Koh Lanta
One of my favourite islands in Thailand, is laid back Koh Lanta. Explore the National Park, find love on Long Beach or learn to ride a scooter for the first time. Here is my guide to Koh Lanta!
Top Things To Do In Koh Lanta
Learn To Ride A Scooter
This was my first time riding a scooter and in my opinion Koh Lanta is the best place in Thailand to learn. With the exception of a few potholes, the roads are wide and there is very little traffic. I hired a scooter from Blanco Hostel for 200THB ($6.30USD) for the day plus 40THB ($1.25USD) for a bottle of gasoline. There are stalls on the sides of the roads selling gasoline, generally in old rum bottles for between 40-50THB ($1.25-$1.60USD). Aside from taxis, it is pretty much your only option for getting around the Island as there is no public transport.
Tip: While you don’t require a license to hire a scooter, the local police may fine you up to 500THB ($15.75USD) if you don’t have an international drivers licence. I met a few fellow travelers who had been hit with the fine, although I managed to avoid the road blocks.
Visit Lanta Animal Welfare Centre
My first stop was at the Lanta Animal Welfare Centre which had been recommended to me by another traveler. In Thailand there are hundred of thousands of soi dogs (street dogs) and cats. The Lanta Animal Welfare Centre aims to end the suffering of homeless, abused and injured animals. They treat and sterilize animals as well as work towards educating children on animal welfare. They also run an international pet adoption program that allows these animals to find happy and loving homes. Visitors can volunteer to spend their time with the animals. Hang out in Kitty City, cuddling cats or grabbing a bite at the Kitty Café where all proceeds go towards caring for the animals. You can also help by walking dogs in the cooler hours of the day or spend time socializing with them. You can also volunteer to help with daily tasks from bathing and grooming animals to cleaning and gardening. I joined a couple of other volunteers to spend time in one of the kennels with four dogs. Two fo these dogs had already been adopted, one to a home in Canada and another in Norway.
(Lanta Animal Welfare Centre, Open everyday 9am-5pm, Website: http://lantaanimalwelfare.com/)
Old Town
I continued across the island to Old Town, once a sea gypsy settlement, today it is filled with shops and restaurants. The main street with it’s wooden Chinese shophouses and boutiques is a great place to do some shopping. I found more unique styles of Thai “elephant” shorts here than anywhere else in Thailand. There is a tourist information located at the South end of the street and a pier where many of the Island tours depart from.
Explore The National Park
At the south-western end of the island is Mu Ko Lanta National Park. While the entire national park spans over 134km² and consists of 25 islands, here at the park HQ you will find beautiful Ta Nod Beach, a visitors centre, restaurant, public bathrooms as well as a 1.75km long circular trail. The trail takes approximately 2 hours through tropical rain forest. Beware of monkeys! I saw a girl literally get chased while trying to take a picture of one. Entrance to the park was 200THB for adults, 100THB for a child plus 20THB p/motorbike or 30THB p/car.
Witness Bioluminescent Plankton
While here, witness the natural phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton! Once the bar closed at Blanco Hostel we took the short walk to Long Beach and entered into the shallows of the water which we watched light up in green with each movement. This phenomena occurs in several places around South East Asia and around the world. These bioluminescent plankton flash their lights as movement disturbs the water they live in. The more I splashed the brighter it got.
Four Islands Tour
There are multiple companies offering this tour, however I booked through my hostel and went with Lanta Longtails, which cost 1000THB ($31USD). This included return transfers from my hostel to the pier in Old Town, a full day visiting four different islands on a longtail boat, an English speaking guide, all snorkeling gear, drinking water and lunch. We spent the first two stops at Koh Chuek and Ko Maa where we jumped off the longtail for some snorkeling. Our third stop at Koh Mook. This time we had to suit up in life jackets before jumping off the boat and swimming toward Emerald Cave. We swam through the cave in pitch black darkness until we emerged back into the daylight and into a secret lagoon surrounded by beach, thick jungle and karst cliffs that appeared to go on forever. Our last stop was at Koh Ngai where we were served our lunch in the shade of the pier before being given a free hour to enjoy the island. The Koh Ngai resort allowed us to use their loungers while others chose to snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
Where To Stay In Koh Lanta
Blancos Koh Lanta is the perfect hostel for every backpacker. Less than 100m to Long Beach, whether you want to take advantage of their in house massage hut and lounge around in one of their hammocks, or grab a bucket cocktail and meet fellow travelers, it is the perfect place to base yourself on Koh Lanta. They offer free pick up at the pier if you email them your arrival details. Each room is equipped with free wifi, air con (between certain hours), individual power socket, light, locker and a double ensuite. From 280THB ($8.80USD) for their 8 bed mixed dorm, room rates include breakfast. They also have a restaurant/bar where it’s easy to meet lots of people and you can also choose to sign up for their all you can eat bbq nights. Additionally they book tours and offer scooters hire from 200THB ($6.30USD) p/day.
Getting To Koh Lanta
I’m not sure what I was thinking when I booked the 11:30AM ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta, but after another big night I managed to make it on time! I had pre-purchased my ferry ticket online a day ahead through Phuketferry.com. However you are able to purchase your ticket at the pier the same day. If you do pre-purchase your ticket make sure you have access to a printer as they ask for a paper ticket. I got lucky and they accepted the PDF on my phone.
Onboard the ferry you have the option to pre-book a taxi to your accommodation. A one way trip to Long Beach was 100THB ($3.15USD). Arriving at Saladan Pier in Lanta was chaotic with a constant line of tuk tuk drivers after your business. Fortunately Blanco Hostel offered a free pick up service and our driver was standing there with a sign on our arrival.
What To Budget For Koh Lanta
Ferry From Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta – 430THB ($13.70USD)
Accommodation at Blanco’s Hostel – 280THB ($8.80USD) p/night
One Day Scooter Hire – 200THB ($6.30USD)
Gasoline for One Day – 80THB ($2.50USD)
National Park Entrance & Parking – 220THB ($6.90USD)
Four Islands Tour – 1000THB ($31USD)
Food – 80-250THB ($2.50-$7.90USD) p/meal
Drinks – Water 20THB ($0.65USD), Beer (at a bar) 100THB ($3.15USD), Bucket Cocktail 200THB ($6.30USD)
Approximate Total Daily Budget (based on a 3 night stay) – 1280THB ($40USD) per day
