Wondering where to stay in Koh Lanta?
Koh Lanta is one of those places that quietly steals your heart.
Unlike some of Thailand’s more chaotic islands, it moves at a slower pace, and that’s exactly its charm.
You won’t find thumping beach parties or packed tourist traps here. Instead, Koh Lanta offers long stretches of peaceful beaches, laid-back villages, and some of the warmest, most welcoming locals in the country.
What makes Koh Lanta special is its balance.
It’s big enough to explore without ever getting bored, but small enough to still feel intimate.
You can spend your mornings beach-hopping along the west coast, your afternoons riding a scooter through jungle-covered hills, and your evenings eating fresh seafood while watching the sun set into the Andaman Sea.
It’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding region, with easy boat trips to places like Koh Phi Phi, the Trang Islands, or even snorkeling at Koh Rok and Koh Haa.
Accommodation options are just as diverse as the island itself – whether you’re looking for budget-friendly bungalows a few steps from the sand or quiet, mid-range resorts tucked into the hillside with sea views.
The vibe varies depending on where you stay, so choosing the right area can really shape your experience.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Koh Lanta based on what kind of trip you’re after – whether you want convenience, quiet beaches, local life, or a bit of everything. This island has a place for everyone.
Let’s kick things off with a quick overview to help you find the perfect spot for your stay.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
The best areas to stay in Koh Lanta are Long Beach, Klong Dao Beach, Klong Khong Beach, Klong Nin Beach, Kantiang Bay, Lanta Old Town, Bamboo Bay, and Saladan.
Long Beach is the most versatile area, perfect if you want a balance of great swimming, good food, and a lively but not overwhelming vibe.
Klong Dao Beach is ideal for families and first-timers, with calm waters, plenty of space, and lots of convenience.
Klong Khong and Klong Nin offer a more chilled-out, bohemian atmosphere with rustic beach bars and sunset views.
If you’re after something quieter or more unique, head south to scenic Kantiang Bay or remote Bamboo Bay, dive into local charm in Lanta Old Town, or stay in Saladan for easy access to the pier and night markets.
Below, you find an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on the red link to go immediately to that recommended area. Or, simply continue reading the article.
1. Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach): Long Beach is where everything comes together – great swimming, a wide stretch of golden sand, and plenty of places to eat, drink, and stay. It’s one of the most popular areas on the island, but it never feels too busy. Whether you’re looking for a cheap guesthouse or a beachfront resort, you’ll find something here. It’s a solid all-rounder and a favorite for good reason.
2. Klong Dao Beach: Just south of Saladan, Klong Dao is the go-to spot for families and first-timers. The beach is long, flat, and great for kids, and you’re only a few minutes from the main pier and town. The vibe is super easygoing, with lots of restaurants and hotels right by the water. It’s a smooth landing if it’s your first time on Koh Lanta.
3. Klong Khong Beach: Klong Khong is for the dreamers. The beach might be a bit rocky at low tide, but it makes up for it with laid-back beach bars, hammocks, and fire shows at night. It attracts a bohemian crowd—think backpackers, yoga lovers, and slow travelers. If you like things casual and colorful, this is your spot.
4. Klong Nin Beach: Klong Nin blends the mellow vibe of the south with just enough dining and accommodation options to keep things comfortable. It’s great for couples or families who want peace without feeling isolated. The sunsets are stunning, and the beach is perfect for long walks. It’s a happy medium between chilled and connected.
5. Kantiang Bay: Tucked into the southern part of the island, Kantiang Bay feels like a secret escape. The bay is framed by cliffs and jungle, and the water is crystal-clear. It’s quieter and more exclusive, with some of the island’s best boutique resorts. If you’re looking for privacy and postcard views, this is it.
6. Lanta Old Town: Old Town isn’t about beaches, it’s about character. This old fishing village on the east coast is full of charm, with stilted wooden houses, sleepy cafés, and sea views you won’t forget. It’s the cultural heart of the island and great for those who want something a bit different. Plus, it’s a great base for boat trips and inland adventures.
7. Bamboo Bay (Ao Mai Pai): If you’re craving nature and true quiet, Bamboo Bay delivers. There’s hardly anything here besides jungle, sand, and a few low-key resorts. It’s remote, scenic, and ideal for those who want to disconnect completely. The road here is a bit rough, but the peaceful setting makes it worth the journey.
8. Saladan: Saladan is where you’ll arrive, and for some, it’s also where they stay. It’s not a beach destination, but it’s super convenient, with shops, restaurants, banks, and the ferry pier all within walking distance. If you want to base yourself somewhere practical or just stay a night before catching a boat, it’s a solid option.
