Long Beach (Koh Lanta)
Long Beach — Phra Ae to locals — is Koh Lanta's signature stretch: some four kilometres 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 neighbouring 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.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Long Beach (Koh Lanta), round out your day in Koh Lanta with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta
A laid-back island in Krabi offering coral-fringed beaches, diving, and a genuinely local atmosphere.
Lanta Old Town
A charming strip of old wooden shophouses on Ko Lanta's quieter southern shore, with cafes, craft shops, and a scenic pier.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
A quiet jungle and coastal national park at the southern tip of Koh Lanta, with monkeys, sea views, and a short trail.
Yawee Restaurant
A well-loved budget-friendly local restaurant in Sala Dan, open daily for lunch and dinner.
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 holidays — 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.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: May – October (monsoon; many businesses close)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & European school holidays
Getting there
Minivans from Krabi town and airport reach the island in 2–2.5 hours via the Lanta Noi bridge and one short car ferry (฿300–400). High-season ferries and speedboats connect from Krabi, Phi Phi (~1 hr), Phuket, and south to Koh Lipe. No airport — Krabi's is the gateway.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; one main road runs the west coast)
- •Tuk-tuks and songthaews along the beach road
- •Rental cars — Lanta's flat main road is Thailand's easiest island driving
Where to stay near Long Beach (Koh Lanta)
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — 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.
Nearby Places
Phra Ae Beach
A long, laid-back beach on Koh Lanta with shallow waters, shaded spots, and easy access to local amenities.
Khlong Dao Beach
A long, sandy beach on Koh Lanta's northwest coast, popular for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere.
Secret Beach
A secluded cove on Koh Lanta's coastline, rewarding those willing to seek it out with calm waters and quiet shores.
Beautiful Beach
A laid-back beach on Koh Lanta's coast, open daily and well-regarded by visitors.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.
Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the pair of horseshoe bays on Koh Phangan's northeast corner that many rate the island's best all-round base — Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger southern bay with a village feel and family resorts, and Thong Nai Pan Noi, the more polished northern bay where the island's smarte.
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) on Koh Phangan's north coast is the island's poster child for earned seclusion — a wide crescent of soft sand backed by jungle hills, with no road in.
Freedom Beach
A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.
Where to stay near Long Beach (Koh Lanta)
Find hotels in Koh Lanta on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: May – October (monsoon; many businesses close)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & European school holidays
Getting there
Minivans from Krabi town and airport reach the island in 2–2.5 hours via the Lanta Noi bridge and one short car ferry (฿300–400). High-season ferries and speedboats connect from Krabi, Phi Phi (~1 hr), Phuket, and south to Koh Lipe. No airport — Krabi's is the gateway.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; one main road runs the west coast)
- •Tuk-tuks and songthaews along the beach road
- •Rental cars — Lanta's flat main road is Thailand's easiest island driving