Koh Lanta Beaches
Just ninety minutes by ferry from Krabi lies the serene beach paradise of Koh Lanta. Here, you won’t be disturbed by the sounds of noisy longtail boats and jet skis, and you won’t be bothered by tuk-tuk touts. Rather, you can fully immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the pristine beaches, free from the rows of beach loungers that often crowd other popular destinations. Enjoy the luxury of a less-crowded experience and make your Thailand holiday truly unforgettable on Koh Lanta beaches.
Koh Lanta is a pristine 45km long island located in the serene Andaman Sea, south of Phuket and Phi Phi. It’s easily accessible from Krabi airport or via a scenic ferry ride from Phuket through Phi Phi island. The island boasts unspoiled beaches, without the hustle and bustle of commercial tourism, providing visitors with a quintessential tropical beach experience. You can indulge in a plethora of beach activities such as beachcombing, sun lounging, and even cooling off in the shallow waters for hours.
But just which beach do you choose? All of them are lined with resorts that empty straight onto the sand, and you never get the sense of crowdedness. Here’s a guide to each of the Koh Lanta beaches.
Klong Dao
This is one of the loveliest and most convenient Koh Lanta beaches, just a few minute’s ride from the island’s modest touristy center of Saladan where the ferry arrives. It’s a lengthy sweeping bay with good swimming waters and home to the poshest resorts. But all development on this island is generally sensitive to environmental impact and is low-rise, blending in with the tropical vegetation. Here you can find affordable bungalows or hole up in an exclusive villa. Stroll along the beach at any time of day and you’ll feel you have it all to yourself, after dusk however you’ll find enough restaurants or bars to experience an atmosphere.
The beach is located in the northwest of Koh Lanta Yai. If you don’t drive, getting to the beach is still a breeze with the express transfer option that combines a minivan and speedboat to take you straight from Krabi airport to your hotel. For larger groups, a Private Minivan Transfer is also available.
Facilities: you’ll find plenty of facilities nearby including a few restaurants, internet cafes, travel agents, ATMs, and even a 7-Eleven.
Long Beach (Phra Ae)
The aptly named Long Beach runs for approximately three miles and is the perfect place for a stroll. It has a soft golden-brown sand. The beach is dotted with bars, restaurants, and resorts, so you’ll have plenty of places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.
Like Klong Dao it is lined with lofty casuarinas trees, affording shade. Though there are stretches with ramshackle bars and bungalows, the North end is comfortable and it’s great for an early morning jog. A public access point is found towards the southern reach.
Long Beach is also a great place to explore, especially if you’re an adventurous traveler. Snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are just a few of the water sports on offer.
Located just five kilometers from Saladan and its pier (where the ferries from Krabi arrive), this beautiful stretch of sand has everything you need for a perfect beach day. When hunger strikes, there are plenty of beach restaurants and bars to choose from for a delicious meal or an ice-cold beverage. And if you need to use the restroom, don’t worry- there’s a convenient toilet right near the beach. But the true hidden gems of Phra Ae Beach can be found on the street that runs parallel to Long Beach. There, you’ll discover some amazing restaurants that we’re excited to share with you- like the Thai Cat Pub & Restaurant, Resaka Lanta, Mays Kitchen, the Backyard, and Patty’s Secret Garden. Trust us, you won’t want to leave Koh Lanta without visiting Phra Ae Beach.
Klong Khong
This beach is less perfect by design, a narrow beach that stretches over several miles in a wavy motion so that your bungalow here might be part of what seems to be an exclusive little bay shared by half a dozen other resorts. At low tide, the beach isn’t very swimmable, with its coral heads everywhere, so this beach is more down market, but it is one of the few on the island fronted by a thick grove of coconut palms.
If you’re planning a trip to Klong Khong Beach in Koh Lanta, it’s important to remember to pack your shoes. The beach is lined with a plethora of pubs and restaurants to explore, but be forewarned, the water is home to many sharp stones. While the bars and restaurants provide a number of cozy places to eat and drink, those looking to take a dip in the water should be cautious of the high tide times.
Klong Nin
The beach sits halfway down the west coast, some way beyond Klong Kong, and is less remarkable than the others but will still impress most overseas visitors. The road runs close to the beach sandwiching rustic restaurants and bars and making it an ideal place to stop for lunch while exploring the island. It also has a nice village feel to it.
Kantiang Bay
It is a gorgeous hideaway nearer the south of the island, home to some upscale villas and modest resorts alike. Rocky headlands on either side of this deep crescent of a beach provide some great views, and you’ll never feel crowded here even in the high season. But it is a bit far from everything else.
Ao Nui Beach
Nui has just two resorts on it but you can’t help wanting to be there. It’s a small piece of paradise that you chance upon as you ride over a hill on your way to Kan Tiang Bay in the south. Stay here if you want nothing more than a beach and a room, all other distractions like diving and tours are missing.
Unfortunately, the beach has been dealing with quite a bit of trash lately. It’s a real shame because when you visit you can see just how stunning it could be – crystal clear waters that reflect the bright blue sky above. And while the beach may be a bit rocky during low tide, it doesn’t take away from the natural beauty of the area.
Klong Jark Beach
Jark Beach is similar to Nui with a few more choices but not quite as perfect. All the same, those looking for cheap paradise will feel quite satisfied. It’s right near the southern end, where the paved road has run out (the dirt road is in bad nick in places), so you’re stuck here, but there is elephant trekking and a lovely walk to Klong Jark waterfall. Budget travelers will get the best value here.
Lanta is not a large island like Phuket, it’s possible to travel from one end to the other on a rented scooter in half an hour. At the southern tip is the National Park, which has thoughtfully paved its section of the road since it does rise and falls along a spectacular cliff-lined coast, affording some great views. There’s a booth near the beach at the end of the road, charging you 200 baht. But the fee is hardly worth it to see the decrepit lighthouse and undeveloped beach which isn’t any better than the other island beaches.
If you’ve had enough of Koh Lanta beaches for the day then ride over to the east side of the island on your rented moped. Two roads traverse the mild hills that spine the island, and you’ll discover a very different Lanta which has hardly seen any of the tourism development experienced on the west coast. Here you can wander the elongated fisherman’s village and pick out a sea-facing restaurant for some fresh seafood. Venture further south and you’ll come upon the Chao Lay (sea gypsy) settlement which is century-of-civilization away from your plush resort. They do, however, have the best views of the remarkable Krabi karst coastline on the whole of Lanta island.
