6 Best Beaches in Koh Lanta (That Aren’t Overhyped)
Looking for the best beaches in Koh Lanta? We spent a week exploring this underrated Thai island from top to bottom – and it quickly became one of our favorite spots in Southeast Asia.
As long-term, budget-conscious travelers who prioritize local experiences over tourist traps, we know exactly which beaches are worth your time (and which ones you can skip).
We’ll show you the quiet coves, the liveliest local beaches, and a few spots you’ll want to keep secret.
Koh Lanta doesn’t get the hype of other Thai islands, but that’s part of the charm – and we’re here to help you discover the hidden gems most people miss.
These are the best beaches in Koh Lanta that truly live up to the name.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book or buy something through them – at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we’d actually use ourselves. Read more in our Privacy Policy.
Best Beaches in Koh Lanta
1. Khlong Dao Beach – Best for Families
Located near Saladan Pier in the north of the island, Khlong Dao is an impressive stretch of beach. It’s lined with restaurants and bars, creating a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a casual meal or a cold drink.
With calm waters and a sandy seabed, it’s ideal for swimming. Khlong Dao is also a great spot for a sunset walk!
2. Long Beach – Best for Beachside Dining
Also known as Phra Ae Beach, Long Beach is one of the most popular spots on Koh Lanta. With plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars, you can enjoy a classic Thai meal paired with a cocktail here.
Long Beach is also a prime location for sunset watching, offering beautiful views that draw in many evening visitors.
3. Beautiful Beach – Best for Peace and Quiet
As you continue south along Koh Lanta’s west coast, look out for a small sign that reads “Beautiful Beach” on your right (or left if you’re coming from the South).
Pass under a wooden archway and drive down a dirt track for a few minutes, and you’ll reach a serene, hidden gem.
This quiet beach features a small hut serving simple dishes and some of the best mango smoothies we tried during our stay.
It has a rocky area that’s perfect for spotting crabs and other local wildlife, and clear, calm water for a morning swim. We LOVED this beach!
It 100% tied with Railay beach for our favorite beach of our entire three weeks in South Thailand.
TOP TIP: Arrive around 10 AM to enjoy some shade under the palm trees between swims.
4. Klong Khong Beach – Best for Nightlife
Klong Khong Beach has a laid-back, relaxed vibe that attracts backpackers seeking a slower pace.
Along the beach, you’ll find several bars and restaurants serving Thai dishes, often with live music or DJs in the evening.
As with all beaches on Koh Lanta, you can count on a colorful sunset. It’s the perfect spot to sip a cocktail, enjoy live music, and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
5. Kantiang Bay – Best for A Romantic Getaway
As you head further south on Koh Lanta, the beaches become more secluded, and accommodation becomes more upscale.
Kantiang Bay is one of the island’s most picturesque spots, with a few bars, restaurants, and even a massage parlor right on the beach – perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
6. Nui Bay – Best for Snorkeling
Picture crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and striking rock formations – that’s what you’ll find at Nui Bay. With fewer crowds and less development, it’s a nice tranquil escape from other parts of the island.
While there aren’t many amenities, you’ll still find a couple of beach bars or restaurants for a drink or a snack.
TOP TIP: Be mindful of the walk down to the bay. The area is known for cheeky monkeys that sometimes try to snatch handbags and water bottles.
👉 Craving more incredible beaches in Thailand? Go to Phuket or Krabi as well!
Map of Koh Lanta Beaches
Here’s a handy map (that you can save!) to help you find the best beaches in Koh Lanta.
- To save this map to your Google Maps, simply click the star icon next to the title.
👉 First time in Thailand? These are the places to go (and the ones to skip).
Where to Stay Near the Best Beaches in Koh Lanta
Not sure which beach area to base yourself in? Here’s a quick overview of the best areas and where to stay near each – followed by our personal reviews of every place we’ve tried or researched.
A Summary of Where to Stay Close to the Best Beaches
Beach Area | Best For | Top Places to Stay |
|---|---|---|
Klong Dao & Long Beach | Convenience, swimming, mix of social and relaxed | Hub of Joys Hostel ($) – clean, social, right by Long Beach |
Beautiful Beach & Klong Khong | Quiet beaches, mid-range comfort, sunset bars | Green Pepper Hotel ($$) – cozy bungalows, lush garden, relaxed charm |
Kantiang Bay & Nui Bay | Romance, seclusion, luxury stays | Pimalai Resort & Spa ($$$) – 5-star service, Koh Lanta’s most luxurious resort |
🛎 For a more detailed list of accommodation in Koh Lanta, read our where to stay guide to find the perfect hotel for your budget and travel style.
Where to Stay Close to Klong Dao and Long Beach
If you want to stay near the island’s most convenient and accessible beaches, Khlong Dao and Long Beach are the best pick. Think: great swimming, loads of restaurants, and easy scooter access.
