A Guide to Koh Lanta

- Thailand -

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, and there is a good reason for it. Filled with incredible landscapes, interesting culture and some of the best food in the world, this country should be on everyones list.

Visiting Koh Lanta

If you are looking for an island with beautiful beaches, cool cave experiences, good restaurants, fun nightlife. family friendly and still has that touch of wild Thailand. Then Koh Lanta is the place to go. This island is perfect if you are traveling with friends or family. With that being said, this is also a good Island to visit for first time backpacker people as getting around and the connections between the nearby islands are very good.

How to get here

When planning your trip around Thailand you can either fly or take the bus. (There are also Trains but I've never tried them). Thai Airways has domestic flights. If you are flying international I always choose Thai Airways as it makes me feel like I am already in Thailand once stepping on the plane.

A great feeling especially when the flights are 11 hours from Norway. Thai Airways also flies directly to Koh Krabi every single day and from there it is easy to arrange a van taking you to Koh Lanta. Click HEREto get a special offer from Thai Airways.

Awesome things to do on Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is the perfect getaway from the more touristy Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi Islands. Even though this island is well travelled you can still find your own beach or get some cool and wild experiences all to your self.

The roads on this island are fairly good making it a good place to rent a scooter and explore on your own. Driving around is also a cool experience with wild monkey and lizards roaming the streets and the beautiful nature that comes with some spectacular views.

Where to stay

Koh Lanta is full of pretty resorts and hostels. From pool villas to party hostels Koh Lanta got you covered. I was traveling with friends and ended up staying at Blanco`s Hostel where we had a great time. Blanco`s is located close to the main road with an easy 3 minute walk to the beach.

They also rent out scooter and arrange boat tours. Where ever you choose to stay in Koh Lanta you will find it easy to get to where you are going as the island is quite small.

TOP THINGS TO DO ON KOH LANTA

Down bellow I've listed some my favorite spots here on Koh Lanta. # Discover beaches# Visit the National Park# Discover one of the incredible caves# Go Island hopping# Sunset at the hilltop# Watch Thai-Boxing

Go on a road trip

Going on a road trip is always a good idea and this is where Koh Lanta really shines. The Roads are fun to drive on and streaches along the coast all the way down south passing a number of beautiful beaches ending up with the national park as a dead end. Driving around you will drive pass a number of signs leading you to various hotspots. I've listed my favorites down bellow.

Discover beaches

Driving around the coast you will pass a number of beaches with my favorites being the "Secret beach". Bamboo Bay and Epic beach. There is also a nice long stretch of beach right outside of Blanco hostel called Pra Ae Beach which is perfect if you just want to relax, get a tan or chill out with friends.

Visit the secret beach

The "Secret Beach" isn't really a big secret and the name probably comes because of its location and the small hidden trail you have to follow to get there. This place also offer a great little viewpoint overlooking the next beach which is very picturesque. How to get there: Make your way to relax bay resort. Relax bay resort does not really exist but accord to the map it is located on this beach. (according to maps.me) Once there, park your bikes and follow the coastline heading left until you reach a tiny beach. If you keep walking you will reach a great viewpoint overlooking the next beach which is also beautiful.

Visit Bamboo beach

Bamboo is another pretty beach with stunning blue water. The beach is quite wide so it is good if you want to hang out with your friend. The beach is backed up with a beautiful jungle where big butterflies fly around. I also saw monkeys jumping around in the tree tops so you better watch your stuff. (This probably goes for the whole island) There is also a restaurant located here offering some good food and a great banana shake. How to get there: Bamboo beach is located south on the island. Follow the main road going south until you see the sign for Bamboo beach.

Visit the Epic beach

The Epic beach is located on the very south of the islandinside the national park. I only visited this beach during sunset as I was already in the national park. The sun does not set at this beach but I could still see the beauty of the beach and the scenery located around. I highly recommend visiting the National Park.

Visit the National Park

The National Park is located on the very south of the island. Here you can climb the lighthouse, visit Epic Beach, and they also have a nature trail here where you might get to see some very cool wild monkeys. The walk takes around 2 hours starting with steps going up the mountain. I did not do the whole hike as it was just to hot, but I went up a bit and got a great view before heading back down where I luckily got to see those cool monkeys playing in the trees just a couple of meters in front of me. Climbing the lighthouse gives you a great view and I highly recommend you doing this if you are already here. Be careful climbing the lighthouse as the ladder is full of rust and you can easily cut yourself.

View from the Nature Trail

Visit the Khao Mai Khaew Cave

The coolest cave on Koh Lanta and one of the cooler caves I ever visited is the Khao Mai Khaew Cave. I absolutely did not expect a cave like this in Koh Lanta. Located in the middle of the island you will have to hire a guide which will also provide you with torches and helmets. You start with a 30 minute trek through the jungle. The trek is quite a cool walk scaling up some steep hills on home made wooden ladders. Once outside of the cave you will have to climb down a small hole in the rock into total darkness. By the end of the cave hundres of bats are hanging just a couple of meter over your head and spiders crawl around. I recommend wearing shoes and if you are claustrophobic I do not recommend this cave because of a small hole you have to crawl through.

Go Island hopping

One of the best spots to go snorkeling in Thailand is located just outside of Koh Lanta. With Koh Rok having some incredibly blue water and a pretty beach,Koh Ha island being a perfect spot to snorkle with corals and good underwater life. After snorkeling around Koh Rok this is where you also eat lunsj before heading on a 20 minute boat ride to Koh Ha Island. Snorkeling around Koh Ha islands has to be one of the better snorkeling spots in Thailand. The variety of sea life was quite good and I even encountered a big murene here. I joined Blanco`s Party boat and had an amazing time! recommend doing the same.

Go watch Thai Boxing

Muay Thai or Thai boxing can be seen as the national sport in Thailand. I was developed hundreds of year ago and is still highly practiced by people from all over the world. There are multiple sports senters where you can sign up to learn Thai Boxing also on Koh Lanta. It is a good work out for sure! Multiple arenas all over Koh Lanta are offering Thai boxing every night starting early evening finishing off late night with heavy fighters.