Long Beach is a 4-kilometre strip of sandy beach is fringed by tall pines and is where most of the action happens. It is the most developed beach but still wide and open enough to not feel too over-crowded, with lots of accommodation and restaurants choice amongst the trees by the beach, making it a popular choice for families.

Klong Dao is located near Ban Saladan village, has shallow waters, white sand and is full of resorts and hotels, making it another favourite for families.

Further south is the second most popular Ba Kantiang Beach where you can often find live music in the evenings and good dining options.  This golden sand strip stretches for nearly 2 kilometres, and its crescent-shape makes for clear calm waters and great swimming conditions.

Klong Khong has the reputation for being the “party beach” of the island, where most of the Koh Lanta nightlife is centred.  This beach attracts many backpackers who want to experience a more chilled version of a half-moon party than the likes of those on Koh Phangnan. 

Klong Nin is a more peaceful beach further south with a village feel to it and a few restaurants and bars. The sea is great for swimming and the beach is lined by native Umbrella trees which offer much-needed shade from the blistering sun. With a mountain and tropical rain forest backdrop, the natural scenery is exceptional.

Bamboo Bay is a secluded crescent-shaped southern bay wedged between cliff walls and backed by jungle. It is only accessible by dirt road and remains largely unspoilt with only a few nearby resorts.

This beach is long, sandy and peaceful with a nearby bohemian cafe. Nearby is a small waterfall takes about 30-minutes on foot to get to. Be sure to visit during the rainy season because it runs dry for the rest of the year.

South of Ba Kantiang is the stunning yet tiny  Ao Nui bay. This hidden gem is only accessible by foot down a steep path for about 100 metres. This idyllic beach remains undeveloped due to its hard-to-get-to location and is the perfect hideaway with only one bar to refresh visitors.

Saladan Village is the bustling entry point to Koh Lanta with a small beach where all the boats moor. It has a large array of restaurants built on stilts over the sea and offers sensational views onto neighbouring island Koh Lanta Noi.

Kawkwang Beach is located in the north close to Saladan Pier. This long stretch of beach is set in a small cove with white sand and shallow aqua water. The currents are generally calm, making it ideal for families with small children to swim

Koh Lanta Old Town is a quaint and relaxed place to visit. It was once a trade route for Chinese merchants between Phuket and Penang in Malaysia. You can still see the Chinese influence today with charming stilted teak houses sitting over the water with walk bridges connecting them and red lanterns hovering in the wind.  Enjoy a local lunch in one of the many restaurants in the town and walk around this old-fashioned sea village.

It’s worthwhile paying a visit to Lanta Animal Welfare Centre. This non-profit organization helps stray dogs and cats on the island. They operate a “kitty cafe” where you’ll find feline friends that kids can play with, and all proceeds will go to the shelter. You can also volunteer and help out by walking dogs or donate or sponsor an animal in need.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Mu Koh Lanta National Park with its hiking trails and long stretches of deserted beaches for a small entry fee of  200 baht. It’s a great idea to head up to the lighthouse which offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints on Koh Lanta. But beware of the monkeys! They are bold so don’t travel with food or anything shiny unless you want a troop following you. Take a guide or go independently and trek to Khlong Chak Waterfall in the national park.

To Koh Lanta’s northeast coast, not far from Koh Lanta No is the Thung Yee Pheng mangrove forest.  Mangrove trees and their far-reaching root crave out a system of tranquil streams and rivers to cruise along.  Spend a few hours in a boat, go mangrove kayaking or stay at a floating homestay.

Go cave exploring at Khao Mai Kaew which will require a tour guide as solo trips are not permitted. This adventure is not for the faint-hearted with a demanding trek involving slippery and muddy surfaces, crawling through wet dark enclaves, climbing ladders and going across rickety bamboo bridges. You are bound to encounter large siders, bats and other critters along the way but it worth it because once you reach the cave, you can cool off swimming in the cave pool surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.

One of the top attractions in Koh Lanta and one of the best day trips is a four island tour. These tours visit the islands of Koh Chuak, Mook, Kradan, and Ngai where you can snorkel and swim and include a visit to the remarkable Emerald Cave and its not-so-secret vivid green lagoon on Koh Mook that is reached by swimming through an eery pitch-black 80-metre long passageway with your tour guide leading. Make sure you add this into your Koh Lanta itinerary.