Koh Lanta Travel Guide: Andaman Coast Beaches and Diving

Koh Lanta at a glance

Koh Lanta Yai is a long, thin island on the Andaman coast, 70km south of Krabi. It’s one of the most practical beach bases in southern Thailand - long enough to have real beach variety, developed enough to have reliable accommodation and food, and calm enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. The island has a meaningful Muslim population and a visible old town (Ban Saladan) on the north tip with a Chino-Portuguese shophouse character.

The west coast road runs the length of the island, connecting a series of beaches from north to south. The east coast is mangrove - not swimmable. The national park occupies the southern tip.

Beaches

Klong Dao - The main beach, 3km of sand at the northern end of the island. Good swimming, a wide strip of guesthouses and restaurants behind the beach. The most built-up area on Koh Lanta.

Klong Muang (Long Beach) - South of Klong Dao. Quieter, more consistent sand. A mix of bungalow resorts.

Klong Nin - Halfway down the west coast. A medium-sized beach with fewer tourists, good sunset position, and some of the island’s better restaurants nearby.

Kantiang Bay - Near the south of the island. A sheltered cove with excellent water clarity. The road down is steep. Considered by many to be the most attractive beach on the island.

Bamboo Bay - Just before the national park boundary. A small bay backed by vegetation. The access road is very steep - manageable on a motorbike, not in a standard vehicle.

Diving

Koh Lanta is a base for some of the best diving in the Andaman Sea, including sites unreachable from Krabi or Phi Phi.

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang - Two remote seamounts 2 hours from the island. Hin Daeng (“Red Rock”) is rated among the top 10 dive sites in Thailand - strong currents, deep water, whale sharks and manta rays seasonal. Day dive trips: ฿3,500–5,000 including tanks, equipment, and food. Browse dive trips and tours on Koh Lanta to compare operators and check availability.

Ko Ha - Five uninhabited islets 40 minutes from Lanta. Cathedral Cave (an air-filled sea cave that can be snorkelled into) is the signature experience. Clear water, coral in good condition. Suitable for Open Water and above.

Koh Haa Lagoon - A sheltered lagoon at Ko Ha with calm, clear water for beginner divers and snorkellers.

Koh Lanta National Park

The park occupies the southern 20% of the island. A viewpoint near the tip gives views across to the Malay Peninsula on a clear day. The lighthouse is the landmark. A small beach inside the park (Haad Nui) is accessible via a short hike. Entrance: ฿200. The road to the park is sealed but narrow.

Old Town (Ban Saladan)

The northern pier area has wooden shophouses on stilts over the water - a character that’s largely disappeared from similar towns elsewhere. A small but genuine example of the Malay-fishing community architecture of the Andaman coast.

Practical information

Getting there - Speedboat from Krabi Town (1.5 hours, ฿350) or Ao Nang (1.5 hours, ฿400). Minivan-ferry combo from Krabi Airport. November to April is the main operating season.

Season - High season November to April. May to October is low season - some guesthouses close, boat services reduce, but the island is quiet and prices drop 30–40%. The west coast has some swell but Kantiang and Bamboo Bay are sheltered.

Getting around - Motorbike rental (฿200/day) is the standard way to access the full beach range. Songthaews run between Klong Dao and the pier. The south end roads are steep and narrow.

See also: Best hotels on Koh Lanta · Beaches on Koh Lanta · Things to do on Koh Lanta · Koh Lanta vs Koh Phi Phi · Koh Chang vs Koh Lanta