When I first arrived on Koh Lanta, I had no idea I’d end up staying for nearly a month. What was supposed to be just another stop on my Southeast Asia journey turned into one of my most relaxing and memorable experiences.
Unlike the more famous Thai islands, Koh Lanta doesn’t have a crazy party scene or an overcrowded feel – it’s laid-back, friendly, and effortlessly beautiful. I found myself slipping into a slower rhythm, making unexpected friendships, and discovering some of my favorite food spots along the way.
If you’re looking for an island that’s solo traveler-friendly, relaxed, and full of hidden surprises, here’s what my time on Koh Lanta looked like.
Arriving in Koh Lanta
I arrived in Koh Lanta after taking a taxi from Krabi, driven by the loveliest lady who made the journey even more enjoyable. She spoke English really well, was incredibly helpful, and even picked me up again when I was leaving. If anyone needs a reliable taxi driver for Krabi, Koh Lanta, or even Phuket, send me a message – I’ll happily pass on her contact details. She’d be so happy for the business!
The trip itself was easy, and before I knew it, I was settling into my bungalow Airbnb – a cozy little space I’d call home for the next few weeks.
The listing had mentioned a shared kitchen, but that turned out to be… not exactly true. Still, the bungalow itself was comfortable, and the best part? The people. The other guests in nearby bungalows became my friends, and some of us even met up again later in Vietnam. One of those friends was @world.schooling.family – an amazing traveling family I met in Koh Lanta who are living an adventurous, worldschooling lifestyle. If you’re curious about long-term family travel, definitely check out their journey on Instagram!
Life on the Island: Walks, Tuk-Tuks & Beaches
My bungalow was about a 20-minute walk to Long Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the island, and about a 30-minute walk to Beautiful Beach, which, true to its name, was absolutely stunning.
Unlike many travelers in Thailand, I didn’t rent a scooter – I got around by walking and if that wasn’t an option by taxis and tuk-tuks instead. Koh Lanta is very relaxed and easy to navigate, and while a scooter might be more convenient, I found I was never in a rush to get anywhere.
While I stayed in an Airbnb, there are plenty of great hotel and guesthouse options on Koh Lanta.
My Favorite Food Spots in Koh Lanta
One of the best parts of my stay was discovering some of my all-time favorite food spots. If you ever find yourself on Koh Lanta, Yawee is a must-visit – it’s a favorite among both locals and travelers, and for good reason. The food is fresh, delicious, and perfect for anyone looking to eat well on the island.
There were plenty of other great spots, but Yawee had a special charm, and everyone in the area seemed to love it just as much as I did.
I loved it so much that I wrote a full blog post about it on Vegan Verity! You can read all about my experience here.
Things I Did on Koh Lanta
Visiting the Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
I made a trip to Following Giants Elephant Sanctuary, which was one of the most ethical wildlife experiences I’ve had in Thailand. The sanctuary focuses on observation rather than interaction, ensuring the elephants are treated with respect. I’ve written a full blog post about it here, so if you’re considering visiting, definitely check it out.
Exploring the National Park
At the southern tip of the island, Mu Ko Lanta National Park offers stunning coastal views, jungle trails, and a beautiful lighthouse. It’s a great place to spend a few hours if you enjoy hiking and nature, though be prepared for the humidity!
Mangroves by Boat
One of the highlights of my month on Koh Lanta was taking a boat tour through the mangroves. It was a peaceful and scenic experience, offering a different side of the island beyond its beaches. The tour had a lovely mix of people, making it a great opportunity to connect with fellow travelers while soaking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Gliding through the calm waters, we passed through dense mangrove forests teeming with wildlife. The real surprise of the day, though, was when a monkey swam into the boat – with her baby clinging to her! It was one of those magical, unexpected moments that made the tour even more special. Watching the mother’s confidence in the water and the tiny baby holding on tight was a reminder of just how adaptable nature can be.
If you’re on Koh Lanta for a while, I’d definitely recommend adding a mangrove boat tour to your itinerary. It’s a relaxing way to experience the island’s quieter, more untouched landscapes.
The Four-Island Snorkeling Tour Disaster (A.K.A. My Worst Travel Decision)
I’m all for adventure, but somehow, I found myself on a speedboat for a four-island snorkeling tour, which turned into one of the worst travel experiences of my life.
I don’t know if there are other options, but the one I ended up on was a bumpy, chaotic, seasickness-inducing nightmare. The first hour of the trip started off okay – everyone was laughing as the boat bounced violently over the waves. But as time went on, the mood shifted.
Slowly, people started getting seasick. Then, more people. Nearly every single person on that boat ended up throwing up into plastic bags. The bins were overflowing with them. It was like a horror movie for anyone with motion sickness.
By the time we arrived at the first island, I felt awful. I tried to snorkel, but I was shaking and felt so ill that I could barely enjoy it. By the next stop, I was so done that I asked to be dropped off at the beach while the rest of the group went snorkeling again.
Thankfully, at some point, a kind stranger gave me a travel sickness pill, and by the time we reached the final snorkel spot, I was actually able to enjoy it. Ironically, I hadn’t even wanted to do that island tour – I had planned to visit the Emerald Pool, but apparently, you can only go when the waves are calm since you have to swim into a cave to reach it.
Lesson learned: if you’re prone to motion sickness, think carefully before agreeing to an island tour on a speedboat.
The Vibe: Friendly, Laid-Back & No Party Pressure
Koh Lanta is not a party island, which was part of its charm for me. It’s social, welcoming, and easygoing, but without the chaos of some other Thai destinations. You can have a great time meeting people, exploring, and enjoying the beaches, all without feeling like you need to keep up with an intense nightlife scene.
One of my favorite places to relax and unwind was Lanta Lily, where you can use their swimming pool for free as long as you buy a drink. It became a bit of a regular spot for me – an easy place to chill out in between my island adventures.
Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Koh Lanta has this effortless charm that makes you slow down, appreciate the small things, and truly enjoy island life. Whether you’re looking for beaches, good food, relaxed vibes, or new friendships, this island has it all.
If you’re planning a trip to Koh Lanta and have any questions, drop them in the comments! Have you been before? I’d love to hear about your experience. And if you need the number for that amazing taxi driver, just send me a message – I’ll happily share her details!
Before You Go…
If you’re planning your own solo trip my Solo Travel Lifeline might come in handy. It’s like having a travel buddy in your pocket – without the awkward small talk.
Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.
If you’re interested in Southeast Asia, you might also enjoy my posts about Phu Quoc and Siem Reap.
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