Things to do on Koh Lanta: Wondering what to do?
“Koh Lanta” had long been in my Thailand bucket list. I had read and heard so much about this mesmerizing island and it did live up to its name. The feel and the need to travel to less touristy places was catching up with me. I did not expect this little island to win my heart, and yet it did! There are many things to do on Koh Lanta to keep one occupied and entertained.
The island plays host to wander-lust and laid-back backpackers who wants to spend their time at ease, lazing on hammock with a beer and a book. The 25 Km long island is lined with white sand beaches perfect for a laid-back holiday. The infrastructure was good with good roads, umpteen restaurants, beer bars, hotels, ATM and convenient stores. It’s generally hard for vegetarians to survive on road, and yet the street food was simply superb with a fair list of vegetarian menu.
Islamic culture is prevalent in Koh Lanta, unlike rest of the touristy places in Thailand. Girls run the establishments just as any other place in Thailand. The attitude of the people – friendly and truly Thai. Koh Lanta has topped my favorite places to hangout in Thailand, in fact my most favorite place in the whole of Thailand.
Getting to Koh Lanta:
There is no airport in Koh Lanta. One would need to reach Koh Lanta either by Passenger Ferry or by road. Koh Lanta can be reached from the following destinations…
- Krabi – Ao Nang Passenger Ferry (Nopparat-Thara Pier)
- Krabi – Koh Lanta – Private Mini Van Transfer – approx 3000 THB
- Koh Phi Phi – Koh Lanta – Passenger Ferry
Be advised that the ferry companies may not be operating during Monsoon Season. Getting to Koh Lanta is easier with an all inclusive/ Joint ticket offered by Airasia / any other airline.
How I reached Koh Lanta:
I purchased an all-inclusive ticket from Thai AirAsia flying from Bangkok to Koh Lanta (Saladin Pier). It cost me around 2000 THB for a flight from Bangkok to Krabi, a shared mini-van from Krabi airport to Ao Nang Pier and a passenger ferry from Ao Nang pier to Saladin pier, Lanta. It was rather a wise decision to purchase the joint ticket than to book the transports individually.
Thai AirAsia was spectacular as usual. The drive from Krabi airport to Ao-Nang pier was about 30-40 minutes, a quick ride through the bustling city. The two and half hour Ferry ride from Nopparat-Thara pier was a scenic one too. The Ferry made one stop on the way to pick up few passengers. Saladin pier at Koh Lanta was small with the capacity to handle two or three Ferries simultaneously.
Where to Stay in Koh Lanta : Sonya Bungalows – Koh Lanta: Next time again, Yes!
I stayed at Sonya Bungalows, a 20 minute ride from the Pier. A shared taxi/Songtheaw cost me 100 THB. Sonya Bungalows is a family run property located conveniently on the main road, the beach being 3 minutes walk from the property. Supermarket, Coffee Shop, Laundry Shop,Massage Parlor,Bike Rentals and Restaurants are just a walk away. Sonya Bungalows has a restaurant of its own serving food and beer. The food was splendid and the owners were very friendly and accommodating. I was supposed to checkout at 7 am in the morning to board the Ferry to Koh Phi Phi, on the 3rd day of my stay. Unfortunately, i fell asleep and missed my Ferry. The owner was kind enough to let me stay a while longer and booked me the next Ferry with a pickup from the BnB.
The beach near Sonya Bungalows was calm and beautiful. I went for a walk for a picturesque sunset view. The shore was not suitable for a swim, but too pleasant to spend an evening to watch the sunset, enjoy a cocktail and have a lazy massage by the beach.The miles long beaches are calm, serene and picturesque. Sonya bungalows is the best place to stay in Koh Lanta, considering the budget and the location advantage!
The owner at Sonya Bungalows gave me a Biker Map. The Biker Map came in handy when treading the Island by an automatic moped. The Bike rentals were cheaper and fuel was available almost everywhere on the Island. Regardless of the numerous things to do on Koh Lanta, I was so drawn to doing nothing and lazing on a hammock.
Things to do in Koh Lanta:
- Visit the Beaches – Swim, Eat, Read and Relax – 11 beaches to explore
- Go on an Elephant Trek- 600 THB
- Rent a Motorbike – 250 THB / day
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling – Four Islands Tour
- Visit Old Lanta Town
- Party at the Beaches
- Street Food
- Mu Ko National Marine Park
- Thai Massage
- Play Pool in the Beer Bars
Koh Lanta does not have high end parties or the vibrant night life such as Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. The island is meant for people who want to spend a peaceful holiday. Nevertheless, there are few night parties and bars around. If nightlife is your priority, I suggest you to skip Koh Lanta.
Koh Phangan is an amazing place for party lovers and beach lovers alike. Full Moon Party, Jungle Party, Half Moon Party are few of the best parties in the island. Here’s a concise guide to partying at Koh Phangan.
Koh Lanta Marine National Park:
Mu Ko Lanta Marine National Park is located at the far end of the island. This Marine National Park is a stunning and breathtaking place, one that’s not to be missed on the list of things to do on Koh Lanta. The entry fee is 220 THB approximately (October 2016). There is an old light house by the cliff and the view from cliff is simply stunning. The beaches are even more beautiful with crystal clear bluish green water. It is less crowded. However, beware of the Monkeys. There is a 2 km long trekking route uphill.
