Discover Ko Lanta – the ideal honeymoon destination for couples wishing to ‘get away from it all’ in a secluded and serene island environment.
Ko Lanta has a quiet, laid-back ambience, with long, uncrowded golden- and white-sand beaches lapped by crystal clear waters that are perfect for kayaking, swimming, snorkelling and diving.
Ko Lanta offers a choice of several beaches lying along its west coast, most of which boast a good range of accommodation options as well as numerous beachside restaurants and bars.
Heading south the beaches become more secluded that are typically framed by jungle-covered hillsides and rocky promontories such as Kantiang Beach.
Unwind on this long golden-sand beach, the most northern of the west coast beaches, located about half an hour's walk from Ban Sala Dan.
Framed by rocky headlands and overlooked by a dramatic hilltop, the flat, wide beach offers safe swimming and magnificent sunsets – probably why it is so popular with the locals at weekends.
Grab a tasty snack and cool drink at a beachside restaurant or from one of the beachfront resorts. Klong Dao Beach hosts a good choice of beachfront resorts including the Chada Beach Resort and Spa.
(Long Beach) – Did your toes into the soft white sand of this long casuarina-fringed beach that shelves gently into calm, crystal clear waters that offer good swimming.
Relax during the day at one of the beachside bars and restaurants or party-on after dark at the famous Reggae House, which boasts live music and hosts annual music festivals. Choose from a range of resorts to suit all budgets, including the 5-star Layana Resort & Spa (photo).
This gorgeous long beach is dotted with rocks and offers the good swimming and snorkellng at high tide.
After dark, choose from a number of funky little beach-bars. Or stay longer at one of the small beachfront budget resorts.
This picturesque, tree-fringed, long white-sand beach shelves gently into calm, turquoise waters.
Framed by forested headlands and offering a collection of beach bars, restaurants and hotels clustered around the centre of the beach, Klong Nin offers a village-style atmosphere.
Sunbathe on the beach, go swimming or head inland to the Tham Mai Kaew caves, about an hour’s walk away (or much faster by rented motorcycle or bicycle).
This 900m-long crescent of soft white sand is fringed by shady trees and sits beneath a jungle-clad hillside.
Sunbathe on the gorgeous beach, go swimming in the turquoise waters, snorkel the rocky headlands.
Choose from three beachside resorts, including Ko Lanta’s most luxurious resort accommodation, the Pimalai Resort and Spa (photo), which spreads over 40ha of manicured tropical gardens and offers the finest of creature comforts.
(Bamboo Beach) – Relax on this very quiet white-sand beach, with the best swimming and snorkeling at high tide and great kayaking any time. Ao Mai Phai is the last resort before the National Park.
Stroll the hillside track to the lighthouse at Ko Lanta’s southern tip for great sea views from the plunging cliff tops. Come for a day or stay longer at the LaLaanta Hideaway Resort.
Discover some of Ko Lanta’s southern islands, which also host a range of beautiful uncrowded and unspoilt beaches.
These islands can be reached by boat from Ko Lanta or from the mainland, including…
Discover a tiny 6km² mountainous island covered by tropical forest and indented with rocky headlands.
Relax and swim from a series of beautiful palm-fringed white-sand beaches along the east coast, snorkel the west and southern coastlines and look out for migrating birds, crab-eating monkeys and monitor lizards in the forests of the interior.
Ko Ngai offers a range of accommodation, including the Ko Ngai Resort, and is easily reached on a 20-minute speedboat boat ride from the mainland town of Pak Meng Pier in Trang Province.
At just 4km², tiny Ko Kradan (also known as Ko Ha) offers secluded sugar-white sand beaches and great snorkelling above coral reefs that lie just off the beach on the east coast.
The island hosts an annual underwater wedding ceremony on Valentines Day.
This mountainous island offers a couple of secluded beaches framed by jungle-clad headlands on the east coast and a Muslim fishing village on the west coast.
Check out Mook Island's main attraction – the Morakot Cave (Emerald Cave).
Here you can take a boat ride and swim or snorkel through a narrow entrance into an 80m-long cave that sits in darkness at the bottom of a steep cliff face.
The cave emerges into a hidden emerald lagoon and white-sand beach that lies encircled beneath steep jungle-clad cliffs in a ‘shangri la’ type setting.
Come for a day or stay longer at the luxurious Sivalai Beach Resort on the Sivalai Beach (photo).
Choose from several soft white-sand beaches that lie along a 25km-long stretch of the west coast, separated only by picturesque jungle-clad promontories and linked by a paved coastal road.
Or play ‘Robinson Crusoe’ for a day or longer on one of the secluded beaches that lie to the south of the island. To the south of Koh Lanta lies the islands of Ko Ngai, Ko Kradan and Ko Mook, which offer total seclusion, gorgeous beaches and great snorkelling.
