Koh Lanta is a beautiful island in the southern part of Thailand, known for its laid-back atmosphere. In this article, I will share my itinerary for 2-3 days in Koh Lanta and my opinion on how many days in Koh Lanta is enough.
Koh Lanta is a big island and includes two islands: Koh Lanta Yai in the south and Koh Lanta Noi in the North. They are connected by a bridge. When people refer to Koh Lanta, they’re typically talking about Lanta Yai. This is where most tourist facilities are located while nothing much is happening in Lanta Noi.
How Many Days in Koh Lanta is enough?
In my experience, 2-3 days is the minimum amount of time to spend in Koh Lanta for sightseeing and beach hopping. I spent 2 nights on Koh Lan and was able to explore all of Koh Lanta Yai within a day and Koh Lanta Noi within a half day on a scooter.
If you just want to relax on the beach, you can spend as much time as you want. Many visitors ended up spending a week to month on Koh Lanta.
Basically, you can spend a day or two exploring Koh Lanta island itself. You can see many beautiful beaches, the national park, old town, and mangrove forest. Spend another day or two doing an island tour to the four islands or taking a snorkeling and diving tour.
If you don’t have a scooter, you can rent a private driver for a few hours and select places you want to see. There are lots of songthaews and tuk tuks in popular beach towns and Saladan to use to reach one destination.
Here some my recommend on things to do and how long to spend on these activities:
#1. Beaches. Koh Lannata has many beaches to explore. Famous ones are Long Beach, Klong Nin Beach, Kantiang Bay, and Bamboo Beach. You can easily do beach hopping within a day.
#2. Mu Ko Lanta National Park. This national park is known for its natural trail, a beautiful beach, and stunning views from the lighthouse. The hike in the national park can take a couple of hours. Khlong Chak Waterfall is also part of national park and is a great place for hiking and exploring nature.
#3. Old town. Lanta Old Town is located on the east coast of the island, known for its wooden houses, colorful buildings, and old shops with Thai and Chinese style architecture. You can spend a few hours exploring the old town.
#4. Koh Lanta Noi. This is a small island located north of Lanta main island. It is known for its local atmosphere and quiet beaches. You can spend half a day in Lanta Noi, visiting different beaches, viewpoints, fishing piers, and a Chinese House. It is best to have a scooter to see this part of Lanta.
#5. Saladan Village. This is the main village of Lanta, home to the island’s main pier and the night market. You can spend a night here, explore the night market and do some shopping.
#6. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. There are lots of day tours to nearby islands such as Koh Haa and Koh Rok, which are diving and snorkeling spots with vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species.
See more: 18 Wonderful Things to Do in Koh Lanta
Getting to Koh Lanta:
Koh Lanta can only be reached by boat. The island doesn’t have an airport. Most visitors first arrive on Koh Lanta at either Saladan Pier in Lanta Yai or Khlong Mak Pier in Lanta Noi.
It is around 1.5 hour speed boat ride from Phuket’s Rassada Pier to Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta. If you take the ferry, it will take longer.
You can reach Koh Lanta from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and Railay Beach by boat, or by car + small ride on a ferry. The speed boat ride from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta is around a 1.5-hour.
Getting Around Koh Lanta:
Renting a scooter is the best way to explore the island. If you don’t drive, you can take a guided tour, hire a private driver, or use local taxis such as songthaew, or tuk tuk. There are no Grab-like riding share services on Koh Lanta. If you use songthaews or tuk tuks, you need to negotiate price with the driver.
See more: How to get to Koh Lanta & Get Around
Best time to visit Koh Lanta:
Like many other islands in South Thailand, the most popular time to visit Koh Lanta is the dry season which is typically from November to April. December to February has the most pleasant weather.
The rainy season is the low tourist season in Koh Lanta. It is from May to October. This is a great time to visit for budget travelers but be mindful that it is not ideal if you have a short time and the rain may interrupt your travel plans.
I visited Koh Lanta in January, the weather was perfect for sightseeing and swimming. There was a little rain one afternoon, but it did not affect my exploration.
Top areas to stay in Koh Lanta for tourists:
I stayed in Saladan Village, which is a convenient location to the pier and the night market. If you want to stay right on the beach, you can consider staying on the west coast of Koh Lanta, especially the area between Long Beach and Klong Nin Beach.