Our Top Picks:
- Hub of Joys Hostel ($) – We stayed here and loved it for the friendly vibe and walkable access to Long Beach.
- Noble House Beach Resort ($$$) – A beachfront option with nicer rooms and resort comforts if you want something more elevated.
Where to Stay Near Beautiful Beach and Klong Khong
A quieter area with fewer hotels but lots of space and great sunset spots. It’s ideal if you want a peaceful base with easy scooter access up and down the island.
Our Top Picks:
- Green Pepper Hotel ($$) – Stylish bungalows with boho vibes and great value.
- The Lazy Lodge ($$$) – A relaxed, beachfront stay perfect for slow days and sunset drinks.
Where to Stay Near Kantiang Bay and Nui Bay
These beaches are smaller and more secluded, making them great for couples or anyone after a quieter escape.
Our Top Picks:
- Klong Jark Bungalows ($$) – Rustic and cozy with a laid-back Thai feel.
- Pimalai Resort & Spa ($$$) – Koh Lanta’s most luxurious stay, set on a stunning private stretch of Kantiang Bay.
Other Things to Do in Koh Lanta
Aside from relaxing on the best beaches in Koh Lanta, there’s plenty of other exploring to be done.
Take an Island Tour from Koh Lanta
Hub of Joys hostel runs this tour almost every day, and it’s always popular!
Get ready for a fun-filled day of sailing, snorkeling, and sightseeing across different islands around Koh Lanta. The tour operators pick you up right from your accommodation.
Lanta Old Town
Lanta Old Town is a great spot to get a feel for the island’s culture. Wander through its historic streets, lined with colorful wooden houses, and soak up the mix of Thai, Chinese, and Chao Ley (sea nomad) vibes.
Its chilled ambiance is perfect for checking out cute shops, local cafes, and art galleries. Don’t miss out on the fresh seafood and the amazing coastal views from the waterfront.
TOP TIP: The best way to explore is by renting a motorbike. We’ve rented bikes in lots of spots around Southeast Asia, and Koh Lanta was by far the most chill – fewer cars and easier roads.
Lanta Animal Welfare
A visit to Lanta Animal Welfare is a great way to connect with the island’s animal-loving community.
This non-profit is all about rescuing and caring for stray and injured animals, and you can see that the animals here are well cared for when you visit.
You can join a guided tour, hang out with the animals, and even volunteer to play with or walk the dogs. It’s a great way to support a good cause while enjoying a special experience in Koh Lanta.
TOP TIP: Make sure you make a reservation to visit! This is a super popular activity on Koh Lanta and they can only host so many visitors at a time.
Where to Eat in Koh Lanta
Some of our most memorable meals, snacks, and drinks in Thailand were on Koh Lanta. From cozy cafes to authentic local spots, here are our favorite places to eat in Koh Lanta that you won’t want to miss.
For When You’re Craving Western Food
Grab Coffee and Cake at Ms Homemade Bakery and Coffee
If you’re in the mood for a delicious coffee and a sweet treat, head to Ms Homemade Bakery and Coffee. We couldn’t resist the banana bread and chocolate cake – both were absolutely delicious!
The café is run by a friendly local woman who made us feel right at home with her warm service.
Indulge in a Burger at KinBurger
When we spotted KinBurger on Google Maps, we had to check it out. It turned out to be one of the best burgers in Koh Lanta (and trust us, we tried quite a few during our time in Southeast Asia!).
Plus, KinBurger is locally owned, which made us feel even better about giving in to our burger craving.
Try Handmade Pizzas at Bow’s Pizza
Bow’s Pizza is a cozy little spot that serves up a great selection of handmade pizzas. The Belgian owner prepares each one right in front of you in the pizza oven, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal.
If you’re craving pizza in Koh Lanta, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Where to Find Authentic Thai Food
An Off-the-Map Local Gem
Looking for authentic Thai food in Koh Lanta? Check out this hidden gem near Hub of Joys Hostel (click for location).
While it’s not officially listed on Google Maps, we’ve pinned the location so you can find it. The food was both delicious and budget-friendly – we came back here multiple times!
A Popular Spot for Both Locals and Tourists
Another great place to eat on Koh Lanta is Bamboo Restaurant, located about halfway down the island’s west coast.
Be sure to try the crispy pork with morning glory and rice, or one of the many vegetarian options. The portions are generous, and the prices are fair.
TOP TIP: Skip the beachside restaurants if you’re after the best value. Like many touristy areas, prices go up and food quality dips the closer you get to the water. Enjoy a sunset drink or an ice cream on the beach, then head just a street or two inland for a better meal.
How to Get to Koh Lanta
We have a complete guide to booking ferries to Koh Lanta for you! Otherwise, keep reading for the most popular places to travel to and from the island.
