Koh Lanta is located on the Andaman Coast in the south of Krabi province. The most common way to travel to Koh Lanta is by car or minibus from Krabi or Trang, or by passenger ferry from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Railey Beach, Koh Phi Phi & Phuket. Please note that these ferries run daily in the high season but certain routes are stopped to Koh Lanta during the stormier green season months. If you’re traveling in low season check with your agent for further details
If you use the passenger ferry to Koh Lanta, you will normally get picked up from your hotel (either going to or from Koh Lanta) but when you arrive you will need to get a taxi or tuk tuk to your resort. Book ferry tickets here
If you’ve prebooked, the resort may provide a free pick up service. The minivan from Krabi and Ao Nang to Koh Lanta will also pick you up from your hotel, and will drop you off at your hotel as far as the Klong Nin area. If you’re staying further south than this, arrange a pickup with your resort.
If you drive yourself to Koh Lanta from Krabi or Trang, when you reach the nearest mainland point to the island you will have to use two short car ferries – one to Koh Lanta Noi and a second across to Koh Lanta Yai
It is at your own risk to buy any transfers, accommodation or tours from an unlicensed shop or a tour guide on the ferry or street – it could be a scam for your money. Please ask them for ID with valid picture otherwise report them to a nearby police station or TAT office.
Click on the tabs below for more information on getting to Koh Lanta from the following locations.
By Air
There’s no airport on Koh Lanta, so you need to fly to Krabi or Trang airport. There are 2 airlines flying from Bangkok to Krabi (Thai Airways & Air Asia) and 3 to Trang (Air Asia, Nok Air & Orient Thai). Flight times can change often so check the website of the individual airlines:
See Krabi/Trang for details of how to get to Koh Lanta once you land. You can buy a joint ticket with Nok Air which takes you all the way to Ban Saladan pier, Koh Lanta. When the flight lands at Trang the transfer service takes you by minibus to Had Yao pier. From there the ferry takes you direct to Ban Saladan pier. This service only runs in high season
By Bus
Luxury coaches go from the Khao San area in Bangkok: about 12-15 hours, leaving around 6pm, terminating in Krabi Town. Your ticket usually includes the transfer to Koh Lanta by ferry/minibus. Buses also go from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi: 12 hour trip with 5 buses leaving daily around 6-8pm. On the way back from Krabi buses leave at 7.30 & 8am, 4, 4.30, 5 & 5.30pm. There is also a direct public bus to Bangkok from Ban Hua Hin (nearest mainland point to Koh Lanta, leaving at 4 30pm. On the way back from Morchit bus station in Bangkok leaving at 6 35pm
By Train
The train is a real Thai experience and well worth it if you have the time. There’s a restaurant, bar & numerous people walking up and down selling food & drinks. 2 daily trains run between Bangkok and Trang (5.05pm & 6.30pm). On the way back leaving Trang at 1 25 & 5.25pm. Both are overnight trains which take about 15 hours. 3rd class is sitting only (cheap, but not comfortable). Better is 2nd class (fan/aircon) where you get a bed in a shared carriage. For families you could get a private cabin. Book early as 2nd class fills up quickly (the train is a popular way for Thais to travel). At the train station it can be confusing which train to take – check with station staff and look on the side of the carriage which should show a number that corresponds with your ticket. See Trang section for details on transfers to & from Koh Lanta. Book online & print your ticket at www.thairailticket.com – you need to do this 2 days in advance
By Ferry & Minivan
Between Koh Lanta and these three islands you can usually buy one ticket that covers all ferries plus minivan or coach on the mainland. These run at various times so contact a travel agent or book at your hotel. There is also a direct flight to Koh Samui from Krabi with Bangkok Airways
By Air
You can fly direct from Krabi to Kuala Lumpur direct with Air Asia. The flight takes about 1.5 hours. Check the schedule and book at www.airasia.com
By Bus
Make your way to Hat Yai, then at the bus station get a taxi into town. There are at least 6 buses departing daily from the city centre (close to the train station) for Kuala Lumpur. Check the bus schedule with your tour agent or resort
By Train
The train between Hat Yai and Kuala Lumpur is operated by KTM (Malaysian Authority), leaving Hat Yai daily at 4 pm and arriving in KL Sentral at 5.30 am the next day. On the way back it leaves KL sentral at 9.20 pm arriving in Hat Yai at 9.27 am the next morning. In total it takes about 13 hours and there are both sitting and sleeping carriages available. You may be unlucky if you just turn up at the station without a ticket – book online atwww.ktmb.com.my or contact +60 322 671 200 (call to Malaysia)
