Dangling in the Andaman Sea off the southern tip of the Krabi, Thailand is Koh Lanta. Along the western coastline there are both craggy cliffs and sandy shores creating inviting Koh Lanta Beaches.
When deciding to travel here, we scoured the internet for information about beaches on Koh Lanta. We found our island perfection on Klong Khong.
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Top Koh Lanta Beaches: Klong Khong
Klong Khong Beach is a 2 mile stretch of sand and is often referred to as the Koh Lanta Hippie Beach.
The shore is lined with beachfront bars, restaurants, resorts and bungalows. Workers are never shy about calling out, inviting you in to enjoy a meal, massage or fresh-made cocktail.
Happy hours are as abundant as the bamboo loungers that are an ideal perch for blazing sunsets. While the Koh Lanta beach scene is idyllic, our curiosity extended to what’s happening elsewhere.
The stretch of road that runs parallel to the beach is packed with convenience stores, restaurants, tour offices and the Thai island version of gas stations (re-used glass bottles filled with petrol).
Most Klong Khong establishments are family run. In fact, the only chain we saw in town was 7-11.
Resorts take up the space between the road and the beach, but most don’t offer beachfront rooms. Instead, the hotel restaurant and bar face the ocean.
Klong Khong Beach Things To Do
We weren’t looking for a long list of things to do in Koh Lanta – and comfortably eased into our little slice of sandy heaven.
Our rhythm of quiet mornings, afternoon swims and beach sunsets was as soothing as the sea itself. We were never short on simple entertainment and complete relaxation.
However, it just wouldn’t be right to go to a beach in Thailand and not wade into the waves. We let the relatively cool water erase the heavy humidity and often ‘marinated’ in the buoyant salt water.
Although most of the beach is sandy, beneath the surface is a reef, which will be completely exposed at low tide. We didn’t wear water shoes, but it’s certainly not a bad idea.
Tracking Koh Lanta Tides
There’s a drastic 8-foot swing from high to low tide. During our visit to Koh Lanta, the water started receding in the early afternoon, completely exposing the shoreline reef in a matter of a few hours.
The width of the beach doubles in size and leaves behind pieces of coral and colorful shells. At low tide, local kids and tourists go out to explore the uncovered rocks.
As we walked along the shoreline, speedy ghost crabs scatter and hermit crabs quickly hide in their shells.
Watching the tide may sound like the island equivalent of watching grass grow, but what can we say? We’re easily entertained!
Klong Khong Bars for Happy Hour
Some of the best bars in Koh Lanta are on Klong Khong Beach. All along the long strip of sand are open-air structures made of wood and bamboo.
Tables, beach chairs and wicker mats offer oceanfront seating – often extending onto the sand. Chalkboards announce happy hour specials and reggae music constantly fills the air.
Klong Khong Sunsets
Sunsets here are some of the best we have seen anywhere in the world! As the sky turned from blue to pink, we would watch lonesome boats pass by.
The few small, rocky islands in the distance were the only other thing that broke up the endless views to the horizon.
In the two weeks we spent on the west coast of Koh Lanta, we watched the sun set over the sea every single day.
Sometimes we reclined in beach loungers to sip on happy hour cocktails made with fresh juice, other times we would grab beers from the corner market and sit in the sand.
It doesn’t matter where we watched the sunset on Koh Lanta, the marvelous display of colors was a spectacular sight!
Klong Khong Restaurants
Another thing we were excited about was eating Thai food – as there are numerous places right on the beach.
For lunch, we gorged on plates of Pad Thai and cashew chicken fried rice while watching the waves. However, we found the best restaurants in Koh Lanta up on the main road.
Our suggestions for some of the best places to eat in Koh Lanta are The Angels and Lucky Tree.
The friendly owners were always on hand at both, often taking our order, and their pride and dedication was evident.
They also served incredible authentic Thai cuisine and it was some of the most flavorful food we ate on our Thailand trip!
Koh Lanta Bars and Nightlife
After sundown, the colorful lanterns dangling from bamboo rods in front of the bars come to life, hoping to attract the crowds. If that doesn’t do the trick, the fire show just might!
It seems every spot has at least one employee who can spin and dance with flaming fire balls, which can be seen from anywhere on the beach.
That said, the Koh Lanta bar scene is quite a bit more relaxed than on some of the islands in Thailand (especially when compared to the Full Moon Parties on Ko Pha-ngan).
As our visit was in the low season, there wasn’t much of a club scene. Those looking to party at Klong Khong Beach should be able to find at least one bar each night that stays open late.
Although we never ventured out for a late-night party, these were our favorite Klong Khong bars for happy hour and after-dinner drinks: Light House Beach Bar, Lanta Meeting Point and Freeway 420.