The east coast (Old town) and the further south part of the island (Kantiang Bay and Bamboo Beach) offer a quieter atmosphere with fewer choices of accommodations.
Saladan Pier has more affordable accommodations than beaches on the west coast. If you want to stay close to the ferries, this area is a good deal. See more: Where to stay in Koh Lanta.
Here is my brief itinerary of how to spend 2-3 days in Koh Lanta:
How to Spend 2-3 Days in Koh Lanta Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Koh Lanta Noi, and Saladan Night Market
I came to Koh Lanta from Koh Lipe. The speedboat departed from Koh Lipe Pier at 9am and arrived at Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta at 12am. After checking in the hotel, I rent a scooter and explore Koh Lanta Noi.
Saladan Pier
Saladan Pier is a small and busy pier located on the north part of Koh Lanta Yai. It is one of the first places to see when arriving on the island. When getting off the boat, you will enter a wooden house that has a toilet and shop selling snacks and drinks.
You can find more shops, and restaurants on the road right outside of the pier. This street is also home to many travel agencies, motorbike rental, and boat ticket counters. You can easily find tuk tuk and songthaews to get to your hotel.
Keep in mind that many boat companies offer a combo ticket which includes boat ride and the transfer from the pier to your hotel. I recommend booking this combo ticket to avoid the hassle of finding a taxi at the pier.
I walked to my guest house, Non Du Lay, which is located just a few minutes from Saladan Pier. I think this is very convenient for taking the boat from and to other islands.
Lunch at AddLanta Restaurant and Rent a motorbike
After checking in the hotel, I wandered around the town center and searched for good shops to rent a motorbike. I had lunch at AddLanta Restaurant, located on the main road of Saladan, close to the walking street. I ordered fried squid and rice. I forgot to tell them it was less spicy so it was a bit spicy for me.
While having lunch, I searched on Google and found a good motorbike rental shop near me. The shop is called “Enjoy motorbike rental koh Lanta”. They have good reviews on Google, and the process of renting was easy: just a copy of passport and a deposit of 3000 baht.
The scooter was in good condition. They gave me my deposit back when I returned the scooter. After renting a motorbike, I spent my afternoon exploring Koh Yao Noi.
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is part of Koh Lanta, located in the north of Koh Lanta Yai, connected together by a bridge. Koh Yao Noi is where locals live and is home to quiet beaches, rubber farms, and mangrove forests.
This island is also home to Khlong Mak Pier, which is located only 10 minutes from the mainland. You can bring vehicles from the mainland through this pier.
Chai Hat Lang Sot
Chai Hat Lang Sot is the long quiet beach on Chai Hat Lang Sot. It is easily accessible from the main road and is just a few minutes drive from Siri Lanta Bridge.
There are no shades with the pine forest on the shore. Several people were riding ATVs on the sand and dirt roads nearby. At the end of the rural road 6022 near the Koh Lanta District Office, you can have stunning views of the ocean and Saladan village.
Ban Klong Mak Viewpoint
I found this attraction on Google Maps and It was conveniently located on the main road, so I stopped for a look. It is just a viewpoint with rocks, mangrove trees, and beautiful views of the sea and the mountain. I think it is a good rest along the drive.
Laem Ngu Viewpoint
This is another viewpoint located right on the beach road. It has beautiful views of nearby islands and the ocean. There is a seaview cafe nearby called “Talabeng Cafe – Koh Lanta Noi”. You can have a nice coffee, smoothy, or meal while enjoying the views.
Ban Lo Yai fishing pier
This is a long pier on Koh Yao Noi. You can park the scooter at the beginning of the pier, and take a long walk to the end of the pier for swapping views of surrounding islands. Some locals go fishing at this pier. I think you can take a boat to Koh Talabeng, and Koh Phee from this pier.
Baan Tae-Leng
Baan Tae-Leng was used to be a trading port. You can see an old Chinese house and enjoy the stunning views of the sea. There is a family-run cafe on site with reasonable prices and a toilet. You might encounter some goats on the way to this attraction.
Lanta Walking Street
Lanta Walking Street is a great place to try local street food and buy souvenirs. There are lots of stalls selling different foods and goods. The Lanta Plaza 555 next to the walking street offers more shopping experience with lots of clothing and souvenir shops.
