Koh Lanta: sights, map, images and video

Koh Lanta is a group of over fifty small islands off the Andaman Coast in Southern Thailand, with only three of the biggest, Lanta Yai or Big Lanta Island, Lanta Noi or Small Lanta Island and Ko Ngai being inhabited.  Situated in the Krabi Province, only 70 kilometres from the main Krabi town where the international airport is located, the archipelago is a relatively unspoiled and unique piece of paradise in the region, especially compared to the more commercial Phuket Island.  Koh Lanta is blessed with clear, cool water ideal for diving and many remarkable beaches with beautiful white sand ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Topics

Koh Lanta map

View the top areas and best sights on our Koh Lanta map.

Koh Lanta overview

With its 27 kilometres coastline Ko Lanta has many great places to offer from backpackers huts to five stars resorts, and even the Hollywood star Leonardo Dicaprio choose the island as one of its tropical residence.  The heart of the island is mainly covered with virgin rain forest and a series of mountains, offering a superb view of the island from the highest peak.

The islands is mostly visited by divers, older couples and family with young kids, who are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere as opposed to other more vibrant Thailand destinations such as Krabi, Phuket or Phi Phi.  It is the perfect place for long walks on the beach or to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Koh Lanta Yai overview

Ko Lanta Yai often simply referred to as "Ko Lanta", is by far the most developed of all the Lanta islands.  Some 30 kilometres long and only 6km wide it is where most of all the resorts and other tourist attractions are located.  More than half of the 10,000 residents of the area live on this island.  The economy is primary focusing on tourism but other source of income exists such as fishing, coconut and cashew nut plantations.

From North to South is a paved road that offers easy access to all the different wonderful beaches.  The last few kilometres of the island being the headquarters of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, blessed with amazing natural wonders, including tropical jungles and many breathtaking bays.

The west coast of the island is considered the main tourist area with a variety of accommodations and numerous bars and restaurants.  It is the perfect place to enjoy the many beaches, resorts and other tourist attractions.

The east coast remain the more authentic side of the island, being far less developed and mainly consisting of mangroves.  It is famous for the Old town and the ancient Sea Gypsy Village, an indigenous community that was merely affected by civilisation.

Koh Lanta top places

Some of the top destinations on the island include:

1. Lanta Old Town
2. Ban Saladan
3. Khao Mai Kaew Caves
4. Viewpoint hill
5. Sea-Gypsy Village

Lanta Old Town

Lanta Old Town is the mostly known village on the east coast of the island.  It is mostly popular for its port, being a good starting point for other islands, but also for its culturally diverse community including Chinese merchants, original Thai fishing families and an ancient Sea Gypsy community.

Ban Saladan

Ban Saladan, located on the northern part of the island is the biggest and most important town on Koh Lanta and home to the ferry port.  It has all the facilities one may need including banks, pharmacies, tourist agencies and a variety of other shops.  It is often the starting point when visiting Koh Lanta.

Khao Mai Kaew Caves

The Khao Mai Kaew Caves located in the heart of the island, not far from the main east west road offers an amazing wonder of rocks and caverns with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

Viewpoint hill

The Viewpoint hill is located in the heart of the island.  It is the highest point on Koh Lanta and offers breathtaking views of the east coast of the archipelago.

Sea-Gypsy Village

The Sea-Gypsy Village also known as Chao-Le is located on the southern tip of the east coast.  This fishing community have occupied this area for hundreds of years and is not preoccupied with the latest technology.

Orchid nursery farm

Orchid nursery farm located on the Long Beach (Pra Ae beach) is an amazing flower farm.

Koh Lanta top beaches

The main attractions of the island are the famous attractive beaches offering white sand, cool water and a splendid scenery.  Some of the most popular beaches in Ko Lanta include:

1. Kor Kwang beach
2. Klong Dao beach
3. Phra Ae Long Beach
4. Klong Khong Beach
5. Klong Nin beach
6. Klong Hin beach
7. Kantiang beach
8. Far Southern Beaches

Kor Kwang

The Kor Kwang beach situated on the cape of the same name is the most northern and closest beach to the main city of Ban Saladan.  With its curved shape it offers nice sand and clear aquamarine water.

Klong Dao

Klong Dao located just south of the Kor Kwang cape is the most popular destination on the island mainly due to its proximity to the ferry (only 2km).  It offers a 3km stretch of beautiful white sand and shallow clear waters, with a variety of accommodations to choose from.  It has the perfect mix of good location close to all the amenities combined with peace and quiet.

Pra Ae Long Beach

The Pra Ae beach, also known as Long Beach is one of the longest on the island with a 5km long stretch of crisp white sand.  Once a backpacker heaven it still offers many budget accommodation but with more and more luxury resorts being built right on the beach.  Due to its long size, you will always find a secluded spot and is ideal for long walks.

