There is a tendency to overlook Thailand, close to a more famous destination that many tourists have never heard of. Thailand is a very popular destination for British tourists who want to experience the natural beauty and culture of Southeast Asia. From Bangkok, the country's capital, to beautifully scattered islands, Thailand has a unique experience of tourists from all over the world looking for millions of people.
Some of the most popular Thai seaside resorts and islands to experience beach clubs and full moon parties include Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Faigan and Koh Phi Phi. However, there are many more Thai islands you probably haven't heard of, many of them are pretty close to some of their more popular counterparts. One of them next to Koh Phi Phi is Koh Lanta.
Koh Lanta is located in Thailand's Krabi district, and even one of the lesser known Thai Islands is considered its natural beauty. Koh Phi Phi is ranked among the most popular tourist islands in Thailand, but Koh Lanta has not made a list.
But it may be a better option for tourists looking for a more calm and less crowded Thai holiday experience. Top attractions on the island include white sandy beaches, with amazing day and sunsets.
Long Beach and Cron Dao Beach are probably the most popular beaches in Lanta, but they also have Kron Kong and Kantian Bay. The clear waters of the island are the main attractions.
Meanwhile, the old town of Lanta is a charming place filled with Chinese architecture. The island has providers selling numerous experiences, from boat tours to snorkeling.
Along the island's coast, there are also many bars and nightclubs, and Koh Lanta is a great place for those who love nightlife. The tourist season here takes place between October and April, so if you're looking for a somewhat lively atmosphere, it's the perfect time to visit.
Plus, there are plenty of great places on the island, and when it comes to staying there are villas for backpackers, resorts, hotels and even hostels.
Koh Lanta is less than 18 miles from Koh Phi Phi and ferry travel is available between the two islands. To get to Koh Lanta, the nearest airport is Krabi International Airport.
However, if you're flying from the UK, you'll probably arrive in Bangkok. From the Thai capital, you can take another flight to Krabi and from there you can go to Lanta. Meanwhile, like many Britons, your overnight buses and your trains travel a little across the country.
Social media users share their thoughts about Koh Lanta, and one person on Reddit calls it an “undervalued gem.” They write: “To our surprise, Lanta turned out to be an incredibly calm and quiet, beautiful and relatively private beach. My wife and I usually prefer a peaceful place, so we really appreciated the peaceful atmosphere.
Another said: “We decided to spontaneously head to Lanta. It was the best part of the entire trip. We loved the beach, the cafe and the laid back atmosphere. We can't wait to come back.”