If you’re not sure where to stay on Koh Lanta, start with Long Beach.
It’s the most well-rounded area on the island, and that’s exactly what makes it the best.
You get a long stretch of soft, golden sand that’s perfect for swimming, walking, or just lying under a palm tree with a book.
The beach itself is wide and rarely feels crowded, even in high season, and the sunsets are seriously next level.
What makes Long Beach really stand out is its balance.
It’s lively enough that you’ll never get bored, but it never crosses the line into noisy or chaotic.
You’ll find a good mix of travelers here: solo backpackers, couples, families, and digital nomads all blending into a relaxed, friendly scene.
There are beachfront bars that light up with fire shows in the evening, yet you can easily find a quiet stretch of sand just a few minutes down the shore.
Accommodation here covers all budgets.
You can stay in a simple bamboo bungalow for a few dollars a night or treat yourself to a boutique resort with sea views and a pool.
Everything is within walking distance, from restaurants and cafés to massage huts and mini markets.
And if you rent a scooter, Long Beach makes a great base for exploring the rest of the island, whether you’re heading south toward Kantiang Bay or across to Lanta Old Town.
One thing I’ve always loved about Long Beach is how easy it is to settle in.
It doesn’t take long to find your go-to coffee spot or a favorite Thai restaurant that remembers your order.
The vibe is welcoming, the pace is unhurried, and everything you need is just close enough.
For a stay that gives you comfort, beauty, and the freedom to explore, Long Beach ticks all the boxes.
Klong Dao is yet another solid choice for anyone visiting Koh Lanta for the first time.
It is one of the most accessible beaches, just five minutes from the Saladan Pier, which makes arriving and getting settled a breeze.
The beach itself is wide, clean, and shallow, making it perfect for families with young kids.
During low tide, the water stretches far out, creating a great space for beach games or quiet walks.
The area has a laid-back, welcoming vibe. You will find everything from simple bungalows to family resorts with pools and restaurants.
There are enough cafés, bars, and beachside restaurants to keep things interesting, without overwhelming you with noise or crowds.
It is easy to walk everywhere, and many places are right on the sand.
What makes Klong Dao special is how easy and stress-free it feels.
You get a little bit of everything: a safe beach, lovely sunsets, a range of places to eat, and accommodation that fits most budgets.
It is not the most adventurous or the most secluded area, but that is what makes it so easy to enjoy.
If you are traveling with kids, arriving late, or simply want a smooth and relaxing base for your trip, Klong Dao is hard to beat.
Klong Khong is the spot to pick if you want a laid-back, slightly bohemian vibe without sacrificing comfort.
It sits right between the busier Long Beach and the quieter southern beaches, making it feel just remote enough.
The beach here is rockier in places, especially at low tide, but that’s part of its charm.
It keeps the crowds away and makes the beach bars feel like little hidden gems.
What really defines Klong Khong is its personality.
You’ll find reggae bars with hammocks, quirky beach huts, yoga classes, and a community of travelers who tend to stick around longer.
Most of the accommodations are mid-range or budget, often family-run, and many are tucked into tropical gardens just steps from the sea.
Sunsets here are beautiful, and there’s a casual rhythm to daily life.
It’s easy to meet people if you want to socialize, but just as easy to find peace and quiet.
If you rent a scooter, which most travellers do, you’re only a short ride away from more beaches, markets, and viewpoints.
Klong Khong is not the place for luxury or nonstop activity, but it’s perfect for those who value atmosphere and connection.
It’s a great area if you’re staying for a week or more, want a slightly alternative crowd, or just appreciate a place with soul.
Khlong Nin is a peaceful beach that offers a nice balance between comfort and quiet.
It’s less built-up than Long Beach or Klong Dao, but still has enough around to keep you well-fed and entertained.
The beach is soft, wide, and much less crowded, with calm waters that are usually safe for swimming.
You won’t find big parties here, but that’s exactly what makes it so relaxing.
Accommodations in Khlong Nin range from simple bamboo bungalows to beautiful beachfront villas.
There’s a good mix for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Most restaurants and bars sit right on the sand, so you can enjoy a sunset dinner without needing to go far.
There’s a cozy, small-town feel to the area, and many places are run by locals who will remember your name after a couple of days.
This area is also well-located for exploring both the north and south of the island by scooter.
You can easily do day trips to Lanta Old Town, Kantiang Bay, or even down to Bamboo Bay without feeling too far from your home base.