Klong Dao Beach for sunset
Klong Dao Beach is the closest beach to Saladan Village, and is a great place to watch the sunset. It is a long beach with several resorts, restaurants, and massage places along the beachfront. You can find more tourist amenities on the road to the beach.
I visited it on a cloudy afternoon and at low tide, but there were still lots of people here taking a walk along the beach and just relaxing on the sand.
Dinner at Star Restaurant
I had a very nice dinner at Star Restaurant, located close to the pier. The restaurant has beautiful sea views. I had lemon fish and steamed rice. It was very delicious and I came back the next night for the same meal.
Day 2: Beach Hopping, Waterfall, National Park on Koh Lanta Yai
On my second day in Koh Lanta, I explored Koh Lanta Yai, the main island of Koh Lanta. I checked all the beaches on the west coast, visited Khlong Chak Waterfall, and hiked in Mu Ko Lanta National Park. In the late afternoon, I visited the old town on the east coast.
Laem Kho Kwang Beach
This beach is located on the northwest coast of Lanta, 6 minutes drive from Saladan Town center. There are some resorts in this area such as Avani or Coco Cape. It was quite muddy at low tide and the water went very far when I visited in the morning.
Klong Dao Beach
From the same parking area as Laem Ko Kwang Beach, you can walk to Klong Dao Beach. This northern section of Klong Dao is very quiet in the morning with just a few people walking on the sand and locals started setting their food stalls.
After exploring the northern area of Klong Dao, I went back to the main road and headed to the southern part of this beach. It is around an 8 minute drive from the northern end to the southern end of Klong Dao.
I recommend putting “Slow Down Breakfest Café” to find a public way to the beach and the parking at the end of the small street. You can have good views of the whole beach from this side. There was a group of people doing gym on the sand.
Long Beach
Also known as Pra-Ae Beach, this beach is a 3 km long beach located just south of Klong Dao Beach. There are a range of beachfront resorts, bars, restaurants, and massage shops along the beach.
The beach has coarse yellow sand with lots of dead coral and rocks at the southern part. You can find a better spot for swimming at the north part of the beach. There isn’t much public access to the beach, I accessed this beach through Phra Ae Public Health Park, Korner Warrior Massage, and a resort.
Relax Bay
Relax Bay is a small relaxing cave located just south of Long Beach. I accessed this beach through Relax Bay Resort. The beach has crystal clear water and coarse sand. Great place to chill and swim. There are rocks at one side of the beach, good for taking photos.
The beach is home to several resorts, and there are beach bars and restaurants along the bay.
Klong Khong Beach
This beach is located on the west coast of Koh Lanta, 6 minutes drive south of Relax Bay. It has a hippie vibe with lots of restaurants and bars on the beach.
Like other beaches on the northern parts of Koh Lanta, this beach has yellow coarse sand with coral and shell debris. There are lots of rocks in some sections.
Klong Nin Beach
Klong Nin Beach is a nice beach located just south of Klong Khong Beach. You can find many beach chairs and umbrellas for rent along the water. There are lots of restaurants, resorts, and tourist amenities on the road running parallel with the beach.
Nui Bay
Nui Bay is a small beach located south of Klong Nin beach. There is a sign on the main road that shows direction to Nui Bay Beach. You can park a motorbike at the sign, and walk down through a jungle to get to the beach. The beach is quiet and good for swimming. There were no beach facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, or bars on the beach.
Kantiang Bay
Kantiang Bay is a beautiful quiet beach area located at the south west coast of Koh Lanta. I accessed this beach through the area near Kantiang Bay View Resort. There are several beach bars and restaurants on the beach. The beach is home to a statue of Koh Lanta and is a good place to have a selfie.
You can access this beach from several restaurants on the road toward the southern part of Lanta. There is a very nice viewpoint on the road near PloyPailin Restaurant, where you can park the scooter on the side of the road and have stunning views of Kantiang Bay.
Ao Nui Bay
Ao Nui Bay is a beautiful white fine sand beach located just a few minutes south of Kantiang Bay. You will see the “Ao Nui Bay”sign on the road, and they have a small parking area.
This is a peaceful beach for swimming and sunbathing. There weren’t many facilities and shade on the beach. Just a small cottage on the beach where you can order food and drink. They had a couple of leaf-covered roofed houses where you could hide underneath.
