Top Things to Do in Koh Lanta: Explore & Unwind
We spent two incredible months exploring this island, and now weβre sharing our personal guide on what to do in Koh Lanta. From hidden gems to must-Do adventures, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your time on this beautiful island! Make SUre to Read until the end as we share our favorite places to eat!
HOW MANY DAYS | 4
days
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Nov-Feb
WHERE TO STAY | Rommai Forest
TOP THINGS TO DO | Beaches, 4 Island Tour, Mu Ko National Park, Muay Thai
HOW TO GET AROUND | scooter, taxis, pick-up public transport
If youβre dreaming of a serene escape, Koh Lanta is your perfect paradise. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back vibe, this island invites you to slow down, chase breathtaking sunsets, and embark on unforgettable adventures. Whether youβre a backpacker, a couple, or a family, Koh Lanta offers something for every traveler and budget!
βοΈ Ready to explore Thailand but feeling overwhelmed? Start with our Thailand Travel Essentials for expert tips, must-visits, and everything in between
HOW MANY DAYS FOR KOH LANTA?
Four days are enough to explore Koh Lantaβs highlights while still having time to unwind. You can visit stunning beaches, hike through lush jungle, and take a boat trip to nearby islands. If youβre looking for a slower pace or want to soak up more of Koh Lantaβs serene beach vibes, consider extending your stayβyou might find it hard to leave!
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH LANTA?
Koh Lanta offers a variety of areas to stay, depending on your travel style. Long Beach is one of the most popular choices, with a great mix of beachfront bungalows, resorts, and lively restaurantsβperfect for social travelers. If youβre looking for a quieter escape, Klong Nin Beach offers a laid-back vibe with beautiful sunsets and a selection of cozy accommodations. For a more local feel, Old Town on the east coast provides charming overwater bungalows and a peaceful atmosphere away from the tourist crowds. Families and couples might enjoy Kantiang Bay, home to luxury resorts and a stunning, secluded beach. No matter your budget, Koh Lanta has the perfect spot for you to unwind and explore!
We stayed closer to the Old Town and truly loved our stayβit has a delicious, authentic restaurant, a peaceful garden, and the sweetest owners. It holds a special place in our hearts, as it was our home for nearly seven weeks. The accommodation consists of two air-conditioned bungalows and three bamboo houses with fans. Since itβs more remote, youβll definitely need a scooter to get around and explore the island.
BOOK | Rommai Forest
HOW TO GET AROUND KOH LANTA?
We rented a scooter, which is the most affordable way to get around any of the Thai islands. The island is quite peaceful, so even if youβre not an expert, driving is manageable. HOWEVER, if youβve never ridden a scooter before and feel uneasy about it, for your safety and othersβ, PLEASE DO NOT attempt it!
Alternatively, you can explore the island by taxi or pick-up truck. While this option is more expensive, itβs ideal for families or larger groups.
PRICE | ΰΈΏ200 - ΰΈΏ300 | β¬6 - β¬8 | US$6 - $8 for the scooter a day
TIP | Refuel at roadside pumps or the only proper fuel station in Saladanβthough they may look old, theyβre much cheaper than buying the small 700ml gasoline bottles for ΰΈΏ40.
We used Google Translate to read how to use the pump. Staring at a menu or sign? eSIMs translate just a tap away. We use it to stay connected and have the freedom to use data whenever we need to.
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Go Snorkeling at the 4 Islands
Donβt miss the chance to explore the islands surrounding Koh Lanta on a day trip aboard a traditional longtail boat. While the snorkeling around Koh Chuek and Koh Ngai wasnβt the most impressive weβve experienced, we did spot some colorful fish and coralβthough unfortunately, much of it was bleached.
The true highlight, however, was Koh Mook and its stunning Emerald Cave. Picture this: a 5-minute swim through a cave with your guide, and then you emerge onto a tiny, secluded beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffsβlike a hidden beach canyon.
