Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a charming, calm island in the south of Thailand. It’s somewhat quieter and more relaxing than it’s close neighbours Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. People come her to lounge on beaches and enjoy the view.

Though the backpacker party scene is definitely growing with more hostels and beach parties popping up every year.

Getting there

Ko Lanta’s closest airport is Krabi airport, which provides easy access to the island by bus, which you are able to book at the airport.

We were travelling from Ao Nang in the Krabi province, so instead booked a bus for 350 baht.

The bus collected us from our hotel, took us over the ferry crossing and to our hostel taking around 4 hours.

Accommodation

Hey Beach hostel

Hey is based on Klong Dao Beach, in the north of Koh Lanta. It is a beachfront hostel, with wooden cottages lining the road leading to the social area.

The rooms have aircon, are spacious and always clean. Attached to the hostel is also a really nice restaurant with views over the coast.

The staff are really friendly and they provide fresh fruit and toast in the morning.

Exploring Ko Lanta

As I explained previously Ko Lanta is a quiet island, with the main focus being on relaxation. But there are still a few things to keep you bus on the island.

Enjoy the sunsets

The sunsets are stunning in Ko Lanta, often in the early evening we would grab a cocktail and watch the sun go down in one of the many bars that line the beach.

Lounge around at the beach

It would be rude not to after all. But whilst at the beach we all ventured off looking at the wildlife and there’s quite a lot to see!

Also whilst we were there some one had got creative with the sand.

Muay Thai training

During my time on Ko Lanta I attended 3 Muay Thai training sessions at Lanta Muay Thai Complex near our hostel and loved it.

It was my first time doing any form of boxing so I was a complete novice, but the trainer took time to explain to me the various commands and teach me technique.

The centre has recently been built and houses 2 boxing rings, a large matted training area with bags and a small gym.

All equipment was provided during my training session, such as raps and gloves.

I wasn’t attending to really learn how to fight, it was more of just a fun way to exercise and the hostess Nattee, who spoke really good English understood that.

She communicated to the trainers that although I wanted to learn technique my main focus was to just complete some intense cardio.

They certainly delivered, it is very intense. I was literally dripping with sweat and my face had turned bright red.

I recommend Lanta Muay Thai Complex to anyone wanting to try a bit of Muay Thai training whilst in Ko Lanta. They were really friendly, accommodating and provided a great experience.

Fishing

Simon and Stephen did some sea fishing during our stay, this involved going out on a long-boat with local fisherman for the day and trying their luck with the line.

Monkey spotting

Charlie Ann and I did some monkey spotting on a tour (she is obsessed with monkeys). They are certainly not scared of us!

Mushroom bar

Regular parties are held here, with a DJ, cheap drinks (+ extras should you require) and a bonfire. A fun way to spend an evening.

Other things to do include:

• Cooking classes
• Yoga
• Massages
• Island hoping

New Years

We spent new years in Ko Lanta, we were told that there was going to be some pretty big parties held on the beach so decided to stay.

However, this was not the case. It was a much more relaxed affair with people gathering on the beach and enjoying a drink or two.

Depends what your after, but it definitely wasn’t for us. They didn’t even do a countdown… though there were fireworks. We enjoyed the evening but would have preferred a bit more going on!

Eating in Koh Lanta

Some of our favourite restaurants in Ko Lanta were:

View – attached to our hostel, the food was varied and the view stunning.

Two sisters– these ladies were so friendly, and their curries were amazing! They even did a takeaway pizza for Simon who wasn’t well and waiting at the hostel.

Fat Monkey– we went here on New Year’s Eve, the food was delicious. The burgers are so yummy and the wedges with garlic mayo are to die for.

Abbie’s View

Ko Lanta is a great place to kick back and relax. The beaches are long, wide and nowhere near as busy as other Thai islands.

The sunsets are stunning, and there is lots of wildlife.

The Lanta Muay Thai complex is a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun!

New Years on Ko Lanta was not for us, it’s a little to quiet but perfect if that’s what you’re after.