What to expect when visiting Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
3 ways to get from Koh Lanta to Bangkok
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 835 kilometers (519 miles) from Koh Lanta to Bangkok by bus (13 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes), train + minivan (15 hours 30 minutes to 21 hours) and flight + minivan (3 hours 50 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 3 hours 50 minutes to 21 hours and the quickest way is by flight + minivan. The lowest priced tickets start from €26 for the train + minivan.Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
Koh Lanta to Bangkok by Train + Minivan
The train is not the fastest option but it’s another good alternative if you want to travel at night. Because Koh Lanta doesn’t have a railway station, you should travel to Surat Thani first.
Step 1: Koh Lanta to Surat Thani by Minivan
Phantip Travel is one of the most popular companies on this route and it also offers free pick-up from your hotel to bring you to the terminal. The Phantip minivans have departures at 08:00 and 12:00 and the travel time is 6h - 9h 30m.
You can book a minivan transfer from Koh Lanta directly to Surat Thani Train Station from the comfort of your hotel for as low as €18.60. From Surat Thani Train Station, you can board your train going to Bangkok.
You also have the option to book a transfer from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani with one of the local agencies. Prices are probably a bit lower, but we prefer booking online via BookAway as they offer great customer service.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
From the Surat Thani Train Station, it will take around 9h 20m - 11h 30m until you reach your stop at Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok.
We recommend booking 2nd class sleeper trains with air-conditioning to have a more comfortable trip.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eying the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
You can directly book your ticket on the links provided. For a more detailed description, read our page about Surat Thani to Bangkok.
Koh Lanta to Bangkok by Flight + Minivan
The nearest airport to Koh Lanta is in Krabi. If you prefer to travel by plane from Koh Lanta to Bangkok, you have to head to Krabi first.
From Krabi, you can take a 1.5-hour flight to Bangkok.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Koh Lanta to Krabi by Minivan
Bus Cooperative of Krabi offers a minivan transfer from your hotel in Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport. The journey takes 2h 20m - 3h 40m and the ticket cost starts at €8.70.
Carefully compare the flight schedules to the minivan schedules from Koh Lanta before booking any of the two.
Step 2: Krabi to Bangkok by Flight
There are numerous flights going to Bangkok from Krabi every day.
If you book early, you can find the lowest-priced tickets, starting from 730 THB (€19.90). There are several low-cost carriers such as Air Asia, Thai VietJet Air, and Thai Lion Air that depart from Krabi Airport.
After 1.5 hours, the flight will land at either Don Muang Airport (DMK) or Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
For the best ticket price, check the Skyscanner link below.
Koh Lanta to Bangkok by Bus
Travelling by bus takes much more time than flying, but can save you some money when flights get expensive.
If you want to travel this journey by bus, we suggest booking a night bus from Koh Lanta to Bangkok, so you can sleep for the largest part of the journey and be ready to explore the city upon your arrival.
Bus schedules from Koh Lanta to Bangkok
If you’re not keen on travelling by ferry and bus for 13 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes straight, you can also split your journey by booking separate tickets: first to Krabi — where you can stretch your legs or even spend a night — before taking another bus to Bangkok.
Step 1: Koh Lanta to Krabi by Bus or Minivan
There are two companies that can take you to Krabi from Koh Lanta: Jijie Tour and Travel and Good Luck Lanta Tour.
Jijie Tour and Travel offers free pick-up from any hotel in Koh Lanta. The earliest departure is 06:00 in the morning.
Good Luck Lanta Tour operates on this route for a cheaper price starting €8.70 however, the schedule is only once every other day. The bus departs from Saladan Pier which is just 25 minutes away from the centre.
You can also book a van transfer from Koh Lanta to Krabi Bus Terminal at one of the local travel agencies or via your hotel.
Step 2: Krabi to Bangkok by Bus
Transport Co. Ltd and Lignite Tour are the most popular bus companies operating from Krabi to Bangkok.
Both terminals are about 10 km from Bangkok city centre. If you will ride a taxi, it will only take around 20-30 minutes to reach the city centre.
We suggest booking the night bus to save more time and also save a night on accommodation.
Best places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Lanta to Bangkok
What is the distance from Koh Lanta to Bangkok?
The distance from Koh Lanta to Bangkok is 835 kilometers (519 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Lanta to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Koh Lanta to Bangkok is by flight + minivan and takes 3 hours 50 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Lanta to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Lanta to Bangkok is by train + minivan with ticket costs starting from €26.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Lanta to Bangkok. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
12 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
Routes from Bangkok
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
Most popular routes in Thailand
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
