Guides & Articles

From island-hopping to the historic Old Town, Koh Lanta offers more than beaches. This guide covers nearby island day trips, Koh Lanta Old Town, cooking classes, kayaking, and the national park.

Koh Lanta is one of Thailand's best dive bases, with day trips to Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Haa, and Koh Bida. This guide covers all the main sites, dive shops on the island, snorkelling options, and the best season to visit.

Where to drink and dance on Koh Lanta, from sunset bars to weekly parties.

Thailand's visa rules changed significantly in 2025 and are still evolving. Most Western visitors currently get 60 days visa-free on arrival, but always check with your home country's Thai embassy before travelling.

All passenger ferries to and from Koh Lanta use Saladan Pier. High season (November-April) has frequent departures to Phi Phi, Krabi, and Phuket. Low season services are significantly reduced.

Koh Lanta has beaches across a 30 km stretch, from the family-friendly and well-serviced north to the quiet, undeveloped south near the national park. Each beach has a distinct character.

Koh Lanta has a public hospital on Lanta Noi and several 24-hour private clinics in Saladan. Serious cases are transferred to Krabi or Phuket. There is no hyperbaric chamber on the island.

Most of Koh Lanta's permanent residents are Muslim, which shapes the island's character in ways visitors notice quickly. Basic awareness of local customs makes the difference between a respectful visit and an awkward one.

Koh Lanta has a clear dry season (November to April) and a monsoon wet season (May to October). The best months are January and February. May and October are manageable shoulder months if you want fewer crowds.

Koh Lanta was first settled by the Urak Lawoi sea people over 500 years ago. Later came Muslim Malay traders, Chinese merchants, and eventually tourists. The Old Town on the east coast is the best place to see that layered history in person.

Stingrays are present on all Koh Lanta beaches year-round. One simple technique, the stingray shuffle, prevents almost all stings. Here is what to know and what to do if stung.

Cash is essential on Koh Lanta. ATMs are concentrated in Saladan, Long Beach, and Klong Nin, and all charge a flat fee per transaction for foreign cards.

Koh Lanta has a rotating night market that moves to different beach areas each evening, plus a Sunday morning market in Old Town. Here is what to expect and when to go.

Scooters are the most practical and popular way to get around Koh Lanta. This guide covers scooters, taxis, songthaews, bicycles, and distances across the island.

Koh Lanta has no airport, so you arrive by ferry or overland via car ferry from Krabi, Phi Phi, or Phuket. This guide covers all the main routes and what to expect.