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Wooden stilt houses over the water at Koh Lanta Old Town

Koh Lanta Old Town: Stilt Houses, Shrines and Sea Views

Visit Koh Lanta Old Town, the stilted waterfront village on the east coast: wooden houses, a Chinese shrine, Chao Leh heritage and seafood dining.

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1 to 2 hours is plenty East coast, a short ride from the west-coast beaches Best from late afternoon into the evening

Koh Lanta Old Town is the island's oldest settlement, a single waterfront street of wooden shophouses and stilt buildings on the sheltered east coast, facing the mainland rather than the sunset. It grew as a trading port, with Chinese-Thai merchants and the island's Chao Leh (sea gypsy) community shaping its architecture and food. It is not a museum or a big attraction. It is a slow, atmospheric place to wander, eat and take photographs, and it feels a world away from the resort strip on the west coast.

What to see and do in Old Town

  • The stilted waterfront: wooden houses and jetties built out over the water, the reason most people come. Walk the length of the main street and look out over the water from the walkways.
  • Chinese-Thai shophouses and shrine: old timber and plaster shopfronts, some still trading, plus a small Chinese shrine that reflects the merchant families who settled here.
  • Chao Leh heritage: the sea gypsy community has lived on Koh Lanta far longer than the tourist trade; the island's Old Town is where that history is most visible.
  • Seafood restaurants over the water: simple restaurants and cafes on stilts, good for a long lunch or an early dinner. Prices are usually lower than on the west-coast beaches.
  • Small shops, cafes and galleries: a handful of independent craft, coffee and souvenir shops. Opening days and hours vary, so treat anything specific as something to check locally.

Getting there and when to go

Old Town is on the east side of Koh Lanta Yai, reached by a short road across the island from the west-coast beaches. Most visitors go by rented scooter or taxi; a songthaew can also work but check the return options before you go, as services thin out in the evening. If you are unsure about riding, our scooter guide covers what to know.

Late afternoon is the sweet spot: the heat drops, the light on the wooden buildings improves and the restaurants start to fill. Midday is hot and can feel empty. In the rainy season it is quiet and some businesses close, but the village itself remains easy to visit in a dry spell.

Old Town pairs well with a mangrove kayak trip, since both are on the east side. Several half-day tours combine the two, which saves organising transport yourself.

Tours that include Koh Lanta Old Town

Check the itinerary on the booking page to confirm exactly what is included before you book.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, for an easy half-day, particularly if you like atmosphere, photography and local seafood more than big sights. If you want beaches and nightlife only, you can skip it.

Old Town history and what to see

One to two hours covers the main street, a stroll along the water and a meal. Combine it with a mangrove kayak trip if you want to fill a half-day.

See mangrove tours

Yes. Taxis and songthaews run across the island and many tours include hotel pickup. Confirm your return transport in advance, especially in the evening.

Getting around Koh Lanta

Last updated September 2026.