Koh Lanta Bucket List: Top 15 Best Things to Do in Koh Lanta, Thailand

Island destinations in Thailand is a dream for many travelers. The most popular ones such as Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Phi Phi attract millions of visitors every year and are always crowded regardless of the time of the yea. However, some people just want a calm vacation in a less crowded destination, such as Koh Lanta.

Though it is not as developed as other famous islands in Thailand, Koh Lanta still has the necessary facilities and beautiful attractions fitting of any traveler’s needs. Its selling point however is the ability to find quieter shorelines if the ones in the north are packed.

Is Koh Lanta worth visiting? Yes, it has quaint towns, beautiful beaches, ravishing waterfalls, and verdant jungles. Below are the best things to do in Koh Lanta Island.

Idle on the beach

Many tourist come to Koh Lanta to enjoy the empty beach when the northern beaches are full. Also, while nobody knows what Koh Lanta means, the island’s old name, Pulau Satak was Malay for Long Beach Island, as a testament to its 30 kilometers of shoreline.

The biggest beaches on the island include Klong Dao, Klong Khong, Pra Ae, and Klong Nin, in addition to other secluded strips for those who want solitude.

Get in touch with nature at Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Koh Lanta Island doesn’t have plenty of activities like Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, and as a result, you will find yourself with plenty of spare time occasionally. One of the best places to spend your free time is at the Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

This animal sanctuary borders the Andaman Sea and includes a number of islands.

The monkeys at the park are quite mischievous and they may run away with your passport, so be careful when they are around.

Explore the underwater world

Scuba diving is one of the most common activities in Koh Lanta. In fact, many tourists come from other islands to dive into the waters of Koh Lanta. Well, technically, there are no diving spots on the island; rather, you will have to take a short boat ride to find some.

Sites like Hin Muang and Hin Daeng are known for their hard corals and reef fish.

Go on a snorkeling tour

Besides scuba diving, another way to explore the marine life of the island is snorkeling. There are numerous snorkeling tours on the island, some of which include the scuba diving destinations, making it possible to do both activities from the same spot.

Tour Koh Lanta Old Town

Located on the east parts of the island, Koh Lanta Old Town consists of an array of restaurants, souvenir shops, and a delightful blend of cultures.

Though it is quite laidback these days, the town used to be an important layover for sea merchants between the islands of Penang and Phuket.

Koh Lanta Old Town also has some unique teak houses floating on the water.

Explore the island on a scooter

Thailand is famous for its love for scooters. These two-wheel vehicles provide arguably the best way possible to explore the island of Koh Lanta. There is only one main road on the island, which is well-maintained.

You can rent a scooter for about 200 Baht a day or lower if you bargain.

Go Island Hopping

One of the highlights of the Koh Lanta Island is the four island tour, which includes visiting four islands namely Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, Koh Chuak, and Koh Kradan.

Basically, you will be visiting these islands to swim and snorkel.

However, the highlight of the tour is a trip to the Emerald Cave that is located on Koh Mook Island.

The cave consists of dark, 80 meters long canal, which you will swim through.

Check out the Saladan Pier

Saladan Pier is located on the northern parts of the island and used by a harbor from where the ferries would depart to Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket.

The pier is scattered with restaurants and shops as well as a currency exchange.

Head over to Khlong Chak Waterfall

Hiking to the Khlong Chak Waterfall is among the most popular activities for people who don’t like spending too much time at the beach. The trail is about 2 kilometers and passes through a deep jungle.

However, the waterfall tends to dry up during the dry months (between December and April).

Take part in local festivals

The island of Koh Lanta has a variety of festivals throughout the year. Attending these festivals provide a great chance to mingle and interact with the locals as well as learning about their culture and traditions.

The Laanta Lanta Festival is the biggest local festival on the island. The occasion is usually punctuated by different musical performances, sports competitions, folk games, and many more.

Delve into Mangrove Forest

Exploring a mangrove is one of the best things to do in Koh Lanta for nature lovers. Located in the northeast parts of the island, the Thung Yee Pheng Mangrove Forest features a pleasant landscape and wide range of flora and fauna.

Learn Muay Thai

Muay Thai training is also one of the common things to do on the island of Koh Lanta. It is a great way of relieving stress, exercise, and boosting your confidence.

Enjoy the nightlife

Koh Lanta Island is never as loud as other neighboring islands, which makes it ideal for chilling and enjoying time out after dark.

There are plenty of bars where you can relax and sip tasty drinks and cocktails.

Enroll in a cooking class

It may not be as sophisticated as the Phuket, Koh Lipe, or Koh Phi Phi, but Koh Lanta is at the forefront of the Thai culinary culture.

Thankfully, you can join a cooking class and learn how to prepare Thai food on your own.

Among the most popular cooking schools on the island include Lanta Thai Cookery School and Cooking with Mon.

Take part in cleaning the beach

One of the recent complaints about the effects of tourists on the Thai islands is pollution. But now you can take part in cleaning the beach and leave it to speak and span. There is a weekly beach cleaning organized by an organization known as Trash Hero, which you can join.

To help you plan out your visit to Koh Lanta, we listed places to visit and other amazing activities to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand. We also listed some of the best travel and tour packages, as well as excellent flight deals and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Koh Lanta hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new tourist attractions in Koh Lanta, Thailand? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, and Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

Also read: