Getting Around Koh Lanta

Songthaew shared truck on Koh Lanta
Local transport on Ko Lanta

The island runs about 30 km from Saladan in the north to the national park tip in the south. The main road (Route 4245) is paved the whole way. A scooter is by far the most practical way to explore.

Key Distances from Saladan

  • Klong Dao Beach: ~2 km
  • Long Beach (Phra Ae): ~5 km
  • Klong Nin: ~17 km
  • Kantiang Bay: ~27 km
  • National park entrance: ~30 km

Saladan to Kantiang Bay takes about 40-50 minutes by scooter.

The main road running along Ko Lanta's west coast

Scooter Rental

  • Cost: 200-300 THB per day for a standard automatic 110-125cc
  • Weekly rate: approximately 1,200-1,800 THB
  • Available at most guesthouses, hotels, and roadside rental shops across the island
  • Roads in the north are flat and easy; southern routes toward the national park are hillier and windier
  • Always wear a helmet. Thai law requires a motorcycle license; enforcement by police is inconsistent, but accidents on Koh Lanta are common enough to take seriously
  • Check your travel insurance covers scooter riding before you rent

Local Taxis

  • Pick-up trucks and minivans serve as taxis; no meters, fares negotiated in advance
  • Typical fare: 200-500 THB depending on distance
  • Available at Saladan Pier and through hotels
  • Tuk-tuks: around 50-150 THB for shorter rides
  • Note: Grab (the regional ride-hailing app) does not operate on Koh Lanta

Songthaews (Shared Pick-up Trucks)

  • Open-back trucks with bench seating, shared with other passengers
  • Fares: roughly 50-150 THB per person depending on distance
  • More available in the northern part of the island; harder to find in the south
  • Schedules are informal; you flag them down or ask at your accommodation
Longtail boat on Ko Lanta, used for island hopping

Bicycle Rental

  • Around 100-150 THB per day; e-bikes also available from at least one operator in Saladan
  • Practical for the flat northern areas: Saladan, Klong Dao, and Long Beach
  • South of Klong Nin, the hills and distances make cycling hard work; not recommended for a full island ride

Car Rental

  • Available at approximately 1,200-1,800 THB per day
  • Useful for families with luggage or those not comfortable on scooters
  • Ask at your hotel or at rental shops in Saladan

Practical Notes

  • Fill up on petrol in Saladan or at roadside stations along the main road before heading south
  • The further south you go, the fewer services there are; plan ahead
  • If you are staying in the south (Kantiang Bay area), a scooter becomes essential rather than optional