3 to 5 Day Koh Lanta Itinerary: Complete Guide to the Best Things To Do
Koh Lanta, a big island in Thailand’s Krabi Province, has incredible coral reefs and lush jungles. It is one of my favorite places in Thailand because of its natural beauty and laid-back vibe. Whether you are planning a 3 to 5-day itinerary or, like me, love slow-paced, quiet areas where you could happily spend a full week, Koh Lanta has something for everyone. It is the perfect spot to take a break during your travels or backpacking trip to regroup and re-energize. Keep reading for the best 3 to 5 day itinerary for discovering everything this island has to offer.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
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3 to 5 day Koh Lanta Itinerary
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The Best Time To Visit Koh Lanta
Monsoon Season: May/June - October | Dry Months: December - March
The best time to visit Koh Lanta is outside of the monsoon season, during the driest months (December until March). November and April are okay months to visit, although they are a mix of wet and dry. October to May is considered the high season in Koh Lanta and the best months for scuba diving and snorkeling. I reccomend visiting the island during this time for the best chance of sunshine!
How To Get To Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta does not have an airport, so if you are not in Thailand, you must first fly to one of the nearby airports. The best option is Krabi (KBV), followed by other choices, including Phuket (HKT) and Surat Thani (URT). Kiwi has some of the best flight deals in Thailand. You can use the box below to search for the best deals.
You will need to hop in a taxi or shared van from the airport, followed by a ferry. The best way to reach Koh Lanta from the surrounding airports is by booking a transfer which includes a shared van or bus plus the ferry ticket. 12GoAsia is the best place to book! It lists out all companies operating transfers and ferries for you. I booked mine from Krabi Airport right to Koh Lanta. It is best to book before you fly into Thailand, rather than at the airport to avoid overpriced transfers.
If you are already in Thailand, you can still use 12GoAsia to book your transfer from anywhere else in the country including Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Koh Phangan, and more!
Koh Phi Phi offers a 30-45 minute ferry ride to Koh Lanta, while Koh Lipe has a 3-hour ferry to the island. Ferry prices vary depending on the season, so I recommend checking 12GoAsia for which companies are operating.
How To Get Around Koh Lanta
Once you arrive in Koh Lanta, I highly recommend renting a scooter to get around. It is the best way to explore the island, which spans over 300 km. Riding a scooter allows you to fully take in the island’s beauty— from the lush greenery and beautiful waters to observing the locals in their daily lives. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to stop, explore, and take photos along the way. The island is more laid back, with less traffic and people on the road, so riding around on a motorbike is much less intimidating than other places in Thailand.
A motorbike is around 200-300 baht per day. The longer you rent it for, the better deal you will get. Most accommodations offer motorbike rentals. Otherwise, there are plenty of shops around to choose from!
If you prefer car rental, you can find some of the best options on the island here.
Where To Stay In Koh Lanta
I recommend staying in the northern section of Koh Lanta, where you will be closer to dive shops, the ferry and boat port (where all the diving boats are docked), and the beautiful Khlong Dao Beach. This location also makes it easier to avoid paying for a taxi to and from the ferry port, as it’s within walking distance if you don’t mind a little exercise. If you prefer a more secluded, vacation vibe, you can opt for the higher-end accommodations towards the southern end of the island, between Nui Beach and Mu Koh Lanta National Park.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler: You can help support my blog by booking directly from the link below! :)
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Hub of Joys Hostel (Dorm) or Lanta Coral Beach Resort (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Serene Lanta Resort or BOHO Hostel
Best Mid-Budget: Lanta Fa Rung Beach Resort or Green Pepper
Best High-End Budget: The Mantra Navi or The Mellow Mango
Best Luxury Budget: Long Beach Chalet or Layana Resort & Spa (Adult Only)
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World!
The Koh Lanta Itinerary
The beautiful waters surrounding Koh Lanta.
An epic sunset at Long Beach in Koh Lanta.
Day 1: Explore the Northern Beaches
Welcome to your first full day in Koh Lanta! I reccomend having some breakfast at your accomodation or some coffee at Habitat Coffee and heading out to explore the beaches in northern Koh Lanta.
Hop on your bike and ride down the northwest coast of the island and stop at as many of the beaches as you would like to really take in the beautiful waters surrounding you.