We also spent time on the beaches of Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan. Koh Kradan was the clear standout with its crystal-clear blue waters and powdery white sand, often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
BOOK | Koh Lanta: 4 Islands with Beach Lunch
ENTRANCE FEE | ΰΈΏ200 | β¬6 | US$6
Take a Batik Class
You can learn how to make a Batik design in your own sarong 1.20 m x 1.80 m. Batik is a traditional art form of fabric dyeing that originated in Indonesia but has spread to various countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Africa. You create a painting and add details applying ways to a fabric and then dyed with multiple colors. The areas where the wax is applied resist the dye, creating a beautiful contrast between the areas with wax and those without. You can share one sarong with different people, the price is per sarong. The class start at 9:30 a.m. and expect to be done by 3:00 p.m. , but depending on your design the class can take longer.
TIP | book via WhatsApp (+66 63 079 8103) at least day in advance to secure your spot
WHERE | Batik Sriraya
PRICE | ΰΈΏ 800 | β¬22 | US$22 per sarong
Tan and Relax at the Beaches
Koh Lanta boasts 12 beautiful swimming beaches, and honestly, itβs hard to pick the best oneβeach has its own charm. Whether youβre looking for beachfront restaurants, quiet seclusion, shade, or the sunniest spots, thereβs a beach to suit every preference. Be sure to check out our article where we share the beaches we loved most, along with a guide to help you find the perfect one for you.
Take a Cooking Class
We love Sunneβs restaurant and her food is truly delicious, we recommend you to go check her curries and food before you decide to book the class with her. Her simple and Thai family-owned restaurant is delicious and we always kept coming back during our stay in Lanta. You will learn to cook a 4-course menu. As an appetizer, you can choose to learn how to make a papaya salad or spring rolls. You also can choose a curry (Green, Massaman, Panaeng or Indian Fusion) and you will cook the iconic Pad thai. Lastly, as dessert you will learn how to make Mango Sticky Rice. All drinks and roti during the class are included.
WHERE | Sunee Place
BOOK | Just message Sunee under +66 850786876
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
PRICE | ΰΈΏ 1,500 | β¬42 | US$43 per adult
Drink at Cat Cafe & Take A Tour at an Animal Shelter
The only activity nowadays at the animal shelter, is to take a tour and learn about the welfare or to sip drink at their Cat Cafe. If you want to volunteer, they need a commitment of at least 4 weeks.
WHERE | Animal Shelter Lanta
OPEN | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
TOUR | ΰΈΏ 200 | β¬6 | $6 per adult
Visit the Mu Ko Lanta National Park
The National Park offers stunning views of beautiful islands, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. We recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds and to start with the lighthouse, when the sun is still not so strong as there is no shade on this path. Afterwards, we continued with the hike and it tooks about an hour, but didnβt encounter any wildlife along the wayβjust a lot of stairs. You can start or end the hike at the beach. While the beach itself is gorgeous, weβre not sure the hike was really worth it for us and wouldnβt consider it a must-do.So you can skip the hike, and just enjoy the beach. There are some spots, in which you can find shade. We did spot an Asian Water Lizard at the beachβitβs not dangerous, but itβs best not to stress it out or get too close.
However, we are not sure, if this National Park ist a must visit. There are other beautiful beaches on the island as well that are less crowded.
WHERE | Mu Ko Lanta National Park
OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE | ΰΈΏ200 | β¬6 | US$6 per adult
PARKING | ΰΈΏ20 | β¬0.5 | US$0.6
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Relax with a Thai Massage
If youβve never had a Thai massage before, Faikham is the perfect place to start. It offers an authentic experience but is tailored for tourists, making it a great choice for beginners.
The team always checks in beforehand to ask about any problem areas or health concerns, ensuring a personalized treatment. Their technique is gentle yet effective, so you can relax without worrying about too much intensity. Weβve visited multiple times and absolutely love it! For the best experience, we recommend booking an appointment in advance.