Khlong Chak Waterfall
Khlong Chak Waterfall may be small and not particularly impressive, but it’s a great spot for a hike. It is a 2 km one way trail from the parking area to the waterfall. It took me 1.5 hours to do the round trip.
You’ll follow a well-marked path in a peaceful jungle, sometimes walking through the stream. The trail is easy but it can be very slippery, so watch your steps when trekking. If you trek by yourself, I recommend using Map.me for navigation and not miss the caves on the way.
You can hire a tour guide at the parking area, but, in my opinion, it is not necessary. I did it myself without a problem. The tour guide will point you to some interesting animals along the way.
The parking is 40 baht. From the parking, you will walk for a few minutes to reach the ticket counter. The ticket is 200 baht, you can keep this to use at Mu Ko Lanta National Park later.
Khlong Chak Beach
This is another quiet beach located on the south west coast of Lanta. Access to the beach easily through the Last Beach Resort. There was plenty of parking on site. This beach is home to several resorts, restaurants, and beach bars. It is a great place to chill and watch the sunset.
Hiking at Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Mu Ko Lanta National Park is located at the southern tip of Koh Lanta. This place has a natural trail where you can go hiking, a sandy beach where you can swim, and a lighthouse that has stunning views of the cliffs and ocean.
The ticket is 200 baht for adults. I showed the staff my ticket at Klong Chao Waterfall and they let me in easily. There is plenty of parking at the parking area, both for cars and scooters.
From the parking area, you have two options. First option is to walk straight for 5-10 minutes to the beach and the lighthouse. Second option is to take the hike on a 2km long natural trail. In the circle route, you’ll end up at the beach and the viewpoint at the end.
If you like hiking, you must take the hiking trail. The first 400m is very steep to climb, then the next 1.6 km trail is moderate. You’ll see some dusky monkeys along the way, big trees, waterfalls, and nice viewpoints near the beach. It took me 55 minutes to do this 2km long trail.
At the end of the jungle trail, you reach the beach and walk for 15 minutes on the sand to reach the lighthouse. From the lighthouse, you can walk for another 15 minutes to get back to the parking area.
Bamboo Beach
Bamboo Beach is the first sandy beach you see on the main road when driving north from Mu Ko Lanta National Park. This is a nice beach with just a small beach bar where you can buy drinks and rent sunbeds.
Be mindful of the aggressiveness in the jungle behind the beach. I saw them steal bananas that were hanging on a scooter in the parking area.
Koh Lanta Old Town
Koh Lanta Old Town is a traditional town located on the east coast of Lanta. There is no road connecting Mu Ko Lanta National Park with the east coast, so I had to drive up north to Klong Hin Beach and turn right into Road 4245 to reach the old town.
The Road 4245 is very hilly and curvy at the section near the View Point Restaurant. Be careful driving on this part. You can stop here for a meal and view.
The Old Town is a small area near the Old Town Pier. You can park your scooter at the pier, then take a walk around the long pier, have a look at the Shipwreck, or take a photo with the Lobster Monument.
Lanta Old Town Walking street is lined with stilt houses, restaurants with sea views, souvenir shops, and convenient stores. Be sure to check out the Chinese Shrine.
I left the old town around 6.15 and it was quite dark to drive back to my hotel in Saladan. The road on the east coast was also quiet which made me feel a bit scared. But I finally reached my hotel safe and sound. I recommend planning in advance and avoiding driving in the dark for your safety. Lanta is a safe place but if something happens to the scooter, it can be difficult to get it fixed.
Day 3: Travel to Koh Phi Phi and Other things to do on Koh Lanta
On my day 3 on Koh Lanta, I returned my scooter then back to Saladan pier to ask for the ticket for the next boat to Koh Phi Phi. There was a speed boat leaving in 10 minutes and I took that one. I walked back to my hotel (2 minute walk from the pier), checked out and got into the boat on time at 9am.
If you have more time, you can take the 4 Island Tour in Koh Lanta. This tour allows you to swim and snorkeling at nearby islands such as Koh Chuek, Koh Mook, Koh Ma, and Koh Ngai Island.
These are my itinerary on how to spend 2-3 days on Koh Lanta. Overall, most visitors spend two to three days on Koh Lanta for exploring its beaches, old town, mangrove forest, and its national park. If you want a more relaxing holiday, you can spend more time as you want.