1. Introduction
Traveling to Koh Lanta can greatly vary based on your point of origin and your priorities, such as comfort, time, or budget.
2. Overview of Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta remains one of Thailand’s most tranquil and gently developed islands, surprising given its proximity to popular tourist destination Phuket.
3. Getting to Koh Lanta
Traveling to Koh Lanta became simpler when a bridge connecting Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi opened in April 2016. This improvement eliminated one of the two ferry crossings, reducing delays caused by bad weather.
The fastest option, albeit the most expensive, is a boat ride from Chao Fa Pier in Krabi Town. Keep in mind that the boat service typically stops around late April due to decreased demand. During this off-peak period, a minivan service combined with a ferry crossing is required.
The budget-friendly option is a minivan service that offers direct drops at your chosen beach or lodging. The minivan will take a short ferry ride from the mainland to Koh Lanta Noi and then use the new bridge to access Koh Lanta Yai.
Keep in mind that your journey can take several hours due to pickups, drop-offs, and potential delays at the main travel office. In some cases, inclement weather can cause ferry shutdowns, particularly from June-August and September-October.
Arranging connections to Koh Lanta can be done through local travel offices or at your accommodation’s reception. These services will package tickets for a smooth experience, which often proves more efficient than handling each leg of the journey independently.
If you are arriving at Krabi Airport, many transport companies can sell you a package ticket for a minivan or chartered car directly to Koh Lanta.
4. Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Lanta takes a full day or may require overnight travel via bus or train. If time is limited, consider visiting beaches or other destinations close to Bangkok instead.
4.1 By Bus
Taking a night bus from Bangkok is the most economical, albeit not the most enjoyable. Full passage can be booked from Khao San Road for around 750 baht. Expect a lengthy journey of 12-14 hours with limited stops.
4.2 By Train
Traveling by night train lets you enjoy your own sleeping space, although it might be cramped. The train stops at Trang, the closest station to Koh Lanta, where you can take a taxi to your accommodation.
4.3 By Plane
Koh Lanta lacks an airport; however, you can fly into Krabi, Trang, or Phuket. Low-cost airlines like Air Asia and Nok Air offer affordable fares, and express transfer services to Koh Lanta are available from these airports.
5. Traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Boats operate from Chao Fa Pier in Krabi Town to Koh Lanta twice daily. If you miss these boats during low season, you may need to take a minivan instead.
The minivan can take you directly to your intended accommodation. It’s wise to have the name of your desired location handy, as asking drivers for recommendations may lead to commission-based suggestions.
If arriving via Krabi Airport, travel counters can assist you in booking a direct passage to your hotel on Koh Lanta for a reasonable fee.
6. Traveling from Phuket to Koh Lanta
Regular boat services connect Phuket with Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi, with departures from Ratchada Pier during high season. For a quicker yet pricier option, consider taking a speedboat, which takes about 1.5 hours.
7. Making Your Way to Koh Lanta
While you can attempt to reach Koh Lanta independently, this may not save you much money and might risk missing the final boat, necessitating an overnight stay in Krabi.
You can board a taxi to the South Bus Terminal in Bangkok to purchase a ticket to Krabi Town. If you arrive in Krabi Town, you can book a minivan ferry ticket to Koh Lanta or take a taxi to Chao Fa Pier for a boat to the island.
