Where To Stay In Koh Lanta 2024 - 6 Best Areas

In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Koh Lanta.

To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.

Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:

Where to stay in Koh Lanta first time?

Where to stay in Koh Lanta for couples?

Where to stay in Koh Lanta for backpackers?

Where to stay in Koh Lanta with family?

Where to stay in Koh Lanta for nightlife?

You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.

This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.

Enjoy!

Overview of the best areas to stay in Koh Lanta

Name of the area in Koh Lanta	Description of the recommended area
1. Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach)* Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	Long Beach is one of the most popular areas on Koh Lanta, known for its long stretch of sandy beach with plenty of stuff to do and where you can find numerous accommodation options in all budget classes. It’s a great choice for those who want easy access to the beach, nightlife, restaurants, and water sports activities. *You can click on the purple or blue link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area.
2. Klong Dao Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	Although incredibly popular too, Klong Dao Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Long Beach. It’s far more suitable for families and couples looking for a quieter beach experience while still having access to restaurants, bars, and shops.
3. Klong Khong Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	This area is a mid-range option offering a mix of budget and mid-range accommodation choices. It’s known for its laid-back vibe, perfect for travelers seeking a more peaceful environment away from the crowds.
4. Klong Nin Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	Klong Nin Beach is ideal for those who want a balance between tranquility and convenience. It is home to a beautiful beach with fewer tourists compared to Long Beach and Klong Dao Beach. The area offers a good selection of accommodation, restaurants, and bars.
5. Saladan Village Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	Saladan Village is the main commercial hub of Koh Lanta, located near the ferry pier. While not directly on the beach, it offers easy access to shops, markets, restaurants, and tour operators. It’s a convenient base for exploring the island and nearby attractions. Most travellers tend to stay closer to a beach, though, but this town comes with a lot of conveniences.
6. Kantiang Bay Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	If you’re looking for a secluded experience, Kantiang Bay is the perfect option for you. It’s known for its stunning beach, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful surroundings. Accommodation options range from boutique resorts to budget guesthouses, offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta first time?

The best areas to stay in Koh Lanta for the first time are Long Beach, Klong Dao Beach, and Saladan Village.

These three areas come with plenty of amenities that will make sure you have a pleasant stay.

Long Beach is the most popular area to stay in, and you can find a great nightlife scene here, which attracts many like-minded travellers.

Klong Dao Beach is a quieter version of Long Beach ideal for families and couples.

Saladan Village is the main commercial hub of the island located near the pier and is home to many shops, markets, restaurants, and tour operators.

However, there is also a large group of travellers that visit Koh Lanta to experience authenticity.

If you want to stay in a more secluded area with fewer tourists, consider staying at either Klong Khong Beach, Klong Nin Beach, or Kantiang Bay.

Out of these three alternatives, Kantiang Bay is by far the most secluded option.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta for couples?

The best areas to stay in Koh Lanta for couples are Klong Dao Beach and Kantiang Bay.

Klong Dao Beach is located north of the bustling Long Beach and offers a quieter experience without a wild nightlife scene, but is still very convenient and far from boring. It specifically caters to families and couples.

Kantiang Bay is the most secluded option we discuss in this article, which can be a great romantic advantage for both of you.

Just keep in mind that there are far fewer things to do here compared to the centrally located areas.

Now, if you’re looking for more nightlife as a couple, then you can always stay at Long Beach, but we know that not every couple is fond of party-minded backpackers.

And if you want to have something that feels remote but is still located centrally, consider staying at Klong Khong Beach.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta for backpackers?

This part will be updated very soon.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta with family?

The best area to stay in Koh Lanta with family is Klong Dao Beach.

Although there might be some alternatives for families that have some experience staying in an off-the-beaten-path area, Klong Dao Beach is by far the most convenient area for families to enjoy Koh Lanta to the fullest.

The area is located centrally but is relatively quiet compared to the bustling Long Beach, and the whole area caters to families (and couples).

So, don’t overcomplicate things and find a nice hotel in this part of the island.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta for nightlife?

The best area to stay in Koh Lanta for nightlife is Long Beach.

Several other areas in Koh Lanta do offer a bit of nightlife, but the party scene in Long Beach is unparalleled compared to these tiny nightlife places.

If you want to enjoy several proper nights out when staying in Koh Lanta, then your only reasonable option is Long Beach.

1. Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach)

One of the most desired areas in Koh Lanta among tourists is Phra Ae Beach, more commonly known as Long Beach.

As the name already suggests, this beach is a long stretch of sand.

Soft white sand to be more precise and it’s a stunning beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

One of the main reasons why this area is so popular is because of the nightlife scene.

You can find plenty of beach bars and restaurants offering live music, fire shows, themed parties and so much more.

It’s a great area for socializing with like-minded travellers.

This part of the island is well-developed, and it’s pretty easy to find convenience stores, ATMs, pharmacies, and other useful amenities.

You can also find many tour operators in this area, who offer all sorts of excursions as well as water sport equipment rentals.

It’s super easy to go snorkeling, diving, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Long Beach is located centrally, making it also really easy to reach the other parts of the island for sightseeing and exploration.

Koh Lanta is ideal for exploration, and there are several remote beaches that you can visit on your own if you rent a motorbike.

And again, that is easily possible when you’re staying in this area.

Long Beach is also well-connected to the mainland and its neighboring islands via ferry services.

Is there something not to like about this area?

First of all, during peak season, it attracts a lot of crowds.

If you’re looking for something more laid-back, there are several alternatives.

Also, if you’re not into nightlife, there are other areas that are more suitable for you.

Long Beach is one of the most developed parts of the island.

Now, this can be an advantage or disadvantage for you.