My not-to-miss list of beaches in the north include:
Long Beach/Phra Ae: The best beach to take a dip in the ocean. This beach is the longest stretch of sand on the island with plenty of room to spread out, but I reccomend sticking to the north part of the beach, nearest to the restaurants, massage centers, bars, and more. This is also the cleanest and most well-kept section of the beach.
Relax Bay: A tiny soft sanded beach in a small cove south of Long Beach. There are only a few resorts on the beach, so pack a towel, some snacks, and water! This beach is much less frequented so it is perfect for a private little escape from the rest of the island.
Beautiful Beach: Another small beach with just one bar along the shore. This beach is perfect for sunbathers and explorers who want to search the rocks for life and crabs in the small pools of water. There is much less shade at this beach, so sunscreen, a hat, and other protectant measures are key.
Tricky-Trocky Beach: Head to this secret tiny beach during low tide only, for some epic photos and beautiful waters. This is one of my favorite little spots to sit in nature and enjoy Koh Lanta’s beauty. This is a great secluded spot for sunset!
Klong Nin: Best beach to grab a bite to eat for lunch either on the beach or on Horizon Road nearby. Diamond Cliff Restaurant has some amazing ocean views.
Laem Kho Kwang Beach: I never actually made it to this beach, but plan to head here next time I am in Koh Lanta!
After a day of sunbathing, exploring, and swimming, head back up north to Khlong Dao Beach for one of the best sunset spots you will find in your lifetime. The colors displayed throughout the sky are utterly breathtaking. ranging from blues to oranges, to yellows! The photos do not even do it justice.
After sunset, you can either head to a beach bar if you fancy a drink and some socializing or if you are like me and prefer a long night of beauty sleep, head to bed.
Pro Tip: The Oasis Restaurant and Yoga Shala are nearby if you want to hop in a class or grab a vegan bite for dinner.
Day 2: Southern Beaches & Mu Koh Lanta National Park
The light house in Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park Views. The views are even better if you visit on a clear day, unlike I did!
Stop #1: Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 200 Baht plus 20 baht for motorbike parking.
I reccomend heading to Mu Ko Lanta National Park right at 8:00 AM for cooler temperatures while exploring the area. After parking, head to the nature trail for a beautiful 1-hour trek through the jungle with monkey sightings, lizards, birdwatching, and viewpoints over the coastline. The earlier you go the better, so you can enjoy the cooler temperatures. Be sure to pack water, snacks, and lots of mosquito spray—they are annoying here. Start the 1.7-mile hike clockwise for the easiest ascent and descent. Durable and supportive shoes are necessary for this little trail.
You can download AllTrails here and download the trail to your phone so you can keep track of your path. If you do not have a Thai sim, you can purchase an eSim here!
After the trail, head over to the lighthouse for more beautiful views of Koh Lanta’s coastline, or stroll down to the beach and enjoy a few hours of swimming and relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere. There is also a waterfall and cave trek nearby if you are up for more hiking. You can find and download the route to Khlong Chak Waterfall and Cave here. It is a short 1.3 mile hike and should take only 40-60 minutes to walk.
After exploring the National Park, wrap up your day by visiting the remaining beaches in southern Koh Lanta.
Stop #2: The Beaches of Southern Koh Lanta
Bamboo Beach: A beautiful, untouched beach with crystal-blue waters awaits just past Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Here, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. The beach has no amenities, few visitors, the occasional cow, and a handful of mischievous monkeys known for stealing items—so keep a close eye on your bags and valuables.
Khlong Chak Beach: Another pristine beach with a couple of bars and restaurants around.
Nui Beach, Bakantiang Beach, Kantiang Bay & Nui Bay: More slices of secluded paradise
Khlong Hin: I missed this beach on my visit!
Stop #3: Enjoy another sunset at Long Beach, Beautiful Beach, Relax Bay, or Tricky-Trocky Beach (if low tide)!
Day 3: Lanta Animal Welfare & Old Town
One of my the streets along Lanta Old Town, a must-visit for your Koh Lanta itinerary.
