Top 10 Things To Do In Koh Lanta
Most visitors who arrive in Koh Lanta come for the glorious beaches and an opportunity to relax on one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. Another reason is the excellent diving on offer, for both beginners and experts alike. However, there is much more to Koh Lanta including numerous waterfalls and caves, a national marine park, and excellent spas, all waiting for you to explore and enjoy.
The primary attraction of Koh Lanta is the beach life, and you needn’t feel guilty here if all you do all week is relax on the lovely white sand. It’s a holiday island, but unlike Phuket, there is no traffic congestion, excessive noise, raunchy bars, tuk-tuks, or crowds. There isn’t a barrage of attractions and activities in Koh Lanta that you feel you must complete making your stay worthwhile. Almost every resort fronts a gorgeous piece of beach, and the sights are limited to natural scenery and a general sense of tropical paradise.
Attractions in Koh Lanta
#1 Phra Ae Beach
This beach lies just south of Klong Dao and is sometimes referred to as Long Beach. The bay is a spectacular crescent shape and stretches for four kilometers across the northern end of Koh Lanta. It offers excellent swimming in a picture postcard setting. Many of the island’s resorts are located here and you can stroll for miles and pick a restaurant to have a long lazy lunch.
The sight of the yellow-gray sand that spreads for miles, surrounded by pine trees, provides a serene respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Watching the sunset from Phra Ae beach is an unforgettable experience, but visitors should be wary of jellyfish when swimming in these waters. Once the sun sets, visitors can enjoy a delicious seafood banquet at any one of the nearby bars or restaurants set against the beautiful backdrop of Pra Ae beach for an experience to remember.
🐝 BEST TOURS FROM KOH LANTA
#2 Ban Sangkha-U
The majority of Koh Lanta’s residents are Muslims who have, over the years, mixed with other races living on the island such as Buddhists and sea gypsies. A lot of the population is made up of subsistence farmers, some working on plantations and a few making a living from the sea. Ban Sangkha-U is a small, old-world fishing village in the southeast of the island and a great place for exploring to immerse yourself in a unique Thai culture. Similar to the rest of the island, there are very few cars in the village and the roads are unpaved. Sangkha-U is on the opposite side of the beaches and resorts and offers an unspoiled glimpse into island life.
#3 Tham Khao Mai Khew
Situated in the south of Koh Lanta, these caves are spectacular and consist of numerous chambers with stalactites, stalagmites, and fascinating rock formations.
Exploring Tham Khao Mai Khew Cave in Koh Lanta is an adventure that should not be missed. The hike itself is a moderate challenge, with steep staircases and slippery rocks that require cautious navigation. A guide is recommended to ensure the safety of all visitors and provide guidance on the 45-degree incline ropes. Once inside the cave, you’ll be immersed in a 30-minute journey that you can’t experience anywhere else—but be sure to bring your own flashlight since this isn’t provided. The 300 baht fee for a guide will no doubt be worth every penny, so now’s the time to prove your caving skills!
#4 Sea Gypsy Village
Just south of the Baan Koh Lanta town lies the Sea Gypsy Village, on the east side of Koh Lanta. Here you can catch a glimpse of what life was like years before commercialization. The people here live a nomadic existence at sea and their way of life hasn’t changed for hundreds of years. The community is very welcoming to tourists, but please be respectful and ask for permission before photographing residents.
#5 Mu Ko Lanta National Park
The Koh Lanta National Marine Park is at the southernmost tip of Koh Lanta and is the culmination of an awe-inspiring coastal drive.
There are many amenities in the park – showers and toilets, picnic areas, a glorious white powder beach, and a captivating trek through the unspoiled jungle which commences at the park’s headquarters. For picture postcard snaps of the coast, head to a small lighthouse at the southern point. Light refreshments are available throughout the park.
This park offers a stunning view of the Koh Lanta area and its 800-meter-long lighthouse trail. The tranquil, clean beach is a great spot to have a relaxing time. Not only will visitors be able to take in the spectacular views while they explore, but they get to do so at an affordable entrance fee of 200 baht per person and just 20 baht for motorbike access. Moreover, the 2km pathway is well-paved making it very easy to traverse. Be warned though as naughty monkeys may try to snatch up belongings that are left unattended on the beach. And if you want an extra special experience then wait until sundown, for this national park looks even more beautiful at sunset!
#6 Kan Tiang Beach
If it is total seclusion and being surrounded by mountains you are after, then Kan Tiang Beach is for you. The beach is 18kms south of Baan Saladan village and is one of the most beautiful coves on Koh Lanta, boasting white sand and blue water. It takes a bit of effort to reach and is on the seldom-visited east coast with views of the mainland, but once there you will not be disturbed.
The sand is incredibly soft that walking along it feels like sinking into a pillow at night. Around the beach, there are lots of boats anchored here and further looking out from the beach you can spot some islands and other hilly formations. There’s even some music playing at nearby beach bars starting around 4 pm and if you want to chill out with the tunes, be sure to get there earlier!
Activities in Koh Lanta
#7 Diving
The Andaman Sea has been voted the best area for scuba diving in Southeast Asia. The dive areas of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, just off Koh Lanta, are featured in the world’s top 10 sites in International Dive Magazine. Koh Lanta is a scuba enthusiast’s heaven and basing yourself here opens up unforgettable diving spots such as Koh Ha, King Cruiser Wreck, Shark Point, Anemone Reef, Hin Bida, and Koh Bida, to mention but a few.
#8 Elephant Sanctuary (No Riding)
Elephants play a sacred and integral part in Thai culture. There is one sanctuary on the island, open daily from 9:00 am. – 5:00 pm. We recommend booking a “Relaxing Time with the Elephant”, which costs 1,800 THB per person. It’s a very fun experience – you get to walk with elephants as well as feed them, participate in a mud bath with the elephant, and have fun splashing about in the water with your elephant.
#9 Speedboat Tours
There are many companies that can tailor trips to suit your needs, whether you want to go island-hopping or enjoy a nautical candlelight dinner. Trips cost upwards of 1,000 baht. A more affordable option is a long-tail boat trip. They can be found at the pier in Ban Koh Lanta’s old town. Prices vary according to what you want to see and do, but bunching together to hire one of these vessels to take you to Koh Muk, Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai, Koh Chuek, or Koh Phi Phi for a great day of snorkeling should keep the cost low.
If you’re too bored of Koh Lanta, you can always travel to Koh Lipe or Koh Kradan.
#10 Sea Kayaking
The eastern side of Koh Lanta is home to a dense mangrove forest. Canoeing along the 30km canal is a great opportunity to take in the truly magnificent wilderness and wildlife. Exploring the array of sea caves and getting up close to the limestone outcrops by kayak is also an option and a full day trip should cost no more than 1,000 baht with Rapu Sea Kayaking, including lunch. Trips leave from Hua Hin Pier.
So there you have it, just a few of the many things to do while on the magnificent island of Koh Lanta. Of course, these are only a fraction of what is available to those who visit – but we hope this list has inspired you and given you some ideas for fun activities during your stay. And if not, well… there’s always lying on the beach with a good book.
Getting to Koh Lanta
Need help getting to Koh Lanta? Check out our transportation articles which describe public transportation options:
