What to expect when visiting Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a laidback archipelago on Thailand’s southwest coast. It’s made up of 52 islands, but you’ll probably spend most of your time on the two main islands: Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi.
You can enjoy mostly empty beaches, visit different islands every day, chase waterfalls, and just be in awe of the beauty of unspoiled nature in Koh Lanta. Besides beach bumming, you can get lost in Mu Koh Lanta National Park, explore the island’s Old Town, or even practise the art of Muay Thai fighting.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
There are three ways to travel the distance of 835 km (519 miles) from Bangkok to Koh Lanta: by bus + minivan (16-14 hours), train + bus (18h2m-18h17m) and flight + minivan (8 hours). The journey takes between 8h - 18h17m and the quickest way is by flight + minivan. The lowest priced tickets start from 870 THB ($24.50) for the bus + minivan.Where to stay in Koh Lanta?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Koh Lanta at the bottom of this page.
Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Bus + Minivan
Instead of travelling by plane, you can also travel by bus from Bangkok to Koh Lanta.
First, you’ll have to take a bus heading to Krabi and from there, you can hop on a minivan going to the beautiful island of Koh Lanta. This minivan will also board the ferry to Krabi.
Pre-pandemic, there used to be a combined bus and ferry option offered by Paradive Travel and Songserm from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. This would include all tickets from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. The last time we checked (June 2022), they haven’t resumed their operations for this route yet.
As for now, you will need to book your tickets separately, which we will explain below:
Step 1: Bangkok to Krabi by Bus
The Lignite Tours which offers 4 night-time trips daily departs from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. On the other hand, the Transport Co. bus departs from Mochit Terminal.
Both bus stations are approximately 10 km from Bangkok city centre. However, Bangkok Southern Terminal (Sai Ta Mai) is more convenient to reach because it is connected to Bangkok’s metro system. By taxi, it will take you about 20-30 minutes to reach either of the two bus terminals from Bangkok city centre.
Both buses arrive at the Krabi Bus Terminal and the journey takes 11 hours.
Bus + Minivan options from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Since it takes half a day to travel from Bangkok to Krabi by bus, we suggest booking a night bus. This way, you can catch up on some sleep so you’re ready to enjoy the island life upon arrival!
Step 2: Krabi to Koh Lanta by Bus or Minivan
Minivans depart from the bus terminal in Krabi every two hours from 08:00 to 16:00. This is the same terminal as where the buses from Bangkok arrive.
The journey includes the ferry to Koh Lanta and you can buy your tickets at the bus terminal. The total travel time from Krabi to Koh Lanta can be as fast as 1.5 hours, but more often it’s closer to 3 hours.
Good Luck Lanta Tour has cheaper bus services starting Origin currency not defined but it has only one trip every other day. We recommend checking the schedule below to plan your trip well.
Bus + Minivan options from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Flight + Minivan
Flying is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. However, Koh Lanta doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport to Koh Lanta is Krabi Airport.
This route description includes the 1.5-hour flight from Bangkok to Krabi as well as the 3-hour minivan/bus journey from Krabi to Koh Lanta. This bus ride includes the transfer on the ferry to Krabi.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Bangkok to Krabi by Flight
There are many daily flights going to Krabi from Bangkok. Low-cost carriers such as Air Asia, Thai VietJet Air, and Thai Lion Air offer flights departing from either Don Muang Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
All flights will land at the Krabi Airport (KBV). The cost of a one-way ticket starts at 700 THB ($19.00). Krabi is a popular tourist destination, so there are often many promotions, although these prices can be high during the peak season.
For the best ticket price, check the Skyscanner link below.
More information can be found by visiting our route page from Bangkok to Krabi.
Step 2: Krabi to Koh Lanta by Minivan
The Bus Cooperative of Krabi company offers minivan transfers from the Krabi Airport (KBV) to Koh Lanta.
These minivans depart as early as 08:00 until 16:30 with prices starting at 335 THB ($9.00) per person.
The minivan will drive onto the ferry and bring you to Koh Lanta within 3 hours. The exact travel time is unpredictable because it depends on the length of the queue at Hua Hin Pier.