If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys quiet beach days, good food, and a bit of space to breathe, Khlong Nin is a lovely choice.
It’s not flashy or trendy, but it offers a warm, genuine experience that many people end up loving more than they expected.
Kantiang Bay is the kind of place people dream about when they picture a hidden beach escape.
It’s tucked away on the southern part of Koh Lanta, surrounded by jungle and steep cliffs, and it has a calm, almost magical vibe.
The beach is gorgeous, soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and barely a soul in sight even in high season.
Because it’s more remote, the area is quieter and less developed.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on comfort.
There are a few high-end resorts with stunning views, as well as charming bungalows and boutique hotels for mid-range budgets.
This is a place for honeymooners, couples, or anyone craving peace and privacy.
The village itself is small but cozy.
There are some very good restaurants, a few beach bars, and even a dive shop or two, but nightlife is minimal.
This is where you come to unplug, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the rhythm of island life without distractions.
Kantiang Bay is also right next to Mu Koh Lanta National Park, which is great for hiking and spotting monkeys.
Renting a scooter is a good idea here, as you’ll need it to explore the rest of the island.
If you want raw beauty, serenity, and a sense of escape, Kantiang Bay delivers.
It’s a little out of the way, but that’s exactly why people love it.
Lanta Old Town offers a completely different experience from the beach scene. Located on the island’s quiet eastern side, this historic fishing village is full of character and charm.
Wooden houses on stilts stretch over the sea, narrow streets are lined with Chinese temples and local coffee shops, and there’s a strong sense of community here.
It’s the kind of place where time slows down.
Staying here is all about soaking up local culture.
You won’t find waves lapping at your feet or beach bars playing music until late.
Instead, you’ll wake up to peaceful sea views, hear the sounds of boats gently rocking in the water, and enjoy delicious Southern Thai cuisine in mom-and-pop restaurants that have been serving the same recipes for decades.
There are a handful of small, family-run guesthouses and boutique stays in Old Town, many offering sunrise views over the sea.
It’s an ideal base if you want a quieter side of Koh Lanta, or if you’re planning to explore nearby islands like Koh Bubu or Koh Por by longtail boat.
Lanta Old Town is best suited for travelers who want to unplug, dive into local life, and maybe write a few pages of their travel journal from a shaded balcony over the sea.
It’s not for everyone, but if you’re after something authentic and low-key, this place feels like a hidden treasure.
Bamboo Bay is one of the last truly undeveloped stretches of beach on Koh Lanta, and that’s what makes it special.
Tucked far down on the southern coast, it’s raw, peaceful, and framed by dramatic green hills.
There are no rows of sunbeds, no loud music, and barely any buildings in sight, just a wide stretch of sand, turquoise water, and the sound of nature.
This area is perfect for travelers looking for total seclusion.
There are only a few places to stay here, most of them eco-friendly resorts or simple bungalows built to blend into the jungle.
The vibe is calm, meditative, and often attracts nature lovers, couples, or solo travelers seeking rest and reconnection.
The beach is great for swimming, and because of its location, you’ll often have long stretches all to yourself.
At night, you can hear the waves from your bungalow and look up at a sky full of stars – no light pollution here.
Bamboo Bay is not ideal if you want nightlife or convenience.
There are limited restaurants, shops, and services, so renting a scooter is pretty much essential.
But if you’re after a digital detox, time in nature, or a deeply quiet getaway, this part of Koh Lanta is pure magic.
The last area that we recommend is Saladan.
It’s basically mostly a practical choice as it’s the main gateway to Koh Lanta, where the ferry arrives and most transport connections begin.
If you’re staying only a night or two, or if you’re arriving late, this is a very convenient place to base yourself.
But Saladan isn’t just a transit hub – it’s also lively and surprisingly charming in its own right.
The area is filled with restaurants, shops, tour agencies, and dive centers, all packed into a small, walkable grid.
It’s also a great place to eat fresh seafood right over the water – many restaurants here are built on stilts above the sea, offering lovely views of the bay.
You won’t find direct beach access in most places, but you’re just a five-minute tuk-tuk ride from Klong Dao or Long Beach.
That makes it easy to sleep near the action and still spend your days on the sand.
Plus, if you’re planning day trips or island hopping, most boats depart from here.
Saladan is ideal for travelers who like being close to amenities, need to be near the pier, or just want to organize their plans before heading south.
It may not offer the classic beach experience, but for convenience and connectivity, it’s hard to beat.
