Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s most laid-back islands, stretching about 30 kilometers from north to south. With its long beaches, local villages, and hidden corners, getting around is an important part of the travel experience. Unlike smaller islands where you can walk everywhere, Koh Lanta requires some planning for transport.

This guide will help you understand all the options—from motorbikes and tuk-tuks to private transfers—so you can explore the island with ease.

First Impressions: How Big Is Koh Lanta?

When people first arrive, they’re often surprised by how spread out Koh Lanta is. The island is actually made up of two main parts:

Koh Lanta Noi – mostly rural, where the bridge from the mainland connects.
Koh Lanta Yai – the tourist island, with all the beaches, towns, and resorts.

The distance from Saladan Pier (north) to Mu Ko Lanta National Park (south) is about 30 km. Driving this stretch takes 45–60 minutes. This means you’ll need some form of transport if you want to see more than just your beach.

Option 1: Motorbike or Scooter Rental

Why it’s popular:

Renting a scooter is by far the most common way for visitors to get around. It gives you freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden beaches, and stop at viewpoints along the way.

What to expect:

Cost: Around 200–300 THB per day for a standard scooter, discounts for weekly rentals.
Fuel: Gasoline is sold at roadside stalls in bottles (40–50 THB) or at proper gas stations.
Requirements: A valid international driver’s license is recommended. Police sometimes check on main roads.

Safety tips:

Wear a helmet (it’s the law and saves lives).
Avoid driving at night, especially after drinking.
Roads can be slippery in the rainy season.

Best for:

Independent travelers, couples, and anyone confident on two wheels.

Option 2: Tuk-Tuks and Songthaews

Tuk-Tuks

On Koh Lanta, tuk-tuks are more like motorbike-sidecar taxis. They’re colorful, cheap for short distances, and a fun way to travel between nearby beaches.

Cost: Around 50–150 THB depending on distance.
Best for: Short rides, like from your hotel to a restaurant.

Songthaews

These are shared pick-up trucks with benches in the back. They run fixed routes between beaches and Saladan town.

Cost: 50–100 THB per person.
Best for: Budget travelers or solo visitors who don’t want to rent a scooter.

Option 3: Taxis and Private Transfers

Taxis on Koh Lanta are not metered; they are usually pick-up trucks or minivans arranged through hotels or stands.

Local taxis:

Cost: 200–500 THB depending on the distance.
Best for: Families or groups carrying luggage, or trips to the far south of the island.

Private transfers from Krabi/Phuket:

If you’re coming from the mainland or airport, you can book a door-to-door minivan transfer.

Cost: 2,000–3,000 THB from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta (including ferry crossing).
Convenience: Stress-free, especially if traveling with kids.

Option 4: Car Rental

Car rentals are less common than scooters but are available in Saladan or through hotels.

Pros:

Great for families with children.
Safe during rainy season when roads get slippery.
Can carry luggage or beach gear easily.

Cons:

More expensive (1,200–1,800 THB per day).
Harder to park at small beach restaurants.

Option 5: Bicycles

For the eco-conscious or fitness-minded, bicycles can be rented around Long Beach and Klong Dao.

What to know:

Cost: Around 100–200 THB per day.
Best areas: Short distances along the flatter north (Saladan, Klong Dao, Long Beach).
Challenges: Roads get hilly in the south, and heat can make long rides tough.

Option 6: Walking

Koh Lanta is not very walkable in terms of covering long distances, but walking is great for exploring within one beach area.

Best for: Staying at Klong Dao or Long Beach, where many hotels, shops, and restaurants are close together.
Not recommended for: Moving between beaches—distances are too long.

Getting Around Between Beaches

Here’s a quick guide to distances:

Saladan to Klong Dao: 2 km (5 min by tuk-tuk).
Klong Dao to Long Beach: 3 km.
Long Beach to Klong Nin: 12 km.
Klong Nin to Kantiang Bay: 10 km.
Kantiang Bay to National Park: 7 km.

This helps you plan whether to rent your own wheels or hire transport.

Getting to and from Koh Lanta

Since it’s not just about moving on the island, here’s how to actually arrive:

From Krabi: Minivans or private transfers via bridge, or passenger ferries in high season.
From Phuket/Ao Nang/Railay: Daily ferries (Nov–Apr).
From Trang: Minivans connect via the mainland road.

Tips for Getting Around Safely

Plan for the season: Roads can flood or get slippery during rainy months (May–October).
Carry small cash: Drivers and tuk-tuks often don’t have change for large bills.
Download offline maps: Mobile signal can be patchy in the south. Google Maps or Maps.me works well offline.
Respect speed: The island is relaxed—don’t rush, watch for stray dogs and children crossing.
Book ahead for late-night transfers: After 9 PM, transport options are limited.

Combining Transport with Tours

One of the easiest ways to get around Koh Lanta without worrying about logistics is to join organized tours. Most tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off, meaning you don’t need to rent a vehicle just for the day.

For example:

Island-hopping tours to Koh Rok, Koh Haa, or the 4 Islands – usually minivan pickup.
Mangrove kayaking trips – include transfers to the east coast.
Cooking classes or cultural tours – often provide free pickup.

This saves time and avoids the stress of arranging your own ride.

Sample Itinerary: Transport Choices by Day

Day 1: Walk around your beach area, enjoy dinner by the sand.
Day 2: Rent a scooter to explore the south—visit Kantiang Bay, Waterfall, and National Park.
Day 3: Join a snorkeling tour to nearby islands (pickup included).
Day 4: Relax, use tuk-tuks for short hops between beaches.
Day 5: Book a private transfer back to Krabi Airport.

Final Thoughts

Getting around Koh Lanta is part of the adventure. Whether you rent a scooter for freedom, hop on a tuk-tuk for short trips, or rely on private transfers for comfort, there’s an option for every kind of traveler.

For the most carefree experience, combine independent exploration with guided tours that include pickup. That way, you see the best of the island and its surroundings—without worrying about the journey.

So don’t be afraid to explore. Koh Lanta’s charm is spread out, and every stretch of road leads to a new beach, a cozy village, or a stunning view of the Andaman Sea.

Complete Guide to Getting Around Koh Lanta