Ко Ланта

The best time is from November to April, when seas are calm and skies are mostly dry. Boat trips run often and most businesses are open.

From May to October the rainy season brings waves and storms. Some hotels, restaurants and boat tours close, and swimming on the west coast can be unsafe.

• Mu Ko Lanta National Park covers the southern tip of the island, with forest trails, beaches and sea views.
• Lanta Old Town is a small town on the east coast with wooden houses over the water, cafes and shops.
• Khlong Chak Waterfall is a waterfall with a short walk through the forest. It is best after rain.
• Khao Mai Kaew Cave is a limestone cave in the north-center of the island, reached by a forest path.
• Khlong Chak Beach is a west-coast beach near the waterfall and the national park.
• Relax Bay is a quiet sandy beach on the west coast with a relaxed feel.
• Langsod Beach is a beach in the north of the island, away from the main resort area.

• Island hopping: Take a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkeling.
• Beach days: Pick a quiet west-coast beach and stay for sunset.
• Walk the old town: Stroll the waterfront and have a coffee or seafood meal.
• Forest walk: Hike a trail in the national park.
• Kayaking: Paddle through mangroves or along calm coasts.

These trips are listed from closest to farthest.

• Koh Ngai, Koh Mook and Koh Kradan: island hopping by longtail boat or speedboat. Snorkeling and quiet beaches.
• Four islands tour: a popular boat day trip with snorkeling stops.
• Krabi and Railay: reachable by road and boat. Plan a full day.
• Phi Phi Islands: reached by ferry or speedboat in the dry season.

• Ko Lanta Noi is the smaller island to the north.
• Krabi is the province around Ko Lanta.
• Mueang Krabi is Krabi's main town district.
• Phi Phi Islands is a famous island group to the north.

• By minivan and ferry from Krabi: Minivans take you from Krabi airport or town to the island. The road crosses two short car-ferry crossings, and the whole trip takes a few hours.
• By boat from Phi Phi or Krabi: In the dry season, ferries and speedboats run to the island. Services stop or reduce in the rainy season.
• By air: Krabi International Airport is the nearest main airport.

• Scooters: The most popular way to travel along the west coast road. Rent from a reputable shop and drive carefully.
• Taxis and tuk-tuks: Available, but fares can be high. Agree on the price first.
• Songthaews: Occasional shared trucks run along the main road.
• Boats: Longtail boats reach beaches and nearby islands.

• Is a car worth it?: A scooter or a rented car is the easiest way to see the island, as public transport is limited.
• Driving side: Traffic drives on the left.
• Roads: The main road is paved but hilly, with sharp bends in places.
• Scooters: Wear a helmet and avoid driving at night or in heavy rain.

Ko Lanta has fresh seafood, southern Thai curries and simple beachfront restaurants. The old town has Thai-Chinese dishes and small cafes. Seafood restaurants on the west coast are good for sunset dinners.

The island has a large Muslim community, so some restaurants do not serve alcohol.

• Swimming: Currents and waves are strong in the rainy season. Follow flags and local advice.
• Scooters: Accidents are common on hills and wet roads.
• Sun and sea: Use sunscreen and drink bottled water.
• Wildlife: Do not feed monkeys. Keep food out of sight.
• Elephant tourism: Choose sanctuaries where visitors watch elephants and do not ride them.
• Drugs: Thai drug laws are strict. Do not carry or use drugs.
• Royal family: Do not speak or write badly about the monarchy. It is a serious crime in Thailand.

Ko Lanta's old town was a trading and fishing port on the east coast. Chinese, Thai and Malay communities lived side by side, and some of the island's sea people, known as Chao Leh, live here too.

The island opened to travelers later than Phuket and Phi Phi, which is why it still feels quieter today.

Quick practical facts for Thailand at a glance: