Where to stay in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is the Andaman Sea at its most relaxed. The island's west coast is one long run of sandy bays, each a little quieter than the last as you head south, and the pace of life is slower than on Phuket or Phi Phi. It's a favourite with families, couples and people who come back year after year.

Most visitors stay on Koh Lanta Yai's west coast, between Saladan in the north and the national park at the southern tip. The places we list range from family resorts on Long Beach to tiny homes by the sea at Klong Nin, so choosing your beach is the first decision to make.

Nearest airport
Krabi International, usually around 2 to 2.5 hours by road and car ferry
By boat
Ferries and speedboats to Saladan from Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and, in high season, other islands
Getting around
Tuk-tuks, taxis and scooter hire along the west-coast road
Rainy season
Roughly May to October, when some places close

Places to stay in Koh Lanta

10 hotels

Guesthouse in Long Beach (Phra Ae) and Saladan

Lanta Smile Inn

A friendly guest house seven minutes' walk from Long Beach

  • garden
  • terrace
  • air-conditioning
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"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Koh Lanta, area by area

The beaches line up neatly along the west coast. The further south you go, the quieter and more jungle-backed they become.

Long Beach (Phra Ae) and Saladan

Best for families and first visits

Long Beach, also called Phra Ae, is Lanta's best-known stretch: several kilometres of soft sand with restaurants, beach bars and shops behind it. Klong Dao, just to the north, is calm and popular with families, and Saladan village at the island's northern tip has the main ferry pier, banks and supermarkets.

This is the most convenient part of the island. Ferries, minivans and tour pick-ups all start here, and you can walk to dinner most evenings. Many of the larger family resorts are along this stretch, along with simple guesthouses a few minutes back from the sand.

Klong Khong

Best for beach bars and easy-going evenings

Klong Khong is a more rustic, laid-back beach just south of Long Beach, with rocky patches that are good for snorkelling at low tide and a scattering of relaxed beach bars. Relax Bay and the small cove known as Secret Beach are nearby.

Klong Nin

Best for quiet beach days

Klong Nin is a broad, peaceful beach in the middle of the west coast, with a handful of restaurants and fine sunsets. It's also the turning point for the road across the island to Lanta Old Town on the east coast.

Kantiang Bay and the south

Best for jungle, coves and seclusion

The south of the island is hillier and greener. Kantiang Bay is a beautiful, sheltered beach backed by forest, and further south lie Bamboo Bay and the Mu Ko Lanta National Park with its lighthouse viewpoint. It's the quietest part of Lanta, around 20 minutes or more from Saladan.

Questions about staying in Koh Lanta

Which beach is best on Koh Lanta?

Long Beach for choice and convenience, Klong Dao for families, Klong Khong for a laid-back bar scene, and Kantiang Bay for scenery and peace. All are on the west coast.

How do I get to Koh Lanta from Krabi Airport?

Minivans and taxis make the trip by road, using the car ferries between the mainland and the islands. Allow roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.

Is Koh Lanta good for families?

Yes. The west coast beaches are long and generally calm in the dry season, the island is relaxed, and many resorts have family rooms and pools.

When is the best time to visit Koh Lanta?

The dry season, from about November to April, has the calmest seas. From May to October there's more rain and rougher water, and some places close.

What day trips can I do from Koh Lanta?

Popular options include snorkelling tours to the Four Islands and Koh Rok, a visit to Lanta Old Town on the east coast, and the lighthouse walk in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Boats to Koh Phi Phi also run from Saladan.

Is there nightlife on Koh Lanta?

Some, but it's low-key: beach bars with fire shows and live music, mainly around Long Beach and Klong Khong. If you want big nights out, Phuket or Koh Phi Phi are livelier.

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