A Guide to Koh Lanta Thailand

A Guide to Koh Lanta Thailand

We all have heard of Bangkok and Pattaya is the most popular tourist spots in Thailand but have you heard of Koh Lanta and Phi Phi Islands? So here is A Guide to Koh Lanta Thailand | Things To Do., Actually, there are numerous small islands around that are gaining popularity and are not as commercial as the capital. We were in Phuket for a wedding and we’re going to have a family vacation around Koh Lanta and the Phi Phi Islands. The water and sand are clear and the snorkelling is awesome.

Phuket to Koh Lanta

We took a two-hour ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta that stops at Koh Phi Phi on the way (one hour from Koh Lanta). We were asked to come to the Rassada Pier and then boarded the ferry to Koh Lanta which cost 1500 baht each. Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s most picturesque islands, located just off the coast of Krabi. Its long coastline has many beaches, some considered the finest in the country, each with its own charm and attractions.

A Guide to Koh Lanta Thailand

Koh Lanta Island is just around 25 kilometres long by 3 kilometres wide. The east and west coasts of the island is separated by a lush green mountain range. Ban Saladan and the passenger ferries are located on the north end of the island. And Lanta Old Town dwells in the southeast side of the island. The mountain range is dense rainforest with the west coast with many beautiful sandy beaches between rocky outcroppings, and the east coast comprises mostly of mangroves.

Koh Lanta Climate

Ko Lanta has a typical warm, humid, tropical climate all the year round. November to March, the temperature is between 30 to 33 degrees Celsius with only the occasional rain showers. April and May are hot months where temperatures increase late 30s, and there is no rain. We were there on the 29th, 30^th of April and there was a shower. From June to October it is the monsoon season.

The tourist season in Ko Lanta starts from October through April with the most visitors here from December to March. Koh Lanta is the perfect Thai island as it’s not too developed or commercial but has enough facilities to enjoy the virgin beauty of the Island.

The Other Side Villas | A Guide to Koh Lanta Thailand

I loved the laid-back atmosphere, long private beaches, dense thicket covered mountains, and remarkable sunsets. There are plenty of restaurants to eat and things to do in Koh Lanta and there’s accommodation for all budgets. We had kids so we booked an AirBnB – The Other Side Villas run by Som, who is a super host. She has two full villas and a suite named after the primates found in the area. We took the Loris while others were Lorugo and Langur.

There is a private beach with loungers, kayaks, even bikes for rent. It was a 2 bedroom villa built on a rocky hill. All the rooms had stacked bookshelves and fancy knickknacks placed aesthetically around. A small pantry and one huge washroom. For more cooking, we could use the kitchen in the basement and the washing machine for laundry.

Of Baja Tacos and Bike Rides

Som, the hostess who was warm and friendly also ran a Mexican restaurant Baja Tacos. Karina, my daughter-in-law was a happy soul at the thought of authentic homemade Baja tacos and Nachos. My grandson loved zipping around on the scooter with my son as he went to pick up supplies from the nearby market. The roads are paved with little traffic, and there is no question of getting lost as there is only one road that goes around the island and a couple more. The first evening we just flopped around the villa resting the wedding weary bodies. The next morning we took the speed boat to Koh Rok and Koh Ra for the snorkelling.

Snorkelling in Koh Lanta and Koh Rok

You can book the speedboat here Lanta Snorkelling Adventures. I have done this trip with Sinthongchai speedboat. They give you the masks, fins, help you while snorkelling too but there was no demo and I was unable to snorkel. The others had a great time while I entertained myself with Amir, my younger grandson. Even my 5 years old could snorkel! My daughter had a Go Pro and the video of the marine life was amazing with corals, titan triggerfish, Moorish idols, false clownfish, and parrotfish We had 1 hour for the 1st snorkelling and then 2 hours on the beach where we were served lunch. Lots of fresh fruit and juice was served.

Koh Lanta Beach

We spent time on the beach which was like a paradise, picture perfect. The turquoise waters and powdery white sand is inviting. I just plonked myself in the water and played with my excited grandson. There were rope swings on the beach to swing on. One could go for snorkelling from the beach. We then moved to Koh Ra, the 2nd snorkelling spot. Koh Ra is not as good as Koh Rok for snorkelling.