Welcome to day 3 of your Koh Lanta itinerary. It’s time to take a break from the beaches and visit Lanta Animal Welfare! Lanta Animal Welfare is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need in Koh Lanta. You can book a 1-hour tour of the facilities and learn more about what they do and how they help the animals on Koh Lanta. You will have a chance to spend time with the cats and dogs too! The center even offers a Thai cooking class for those interested in learning to prepare delicious cuisine—a class that originally helped the owner fund Lanta Animal Welfare!
Tour Fee: 250 baht — to help the organization continue to run and help stray animals on the island.
Tour Times: 10:30 AM or 1:30 PM
After your tour, continue your day by exploring Lanta Old Town on Koh Lanta’s eastern side of the island. Koh Lanta Old Town is perfect for wandering its streets filled with traditional wooden houses, unique shops, and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. You can also check out some of the temples and get a glimpse into the island’s history and fishing culture. I reccomend spending a few hours here shopping, exploring, and enjoying a meal!
Looking for a cool restaurant for dinner? Try Where Else Garden! They have delicious plant-based dishes and such a unique, rustic, and bohemian vibe with their decorations.
Day 4-5: Dive Into the Underwater World
The Bida Island Dive Sites near Koh Lanta.
For your last two days in Koh Lanta, I reccomend spending the days snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving, depending on your preference. I have done all three here and highly recommend it— it is some of the best underwater marine life I have seen in a long time. The corals are alive and flourishing and the marine life is unmatched. There are schools of yellow trevallies like I have never seen before, schools of baby squid, cuttlefish, seahorses, large groupers, and endless amounts of fish. I felt like I was always finding something new to capture my attention.
The dive sites also have beautiful limestone rock formations, marking their locations, whereas others have beautifully colored blue-to-green waters surrounding an island. Some of my favorite locations were Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Hin Bida, and Koh Ha Islands. Two other great options for advanced scuba divers are Hin Daeng and Hin Muang—best during leopard shark season.
Some of the sites take longer to get to the dive sites (2 hours) but the boats that take you there are much larger, usually double-deckers, and a delicious lunch is provided. The views along the way of the jungle, limestone rocks, etc. are worth the journey as well. Again, snorkeling, scuba diving, and freediving are an option for a variety of dive sites here.
I can reccomend one of the dive shops I dove with, Lanta Diver. They were very professional with a personable staff, well-organized, and even picked you up from your accommodation.
Never been scuba diving before, but want to learn? Lanta Diver is a phenomenal school to obtain your Open Water, Advanced Open Water, or even Rescue Certification! If you prefer a snorkeling day trip outside of a dive shop, you can find one of the best ones listed for you below!
Koh Lanta: Mangrove Kayaking, Ko Talabeng, & Skull Island
Koh Lanta: Adventure Sea Tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa
Koh Lanta is truly one of my favorite places in Thailand & I hope you enjoy your time as much as I did!
What was your favorite part of Koh Lanta? Send me your comments in the “Join the Community” box below, I would love to hear from you!
Are you heading to Koh Samui or Koh Tao next? Click the destination you are heading to for a step-by-step guide on how to travel there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth going to Koh Lanta?
Yes, yes, and yes! Especially if you enjoy laid-back vibes or love scuba diving. Staying in Koh Phi Phi long-term is somewhat unrealistic due to the limited accommodations and the small size of the downtown area. Koh Lanta is the perfect place to stay, offering access to the same incredible dive sites as Koh Phi Phi, but in a more budget-friendly and livable setting. The beaches in Koh Lanta are beautiful and more untouched compared to its neighbors.
How many days should I spend on Koh Lanta? / Is two days enough?
You can get a good taste of Koh Lanta in two days if you do not plan to dive or do day trips. I reccomend spending 2-3 days just exploring the island alone plus an additional 2-3 days for day trips and scuba diving. I happily spent an entire week here and plan to spend another month or so on the island. It is much more laid back than other places like Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, so it depends on which type of traveler you are. If you like the bustle, more people, and less alone time, then maybe spending less time in Koh Lanta is best. Otherwise, Koh Lanta is the perfect place to chill and unwind.
Do you have gluten-free or vegan restaurant recommendations?
Of course, here are a few:
Is it safe?
I have always felt super safe in Koh Lanta, but I do not drink or consume any substances. I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There has been a recent uptick in cases of Dengue in Thailand.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear helmets, which could save your life.
Watch for street dogs while driving!
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 191 | Fire: 199 | Ambulance: 1669
