Lanta Old Town
An hour or two, no more, and that's the point. This is one street of weathered timber shophouses on the southeastern coast of Ko Lanta Yai, much of it built out over the water on stilts, with a wooden pier running off it that gives you the long view across the strait. That view, and the buildings themselves, are the reason to come. The souvenir shops are pleasant but repetitive, so don't expect to be surprised by shop number six.
Where it earns its keep is the eating and drinking. Cafes and restaurants with balconies and terraces hanging over the sea, fruit shakes, good desserts, and prices that tend to undercut the busier tourist strips up north. If you're weighing this against the northern port area, come here for quiet, go there for noise. A weekend market brings a bit more life on some evenings.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Lanta Old Town, round out your day in Koh Lanta with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Quaint and quiet area with nice quality gifts and crafts. A slow paced town with a nice wharf. The views from the wharf are fabulous. Many nice restaurant to choose from. A great variety of tasty desserts, creamy ice cream, croissants, creme brulee, pain au chocolate and mango crunch to name a few. Easy to get to from the west side.
Really enjoyed our stroll around old town. Its mainly souvenir shops and food outlets. But much quieter than the northern port area. Would recommend and pop into the elephant sanctuary on the way back 👌
Just for shopping, but you get very nice and price worthy souvenirs there! Booking a tour to get there is questionable because you do not miss out on much. The only exception are the wooden houses and palettes with the seawater underneath, which i liked most and what made it seem to be an old town.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 6,227 reviews on Google.
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Lanta Old Town: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lanta Old Town worth visiting?
Lanta Old Town holds a 4.4★ rating from 6,227 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Koh Lanta.
What are the opening hours of Lanta Old Town?
Lanta Old Town is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Lanta Old Town?
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 Lanta Old Town located?
Lanta Old Town is at G3JV+HP3, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand, 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.
Location Info
G3JV+HP3, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, ThailandVisitor 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. There's no airport, so 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 Lanta Old Town
Find hotels in Koh Lanta on the booking sites travellers trust most.
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- Filter for free cancellation
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places
Koh Lanta Community Museum
A glimpse into Koh Lanta's multicultural heritage, housed in a historic old district building by the sea.
Tham Khao Mai Khew
A sacred cave temple on Koh Lanta offering a rare glimpse into the island's spiritual and cultural heritage.
Koh Lanta Statue
A striking cultural landmark on Koh Lanta, offering a glimpse into the island's local identity.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Lanta Old Town
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 Expedia
Bundle & save
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.
Location Info
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. There's no airport, so 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