Koh Lanta – small but beautiful island on Thailand’s west coast

A wonderful place for a relaxing holiday is the Thai island of Koh Lanta. It is one of Siam’s most beautiful island paradises and offers its guests plenty of peace and relaxation. This makes the idyllic island ideal for travellers who want to spend their holidays away from the usual party tourism. The island of Koh Lanta enchants with its magnificent white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and tropical palm trees. But older holidaymakers and families with children also get their money’s worth because of the quiet ambience of the island on Koh Lanta.

Geographical aspects of Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is located in southern Thailand and is part of Krabi Province. The island is located at the transition between the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea. Koh Lanta is a double island that is divided into Great Lanta (Lanta Yai) and Little Lanta (Lanta Noi). The two parts of the island are separated by a natural seawater path that reaches a width of one kilometre. Little Lanta is almost uninhabited. Tourist life takes place on Groß-Lanta.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Koh Lanta is between December and April. During these months, it is high season on the Andaman Island. Temperatures will reach around 33 degrees Celsius and it will be mostly sunny and dry. The climate on Koh Lanta is tropical mild all year round with average temperatures between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperatures fluctuate between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius. It is particularly beautiful here in the months of January and February. In general, the least rain falls between December and March. But even between May and July, you can spend a good holiday on the paradise island, even if the weather is no longer quite as optimal as in the months before. However, shorter rain showers are to be expected throughout the year. However, they are usually perceived as a pleasant cooling.

Getting to Koh Lanta

Krabi International Airport is the nearest airport, about 75 kilometers from Koh Lanta. From Bangkok , the airport is served several times a day. From Krabi, you will continue by minivan, which will take about 90 minutes. Combined flight and ferry options are also offered. Trang Airport is also available as an alternative. Another option is to take a bus from Thailand’s capital Bangkok. The bus ride takes about 12 hours. There is a direct connection from Krabi to Koh Lanta via a car ferry. In the months of May to October, the car ferries are even the only way to get to the island, because it is not served by the boat ferries in the low season. On Koh Lanta itself there is the possibility to rent a scooter. This is an excellent way to take a closer look at the island.

Where to stay on Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta offers a wide range of accommodation, ranging from simple cabins to luxury hotels. If the holiday takes place in the high season, it is advisable to book the accommodation in good time.

Experience Koh Lanta’s paradisiacal beaches

Koh Lanta is wonderful for a beach holiday. Especially in the west of the island, visitors will find paradisiacal beaches with their holiday resorts. If you like it less busy, you can head to the south of the island and enjoy the pristine beaches away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

Klong Dao Beach

One of the most popular beaches on Koh Lanta is Klong Dao Beach. It is considered to be well developed for tourism. In its vicinity there are all kinds of tourist facilities such as family hotels with their own swimming pool, bungalows, restaurants and bars. Klong Dao Beach is also great for families with children. This makes the sand soft and the beach slopes flat. In addition, various beach sports such as beach volleyball can be practiced there.

Klong Nin Beach

One of the smaller beaches on Koh Lanta is Klong Nin Beach, which merges into Klong Hin Beach. It is about 15 kilometers from the small port town of Baan Saladan. Even in the high season, the Klong Nin Bach is rarely crowded. In addition to its sandy beach, it also offers some rocky sections. Both beaches are excellent for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling.

Phra Ae Beach

Phra Ae Beach is also called Long Beach. It has a length of almost four kilometres. In the southern section it merges into Klong Dao Beach. The beach resembles a crescent moon in shape and invites you to take a long walk on the beach. There is also a beach promenade where some restaurants and bars invite you to take a detour. Other recommended beaches are Mai Pai Beach in the north, Ba Can Tiang Beach near the jungle and Kawkwang Beach, which is considered a cozy oasis of well-being and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Sights on Koh Lanta

A special attraction of Koh Lanta is the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. It is made up of Ko Lanta and several small islands. It protects rare animal and plant species. Attractions include the two karst caves Tiger Cave and Kai Mai Kaeo. There is also a sea nomad village. Also worth a visit are the lighthouse at the southern tip of Mu Ko Lanta, the Butterfly Garden with its butterflies, the Khlong Chak waterfall, which can be reached by elephant trekking or a hiking tour, as well as various temples and shrines.