Old wooden houses with sea view in Koh Lanta Old Town, Thailand

Authentic houses full of beautiful details

Koh Lanta Old Town has a relaxed atmosphere with authentic houses full of beautiful details. Some buildings are more than a hundred years old, dating back to the time when Old Town was a Chinese trading post and the most important place on the island. You can still see this history, for example in the small, colorful Chinese temple that honors the local community. The residents here form a pleasant mix of Thai-Chinese, Thai Muslims, and sea gypsies.

Nowadays, Saladan Pier is the central point on Koh Lanta where all ferries arrive and depart. The distance between Saladan Pier and Old Town is about a 30-minute drive.

What is there to do in Koh Lanta Old Town?

Old Town is actually just one street that runs along part of the coast, less than a kilometer long. You can explore it in a few minutes by scooter. But really, you shouldn’t ride through it — you should walk through it.

Shopping and souvenirs

Besides a few typical tourist shops, there are also a number of stores that sell art or other beautiful handmade products, including jewelry and paintings, bags, etc. Despite the popularity of the old town, it has an authentic and cozy atmosphere.

Eating and drinking with a sea view

Be sure to visit one of the restaurants or little bars, because once inside you’ll see many more authentic details. Most restaurants and bars have a terrace above the water with a view of the sea. Many places have romantic corners that are atmospherically lit in the evening. Some even have swings on their terraces so you can take beautiful photos. And here we also ate our best Khao Soi and pizza on Koh Lanta—check out our restaurant tips further on

Old Town Museum

The Old Town Museum is a small but charming place full of old photos and objects that tell the story of Koh Lanta’s history and its residents. It gives you insight into what life on the island was like in the past and makes your visit extra interesting. The friendly owner sometimes gives guided tours. Admission is free; donations are welcome. The museum is within walking distance of the pier.

Our favorites in Old Town

Old Town is not big, but it has enough nice spots to eat or have a drink. Here are our favorites:

• Rareview Coffee & Restaurant: Delicious drinks and fresh coffee on a terrace above the water with swings. We ate the best and most beautiful (!) Khao Soi on Koh Lanta here!
• Pinto Restaurant: Delicious food with a lovely seating area by the water.
• Di Farina Pizza Bar: Perfect for pizza lovers, with wood-fired pizzas on the terrace. In our opinion, the best pizzas on Koh Lanta!
• Mama & Papa Fruit Shake: Try tasty shakes in all imaginable flavors, including with alcohol. The friendly couple who run it might just take you into their hearts!

Do you have a limited budget? Buy snacks and drinks at 7-Eleven and enjoy them on the 400-meter-long pier. You’ll have a nice view of the restaurants and you’ll immediately see the large lobster statue, the mascot of Old Town.

Staying overnight in Old Town

The village is quiet and surrounded by locals, which provides a more authentic Thai experience without sacrificing comfort or good restaurants

Accommodation options:

• Sweet Life Community Guesthouse: Budget-friendly with rooms from €10 per night; cooking classes available.
• Verona Lanta Resort: Mid-range hotel with a swimming pool and separate bungalows with private terraces; quiet and close to the Old Town.
• Deep House Sea View: Romantic cottages above the water among mangroves; air conditioning and private terraces for an authentic stay.
• BAAN CHAINARONG: Lovely spot within a short driving distance of the Old Town, with modern, new rooms and a wonderful swimming pool. There are also self-service washing machines (for a fee). The only downside is that you are woken early by the mosque.

Accommodations on Koh Lanta

Klong Dao Beach

Oasis Yoga Bungalows

Booking

review

Klong Dao Beach

Twin Lotus Resort & Spa

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Agoda

review

Koh Lanta

Lanta Casa Blanca

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Agoda

Klong Dao Beach

Lemonade Boutique Inn

Agoda

Klong Khong Beach

Coco Lanta Resort

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Agoda

Kantiang Bay

Lanta Emerald Bungalow

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Agoda

Other fun things to do on Koh Lanta

Besides exploring Old Town, Koh Lanta has much more to offer. Visit beaches such as Long Beach and Kantiang Bay, go to Mu Koh Lanta National Park, or take a cooking class at Time for Lime (which supports local animal welfare). For more tips, see our comprehensive guides below.

Things to do on Koh Lanta

View Point Restaurant Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Noi

Koh Lanta

Ghost Island Koh Lanta Noi

Koh Lanta

Mangrove Sunrise Tour

Koh Lanta

Saladan Weekend Market

Koh Lanta

Lanta Animal Welfare

Koh Lanta

Mu Koh Lanta National Park

Koh Lanta

Time For Lime Cooking Class

Klong Dao Beach

Saladan Village

Koh Lanta

Handige tips om je te verplaatsen op Koh Lanta

Het huren van een scooter of auto is de beste manier om Koh Lanta op je eigen tempo te ontdekken. We hebben goede ervaringen met Lanta Sky Car & Motorbike Rental — zij bezorgen en halen voertuigen waar het jou uitkomt op. Bezoek je Mu Koh Lanta National Park? Kies dan voor een krachtige scooter, want de wegen zijn steil.

Getting around Koh Lanta

Renting a scooter or car is the best way to explore Koh Lanta at your own pace. We’ve had good experiences with Lanta Sky Car & Motorbike Rental — they deliver and collect vehicles wherever it suits you. Planning to visit Mu Koh Lanta National Park? Then choose a powerful scooter, as the roads are steep.

Frequently asked questions about Koh Lanta Old Town

Is there a beach in Old Town?
No, for beaches, you need to go to the west coast of Koh Lanta. See the beaches of Koh Lanta here.

Can I rent scooters in Old Town?
Yes, but you’ll find better deals in Saladan or through rental companies nearby.

Is Old Town suitable for families?
Yes! It is safe, quiet, and has affordable accommodations.

Are there guided tours?
Yes, especially at the Old Town Museum.

Plan your own trip to Koh Lanta

Island hopping in Thailand is not as complicated as you might think! For traveling in Thailand, we usually use 12Go ourselves, because you can find clear travel information there, reliable transport providers, and a simple booking process. Through the link you can directly see current prices and routes, not only to Koh Lanta but also to many other destinations in and outside Thailand.

Getting To Koh Lanta