There is a large group of travellers that visit Koh Lanta because it’s not spoiled by mass tourism (yet).

If you are in that category, we recommend you stay in one of the more remote areas.

But when it comes to convenience and nightlife, Long Beach is an incredibly comfortable area to stay at.

And for many travellers, this is exactly what they are looking for.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Lanta in this particular area are listed below:

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2. Klong Dao Beach

Khlong Dao Beach is located north of the previously recommended Long Beach.

It also offers a long stretch of soft sand and clear blue waters, but it generally is less crowded.

Khlong Dao Beach is known for its family-friendly environment, making it an ideal choice for travelers with children.

The shallow waters and gentle waves make it safe for swimming, and the beachfront accommodations often cater to families with amenities such as kid’s clubs and playgrounds.

Similar to Long Beach, the area is well-developed with plenty of restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and shops.

The big difference is simply that it’s much quieter.

Yes, there is a nightlife scene, with a few options like beach bars, but it’s far less crowded and noisy than the bustling areas of Long Beach.

You’re located centrally, and Saladan Village, the main commercial hub of Koh Lanta, is just around the corner.

Families and couples, who don’t want to stay in the most crowded area on the island, should definitely have a look at this area.

Is there anything not to like about this part of the island?

Similar to Long Beach, it lacks authenticity compared to the remote areas we discuss further in the article.

Also, there are fewer things to do compared to Long Beach.

But for families and couples, it’s the ideal area to fully enjoy Koh Lanta without being bothered from the party crowds.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Lanta in this particular area are listed below:

3. Klong Khong Beach

Khlong Khong Beach is located south of Long Beach and when you compare it to the previous two areas, it has the most laid-back and relaxed vibe.

A decent group of travellers visits Koh Lanta to stay in a laid-back area and if you are in that category, you should definitely consider staying in Khlong Khong Beach.

The area is home to several mid-range and budget-friendly accommodation options, including beachfront bungalows, affordable resorts, and budget guesthouses.

It feels far more authentic than the other central areas, despite its share of tourist facilities.

It’s quite easy to explore the nearby villages as well as the remote beaches.

And to be clear, you’re still located relatively centrally.

The area is surrounded by beautiful nature and is less developed than Long Beach and Khlong Daeo Beach.

That automatically brings us to the downsides of this area.

The nightlife scene, for example, is not that bustling.

There are fewer restaurants available, and fewer modern amenities.

It’s not that the area is not developed, there are just limited options.

However, if you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path areas, Khlong Khong Beach is a great option, although there are several alternatives that feels more off-the-beaten-path.

Khlong Khong is a balanced alternative that feels a bit remote while still a short ride away from the more bustling and convenient areas.

Also, you can find far better-priced accommodations here, especially compared to the nearby Long Beach.

So when you travel on a stricter budget, you should also consider staying in Khlong Khong Beach.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Lanta in this particular area are listed below:

4. Klong Nin Beach

Klong Nin Beach is ideal for those who want a balance between tranquility and convenience.

It features a beautiful beach with fewer tourists compared to Long Beach and Klong Dao Beach.

The area offers a good selection of accommodation, restaurants, and bars.

This part will be updated very soon.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Lanta in this particular area are listed below:

5. Saladan Village

When it comes to convenience, it’s hard to beat Saladan Village.

This town serves as the main transportation hub of Koh Lanta, making it a convenient base for travelers arriving on the island.

The ferry pier connects Koh Lanta to the mainland and neighboring islands, facilitating easy access for tourists.

Saladan Village is well-developed with a wide range of amenities and services catering to tourists’ needs.

You can find supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, ATMs, and convenience stores.

The village is home to numerous shops and markets where you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, beachwear, handicrafts, and other items.

Saladan Walking Street Market is a popular spot to find street food and other products.

From Saladan Village, you can easily explore nearby attractions like Lanta Old Town, the Sea Gypsy Village, and several beaches and viewpoints around the island.

You can find many tour operators here that take you on excursions including island-hopping tours, snorkeling trips, and jungle tracks.

But you find these tour operators in other popular areas too, to be honest.

Many travellers visit Koh Lanta to enjoy beach life.

And this is the major disadvantage of staying in Saladan Village.

You don’t have direct access to the beach, so you won’t find beachfront accommodations here.

What most travellers do, is find a beachfront bungalow and rent a motorbike.

Whenever they need the convenience of Saladan Village, they just visit the town and grab what they need.

That being said, Saladan Village does come with a lot of convenience.

You have plenty of restaurants to choose from and if you have accommodation here, you can easily walk to the supermarket or the ATM.

You never have to worry about transportation.

Just keep in mind that for a large group of travellers, Saladan Village is not the tropical experience they hope for.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Lanta in this particular area are listed below:

6. Kantiang Bay

The last area that we recommend is Kantiang Bay and it’s the exact opposite of the previously recommended area.

Kantiang Bay offers one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Lanta, with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.

As it’s such a secluded area, the bay is often less crowded than other popular beaches on the island, providing a far more relaxed and serene environment.

The surrounding area of Kantiang Bay is characterized by beautiful greenery, dramatic limestone cliffs, and stunning ocean views.

Keep in mind that the bay is not as developed as other parts of the island.

There are far fewer accommodation options here, but you can still find a decent range of choices in several budget classes.

Just make sure to book in advance.

Despite its natural beauty, Kantiang Bay retains a sense of local charm and authenticity.

Kantiang Bay offers the most remote and tropical experience on the island, but as it’s less developed, it’s not always the most convenient one.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, staying here is your best option.

But it does require you to rent a motorbike in order to get around the island.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Lanta in this particular area are listed below: