Searching for the best beaches on Koh Lanta? Don’t worry we got you covered! The entire West Coast of the island is made up of beach after beautiful beach. We recommend picking one to base yourself from then exploring the others beaches in Koh Lanta from there. Follow our trip from North to South as we hop our way down to Long Beach, Bamboo, and more of the best beaches on Koh Lanta!
Does Koh Lanta Have Nice Beaches?
Yes! While there are so many incredible beaches and islands in Thailand, Koh Lanta sometimes flies under the radar. There is a wide range here from long sandy stretches to small coves to choose from.
The best part is you can stay on or near all of them! Even if you pick a hotel outside of the main Koh Lanta beaches, you can easily get around the island via motorbike. This makes for a relaxing vacation and traveling to the island an exciting experience.
→ When’s the Best Time to Visit Thailand For Perfect Weather?
Quick Tips for Exploring the Koh Lanta Beaches
1. Bring water, sunblock, and anything else you may need. Not all areas of Koh Lanta have stores where you can pick up something if you need it.
2. We had an awesome day renting a motorbike to see Koh Lanta. Check your gas before getting too far south! There are fewer places to fuel up on this part of the island.
3. Plan to grab breakfast, lunch, coffee, or coconuts while you’re out. There are tons of cool bars and restaurants perched on the cliffs above the beaches on Koh Lanta with amazing views.
5. Koh Lanta has some amazing snorkeling! Pack snorkels for your trip or buy them when you arrive. Just make sure to have a set of goggles as you adventure to the different beaches in Koh Lanta.
6. If it’s your first time visiting the island check out our picks for the 10 Best Things to do on Koh Lanta!
8 Best Beaches on Koh Lanta
1. Laem Kho Kwang Beach
This is the closest beach to get to when you arrive on Koh Lanta as it’s just 5 minutes from the ferry port. It is long and sandy (like almost all the Koh Lanta beaches) and beautiful! One thing to know about Laem Kho Kwang is there is a dramatic tide.
That means if you visit during low tide expect the water to be way out and for it to be rocky if you want to swim. However, at high tide, it’s absolutely perfect! Many travelers also head further south on the island so this beach is often quiet.
If you’re in the area for dinner visit Good Restaurant And Bar which has amazing whole grilled fish and a fire show every Wednesday and Sunday night. It’s best to stop in and double-check the fire show time. Yet, if you’re lucky enough to catch one you won’t be disappointed!
2. Long Beach Koh Lanta
Known as one of the most popular beaches on Koh Lanta, Long Beach really lives up to its name! The soft golden sand stretches on forever and you can easily spend your whole time on the Koh Lanta here.
Lively restaurants, funky bars, and hotels run the length of the beach. Still, the party scene doesn’t feel too overwhelming. If you’re someone who loves nothing more than long walks on the beach this is the spot in Koh Lanta for you!
3. Lanta Klong Nin Beach
Continuing south is another one of the best beaches on Koh Lanta! Klong Nin Beach is not only gorgeous but has everything you need if you find suitable accommodations here.
It’s in the center of the island so it really makes the perfect place to base yourself from. You can head north towards the port and Long Beach, south towards the National Park, or easily cut across the island to Old Town… That is if you ever decide leave!
We stayed at Beach Home Lanta and it seemed like literally, every room around us extended their visit. We booked it for three nights and loved it so much we ended up staying for ten!
The bars are exactly what you would imagine on the Thai islands and the beach is absolutely magical. For more places to stay on Koh Lanta check out the article below and more recommendations at the bottom of this post.
→ 22 Best Koh Lanta Hotels: 5 Star Resorts to Budget Stays!
4. Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is hands down one of the most beautiful on the island of Koh Lanta! Nevertheless, if you don’t know to look for it you can easily miss one of the best Koh Lanta beaches. When traveling to this spot you need to park at Diamond Cliff Restaurant which is the way to get down to the beach.
You don’t need to actually buy anything but it does make for a great lunch stop on the way. The view is amazing and we can’t imagine how it looks for sunset!
