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Long Beach (Koh Lanta)

Long Beach — Phra Ae to locals — is Koh Lanta's signature stretch, some four kilometers of wide golden sand and casuarina shade on the island's west coast, big enough that it never feels crowded even in peak season. The swimming is the island's most reliable — it shelves more steeply than neighbouri

4.7(160)
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Why go, and how to do it well

Long Beach — Phra Ae to locals — is Koh Lanta's signature stretch, some four kilometers of wide golden sand and casuarina shade on the island's west coast, big enough that it never feels crowded even in peak season. The swimming is the island's most reliable — it shelves more steeply than neighboring Klong Dao, so it stays swimmable at low tide — and sunsets land straight offshore. The beach road behind is lined with laid-back bars, restaurants, and bungalow resorts rather than high-rises, making it Koh Lanta's best all-round base, central to the west-coast beaches, about 15 minutes from Saladan pier, with accommodation from backpacker huts to family pool villas.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

Tours that include Long Beach (Koh Lanta)

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Long Beach (Koh Lanta).

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Long Beach (Koh Lanta), nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Long Beach (Koh Lanta), round out your day in Koh Lanta with contrasting stops nearby.

More beaches nearby

All within 3.2 km of Long Beach (Koh Lanta).

Phra Ae Beach

Phra Ae Beach

1.3 km away4.4(809)
ทางหลวงจังหวัดหมายเลข J23M+MGJ 4245, Tambon Sala Dan, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Chang Wat Krabi 81150, Thailand
A long, laid-back beach on Koh Lanta with shallow waters, shaded spots, and easy access to local amenities.
Khlong Dao Beach

Khlong Dao Beach

2.5 km away4.5(503)
J2PH+VRH, Sala Dan, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
A long, sandy beach on Koh Lanta's northwest coast, popular for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere.
Secret Beach

Secret Beach

2.9 km away4.2(150)
Unnamed Road, H2QJ+HC7 ตำบล ศาลาด่าน อำเภอเกาะลันตา กระบี่ 81150, Thailand
A secluded cove on Koh Lanta's coastline, rewarding those willing to seek it out with calm waters and quiet shores.
Beautiful Beach

Beautiful Beach

3.2 km away4.4(976)
H2PJ+GP8, Sala Dan, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
A laid-back beach on Koh Lanta's coast, open daily and well-regarded by visitors.

Tips for Visiting Beaches

Go Early for Empty Sand

Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.

Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.

Long Beach (Koh Lanta): Frequently Asked Questions

Is Long Beach (Koh Lanta) worth visiting?

Long Beach (Koh Lanta) holds a 4.7★ rating from 160 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated beaches in Koh Lanta.

When is the best time to visit Long Beach (Koh Lanta)?

The best months to visit Koh Lanta are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & European school vacations — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (monsoon; many businesses close).

Where is Long Beach (Koh Lanta) located?

Long Beach (Koh Lanta) is at Pra-Ae Beach, in Koh Lanta. Getting around Koh Lanta: Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; one main road runs the west coast); Tuk-tuks and songthaews along the beach road.

Also popular in Koh Lanta

Same Same But Different Restaurant

Same Same But Different Restaurant

4.4(918)$$$$
288 หมู่ที่ 5 Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Chang Wat Krabi 81150, Thailand
A popular mid-range dining spot on Koh Lanta, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Phoenix Divers - Koh Lanta Diving, Freediving, Snorkeling

Phoenix Divers - Koh Lanta Diving, Freediving, Snorkeling

4.9(1,677)
Sala Dan, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
Sharp instructors, clear briefings and proper food on the boat, though the decks do get crowded.
Koh Ngai

Koh Ngai

4.6(319)
Ko Lanta Yai, Kantang District
A tiny Trang island with one long east-facing beach, no town and no roads, just turquoise shallows, coral you can swim to, and three islets in the view.
Why Not Bar

Why Not Bar

4.3(1,464)$$$$
9, Yai, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Chang Wat Krabi 81150, Thailand
Barefoot beach bar with live guitar, an 8:30pm fire show and mains around ฿150–250.

Similar Beaches across Thailand

Phra Nang Cave Beach

Phra Nang Cave Beach

4.7(4,603)
Phra nang Cave Beach, Krabi, Thailand
A dramatic coastal cove accessible only by sea, framed by towering limestone cliffs, white sand, and a sacred cave shrine.
Monkey Beach

Monkey Beach

4.4(4,465)
PQV6+7JX, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Wild macaques on a gorgeous strip of sand, and they'll go through your bag if you let them.
Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach

4.2(1,689)
20 Moo 3, Koh Tao, อำเภอเกาะพะงัน สุราษฎร์ธานี 84280, Thailand
A small, calm-water cove for swimming and snorkeling, best treated as a half-day escape from the busier sands.
Zen Beach

Zen Beach

4.5(2,127)
QX46+WG9 Zen Beach, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Small, calm and west-facing, with a steep narrow road that puts off half the people who'd otherwise fill it.