This Thai island has long beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. Visitors can explore caves, waterfalls, and the Old Town's wooden houses on stilts.
Ko Lanta Yai, the largest island in Thailand's Mu Ko Lanta National Park, offers long stretches of beach along its western coast and a forested interior. In the Old Town, you can walk among wooden stilt houses and eat fresh seafood while watching the sunset. Snorkel in clear waters, hike to a lighthouse, or take a boat trip to nearby islands. Ko Lanta Yai is known for its relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly beaches.
Beaches of Ko Lanta Yai
Ko Lanta Yai's western coast has several beaches, each with its own character. Klong Dao Beach, close to the main town of Saladan, stretches for 3 kilometers and has shallow waters where children can swim safely. Further south, Long Beach lives up to its name with 4 kilometers of sand and a good selection of beachfront restaurants. Kantiang Bay, in the island's southern section, is a crescent of sand backed by green hills and is often considered one of Ko Lanta's most scenic beaches.
Exploring Old Town
On the east coast of Ko Lanta Yai, you'll find the atmospheric Old Town. This former trading port has preserved its character with wooden houses built on stilts over the water. Walk along the main street to browse small shops selling local crafts and stop at one of the seafood restaurants with decks overlooking the water. The Old Town reflects Ko Lanta's history as a stop on ancient trading routes between China, India, and the Malay Peninsula.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
The southern tip of Ko Lanta Yai is part of Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Here you can hike through dense forest to reach a lighthouse with wide views of the Andaman Sea. The park also includes several smaller islands and coral reefs. Keep an eye out for langur monkeys, hornbills, and monitor lizards. The park's headquarters has a small beach where you can swim and snorkel.
Water Activities
The clear waters around Ko Lanta Yai are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Koh Haa, a group of limestone islands with underwater caves and many fish species, is a favorite spot among divers. Many dive shops on Ko Lanta offer trips to these sites as well as to the deeper waters of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, where you might encounter manta rays. If you prefer to stay closer to shore, you can rent kayaks to explore the mangrove forests on the east coast.
Getting to Ko Lanta Yai
To reach Ko Lanta Yai, most visitors first fly to Krabi Airport. From there, you can take a minivan or taxi to the pier, then a car ferry to the island. The journey takes about 2-3 hours in total. During the high season (November to April), there are also direct speedboat services from Krabi and Phuket to Ko Lanta. Once on the island, you can rent a motorbike or use the local taxi services to get around.
Where to Stay
Ko Lanta Yai has places to stay for all budgets. In the north, near Klong Dao Beach, you'll find larger resorts with pools and beachfront access. The mid-section of the island, around Long Beach, has a mix of mid-range hotels and budget bungalows. For a more secluded experience, check out the southern beaches like Kantiang Bay, where you can find both high-end resorts and simple beach huts. In Old Town, some guesthouses offer rooms in traditional wooden houses on stilts over the water.
