Village
Ban Si RayaLocated halfway down Lanta's eastern coast, Ban Si Raya was the island's original port and commercial centre, providing a safe harbour for Arab and…
Ko Lanta
Once the domain of sea gypsies, Lanta has morphed from a luscious Thai backwater into a getaway for both Asian and European, especially Scandinavian, visitors who come for the divine miles-long beaches (though the northern coast is alarmingly eroded) and nearby dive spots of Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Ko Haa.
Charming Lanta remains more calm and real than its brash neighbour Ko Phi-Phi, although – whisper it quietly – the backpacker party scene is growing. Flatter than surrounding islands and with reasonable roads that run 22km from north to south, Lanta is easily toured on a motorbike, revealing a colourful crucible of cultures – fried-chicken stalls sit below slender minarets, stilted villages of chow lair (sea gypsies, also spelt chao leh) cling to the island’s east side, and small Thai wát hide within tangles of curling mangroves.
Ko Lanta is technically called Ko Lanta Yai. Boats pull into dusty Ban Sala Dan, on the northern tip of the island.
Explore Ko Lanta
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Ko Lanta.
National Park
Mu Ko Lanta National ParkEstablished in 1990, this marine national park protects 16 islands in the Ko Lanta group, including the southern tip of Ko Lanta Yai. The park is…
Cave
Tham Khao MaikaeoMonsoon rains pounding away at limestone crevices for millions of years have created this complex of caverns and tunnels. There are cathedral-size…
Beach
Hat Khlong KhongThis is thatched-roof, Rasta-bar bliss, with beach volleyball, moon parties and the occasional well-advertised mushroom shake. Still, it’s all pretty low…
Beach
Ao Mai PhaiA luscious, nearly forgotten cove at the southwestern curve just before the cape, this is one of Lanta's finest beaches. It's backed by elegant palm…
Landmark
Laem TanodThe wild, jungled mountainous southern tip of the island has sheer drops and massive views for intrepid motorbikers. The road to the Mu Ko Lanta National…
Beach
Ao KantiangThis superb southwestern sweep of sand backed by mountains is also its own self-contained village with minimarts, internet cafes, motorbike rental and…
Island
Ko Rok NaiPart of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Ko Rok Nai is very beautiful, with a crescent-shaped bay backed by cliffs, fine coral reefs and a sparkling white…
Beach
Hat Khlong NinLovely white-sand Hat Khlong Nin has lots of small, flashpacker-type guesthouses at its northern end. It’s easy to get dropped off here, then shop around…
Island
Ko Rok NokKo Rok Nok has fine coral reefs and you can camp here with permission from Mu Ko Lanta National Park headquarters. The island is off limits to visitors…
Island
Ko TalabengOn the eastern side of Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Talabeng has dramatic limestone caves that you can visit on sea-kayaking tours.
Beach
Hat Phra AeA large travellers’ village, with restaurants oriented to Western tastes, beach bars and tour offices, has grown up along sandy Hat Phra Ae. The beach has…
Beach
Hat Khlong DaoHat Khlong Dao was once an outstanding 2km stretch of white sand perfect for swimming, but the erosion has become so bad that at high tide there's no…
Cave
Tham SeuaReached via a signposted track heading east off the national park headquarters road, 2km south of Hat Khlong Nin, Tham Seua has interesting tunnels to…
Beach
Hat Khlong TobThis rocky beach isn't suitable for swimming and is mainly used as a harbour by local fishing boats. It's about 12km south of Ban Sala Dan on Ko Lanta's…