Travel tips for Koh Lanta
Some of the best ways to travel to Koh Lanta
It’s easy to get to Ko Lanta – the island is accessible by speedboat, minivan/car and passenger ferry. The nearest airport is Krabi Airport, although it is possible to fly into Phuket and catch a passenger ferry or speedboat to Ko Lanta as well.
The area most people think of as “Ko Lanta” is actually two islands, Ko Lanta Noi (small island), and Ko Lanta Yai (big island). Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai are connected via a bridge that was opened in April 2016. The larger Koh Lanta area also includes Koh Klang, which if you are coming from the mainland you’ll drive though, although most people don’t realise it is an island as well! There’s a tiny bridge connecting Koh Klang to the mainland on your way to the car ferry that goes to Lanta Noi. Some of the smaller islands surrounding Koh Lanta are also part of the same district, and part of the Koh Lanta National park, eg Koh Ngai, Koh Haa and Koh Rok – there’s actually well over 50 islands that are part of the Koh Lanta area.
If you are coming in a vehicle from Krabi or elsewhere on the mainland there is a short car ferry journey required to get from the mainland to Lanta Noi. Although the ferry transfer only takes around 20 minutes at busy times it might require a short wait before getting on.
If you are arriving by passenger ferry or speedboat, all the ferries dock at Saladan in the north of the island. There are taxi’s and tuk-tuks available at the ferry terminal but they are notoriously expensive, often charging as much as ฿500 per person for a relatively short journey. If you have pre-booked accommodation its recommended to ask your resort if they can arrange a pickup from the ferry.
If you are arriving from Krabi airport you have a number of options:
- Minivan. It’s possible to get the public minivan from just outside the airport to Ko Lanta. There is a sales office inside the airport that can help with bookings.
- Private taxi. The airport can provide private taxi’s direct to your hotel on Ko Lanta. If you have not pre-booked these can be expensive – as much as ฿4,000. If you know your arrival time its recommended to book a taxi in advance. Mun Lanta is a reputable taxi service located on Koh Lanta