Where to stay on Koh Lanta

Lanta Yai runs about thirty kilometres north to south, with one main road down the west coast and a string of beaches off it. Where you stay changes your holiday more than it does on most islands.

Saladan (north)

The ferry pier, the dive shops, the banks and most of the restaurants. Convenient and busy, with no real beach of its own. Best if you want to walk to dinner.

Long Beach / Phra Ae

The longest beach on the island and the busiest stretch of accommodation. Good swimming, good sunsets, plenty of choice at every price. Most of our pickups happen here.

Klong Khong

The backpacker end — beach bars, fire shows, cheaper bungalows. The beach is rocky at low tide, which puts some people off and does not bother others at all.

Kantiang Bay (south)

A steep, beautiful bay a long way down the west coast. Quieter, a bit more expensive, and the drive north takes real time. Worth it if you want the island to feel remote.

Lanta Old Town (east)

Stilt houses over the water, no beach, and almost no tourists. A different island entirely and the best place to stay if you have a motorbike and no fixed plans.

For our trips

We pick up anywhere on Lanta Yai. Staying further south means an earlier pickup — usually 20 to 30 minutes earlier than the times listed on each trip page.