3 Days in Koh Lanta

Fly into Krabi Airport (KBV) and take a taxi or Grab to Klong Jilad Pier (45–60 min, THB 500–700). The ferry to Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta takes 30 minutes (THB 150–250). Check into your accommodation on Hat Khlong Dao or Ao Phra Ae — the two most convenient bases for a first visit. Rent a motorbike from any guesthouse (THB 200–250/day) as soon as you arrive — it's essential for exploring.

Hat Khlong Dao is Koh Lanta's most popular beach — 2.5km of wide, powdery sand with a gentle slope into warm, clear water. Spend the afternoon here, then ride the 10 minutes south to Ao Phra Ae (Long Beach) — a longer, more open stretch with a great sunset perspective. The two beaches are distinct in character: Hat Khlong Dao is more resort-feeling, Ao Phra Ae more open and breezy.

Return to Hat Khlong Dao or Ao Phra Ae for a beachfront sunset dinner. All of Koh Lanta's west-coast beaches face due west — every sunset is a spectacular show of colour over the Andaman Sea. Order grilled fresh fish, a Thai curry, and a cold Singha to watch the colours change. Hat Khlong Dao has the widest restaurant choice; Ao Phra Ae has more intimate options.

Book your four-island tour the evening before — operators pick up from most Hat Khlong Dao guesthouses or depart from Saladan Pier at 8–9 am. The tour visits Koh Mook (the highlight — Emerald Cave), Koh Kradan, Koh Chuak, and Koh Waen. The boat ride to the first island is roughly 45 minutes. Have your snorkelling gear ready on board — the water around all four islands is beautifully clear.

The highlight of the tour is Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot) on Koh Mook — a sea cave you swim through in darkness for 80 metres to emerge in a hidden inland beach enclosed by jungle walls. Your guide leads the way through the dark cave using a rope — non-swimmers can hold a float. The hidden beach inside is genuinely magical. After Emerald Cave, continue to Koh Kradan for snorkelling over healthy coral reef, then lunch on the boat.

Back on Koh Lanta by 4–5 pm. Rest or swim at your beach. In the evening, head to Saladan town for the night market (open most evenings in high season). Buy fresh grilled fish, mango sticky rice, and Thai satay from market stalls for THB 60–100 per dish — the best value eating on the island. The market stalls are along the main Saladan road near the pier.

Ride 15 minutes east across the island to Lanta Old Town on the east coast. This sea-gypsy and Chinese-Malay fishing village of traditional wooden shophouses on stilts over the sea has been here for centuries. Walk the main street, browse craft shops, have a coffee in one of the converted shophouse cafes, and visit the small local museum. The atmosphere — old wooden buildings, fishing boats in the channel, Thai grandmothers sorting nets — is a world away from the west-coast beach scene.

Head back across to the west coast and ride 45 minutes south on the main road to Kantiang Bay. The bay is a perfect horseshoe of white sand flanked by jungle-covered hills — widely considered the most beautiful bay on the island. Swim, snorkel at the rocky headland, or simply sit in the shade. The beach here is genuinely stunning and much quieter than the north.

Stay at Kantiang Bay for sunset — the bay faces due west and the hills create a natural frame for the last light. Several restaurants overlook the bay and serve excellent fresh seafood. Budget THB 300–600 per person for dinner here — slightly higher than the north but worth it for the setting. Ride back north after dinner on the well-lit main road (45 minutes).