Koh Lanta

Our family of 4 loved our time in Ko Lanta. It's a much quieter island yet still has lots to offer. Lots of beachside restaurants and bars to enjoy a nice meal, swim, relax in the sun or watch the sunset. Prices were generally cheaper than Bangkok and Ao Nang. The snorkeling trip to Koh Rok and Koh Haa was amazing. The old town is a nice spot to visit. We also did a mangroves tour where we got up close to the monkeys. Just a couple of things to be aware of: there is no grab app taxi on the island. Arriving without prearranged transport can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the staff on the ferry offered to arrange prior to arriving. We arranged our own with Mun Taxi via whatsapp and the driver was waiting with our names. The other note is to carry cash with you. Although places do accept credit card, you will be slugged 5% fees. Overall, we had a great time and I would highly recommend spending a few days here.

First time visiting Koh Lanta and I loved the local vibe—it’s relaxed, authentic, and not overly commercial. Beautiful beaches, convenient to get around (bike, or jogging 😀), and overall a chill, simple, and natural place to unwind. Koh Lipe was my favourite but now Loh Lanta. I will come back.

We came to Koh Lanta expecting a quiet, low-key island, rich in local life, calm atmosphere, and a place to truly relax. What we found was the complete opposite. Large parts of the island feel heavily overrun by mass tourism. Crowds everywhere, drunk tourists, open cannabis use everywhere, loud behavior, and people who seem to have little awareness of where they are, beyond wanting to party and make noise. The streets often feel chaotic rather than peaceful, and the overall atmosphere is far from authentic or tranquil. Prices are also extremely high for what the island currently offers, especially considering the level of crowding and commercialization. Much of Koh Lanta feels designed to cater to tourists who are not looking for culture, nature, or calm, but simply entertainment and excess. For travelers searching for peace, real connection with nature, and a slower, more local rhythm of life, this island is not the right choice, at least not in most areas. While it is true that some quieter spots still exist, reaching that level of serenity would be far easier on smaller islands such as Koh Ngai or Koh Kradan, where calm, natural surroundings, and a genuine sense of place can still be felt. If your idea of Thailand is balance, nature, and authenticity, Koh Lanta is likely to disappoint. the only aspect of the island that we truly appreciated was the small bungalow where we stayed. It was pleasant, quiet, and well designed, but it came at a price far higher than the Thai average, which once again reflects how inflated costs have become here. The only other element that stood out in a positive, almost nostalgic way was an old gasoline pump, a small remnant of a different time, which felt more authentic than much of what now surrounds it. Everything else reinforced the feeling that the island has moved far away from the balance and simplicity many travelers still expect to find.