Holiday
Why visit Koh Lanta
Quiet and peaceful island perfect for relaxation, family vacation or honeymoon
Endless sandy beaches with shallow blue-green waters accompanied by a vibrant coral reef
Diverse national park spanning the jungle, mangrove forests, beaches, and nearby islands
Variety of eco-adventures in-land, including elephant sanctuaries
Hidden waterfalls and jungle trekking alongside long-tailed macaques
Easy access to boat tours to some of the most pristine islands in Thailand, like Phi Phi Islands, Koh Rok and Koh Haa
Koh Lanta Old Town showcasing a colorful island’s culture
Learn about traditional pearl farming in picturesque fishing villages while mingling with locals
One of the best island hubs for divers in Southern Thailand
Relaxed nightlife limited to cozy beach bars
How to reach Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a large island in the southern Krabi Province of Thailand. The island is over 2 hours drive from Krabi international airport. It is well connected by sea with many famous islands in the Andaman, including Koh Phi Phi islands, Koh Lipe, and Phuket. It takes less than an hour to reach Koh Phi Phi’s main island from Koh Lanta, while remote Koh Lipe is over two hours away by the sea. It is also possible to hire a private boat from Phuket to Koh Lanta with Islander. Many surrounding islands will give you that paradise-like vibe if you get bored in Koh Lanta. Less than an hour by private boat tour is Koh Rok and Koh Haa – trendy destinations for divers with stunning beaches and vibrant, colorful reefs. And Koh Jum is the off-the-beaten-track island that promises peaceful time alongside local sea gypsy culture and villages.
Best time in Koh Lanta
The best time to visit Koh Lanta is from late November to late April. During this dry season, the boat tour options are in full-swing, bars are playing reggae music, and beaches are lively on an otherwise sleepy island. Locals love to say that the best month is around Songkran that falls in April since it’s the end of a high season. During November – April, you will enjoy snorkeling in Koh Lanta, nearby Koh Phi Phi, pristine Koh Rok, and Koh Haa.
Rainy season in Koh Lanta
Rainy season in Koh Lanta starts in May and ends at the beginning of November. The wet season features occasional rainfall, high tides, storms, and quietness. There are few things to do on the island since tours and activities are scarce. During these dates, Koh Lanta National Marine Park is closed for all snorkeling tours. No matter the season, you can expect a pleasant temperature that ranges from 25°C to 35°C throughout the year.
Koh Lanta or Krabi
Despite Koh Lanta being not a much-developed island, it features world-class beaches, untouched nature, friendly locals, and proximity to a myriad of spectacular island-hopping destinations. Krabi Town is located on the mainland and has way more developed infrastructure, including an international airport. Krabi and its surrounding area are ideal for cultural immersion, exploration of breathtaking mountains, many sacred temples and caves, hot springs, as well as rock climbing, rather than serene beach life on Koh Lanta.
Koh Lanta or Phuket
Phuket, the biggest and busiest island in Thailand, is entirely different from a shy Koh Lanta. If you’re looking for the extremely best of everything, then Phuket is a place for you. You will never find glamorous shopping, never-ending nightlife, plenty of gourmet restaurants, loads of things to do, and as many spectacular beaches on Koh Lanta. Still, both Phuket and Koh Lanta are within the same distance to Phi Phi islands, in case you are planning to go there next.
Koh Lanta or Koh Samui
Koh Samui is quite comparable to Koh Lanta in terms of activities. Still, Koh Samui is a more developed and a way busier island with a vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful place offering proximity to the world-class diving and snorkeling spots, then go for Koh Lanta. For partygoers and even luxury honeymooners, Koh Samui is by far a better place than family-oriented Koh Lanta. But please note that Koh Samui is best to visit from March to September, while Koh Lanta is best from November till May.