Klong Khong Beach

Klong Khong Beach, situated in the middle of the west coast, is the most budget traveller friendly beach on the island.  This fisherman beach offers many bungalow type accommodations and is ideal for sunbathing and long walks along its lengthy coast but could be difficult to swim due to its rocky waters.

Klong Nin Beach

Klong Nin is a lovely southern beach filled with numerous coconut pine trees and tropical rain forest.  It offers beautiful soft white sand with tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The northern part of the beach is more suited for swimming as it has less rocky parts then its southern part.  Ideal for youngster with many affordable accommodations, restaurant and some nightlife open until late.

Klong Hin beach

Klong Hin beach is the southern sister of Klong Nin Beach.

Kantiang Beach

Kantiang is one of the smaller beaches but perhaps one of the most beautiful on Koh Lanta Island as well.  It is known for its clear waters and corals reefs ideal for snorkelling.  It has many upscale resorts to choose from.

Far Southern Beaches

The far Southern part of the island offers some quality beaches, some only a few hundred meters long. They are often very isolated and peaceful.  It includes Ao Nui (Nui Bay), Ao Klong Jaak and other more remote beaches in the Ko Lanta National Park.

Koh Lanta best hotels

There are many good value hotels in Koh Lanta.  Below is selection of the best rated 4 and 5 Stars hotels.

1. Pilanta Spa, 5 stars Resort
2. Pimalai Resort & Spa, 5 stars Resort
3. Crown Lanta Resort & Spa, 4 stars Resort
4. Baan Laanta Resort & Spa
5. Lanta Sand Resort & Spa

Check out the best hotel deals in Koh Lanta, with up to 75% discount.

Pilanta Spa Resort

The Pilanta Spa Resort is featuring at the top of the 5 Stars hotels in Koh Lanta.  This resort is the perfect place if you are looking to have the perfect beach holiday packed with activities. Indeed they offer a vast variety of classes and sports, from Yoga and cooking classes to diving lessons.

Book a room at the Pilanta Spa Resort now, best prices guaranteed.

Pimalai Resort & Spa

The Pimalai Resort & Spa is one of Thailand’s top 5 Stars Resorts, winner of various accommodation awards in the last couple of years. This amazing resort is located in the heart of a tropical forest next to one of the best beach of the island.  Indeed it has a beautiful white sand beach with pristine clear water. Its restaurant also offers an excellent cuisine and its wine bar a great selection of international wines.  The Pimalai resort which is also part of the World’s Top small Luxury Hotels is definitely worth a visit if you are looking to emerge yourself in a tropical paradise and get away from it all.

Book a room at the Pimalai Resort & Spa now, best prices guaranteed.

Crown Lanta Resort & Spa

The Crown Lanta Resort & Spa offering both a choice of villas and suite rooms is perfectly located on the west coast of Koh Lanta.  It is an ideal place for both a romantic gateway for couples or for an activity packed holiday for families.  Its free flowing swimming pool is perhaps the hotel main design characteristics, perfect for water lover.  It’s on location massage and spa services are one of the best on the island and will guarantee you a stress free vacation.

Book a room at the Crown Lanta Resort & Spa now, best prices guaranteed.

Baan Laanta Resort & Spa

The Baan Laanta Resort & Spa is another of the Island top 4 stars hotels, offering 15 fully equipped rooms.  It is the perfect place for your base on Koh Lanta and close to all the key attractions.  The hotels has a multitude of services on offer for their guess from the usual food, laundry service and safe deposit box to the more unique doctor on call service.

Book a room at the Baan Laanta Resort & Spa now, best prices guaranteed.

Lanta Sand Resort & Spa 

The Lanta Sand Resort & Spa is the last but not least 4 Stars hotel on our list, situated in the heart of a coconut garden, in one of the islands most remote location. It is indeed the perfect place to get away from a fast pace lifestyle and enjoy a couple days or weeks of peace and calm.  With two different pools, a pool bar, the beautiful beach, a lovely restaurant and the spa, the Lanta Sand Resort has everything to make you smile and we can guarantee you it will be the highlight of your stay on the island.

Book a room at the Lanta Sand Resort & Spa now, best prices guaranteed.

Koh Lanta images

The following is a selection of some of Koh Lanta best photographs.  It includes some of the city’s most important sites and best beaches.

Click on the images to view them in full-size within a lightbox.

Koh Lanta video

HD travel documentary Film created by Mat Siems about the best destinations in Koh Lanta in the South of Thailand including Lanta Old Town, Ban Saladan, the monkey school, Phra Ae Long Beach and Kantiang beach.

Click here to watch the Best of Koh Lanta video.