There’s also some fresh spots we have yet to check in on, so ask around and we’re sure you’ll find a place that suits your mood!
The laid-back island vibe is evident in the signage that is graced with graphics of iconic leaves and fungi.
In addition to the happy hours, most bars offer “happy shakes” called Bang Lassi for a hash-infused high. We passed on the experience, but just wanted you to know what you’re ordering!
More Things To Do on Koh Lanta & Travel Tips
It’s easy to let days – and even weeks – slip away while enjoying the relaxed vibe on Klong Khong Beach.
However, there are a few Koh Lanta activities that can break up the lazy day routine, or at the very least offer a change of venue!
Phra Ae Beach
After being on Koh Lanta for more than a week, we wanted to see another stretch of sand. With so many nearby, all we had to do was hop on a tuk-tuk!
The lengthy Phra Ae (Long Beach) has white, powder-soft sand and is capped by rocky hills at each end. Most of the restaurants and shops are clustered at the ends, with sprawling resorts occupying much of the middle.
As one of the top places to visit in Koh Lanta, we planned to spend an afternoon here. We walked the entire shoreline and waded into the turquoise sea to float on the waves and drift with the current.
We noticed that evergreen trees, rather than palms, grow in the forests at the top of the sand and large birds (similar to an eagle) soared along the tree tops.
The vibe here was noticeably different; perhaps more high-end than chilled out – but we are glad we spent a day checking it out!
Day Trips from Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta day trips for snorkeling and visiting other nearby islands are popular choices. If you have the time and inclination, here are a few things to do from Koh Lanta.
Koh Lanta Snorkeling Tour
Of course, snorkeling on the beach at Klong Khong is possible – but it’s not the best. Small islands nearby are a much better option – and there are several to choose from.
We joined a Four Island Tour and had a wonderful day snorkeling, swimming and meeting other travelers!
Other Koh Lanta Boat Trips
Excursions from Koh Lanta are most often to nearby islands for a day of fun in the sun!
Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi – Explore the famous Phi Phi Archipelago by speedboat from Koh Lanta. Find out more!
Koh Rok Snorkel Adventure – Koh Rok is a hot destination now and can be visited on this tour from Koh Lanta Old Town.
Koh Lanta Diving – There are also opportunities for scuba diving. Check online for highly-rated options – like this one!
Koh Lanta Accommodations
When choosing where to stay in Koh Lanta, Thailand there are many factors to consider, like budget, location and amenities.
For many travelers, the prime place would be right on the beach – but it simply wasn’t in our budget. We opted to book a bungalow at Phutara Lanta Resort that was a short walk from the sand.
Note: We have head that the property has expanded significantly and perhaps changed ownership more than once since our stay.
Getting Around Koh Lanta
We mostly used our own two feet to get around. However, some of the things to see in Koh Lanta require a ride!
Just like everywhere else in Southeast Asia, motorbikes and tuk-tuks are the most common vehicles on the road. Tuk-tuks were the ideal option for us.
Krabi to Koh Lanta
Getting here isn’t necessarily difficult, but maybe just taxing enough to keep throngs at bay. Our journey was a two-hour drive from Krabi Airport that included two ferry crossings.
If you’re looking for a driver to Koh Lanta from Krabi, we recommend booking in advance. In the high season, there is also a direct fast boat.
Koh Lanta Low Season
Even the best beaches in Koh Lanta have a low season – but we thought it was a great time to visit. Our arrival was actually just prior to the start of the season and the sleepy island was just waking from its slumber.
Additional beach chairs were being set up, new mats for the bamboo loungers rolled out, and a few places were getting a fresh coat of paint. It was actually a fascinating time to visit Koh Lanta!
Koh Lanta Beach Essentials
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- Reef Flips are my favorite shoes for the beach, Kris prefers wearing Sanuk.
- Bring these two items: Sunscreen and Insect Repellent – they are essential and very expensive in Thailand!
- Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel.
- A GoPro (or other less-expensive waterproof action camera) is great for capturing moments spent in the sea.
- If you haven’t already obtained insurance, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Thailand! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Travel Guides for Thailand
We have been fortunate to travel to Thailand many times over the years. We’ve covered the country from north to south and visited an array of different destinations.
Check out our honest articles and travel organizer to plan your amazing vacation to Thailand!
- 2 Week Thailand Itinerary
- Best of Bangkok in 4 Days (including our favorite neighborhood)
- Our Top Thailand Beaches
- Chiang Mai Things To Do (and our recommended temples)
- A Guide to Kamala Beach, Phuket
- Top Things To Do in Chiang Rai (and how to take the Mekong Slow Boat)
- Visiting Koh Chang Island
- Tips For Getting a Thai Massage
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