Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta at a glance

Koh Lanta is different, like an emerald of the Andaman (as it is fondly known among locals). Its an island of harmony and peace, you can feel it in the air, and see it in the way the local folks go about their days. Lanta is very popular with families, couples and travelling friends. Just 6km wide and 30km long, Lanta Island has such a cultural diversity that it can seem very Thai at one moment, then even European at others. You can find the most authentic Thai restaurant and then move location and sit in a French-style bakery. That's Lanta Island for you. And with the magnificent rugged terrain and fantastic beachscapes, this is really an island to enjoy!

The island sits in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, within easy reach of both the Krabi mainland and the smaller islands strung out to the south. That position is what makes it such a practical base: you can spend a week here without moving, or use it as a stepping stone on a longer island-hopping trip.

How to get to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is connected to the mainland and to neighbouring islands by a network of scheduled services, and there are currently 105 routes bookable routes to and from the island on this site.

Because Lanta is linked to the mainland by bridges as well as by sea, some journeys combine more than one leg — a sea crossing followed by a road transfer, for example. When you search a route, the results page shows exactly which legs are included, the departure and arrival points, the operator and the total travel time, so you can compare options before you commit.

Fares to the island start from ฿449, and prices vary by operator, season and how far ahead you book. High season on the Andaman coast runs roughly from November to April, and services are at their busiest — and fill up fastest — during that period.

Operators serving the island

Several companies run services to and from Lanta, including Andaman Wave Master, Ao Nang Travel and Tour Co.,Ltd. and Bundhaya Speed Boat. Each operator has its own timetable, boarding points and luggage rules, so it's worth reading the conditions shown against several operators on the route you choose rather than assuming they're the same across the board.

Ports and pick-up points

Most sea arrivals and departures use the piers on the island's east and north coasts, with hotel or town pick-up included on many services. Your ticket or confirmation will state the exact pier and reporting time — this matters on Lanta, because the island is 30km long and the drive from the southern beaches to the northern piers takes a while.

Give yourself a comfortable buffer. Arriving at the pier around 30 minutes before departure is a sensible habit, and it leaves room for the check-in and sticker system most operators use.

Popular routes to and from Koh Lanta

The island connects to Ao Nang, Koh Bulon, Koh Jum, Koh Kradan, Koh Lipe, Koh Mook and 10 more destinations. That spread covers both the Krabi mainland and the chain of islands running south towards the Malaysian border.

• Koh Lanta to Ao Nang ferries and transfers — the quickest link back to the Krabi mainland and its onward bus connections.
• Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe — the long southern run, and one of the most-booked island-hopping legs on the Andaman coast.
• Koh Lanta to Koh Mook — for the Emerald Cave and the quieter Trang islands.
• Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan — a short hop to one of the region's best-known beach islands.
• Koh Lanta to Koh Jum — the nearest neighbour, and an easy day trip or overnight stop.
• Koh Lanta to Koh Bulon — a smaller, low-key island on the way south.

Many of these southbound services run in sequence along the same chain, which makes it straightforward to string several islands together on one trip rather than doubling back to the mainland each time.

Getting around once you arrive

Lanta is long and narrow, and the west coast beaches sit one after another down its length. Most visitors get around by scooter, songthaew or taxi; the main road runs the length of the island, and the terrain gets steeper and more rugged towards the south.

If you're staying at the southern end, factor the extra transfer time into your departure day. It's a common reason people miss a boat.

What to see and do

• The west coast beaches — a run of long sandy bays, each with a different character, from busy and social in the north to quiet and undeveloped further south.
• Mu Ko Lanta National Park — at the southern tip, with a lighthouse, walking trails and resident monkeys.
• Lanta Old Town — a stilted fishing settlement on the east coast, with seafood restaurants built out over the water.
• Diving and snorkelling — Lanta is a common departure point for trips to the reefs and dive sites offshore.
• Eating out — the mix the island is known for, from local Thai kitchens to bakeries and cafés run by long-term residents.

Booking tips

Book ahead in high season, especially for the popular southern routes, where seats sell out days in advance. Check the cancellation and change conditions shown on your chosen service before paying — these are set by each operator and differ between them. Keep your confirmation accessible on arrival at the pier, and bring ID for services that require it.

If your travel dates are flexible, comparing a few departures side by side usually turns up a better price or a more convenient departure time.

Book your trip to Koh Lanta

Compare operators, departure points and prices across all 105 routes routes serving the island, and book in a few steps. Search availability for your dates to see what's running.