Should you tire of lazing on the beach it’s easy to go snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing or fishing – perfect for active honeymoon couples.
Inland, explore the densely forested hills on foot, motorcycle, car, bicycle or elephant. Along the way, experience the local culture and customs of the indigenous population, a mix of Muslim, Chinese and a clan of Chao Ley (sea gypsies).
You can even brush up your Thai cooking or Thai boxing skills with a lesson or two.
Ko Lanta offers excellent diving, with more pristine (and less dived) reefs than those around Phi Phi and Phuket. It’s an excellent place to see whale sharks.
Lanta's best dive sites include the soft coral at Hin Bidah, where you can swim among leopard sharks, barracuda and tuna.
The Ko Ha island group to the west and south of Ko Lanta, offer four different dives on each of its five islands, including steep drop-offs and caves (a two-hour boat ride).
Further south lies the 50m wall at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, where you can also swim with tuna, jacks, silvertip sharks, manta rays and even whale sharks.
Note: The main diving season runs from November through April, with some diving in May and June before rough seas prevent safe sea travel. Most dive boats depart from Ban Sala Dan, although you can find dive shops on almost every beach.
The best snorkelling is around the jungle-clad islands of Ko Rok Nai and Ko Rok Nok, fringed with gorgeous white-sand beaches. A narrow channel separates the two islands with a shallow reef perfect for snorkelling.
The islands are 47km south of Ko Lanta and can be easily reached by speedboat. Alternatively, take an excursion to the Ko Ha islands or the four islands off the Trang coast (Ko Mook, Ko Ngai, Ko Cheuak and Ko Kradan).
Paddle through mangroves and into caves along the eastern coast of both Ko Lanta Yai and Ko Lanta Noi, including Ko Talabeng and Ko Bubu. Trips can easily be arranged from Ban Sala Dan and from most beaches.
Must-see sights and attractions on Ko Lanta, include the following…
During March, join the locals for the annual Laanta Lanta Festival – a three-day celebration of street art, performance, cultural shows, games, music and dance held in Lanta Old Town (Ban Si Raya).
Experience the fascinating music of the Chao Ley (sea gypsies) at one of their twice-yearly three-day festivals, held at full moon in the sixth and eleventh lunar months (usually June and November).
The festivals are held on a beach at Ban Sang-Ga-U, located on the southeast coast of Ko Lanta Yai.
Paddle across the cliff-lined crescent-shaped bay to nearby Ko Rok Nai, which boasts good coral reefs for snorkelling and several pristine white-sand beaches for sunbathing and beachcombing.
Or explore some of the other 14 islands that make up this national park, such as Ko Talabeng with its dramatic limestone caves. Inland you can choose from several hiking trails and visit the clifftop lighthouse.
Strap a small lamp onto your head and discover stalagmites and stalactites as well as crystalised waterfalls and fossils embedded in the cave walls (and a lagoon in the wet season) as you explore some of the endless passageways that weave through this cave system.
In some parts of the cave system you may need to crawl through tunnels linking larger caverns. The caves are easily explored on a two-hour tour and are reached on foot (or atop an elephant) after a half-hour walk along a forest track.
Tham Mai Kaew Caves are located in the central mountain range near the town of Ban Si Raya. Along the route is a lookout that offers amazing panoramas over the island.
Ko Lanta provides a choice of budget and luxury accommodation, including Rawi Warin Resort & Spa, Pimalai Resort and Spa and Layana Resort & Spa (photo), all of which offer a range of 5-star comforts for honeymoon couples from their beachfront manicured gardens.
Ko Lanta provides a wonderful choice of affordable luxury accommodation, including the following 5-star resorts…
Pimalai Resort & Spa
Location: Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Koh Lanta
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD248 per room
Description: This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. The luxurious and elegant Pimalai Resort and Spa overlooks the blue waters of the Andaman Sea and has exclusive accommodations that are spacious and serene. The property also provides personalized service and complimentary round-trip transportation from Krabi Airport to the resort. In a lush tropical forest, the rooms at Pimalai include a private balcony that overlooks the beautiful surroundings. Decorated with rich Thai fabrics and rattan curtains, the rooms are air-conditioned and feature a polished teak hardwood floor. It also features amenities that include high-speed internet access and a DVD player. Pimalai Resort and Spa has several recreational facilities. Guests can lounge by the infinity-edge pool while enjoying the sea breeze and a cool drink or play a game of tennis at the courts available. It also has a fully-equipped fitness center and library, as well as activities that include cycling and sea sports. Pimalai Resort and Spa features 5 restaurants and bars to satisfy your appetite. Guests can taste authentic Thai cuisine or a selection of international dishes and the freshest seafood.