Koh Lanta Beaches Tip: When you go down to Diamond Beach there is a phone number posted for the restaurant. Yes! You can call and have something brought down to you at one of the islands best beaches!
5. Bakantiang Beach
Heading even further south, this area is home to some of the most popular beaches in Koh Lanta. Bakantiang Beach even has the top hotel on the island in Pimalai Resort & Spa. This is what you’ve probably dreamed of when looking for a luxury stay on the Koh Lanta beaches!
This is also where you’ll find the famous “Why Not Bar” which is a must-visit. It’s popular with both the backpacking and budget traveler crowd, but really anyone can grab a chair for sunset or the fire shows!
Also, don’t miss out on the restaurant just past the beginning of Bakantiang. It’s built into the hillside and overlooks the whole beach. We didn’t eat here, but the view is unreal and worth stopping even for a quick fruit shake.
→ What’s Thai Food? 40 Delicious Dishes & Drinks You Must Try!
6. Nui Bay
This small remote beach is set on a random pullover. You will notice it because of the motorbikes parked in what feels like the middle of nowhere. It’s a quick walk down to the beach but know that there are some steps.
Unlike Long Beach Koh Lanta (which you’ll want to visit later in the day), this one is best seen in the morning. There is also a fun spot on the left side called Secret Beach Bar!
It’s normally open in the high season but runs on its own schedule. If it’s open make sure to stop in for a fresh coconut!
7. Bamboo Beach
Bamboo Beach is known as one of the best places in Koh Lanta for its surreal and natural setting. Honestly, this one is worth the drive down south in itself!
There is a family-run restaurant that sits above the beach so you can grab lunch with one of the best views on the island.
After you eat, head down below to the golden sand and crystal clear water. Use the second turn down after the restaurant and not the first one! The road is dirt and a little bumpy but it quickly ends up at the beach.
8. Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Okay, you finally made it to the most southern point of the island! Hopefully, you saved some energy for more of the best beaches on Koh Lanta.
In addition to the nature trail and lighthouse viewpoint, there are two different beaches to explore. Mu Ko Lanta National park is actually made up of 16 islands that offer some incredible snorkeling as well.
These were our favorites we found but know that the whole island is filled with dreamy beaches! Have any questions for us or want to share more of the best beaches in Koh Lanta? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where to Stay Near the Koh Lanta Beaches
Ultra Luxury – Pimalai Resort & Spa – Welcome to the most luxury resort in all of Koh Lanta! Sitting right on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, you’ll have everything you need for an amazing stay. Enjoy the infinity pool in a lush jungle setting, and the delicious onsite restaurant when you get hungry.
Budget-Friendly – Lanta Infinity Resort – Koh Lanta in Thailand has some great budget options of good quality. Lanta Infinity Resort offers a swimming pool and air-conditioned rooms while being just a short walk to the beach.
Hostel Life – Best Stay Hostel At Lanta – If you’re all about the hostel life then this is the spot for you! The bar and shared lounge are a great place to meet other travelers, and it’s situated in the most fun part of the island for nightlife near Long Beach.
For more places to stay in Koh Lanta you can explore the latest prices here!
PIN FOR LATER ↓
Thailand Travel Planning
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
___________________________
Helpful Thailand Articles
Phuket: 22 Things to Do – Old Town Food Guide – 6 Sunset Spots – Rawai – Elephant Sanctuary – Promthep Cape Sunset – Sunday Night Market – Phuket Old Town – Big Buddha – Renting a Motorbike
Phuket Beaches: 15 Best Beaches – Nai Harn & Yanui – Kata Beach – Kata Noi – Nui Beach
Koh Phi Phi: Ferry from Phuket – 25 Things to Know – Maya Bay Private Tour – 3 Viewpoint Hike – Monkey Beach – Phi Phi Don Boat Tour
Railey Beach: 12 Things to Do – 3 Epic Beaches – Krabi to Koh Phangan
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan 10 Things to Know – Bottle Beach Koh Phangan – Koh Tao 12 Things to Know – Freedom Beach Koh Tao – Koh Samui
More: Planning Thailand Trip – Koh Lipe – Chiang Mai
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
