Koh Lanta 1-day itinerary

Start your morning at Long Beach (Phra Ae) — a 3km stretch of golden sand that is quieter and more relaxed than anything on Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. Swim in the warm Andaman Sea, rent a kayak (300 THB/hour), or simply walk the length of the beach while the sand is still cool. By mid-morning, ride a scooter (250 THB/day) 20 minutes south to Lanta Old Town — a charming waterfront village of stilted wooden shophouses built by Chinese and Malay traders over a century ago. Browse the small galleries, pick up handmade batik, and have a coffee overlooking the mangrove-lined channel.

Head to the southern tip of the island to Mu Ko Lanta National Park (200 THB entry). The park protects pristine coastline, mangrove forest, and a lighthouse perched on a dramatic rocky headland with panoramic views across the Andaman Sea to distant islands. Hike the short trail through old-growth forest to a white-sand cove — one of the few beaches on Koh Lanta with no development. The snorkelling off the rocks is excellent, with colourful reef fish and occasional sea turtles in the shallows.

Koh Lanta's west-facing coast delivers some of Thailand's most spectacular sunsets. Head to Relax Bay (Phra Ae South) where a string of low-key beach bars line the sand — order a 100 THB cocktail, sink into a beanbag, and watch the sky turn from gold to crimson over the Andaman Sea. For dinner, walk to one of the beachside Thai restaurants on Long Beach for grilled whole fish with chilli and lime (200–300 THB), pad thai, and fresh mango sticky rice.