Layana Resort & Spa
Location: Ko Lanta
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD235 per room
Description: This property is a 6-minute walk from the beach. Surrounded by tropical greenery, Layana Resort & Spa is located in Koh Lanta and overlooks the beautiful sea. It offers an outdoor infinity pool and rooms with free Wi-Fi. Situated within Mu Koh Lanta National Park, Layana Resort is located on a white, sandy beach. Rooms at Layana Resort feature modern Thai architecture and are decorated with silk and hardwood furnishings. Each is equipped with satellite TV, DVD player and daybed. Private bathrooms have separate shower and bathtub facilities. Guests may enjoy an energizing workout at the fitness center or relax with a book in the well-stocked library. The resort’s spa offers pampering massage services and soothing facial treatments. A wide range of international dishes, fresh seafood and authentic Thai food are served at the resort’s restaurant. Refreshing drinks are available at the bar. Krabi Airport is a 2-hour drive, or 43 miles, from the resort. A chargeable airport shuttle service is available upon request.
Twin Lotus Resort & Spa by The Unique Collection
Location: Klong Dao Beach, Ko Lanta
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD106 per room
Description: This property is a 4-minute walk from the beach. Twin Lotus Resort & Spa by The Unique Collection is an adult-only property, a 3-minute walk from Klong Dao Beach. It offers modern accommodation with air-conditioning and free WiFi. Guests can indulge in relaxing massage treatments or go lounge by the swimming pool. Rooms at Twin Lotus Resort & Spa are tastefully furnished with dark tone interiors. Each room is fitted with a flat-screen cable TV, a minibar and a safety deposit box. An electric kettle and a hairdryer are provided. Shower facilities are included in a private bathroom. Guests can book sightseeing trips at the tour desk while other demands can be assisted by staff at the 24-hour front desk. Free public parking is possible on site. Far Sight Restaurant serves a wide array of Thai and western dishes.
Crown Lanta Resort & Spa
Location: Ko Lanta
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD99 per room
Description: This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Crown Lanta Resort & Spa offers a private beach, luxury accommodation, and extensive services. It is ideally situated on an elevated peninsula in Ko Lanta, offering views of Andaman Sea. Free WiFi access is available. Designed in modern Thai style with amazing sea views, rooms are clean, spacious and feature pool access or views. All rooms include full bathroom amenities, complimentary coffee/tea making facilities, and a fridge. Some facilities at Crown Lanta include restaurants and a bar, free mountain bikes, kayaks, snorkelling gear, and a fully-equipped gym. Guests can make use of transfers from the Airport in Krabi and shuttle transfers to Saladan centre (10 minute drive away) where shops, restaurants, convenience stores, and banks are located.
Rawi Warin Resort And Spa
Location: Lanta Yai Island, Ko Lanta
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD95 per room
Description: Rawi Warin Resort and Spa provides 5-star luxury with 4 large outdoor pools, fitness center and tennis courts. Featuring 6 dining options, it provides stunning views of Klong Tob Bay. Featuring spacious layouts and private balconies, modern Thai-style rooms have fine wood furnishings and floors. They come with cable TV and DVD players. A fridge and tea/coffee making amenities are provided. Resort Rawi Warin’s dive center organizes daily trips to the Bida Islands. For relaxation, there's a library and game room with numerous facilities. Recreational activities can be planned at the tour desk. Specializing in seafood dishes, The Watermark provides diners with a memorable outdoor dining experience. Hearty breakfasts and international dishes are available at The Golden Pond. The Wave Bar serves light refreshments. Rawi Warin Resort and Spa is a 2-hour car and ferry transfer from Krabi Airport. From Krabi Airport, it's about an hour’s flight from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
The best time to visit Ko Lanta Yai is during the dry season from early-December through to early-March, when the skies are usually clear and sunny and temperature averages 28°C (82°F).
The wet season usually lasts from mid-April to early-December, with a greater than 37% chance of a given day being a wet day.
More information about Ko Lanta Yai Weather Guide…
Ko Lanta Yai – the largest of 52 islands that make up the Ko Lanta group – is located 70km (43mi) south of Krabi town – a one hour boat ride from the mainland.
The most convenient route to Ko Lanta Yai is by air to Krabi International Airport (KBV), located around 14km (8.6mi) east of Krabi town centre. A daily public ferry connects Krabi to Ko Lanta.
From most overseas destinations this requires flying into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), or Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN), followed by a connecting flight to Krabi International Airport (KBV).
Krabi is located 814km (505mi) south of Bangkok, 165km (102mi) east of Phuket and 42km (26mi) east of Koh Phi Phi.
Numerous air-conditioned buses and mini-buses run between Phuket and Krabi.
Most resorts can meet arriving guests by prior arrangement at Krabi International Airport and provide transportation, including the 45-minute drive to Ban Hua Hin jetty and the one-hour boat ride to Ko Lanta.
More information about how to get to Ko Lanta Yai…
Latest update: honeymoon in Ko Lanta Yai: 9 June, 2022
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