If you want to secure your transfer beforehand, we recommend booking your minivan ride online. This already includes a free drop-off to your hotel on the island.
Flight + Minivan options from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Train + Bus
Travelling by train from Bangkok to Koh Lanta can be a great adventure if you have the time to spend and want to take in the sights.
However, this option will take 18-18.5 hours and it involves a transfer in Surat Thani. First, you’ll need to take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. From there, you can book a bus that goes from Surat Thani to Krabi, where you will be transferred to a minivan going to Koh Lanta.
Step 1: Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
The nearest train station to Koh Lanta is Surat Thani Railway Station. You can book a second-class sleeper berth so that you don’t lose a day travelling.
These trains depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 18:30 and 19:30 and travel during the night.
Train + Bus options from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Step 2: Surat Thani to Koh Lanta by Bus
There is only one bus per day from the train station in Surat Thani to Koh Lanta, operated by Phantip. If you want to travel this route in one go, we recommend booking in advance to secure your tickets.
Also, note that the bus leaves at 09:00, which means you may be rushing from the train to board your bus.
The bus will travel to Krabi first. From there, you will be transferred to a minivan to Koh Lanta. The journey takes about 5 hours and you can expect to pay 600 THB ($16.50) for this leg of the journey.
Train + Bus options from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Lanta
Sleep In Lanta Resort - Budget Friendly
Sleep In Lanta Resort is incredible value for money. Rooms start at $13 per night and this place has a swimming pool! The refreshing pool is surrounded by greenery and sunloungers, making it the perfect place to cool off.
The rooms are bright, spacious and surprisingly luxurious considering the price of the resort. It’s only a short walk to Klong Klong Beach and the staff are amazing.
- Swimming pool
- Amazing staff
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Onsite restaurant
Private rooms start at $13 per night.
Sweet Life Community Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
Located in Old Town Lanta, staying here will give you a firsthand experience of life in a small fishing village. You can enjoy the amazing views of the village and surrounding islands from this excellent location. We highly recommend spending a little extra and getting a room with a balcony!
The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. The rooms are cosy, bright and very clean. They also offer beautifully designed community areas with a kitchen, living room and an on-site coffee shop.
- Great location
- Excellent sea and village views
- Comfortable and clean
- Friendly staff
Rooms start at $16 per night.
Green Pepper - Mid Range
Owned by the same family as Sweet Life Guesthouse (one of our budget-friendly accommodations) Green Pepper is a tad more expensive. Those extra few dollars go a long way though. The resort’s design is unbelievably beautiful and the little details put a smile on your face!
There are so many relaxing chill-out areas, and the hosts go above and beyond to ensure you have the perfect stay. That includes the cooking class that they run with charismatic chef, Mon!
- Onsite cooking class
- Stunning design
- Amazing hosts
- Close to Long Beach
Private rooms start at $33 per night.
Lanta Happy Hill - Mid Range
Surrounded by greenery and lush gardens, Lanta Happy Hill is the perfect place to relax on Koh Lanta. A short walk from a local beach and a 5-minute drive from Long Beach, you get a secluded vibe without being too far from civilisation.
Rooms aren’t just rooms here, they’re bungalows with their own balcony. They’re spacious, thoughtfully designed and comfortable. Ying the owner will make sure you have the perfect stay here.
- Cosy bungalows
- Close to the beach
- Surrounded by nature
- Amazing owner
Bungalows start from $31 per night.
The Mantra Navi - Treating Yourself
The Mantra Navi is a brand new and small hotel that offers a comfortable stay on Koh Lanta. The rooms are spacious, ultra-modern and very bright. The floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights in the bathrooms really add a magical touch.
The lush gardens surrounding the hotel are beautiful and perfect to overlook from your private balcony. Staying here puts you only 200m from Long Beach, and the owners are there to help you to get anywhere else.
- Ideal location
- Brand new and modern
- Garden and terrace area
- Big comfortable beds
Rooms start at $80 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Koh Lanta
What is the distance from Bangkok to Koh Lanta?
The distance from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is 835 km (519 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is by flight + minivan and takes 8 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is by bus + minivan with ticket costs starting from 870 THB ($24.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. 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!
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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.
