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Coastline and forest at Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Koh Lanta

Mu Ko Lanta National Park Guide for Koh Lanta Visitors

Mu Ko Lanta National Park guide: the Laem Tanod lighthouse and trails, the 200 THB foreign adult entrance fee, opening hours and how to get there.

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Mu Ko Lanta National Park protects the southern tip of Koh Lanta Yai and a chain of offshore islands, including Koh Rok and Koh Ha. On land it is what most visitors mean when they say the park: forested headland, a lighthouse, a coastal trail and a beach with a picnic-and-swim feel, at the end of the road where the island's development stops.

It is one of the most rewarding half-days on the island and one of the easiest to get wrong, because the practical details (fees, hours, trail conditions, transport) matter. This guide covers what to expect, what it costs and how to plan the visit, with pointers to the more detailed pages.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park at a glance

WhereLaem Tanod, the southern tip of Koh Lanta Yai, at the end of the main road south
Entrance fee200 THB for foreign adults. Thai nationals and children pay less. Confirm at the gate. See the fee and hours page
Opening hoursDaytime hours only, roughly from morning to late afternoon. Sources differ slightly, so check on arrival
Main sightsLaem Tanod lighthouse and viewpoints, forest and coastal trails, quiet beaches nearby
Offshore islandsKoh Rok and Koh Ha are part of the park and closed to visitors 16 May to 14 October
Getting thereBy scooter, taxi or tour. Allow time for the road south

What you will see

The headline attraction is the Laem Tanod headland and its lighthouse, with sweeping views over the Andaman Sea. Trails run through forest and along the coast, and there are quiet beaches within the park where you can swim and picnic. Wildlife is part of the appeal: expect birds, monkeys and lizards rather than anything dramatic, and keep your distance from and do not feed the animals.

The park is far quieter than the beaches to the north. That is the appeal, but it also means few facilities, so bring water, sun protection and something to eat. Read the Mu Ko Lanta National Park at Laem Tanod guide for a place-by-place description.

Entrance fee and opening hours

The entrance fee for foreign adults is 200 THB, and it is paid at the gate. Thai nationals and children are charged lower rates, and there may be a small extra charge for motorbikes. National park fees across Thailand are revised from time to time, so confirm the current price and the day's opening hours when you arrive. Bring cash, since card payment at the entrance is not guaranteed.

Get there with plenty of daylight left. Arriving late in the afternoon risks a rushed walk and closing facilities. Full details are on our fee and opening hours page.

How to get there

The park is at the far south of the island, a long ride from Saladan and the northern beaches. Most independent visitors go by rented scooter or a hired taxi. Read the scooter rental guide before you ride, and be cautious on hilly, winding roads, especially after rain. If you would rather not drive, a guided trip combining the park with Old Town is an easy option; see best national park and Old Town tours.

Combine the park with nearby beaches on the way back. Kantiang Bay and Bamboo Bay are natural stops.

The islands: Koh Rok and Koh Ha

Some of the best snorkelling near Koh Lanta is inside the park boundary, at Koh Rok and Koh Ha. They are closed to visitors from 16 May to 14 October each year as part of seasonal marine protection, and tours to them only run outside that window. Koh Kradan, on the usual four-island route, is a separate stop. Details are in Koh Rok and Koh Ha seasonal closure and day trips from Koh Lanta.

When to go

The land park is easiest to enjoy in the dry season, from about November to April, when trails are firm and views are clear. In the rainy season, trails can be slippery and roads can be affected, and access is sometimes limited when the approach road floods. Go in the morning for cooler temperatures and better light. See the best time to visit Koh Lanta for seasonal patterns.

Sun, heat and the trails

The tropical sun is intense, shade is patchy on the headland and mobile signal can be weak. Wear proper footwear, carry plenty of water, start early and tell someone your plan. National park rules can change, so follow any signs and staff instructions on the day.

What to bring

  • Cash in baht for the entrance fee
  • Water and a snack, as facilities inside the park are limited
  • Sun protection, a hat and sturdy shoes for the trails
  • Insect repellent, especially in the forest
  • A downloaded map, since signal can be patchy
  • Reef-safe sunscreen if you are also swimming; see what to pack

Tours that pair well with the park

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Frequently asked questions

200 THB for foreign adults. Thai nationals and children pay less. Fees are revised periodically, so confirm at the gate.

Fee and opening hours

The park keeps daytime hours. Published times differ slightly between sources, so check on arrival and allow enough daylight for the trails.

Fee and opening hours

By scooter, taxi or organised tour along the main road south. It is a long ride, so allow extra time.

Getting around Koh Lanta

From 16 May to 14 October each year, as part of the park's seasonal marine protection.

Seasonal closure explained

Yes, if you want quiet beaches, forest trails and coastal views away from the busier northern strip. It suits a half-day, not a full-day, unless you add nearby beaches.

See the best beaches

Fees, hours and access can change. Confirm current details at the park before you go.