which is the best area to stay in koh lanta?

Which is the best area to stay in Koh Lanta?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

If you’re searching for a piece of Thai paradise, then Koh Lanta is the place to be. This laid-back island in the Andaman Sea is known for its pristine beaches and tropical surroundings. Its entire west coast is home to 30 kilometres of beaches, making it the perfect destination for lazy summer days and sunset cocktails. Sitting off the coast of Krabi, this low-key island paradise is easily accessed from both the mainland and nearby hotspots Phuket and Phi Phi. Koh Lanta won’t be invaded by hordes of tourists in peak season though, and limited development on the island means it’s cheaper than its more popular neighbours too.

Although Koh Lanta is an archipelago of more than 50 islands, tourism is focused on the main island Koh Lanta Yai. One of the first stops on the west coast is the busiest place on the island, the family-friendly Klong Dao Beach. Keep heading south for the island’s longest beach - Long Beach, which is popular with the younger crowd and has some great budget places to stay. There are fun times to be had halfway down the coast at Klong Khong Beach, while the backpacker game is strong at laid-back Klong Nin. Those desperate for sun and solitude should keep heading to the southern end of the island for the good life at Kantiang Bay.If you are interested in where to stay in Koh Lanta you can also be interested in where to stay in Koh Phanghan, where to stay in Koh Samui or where to stay in Koh Phi Phi.

Best places to stay in Koh Lanta

Klong Khong Beach

Best area to stay in Koh Lanta for nightlife

By day Klong Khong Beach is known for its relaxed village vibe, by night it’s where the party’s at. It’s the place to stay if you’re looking for a fun night out, but the party vibe here is on a much smaller scale than the hedonistic shenanigans found on other Thai islands.

Although Klong Khong has one of the only nightclubs on Koh Lanta - and you’ll find full moon and half-moon parties on the island - we’re not talking massive raves and crazy all-nighters. It’s also less expensive down here on the central west coast, making it a favourite among backpackers, hippies, and budget travellers. Kick back and watch the sunset or enjoy the fire shows at the cosy local bars along the beach.

Accommodation in Klong Khong Beach

Klong Dao Beach

Best area to stay in Koh Lanta for families with young children

Klong Dao Beach was the first tourist area to be developed on the island and has a fantastic selection of places to eat and stay. It’s also the most accessible beach to get to - just a 10-minute drive from the island entry point, Saladan Village. With its soft sand and clear, shallow water, Klong Dao is the perfect beach destination for families with young children. There’s also a fantastic selection of food to tempt even the fussiest of eaters.

Klong Dao has the highest concentration of accommodation on the island, and you’ll find a great mix of places to stay along the beachfront. But if you’re travelling on a budget, you’ll find more in your price range back from the beach along Klong Dao Road. Although it can get busier than the rest of the island during peak season, Klong Dao has everything you need in the one place. It makes the perfect base for exploring everything Koh Lanta has to offer.

Accommodation in Klong Dao Beach

Klong Nin Beach

Best area to stay in Koh Lanta to relax on the beach

Head further down the coast, and you’ll come across Klong Nin Beach. Great for swimming and sunbathing, this small beach setting is the perfect place to sip cocktails at a local beach bar and watch the glorious Thai sunsets with the sand between your toes.

Klong Nin isn’t as developed as the other beaches, and you’ll find a large concentration of backpacker-style bungalows here, with more styles of accommodation found across the road from the beach. Quiet and laid-back, Klong Nin has a unique feel and numerous beach bars and places to eat along the length of the golden sand.

Accommodation in Klong Nin Beach

Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach)

Best area to stay in Koh Lanta for solo travellers

Koh Lanta’s most well-known beach is its longest beach, so named for its stunning four kilometres of soft golden sand. Just south of Klong Dao, this vibrant beach village is one of the more popular places to stay on the island and is a hit with the younger crowd.

You won’t find beachfront accommodation this cheap in many other places on Koh Lanta, so it’s perfect if you’re travelling on a budget. There’s something for everyone at Long Beach: you’ll find a great mix of affordable accommodation to suit every budget; you’ll be spoilt for choice when eating out (fresh seafood BBQ anyone?); and if you’re up for a bit of night-time fun just head to the northern end of the beach once the sun goes down. Things are nice and spread out along the length of Long Beach, so you’ll always find a patch of sand with your name on it.

Accommodation in Long Beach

Kantiang Bay

Best area to stay in Koh Lanta for diving

Koh Lanta’s beaches become more secluded the further south you go, and Kantiang Bay is the perfect spot for that tranquil tropical hideaway. A 45-minute drive from Saladan Village in the north, this stunning cove is protected by headlands and surrounded by tropical rainforest. Home to a wide range of accommodation styles - including some of the island’s higher-end resorts - Kantiang Bay boasts crystal clear tropical water and pristine sand.

The water here is perfect for swimming but just watch out for the rocks at the southern end. Kantiang Bay is the last opportunity for shopping and dining before you head deeper south into the National Marine Park, and is the perfect base if you’re keen to dive at some of the country’s best dive sites. This magnificent beach has a relaxed, chilled vibe, so if you’re looking for some serenity, you can’t go past the peaceful pace of Kantiang Bay.

Accommodation in Kantiang Bay