Things to Know Before Visiting Koh Lanta: 19 Tips

What should you know about money?

1. Carry Thai baht in cash. Thai baht (THB) is used for almost every payment. Small restaurants, beach bars, scooter rentals and songthaew drivers often do not take cards, so see paying on Koh Lanta.
2. Withdraw larger amounts less often. Thai ATMs charge a foreign card fee on top of your own bank's charges, typically around 220 THB per withdrawal at the time of writing, and it can change. ATMs cluster around Saladan and the busier beaches and thin out in the south.
3. Bring cash for the national park. Mu Ko Lanta National Park charges 200 THB for foreign adults, paid at the gate, and card payment is not guaranteed. Read the entrance fee and opening hours.

What should you know about getting there and around?

1. There is no airport. Fly into Krabi International Airport, then take a road transfer, a car ferry to Koh Lanta Noi and a bridge to Koh Lanta Yai. Door to door is roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours. See getting to Koh Lanta.
2. Leave a buffer on departure day. The car ferry can queue or run late, especially in bad weather. Avoid tight same-day connections, and remember that the mainland bridge is proposed but not open. Details are in the car ferry guide.
3. Scooters need a licence and insurance. Thailand requires an international driving permit with a motorcycle category for foreign visitors, helmets are legally required, and many travel policies exclude scooter accidents. Read the scooter rental guide.
4. Distances are longer than they look. Beaches run down one long west-coast road, and Kantiang Bay is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Saladan pier by road. See getting around for taxis and songthaews. Agree the fare before you get in.

What should you know about seasons and weather?

1. The dry season runs roughly November to April. December to February is peak season with the highest prices, and April is the hottest month. See best time to visit Koh Lanta.
2. Koh Rok and Koh Ha close from 16 May to 14 October. This is a recurring national park closure, so plan other snorkelling if you travel in that window. Confirm dates near the edges. Read the seasonal closure guide.
3. Rough seas cancel boats before rain does. In the rainy season, typically May to October, expect sunny mornings and heavy afternoon showers, with some multi-day wet spells. Keep a spare day for boat trips, and note that some smaller guesthouses close for part of the season. See Koh Lanta in the rainy season.

What should you know about health and safety?

1. Check official sources for entry and health rules. Visa, vaccination and security requirements change, so use your own government's travel advice and Thailand's official channels, not a blog. Our safety guide explains why.
2. Respect swimming flags. Some west-coast beaches, including Long Beach and Klong Khong, can have strong currents, especially in the rainy season. Ask locally before swimming in rough water.
3. Protect yourself from sun and heat. Tropical sun is intense year-round. Carry water on walks such as the trail to the national park lighthouse, and see what to pack.

What should you know about etiquette and culture?

1. Learn two Thai words. Sawasdee (hello) and khop khun (thank you) are always appreciated. The island is also home to the Chao Leh, a seafaring community. Read about the sea gypsies of Koh Lanta.
2. Cover up at shrines and avoid feeding wildlife. Dress modestly at temples and shrines, keep your distance from monkeys and other animals at the park, and choose elephant experiences that offer no riding.

What should you know about booking and timing?

1. Book your transfer, boat day and December to February rooms early. Popular boat trips and beachfront rooms fill up in peak months, while the rainy season allows closer booking. Check that your property stays open. See where to stay.
2. Check the live rating, price and cancellation terms. Every tour we list is rated 4.5 stars or higher on GetYourGuide, but figures change, so read the live listing. Browse Koh Lanta tours and see how we select tours.

What practical details are easy to forget?

1. Download maps before you head south. Mobile signal is patchy in parts of the national park and south of Kantiang Bay.
2. Do not mix up the island and the TV show. Koh Lanta is also the name of a French reality series, and the famous Full Moon Party is on Koh Phangan, not here. See the French TV show vs the island.

Quick checklist before you book

Frequently asked questions

Sources and further reading

• Mu Ko Lanta National Park: entrance fees, opening times and island closures (Thai National Parks)
• Thailand travel advice (UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
• Ko Lanta travel guide (Wikivoyage)
• Thai Meteorological Department
• Krabi International Airport