Same Same But Different

Ko Lanta


Here you can sip passable cocktails and sample middling Thai cuisine beneath massive trees and thatched pagodas or in a bamboo chair sunk into the sand. The seaside location is the thing.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ko Lanta attractions

1. Ao Kantiang

0.21 MILES

This superb southwestern sweep of sand backed by mountains is also its own self-contained village with minimarts, internet cafes, motorbike rental and…

2. Ao Mai Phai

1.31 MILES

A luscious, nearly forgotten cove at the southwestern curve just before the cape, this is one of Lanta's finest beaches. It's backed by elegant palm…

3. Tham Seua

2.16 MILES

Reached via a signposted track heading east off the national park headquarters road, 2km south of Hat Khlong Nin, Tham Seua has interesting tunnels to…

4. Mu Ko Lanta National Park

2.29 MILES

Established in 1990, this marine national park protects 16 islands in the Ko Lanta group, including the southern tip of Ko Lanta Yai. The park is…

5. Laem Tanod

2.31 MILES

The wild, jungled mountainous southern tip of the island has sheer drops and massive views for intrepid motorbikers. The road to the Mu Ko Lanta National…

6. Ban Si Raya

2.95 MILES

Located halfway down Lanta's eastern coast, Ban Si Raya was the island's original port and commercial centre, providing a safe harbour for Arab and…

7. Tham Khao Maikaeo

3.1 MILES

Monsoon rains pounding away at limestone crevices for millions of years have created this complex of caverns and tunnels. There are cathedral-size…

8. Hat Khlong Nin

3.6 MILES

Lovely white-sand Hat Khlong Nin has lots of small, flashpacker-type guesthouses at its northern end. It’s easy to get dropped off here, then shop around…