Plan 01
1 day on Koh Lanta
- 01
Day 1: West coast and Old Town
Spend the morning on Phra Ae (Long Beach) or Klong Dao, then have a seafood lunch by the sea. In the afternoon drive across to Lanta Old Town for a slow walk along the main street and pier, and return to the west coast for sunset.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Phra Ae (Long Beach) Half a day or a base for several nights Easy November to March; mornings and late afternoons Lanta Old Town 2 to 3 hours Easy Morning, before the heat; dry season is more comfortable Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
Plan 02
2 days on Koh Lanta
- 01
Day 1: Beaches and sunset
A late breakfast, a long swim at Phra Ae or Klong Dao, and a rest in the afternoon heat. Take the road to Kantiang Bay late in the day for a calmer beach and sunset.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Phra Ae (Long Beach) Half a day or a base for several nights Easy November to March; mornings and late afternoons Kantiang Bay Half a day Easy November to March, morning for snorkelling and late afternoon for sunset Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Old Town and the national park
Visit Lanta Old Town in the morning, then drive south to Mu Ko Lanta National Park for the lighthouse walk. Check the road: the last stretch is unpaved and hard to drive after rain.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Lanta Old Town 2 to 3 hours Easy Morning, before the heat; dry season is more comfortable Mu Ko Lanta National Park Half a day Moderate November to March, in the morning; avoid the wet season when the road turns difficult Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Mu Ko Lanta National Park: The final stretch of road is unpaved, hilly and bumpy, and the lighthouse trail is a walk of about 2 km on uneven ground in the heat. Seats and shade at the entrance are limited, so those with knee or heart problems can stay near the park office.
Plan 03
3 days on Koh Lanta
- 01
Day 1: Arrive and settle in
Arrive by ferry or van, check in, and take an easy beach evening at Klong Dao or Phra Ae.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Phra Ae (Long Beach) Half a day or a base for several nights Easy November to March; mornings and late afternoons Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Island-hopping day
Join a boat trip to Ko Rok and Ko Haa on a calm morning. Check the park fee, life jackets, lunch and vegetarian options when you book.
- 03
Day 3: Old Town, park and animals
Spend the morning in Lanta Old Town, visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park or book a Lanta Animal Welfare tour, and finish with sunset at Kantiang Bay or Klong Khong.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Lanta Old Town 2 to 3 hours Easy Morning, before the heat; dry season is more comfortable Mu Ko Lanta National Park Half a day Moderate November to March, in the morning; avoid the wet season when the road turns difficult Kantiang Bay Half a day Easy November to March, morning for snorkelling and late afternoon for sunset Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.
With parents at Mu Ko Lanta National Park: The final stretch of road is unpaved, hilly and bumpy, and the lighthouse trail is a walk of about 2 km on uneven ground in the heat. Seats and shade at the entrance are limited, so those with knee or heart problems can stay near the park office.
Read before you go
Guides for the stops on these routes
Pacing
Pacing a Koh Lanta trip for parents and children
- Pick a hotel on Klong Dao or Phra Ae if you want flat walking and nearby clinics. Kantiang Bay and the south are lovely but far from help.
- Ask your hotel to book the van and ferry transfer door to door. The journey from Krabi Airport takes roughly 2.5 hours and includes a ferry queue.
- Do not rent a motorbike unless you ride confidently. Tuk-tuks, songthaews and hotel pick-ups are safer, and the unpaved road to the national park becomes treacherous after rain.
- Boat landings on Ko Rok and Ko Haa trips mean wading and climbing in and out of small boats. Choose calm mornings, wear the life jacket and keep a hand free.
- Carry travel insurance with medical cover. The island has small clinics and Ko Lanta Hospital near the Old Town; serious cases may need transfer to the mainland.
- Bring regular medicines in original packaging with a prescription, plus a hat, sunscreen and rehydration salts, and avoid the midday sun.
Book the pieces
Stay close to the route
Pick a base near the first day's sights. Our guide to where to stay in Koh Lanta compares the areas.
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