Krabi to Koh Lanta
Numerous transport agencies can take you from Krabi to Koh Lanta, with the journey lasting about 3-4 hours, depending on ferry schedules.
First, you’ll travel by bus from Krabi to the pier, where you’ll board a car ferry. Once you arrive on Koh Lanta, you’ll cross the Siri Lanta Bridge to reach Koh Lanta Yai, where most of the island’s hotels are located.
Most agencies you book through will offer door to door transportation. This means you’ll get picked up at your accommodation in Krabi, then dropped off directly at your accommodation in Koh Lanta.
We booked this route and it was super convenient and easy + the driver knew exactly where to drop us off in Koh Lanta!
Phuket to Koh Lanta
Your cheapest option to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta is to head back up to Krabi, then take the same ferry we mentioned above from Krabi to Koh Lanta. The entire journey will take around 5-6 hours from start to finish.
Alternatively, you can book a ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta that would get you there in about 3 hours, for a slightly higher cost. We recommend this option to save a few hours of travel time if your budget allows.
If you’re willing to splash the cash, you can also book a speedboat to be in Koh Lanta within 2 hours.
👉 The best way to look at your options is via 12Go.
Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta
The ferry from Phi Phi to Koh Lanta is fast and reasonably priced. You can be on the much more relaxed island of Koh Lanta within the hour from Phi Phi.
👉 Make sure you book in advance during high season because this ferry is very popular!
Bangkok to Koh Lanta
In order to reach Koh Lanta from Bangkok, first you need to get to Krabi Town. There are regular flights between Bangkok and Krabi, or you can take a bus.
Flight times are around 1 hr 20, and the night bus from Bangkok is usually between 9 and 11 hours.
Once you’re in Krabi, you’ll then follow the route above to get from Krabi to Koh Lanta.
TOP TIP: Flights may seem cheap, but don’t forget you’ll need to add luggage fees to your price. Please also note that airlines are notorious for canceling small domestic routes. The bus is probably your most reliable option.
FAQs about Beaches in Koh Lanta
Which is the best beach on Koh Lanta?
It depends what you’re after. Long Beach is the most popular and has everything from chilled beach bars to calm swimming. For something quieter, Kantiang Bay is stunning, with turquoise water and fewer crowds. If you want hidden-gem vibes, check out Nui Bay.
What is the most beautiful part of Koh Lanta?
The island’s south is often considered the most beautiful. Around Kantiang Bay and Bamboo Bay, you’ll find dramatic hills, soft sand, and clear water – a world away from the busier northern beaches. The drive down is half the fun, with viewpoints and jungle along the way.
Which Koh Lanta beach has the clearest water?
The clearest water is usually found at Kantiang Bay, Bamboo Bay, and Nui Bay, especially during the dry season (December to April). These beaches sit far from the ferry ports and see less boat traffic, so the water stays cleaner and calmer.
Does Koh Lanta have white sand beaches?
Yes – most of Koh Lanta’s west coast beaches have white or golden sand. Long Beach, Khlong Dao, and Kantiang Bay are the best examples, with soft sand that’s perfect for swimming and sunset walks.
What are Koh Lanta’s quietest beaches?
For peaceful spots, head south. Nui Bay, Bamboo Bay, and Beautiful Beach are ideal for travelers looking to escape crowds and enjoy nature. You might even have stretches of sand all to yourself outside peak season.
Our Verdict – What is the Best Beach in Koh Lanta?
Our personal favorite is Beautiful Beach.
We loved it because it was just a short distance from our hostel on Long Beach, and not many people knew about it. Most backpackers tend to head to Klong Khong instead.
If you’re looking for beach bars and restaurants, you might prefer Klong Khong. But if you’re happy with a single hut serving simple dishes and tasty smoothies, Beautiful Beach is the way to go.
If convenience is a priority, Klong Dao and Long Beach might be your top picks. They’re both close to Saladan Pier and have plenty of beachfront accommodations.
Just keep in mind that their popularity means they can get a bit crowded.
If you’re in Koh Lanta for a romantic getaway, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at the southern beaches and resorts, like Kantiang Bay and Nui Bay.
One thing’s for sure, no matter which beach you choose in Koh Lanta – you’re in for some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see.
Plan Your Itinerary in Koh Lanta
- Use our full Koh Lanta itinerary to plan your time on the island + the best places to stay based on your vibe, budget, and beach preference
- Read our guide to taking the ferry to Koh Lanta so you’re prepared for the trip
Where to Go After Koh Lanta
- If you’re planning a longer route, browse our 10-Day Thailand Itinerary or our 3 week Thailand itinerary
- Or, if you are traveling in Thailand for a month (or longer!), this is the one month Thailand itinerary we made and followed
- Planning on visiting other islands too? This is where we stayed in Koh Tao (without renting a motorbike) and our favorite snorkeling tour in all of Southeast Asia we did in Koh Tao