While we were headed back there was a storm and the boat could not dock on the beach so we had to move to another area to get off. One has to get on and off the speedboats a little into the waves and it was quite scary for a non-swimmer like me. I could only think of Tsunami and was invoking the Gods!

Lanta Old Town

We explored the Lanta Old Town, or Sri Raya, which is a charming little seaside village on the east coast of the island. It is the oldest village on the island and is the original town centre, it is rich in history and Thai culture.  Most of the homes are built on stilts, overlooking an incredible ocean view and so did the restaurant, Fresh where we had lunch. It is located in the heart of the market in the old town and when u enter the view is stunning, with the sea as a backdrop and islands dotted around. The rustic décor adds to the charm.
The menu was extensive and the staff friendly, but service was a bit lacking. The presentation was awesome like this chicken fried rice served in a pineapple.  The marketplace looks quaint as if lifted from an ancient fairy-tale. It has so many souvenir shops and you wonder what to pick up from the array of stuff displayed.

Long Beach

Phrae Ae, also known as Long Beach, has an incredible 3.5 km of white sandy beach. This beach was more commercial but was not crowded. Like all of Lanta’s beaches, Long Beach faces south and the sunset was superb.

Home to three very distinct cultural groups – the ChaoLay (Sea Gypsies), Thai-Muslim people and the Thai-Chines, Koh Lanta oozes with the Thai warmth or “the Koh Lanta charm”. All these different groups live in peace and harmony for hundreds of years in mixed communities around the island.

Learn To Dive in Koh Lanta

A four-day Open Water PADI dive course comprises of two or three days of real diving around Ko Lanta with instructors and you get an internationally accepted dive certificate. Courses are obtainable to learn diving in Ko Lanta.

Travel Tips with A Guide to Koh Lanta Thailand | Things To Do

Phuket Hotel Pickup to Ko Lanta Ferry (get picked up by the ferry minivan from your Phuket hotel and transferred to Rassada pier, where you board the ferry to Ko Lanta)

Ko Phi Phi is only one hour away from Ko Lanta, so you could check out Ko Phi Phi, stay for a couple of nights.

Phuket Rassada Pier to Koh Lanta Ferry 2019

• The Phuket to Koh Lanta ferry departs from Phuket’s Rassada Pier. The journey from Phuket to Koh Lanta takes 2 hours. View timetables and buy tickets online

Phuket Rassada Pier to Koh Lanta Ferry Timetable and Costs:

• Depart Phuket Rassada Pier at 08:00 – Arrive at Koh Lanta, Saladan Pier at 10:00

• Adults – 1200 Baht per Adult (guests over 11 are classed as adults)

• Child 2- 11 years – 1050 Baht per child

• Child under 2 – 500 Baht per child

Important Ferry Information for Passengers

• Photo identification is required for all passengers to check-in (e.g. Passport or ID card )

• Your printed Booking Confirmation email must be given to staff when checking in – you will then be issued stickers to denote your destination

• All passenger baggage is subject to search for security purposes

• Drinks and Snacks are not sold on any boat. Please buy these before you depart.

• Dress: Beach wear, flip flops, hat,  glares, suntan lotion are a must.

Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi Speedboat Ferry Transfer 2019

The Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi Speedboat Ferry transfer is a 30 minute speedboat ferry journey. View the Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi ferry timetable and book tickets online.

Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi Speedboat Ferry Timetable and Costs:

• Depart Koh Lanta at 12:30 – Arrive at Phi Phi at 13:00

• Adults – 800 Baht per Adult (guests over 11 are classed as adults)

• Child 2- 11 years – 560 Baht per child

• Child under 2 – 500 Baht per child

• Check in then board the speedboat ferry which departs Koh Lanta Saladan Pier at 12:30

• The travel time to Koh Phi Phi is 30 minutes. You will arrive at Koh Phi Phi, Tonsai Bay at 13:00

Check out my travelogues on The Pyramids and Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan.