) along the main road, arrange hotel taxis, or book point-to-point transfers. Many beaches are walkable from Klong Dao/Long Beach, and several resorts provide bicycles.
Is Koh Lanta affected by mass tourism?
Much less than Phuket or Koh Samui. Development is restrained, beaches are spacious, and the vibe is low-key. Peak season (Dec–Feb) is busier, but you can still find quiet bays in the south.
When is the best time to visit Koh Lanta in 2025?
November–February for cool, dry weather and calm seas. May–October brings lower prices and some rain.
Is Koh Lanta good for families?
Yes — Long Beach and Klong Dao are ideal with gentle waves, wide sand, and family-friendly resorts.
How many days should you spend in Koh Lanta?
5–7 days lets you enjoy beaches, a snorkeling trip (Koh Haa/Koh Rok), Old Town, and Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
What’s the best way to get to Koh Lanta?
From Krabi Airport via minivan + ferry (2–3 hours) or direct speedboat in high season. From Phuket: minivan + ferry (4–5 hours) or seasonal speedboat.
Which is better: Koh Lanta or Koh Samui?
Koh Lanta is quieter and less developed; Koh Samui has more nightlife and luxury mega-resorts.
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