WHERE | Faikham Thai Massage
PRICE | ΰΈΏ350 | β¬9 | US$ 10 starting per hour
Explore the Bat Cave (Khao Mai Kaew Cave)
Khao Mai Kaew Cave is an exciting adventure for those looking to explore Koh Lantaβs wild side. Inside, youβll find impressive limestone formations, towering stalactites, and hidden chambers, along with bats and large spiders that add to the thrill.
The hike to the cave takes around 30 minutes through dense jungle, and once inside, you'll spend another 30 minutes navigating its dark, winding passages. The path can be slippery, with some sections requiring you to climb stone steps using a rope, so proper footwear is essential. Although not official, a guide is mandatory, costing ΰΈΏ300 per person. They usually donβt speak English but will lead the way, assist with footing, and provide a headlamp to help you see in the pitch-black cave.
WHERE | Maps
LEVEL | medium - difficult
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PRICE | ΰΈΏ300 | β¬8 | US$ 9 per person
Visit the Old Town
Our stay was close to Old Town, making it our go-to spot for meals. Beyond its great food, itβs a fantastic place to pick up unique souvenirs, snap some picturesque shots, and soak in the charming atmosphere. As the sun sets, the town transforms into something truly magicalβlanterns cast a warm glow over the wooden shopfronts, and the seaside restaurants light up with flickering candles, creating a romantic and inviting ambiance by the water.
Try Mangrove Kayaking
Koh Lantaβs east coast is home to a huge mangrove forestβand itβs seriously worth checking out. There are over 70 different species growing in the calm, muddy water, and itβs a really important area for local wildlife and the health of the island.
One of the best ways to explore the mangroves is by kayak. Itβs super quiet and peaceful out there. As you paddle through the narrow channels, youβll spot tiny fish swimming around, mudskippers flopping in the mud, and maybe even some monkeys jumping through the trees. You can either join a guided tour (they share some cool facts) or rent a kayak and go on your own. Weβve listed the prices below.
If youβre fully into kayaking and want to experience a unique day trip, check out this full-day tour. Youβll explore some of Koh Lantaβs off-the-beaten-track mangrove forests and beachesβand enjoy a picnic of delicious local food on a scenic beach.
If kayakingβs not your thing, thereβs also a boardwalk at a different spot where you can walk right through the mangroves. Itβs a chilled way to explore on footβand you might spot some crabs or birds along the way too. You can find the exact location here.
WHERE | Thung Yipeng Tourism Community
OPEN | 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PRICE |
ΰΈΏ600 | β¬16 | US$18 per rental kayak (unlimited)
ΰΈΏ600 | β¬16 | US$18 pp with guide (2h)
ΰΈΏ900 | β¬25 | US$27 pp boat trip (2h)
Learn Muay Thai
Muay Thai, the "Art of Eight Limbs," is a powerful Thai martial art that uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins for striking. If youβre interested in learning Thai boxing from professionals and want an intense afternoon workout, join a group session to get a feel for the basics.
The session begins and ends with a warm-up, and youβll get one-on-one training with the coaches, including sparring practice. Itβs a fantastic sport for both men and women to try out. We have learnt Muay Thai before during our exchange semester in Thailand and can confirm, that the coaches here are doing an excellent job.
WHERE | Lanta Muay Thai Complex
GROUP SESSION | 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PRICE | ΰΈΏ350 | β¬10 | US$11
WHERE TO EAT IN KOH LANTA?
As you'll quickly learn about us, weβre passionate Thai food loversβitβs our comfort food. After living in Thailand for 10 months, weβve become quite picky when it comes to the authenticity and flavor of Thai dishes, especially when it comes to food made to fit the tourist palate.
Eat Like a Local: Thai Flavors
SIMPLE RESTAURANTS
The flavor and atmosphere here is as authentic as it can get, with very cheap prices and good portions for what you are paying. This became one of our favorite restaurants to have lunch. The food is delicious and we love almost everything on their menu.
WHERE | The Restaurant Beside 7-11
Itβs always packed during dinner, so we recommend arriving early to secure a spot and avoid coming when you're really hungry. The kitchen is a bit slow, but the wait is definitely worth it. While we donβt think it has the best pad thai as the name suggests, the curries are outstanding. The flavors are truly authentic and absolutely delicious.
