Koh Lanta – Places To Go

ISLAND HOPPING
Koh Lanta is an archipelago. In total there are 52 islands to explore. You can island hop for days on end around Koh Lanta without seeing the same island twice! Just contact a local agent to find out about private speedboat and longtail hire, or visit some of the islands by group tour.

HOW TO GET THERE: private or group speedboat or longtail trip

WATERFALL
Koh Lanta’s elusive waterfall at Ao Klong Jark (Waterfall Bay). Sometimes it’s there, sometimes not. It all depends how much its been raining. The 1 hour jungle trek is quite interesting anyway, with some caves on the way.

HOW TO GET THERE: book as part of an elephant trekking tour, or drive yourself- see motorbike tours

TEMPLES & MOSQUES
There are numerous mosques around Koh Lanta, a Buddhist temple just outside Ban Saladan and a Chinese temple in Old Town. For a bit of adventure, see if you can find the old abandoned Chinese temple completely on its own on top of a hill on the west coast of Koh Lanta. For Christians, there is a church in Klong Dao.

HOW TO GET THERE: drive yourself by motorbike or car

NATIONAL PARK
In the south of the island you can go to Koh Lanta’s National Park Headquarters and Ranger Station. There are beautiful landscaped gardens, two stunning beaches and Koh Lanta’s icon – the lighthouse. You can also go on a 90 minute nature trail which takes you deeper into the jungle. The path is paved and there are information posts along the way.

It’s definitely worth the trip down here (the drive itself is amazing) – the small entrance fee charged goes towards the upkeep of the entire Koh Lanta National Park.Its hard to get a tuk tuk to go all the way down here, so better to rent a scooter or car.

HOW TO GET THERE: book as part of an island tour, or drive yourself. See motorbike tours

HOT WATER SPRINGS
Located on the mainland (not on Koh Lanta) in the middle of a forest, the natural hot (fresh) water springs are actually quite refreshing, even in the heat. There is a river next to the waterfall to cool off in. This and the lagoon-like emerald pool close by make for an excellent day trip. Also a waterfall here if you fancy a trek. If you rent a car it will take about 90 minutes to drive there from Koh Lanta, otherwise book a tour. Close by, but nearer to the town of Klong Thom is a salty hot spring – one of the only ones in the world.

HOW TO GET THERE: book as part of an organised tour starting from Koh Lanta.

KHAO MAI KEAW CAVE
This is in the middle of Koh Lanta, close to Klong Nin Take a 30 minute nature hike (guide recommended) to the cave entrance, then descend through a small, indistinct hole in the rocks and enter the series of diverse caverns. Some are as large as church halls, others require you to squeeze through on hands and knees.

HOW TO GET THERE: visit as part of an elephant trekking tour, or drive yourself. See motorbike tours

TALABENG CAVE
Visit a huge cavern inside Koh Talebeng – its only accessible by water. Climb to the top inside using the rope – be careful its steep and slippery! If you can make it up to the top, you can climb up and on top of the island for a great view of Koh Lantas’ east coast.

HOW TO GET THERE: private or group longtail boat trip

EMERALD CAVE
Jump in the water, swim through an 80m cave & discover a hidden beach and lagoon. The small beach inside is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The only way out is to swim back through the cave to open water. This isnt on Koh Lanta, so you’ll need to take a boat trip

HOW TO GET THERE: private or group speedboat or longtail trip

TIGER CAVE
Another cave in the south of Koh Lanta – a mysterious experience…check it out for yourself!

HOW TO GET THERE: visit as part of an elephant trekking tour, or drive yourself. See motorbike tours

EASTERN ISLANDS
The Koh Lanta archipelago is made up of 52 islands. Many of them are close to the east coast of Koh Lanta Yai. The eastern islands are a collection of several uninhabited islands, karst stone rock formations and tiny beaches for you to discover. Beautiful and unspoiled – not yet touched by mass tourism. Check out Eastern Islands, Koh Lanta for more information.

HOW TO GET THERE: private or group longtail boat trip

KOH LANTA NOI
See the way locals live on Koh Lanta Noi – rice fields, rubber and palm plantations, small villages and farms. Take your motorbike and drive around, taking in the lush scenery. See motorbike tours p58.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take your motorbike on the longtail ferry from Ban Saladan. Or take your motorbike/car onto the car ferry.