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Koh Lanta captivates visitors with its long sandy beaches, turquoise waters and tropical scenery. When people talk about Koh Lanta, they are usually referring to Koh Lanta Yai – the larger, more touristy main island of the archipelago. This laid-back island, south of Krabi, combines relaxation with restaurants, accommodation and a wide range of excursion options. In this blog post, we’ll show you the most beautiful beaches, sights and day trips.
16.08.2026
Miryana
Photo: A typical motorbike taxi on Koh Lanta – a flexible way to get around the island.
Koh Lanta does not have its own airport. From Switzerland, the best route is via Bangkok and Krabi. There are direct flights from Zurich to Bangkok; from there, the domestic flight to Krabi takes around 1½ hours. From Krabi Airport, you can then reach Koh Lanta by private transfer or minivan. Depending on your destination on the island, the journey takes around 2 to 3 hours and involves a short car ferry crossing to Koh Lanta Noi, followed by a drive across the Siri Lanta Bridge to Koh Lanta Yai. Many hotels offer a transfer directly from the airport, which makes the onward journey particularly straightforward.
Alternatively, you can also reach Koh Lanta from Phuket or Koh Phi Phi by ferry or speedboat. As ferry and speedboat services vary depending on the season, it is advisable to check the current timetables, for example via 12Go.
On Koh Lanta itself, a scooter offers the greatest flexibility. It allows you to easily explore the beaches, small bays, Lanta Old Town and the south of the island at your own pace. Scooters can be hired in many places, but should only be used by people with the appropriate driving experience. Alternatively, tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, songthaews, as well as private taxis and transfers are available.
Koh Lanta’s most beautiful beaches are mainly located on the west coast. Whilst things are a bit livelier in the north, the bays become increasingly quiet and unspoilt as you head south.
Klong Dao Beach is particularly popular with families: the long sandy beach slopes gently into the sea and offers numerous restaurants and accommodation options. A little further south lies Long Beach, one of the island’s best-known beaches – spacious, relaxed and ideal for long days on the beach. At Khlong Nin Beach, you’ll find a pleasant mix of tranquillity and good facilities. In the evening in particular, the small restaurants right by the sea create a relaxed atmosphere. If you head further south, you’ll discover increasingly quiet beaches and small bays nestled amongst green hills. Khlong Chak Beach and Bamboo Bay are among the most peaceful stretches of coastline near Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
Our tip: We find Ba Kantiang Bay and Nui Bay particularly beautiful. Both bays are situated in the quieter southern part of the island and delight visitors with their tropical scenery and relaxed atmosphere. The best way to explore the west coast is by scooter, stopping off for a swim whenever the mood takes you.
Video: Mu Ko Lanta National Park
At the very southern tip of Koh Lanta Yai lies Mu Ko Lanta National Park, one of the island’s most beautiful natural destinations. Tropical vegetation, small beaches and a rocky coastline characterise the landscape. Particularly well-known is the white lighthouse, which stands on a hill overlooking the sea and offers a magnificent view across the Andaman Sea.
A short path leads up to the viewpoint by the lighthouse. If you have a little more time to spare, you can also explore the jungle trail through the national park. There are two entry points: the path starting at the motorbike car park is considerably more challenging – the first 20 minutes or so are particularly steep, and sturdy footwear is recommended. From the opposite entry point, the path is easier and consists mainly of steps.
Admission: For foreign visitors, admission currently costs 200 baht per adult and 100 baht for children aged 3 to 14. An additional 20 baht is charged for a scooter and 30 baht for a car. Prices are correct as of August 2026 and are subject to change at any time.
Our tip: Combine your visit with a drive along the west coast. On the way to the national park, you’ll pass several beautiful bays in the south of Koh Lanta – ideal for spontaneous stops.
Lanta Old Town, also known as Sri Raya, is situated on the tranquil east coast of Koh Lanta. This historic town offers a lovely contrast to the beaches to the west and is one of the island’s cultural highlights. Traditional wooden houses line the small main street, some of which are built on stilts above the water. Today, they house small shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s particularly lovely to stroll through the town and stop for a break at one of the restaurants by the water.
Video: The fascinating mangrove forests of Koh Lanta.
In the north-east of Koh Lanta, Thung Yee Peng offers a landscape that is completely different from that of the west coast. The village is surrounded by extensive mangrove forests, which provide a habitat for numerous aquatic and coastal animals. The region is also known for its community-organised ecotourism.
The area is particularly lovely to explore on a kayak or longtail boat tour. You’ll glide through narrow waterways between the mangroves and experience the tranquil natural surroundings up close.
Our tip: Visit Thung Yee Peng as early in the morning as possible, when it’s still pleasantly quiet. The trip can also be easily combined with a visit to Lanta Old Town.
Photo: A boat trip through the stunning archipelago around Koh Lanta.
Koh Lanta is an ideal base for boat trips and snorkelling excursions to the surrounding islands. Koh Rok and Koh Haa are particularly popular, where crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and a diverse underwater world await you.
Our tip: If it’s your first time on Koh Lanta, we’d recommend the 4 Islands Tour. It combines island hopping, snorkelling, beautiful beaches and, with the Emerald Cave, a special nature experience – all in a single day.
Photo: Classic Pad Thai, traditionally served on a banana leaf.
On Koh Lanta, you’ll find a surprisingly diverse dining scene, ranging from small Thai eateries to modern cafés. These places come particularly highly recommended:
Our tip: During your stay, don’t just try the restaurants on the well-known beaches. There are some particularly lovely spots tucked away along the east coast and in the south, offering a relaxed atmosphere and sea views.
The best time to visit Koh Lanta is between November and April. During these months, the weather is generally drier, the sea is calmer and conditions are particularly good for days on the beach, snorkelling trips and island hopping. The Tourism Authority of Thailand also cites the months of November to April as the best time to visit the Andaman Sea.
From May to October, the south-west monsoon brings more frequent rain and rougher seas. On the other hand, the island is much quieter and accommodation is often cheaper. However, some boat services and trips to smaller islands are reduced or suspended during this period.
Our tip: November, February and March are particularly pleasant: during these months, you can usually enjoy Koh Lanta in good weather without necessarily having to travel during the particularly busy Christmas and New Year period.
To ensure you can relax and enjoy your holiday on Koh Lanta, it’s worth bearing a few things in mind before you set off.
Koh Lanta is ideal for anyone looking to experience Thailand in a quieter, more unspoilt way. Stunning beaches, tropical scenery, secluded coves, exciting boat trips and charming villages offer plenty of variety without compromising the relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you’re riding a scooter along the west coast, snorkelling around Koh Rok or enjoying dinner with a sea view – Koh Lanta offers the perfect blend of relaxation, nature and discovery. That’s exactly what makes the island a destination where you’ll be happy to stay a few days longer.
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