WHERE | Pad Thai @ Klong Nin
This is a laid-back beach restaurant, tucked away at the last corner, making it feel private and peaceful without the crowds or noise. The food is incredibleβwe even chose it for our special Christmas dinner. We highly recommend trying their Seafood Bucket, a generous serving of seafood in curry.
WHERE | Up to You
PRETTY RESTAURANTS
We believe this is the place to have the best fried snapper with Thai flavors. The restaurant is beautiful at night, right over the water with candlelight setting the mood. Donβt be surprised when you walk through the kitchen to get to your tableβitβs a unique touch to the experience!
WHERE | Apsara Restaurant
This restaurant is so popular that youβll need a reservation for dinner, or be ready to wait in line. They offer a variety of Thai dishes and fusion options, like their thai flavor chicken wings or Khao Soi with fried chicken. The food and drinks are so delicious that we kept coming back time and time again. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous. They have an extensive vegetarian menu and offer almost every Thai classic meat-free.
WHERE | Yawee Restaurant
Everything here is absolutely delicious, starting with their breakfast offerings. They have a variety of smoothie combos, smoothie bowls, and Western breakfast options like Katsudo curry sandwiches. Their Thai dishes are amazingβauthentic, hearty portions, and served in a great atmosphere. We loved everything we tried and kept coming back for more.
WHERE | Black Swan
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN RESTAURANTS
IMPORTANT!Quick reminder that Thai food uses oyster & fish sauces and shrimp & fish paste in their curries and stir-fried sauces. So, you might think it is vegan by choosing tofu, but it is NOT! Always ask!
We absolutely love this restThis restaurant serves one of the best pad thais on the island. Every dish is incredibly delicious with authentic flavors. Located right on Klong Nin Beach, you can enjoy both dinner and the sunset in the same spot. For us, it was the best fully vegetarian restaurant we tried.
WHERE | SweetSoul Lanta
We should mention that this is just a suggestion if youβre looking for vegan food near your stay. We think the food is okay, but we only went once and did not want to go back. They offer both a Western and Thai menu, but the food didnβt stand out or leave a lasting impression.
WHERE | HappyVeggie
Flavors from Around the World
Youβll likely need a reservation to dine here. The food is incredibly tasty, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. We especially loved the fried feta and their homemade fried pitas. They offer Halloumi and veggie pitas, making it a great option for vegetarians too.
WHERE | El Greco - Greek Taverna
This is the best burger weβve ever had. The homemade brioche buns are incredibly soft and fluffy. Every detail of this burger is thoughtfully crafted, with flavors that burst in your mouth. Their fries are coated in batter, making them extra special. They proudly state that vegans arenβt welcome, and there are no vegetarian or vegan options available.
WHERE | Kraken Lanta
Owned by an Italian, this is by far the best pizzeria. Their Italian-style pizza crust is flawlessly baked in a wood-fired oven. Weβve tried other pizzerias so you donβt have toβthis one is the only one worth visiting. They also offer a few vegetarian options.
WHERE | SPAGHETTI by mangia
This is a Tex-Mex restaurant, but the flavors of their food and salsas are authentically Mexican. If you're craving Tex-Mex burritos, tacos, or nachos, this is the spot. Their nachos and fish tacos are especially delicious, thanks to their homemade tortillas and nachos. The restaurant is also vegetarian and vegan friendly.
WHERE | Baja Taco
There are so many vegetarian and vegan options here, we had a tough time choosing what to order. Everything is absolutely delicious, and their naan, baked in the Tandoori oven, is a must-try.
WHERE | K.Himalaya Indian Restaurant
READY FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP?
KEEP EXPLORING | Beaches we loved to do in Koh Lanta
THAILAND ESSENTIALS | Everything you need to pack for Thailand
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BUDGET TRAVEL | Our tips on how we save money on every trip
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