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.
1 way to get from Langkawi to Koh Lanta
The ferry is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 160 km (99 miles) from Langkawi to Koh Lanta. The journey takes around 8h and costs start from 400 MYR ($85.00).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.
Langkawi to Koh Lanta by Ferry
*IMPORTANT UPDATE: The last time we checked (June 2022), the cross-border ferry route from Langkawi to Thailand has not yet resumed. There is no update yet about the ferries from Langkawi to Thailand.
Departure and arrival station
Ferries operating from Langkawi to Koh Lanta depart from Telaga Harbour. If you’re staying at the tourist hub of Pantai Cenang, Telaga is located some 15 km north. You can reach it via a 20-minute taxi with fares from 30 MYR ($6.00).
Finally, ferries dock at Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta.
PRO TIP: Keep in mind that Langkawi is 1 hour ahead of Koh Lanta!
Since there is only 1 trip daily, we highly recommend booking your ticket online beforehand. A ticket from Langkawi to Koh Lanta costs 400 MYR ($85.00) on BookAway.
Customs & Immigration
Since you’re crossing the border from Malaysia to Thailand, you’ll have to arrive at Telaga Harbour at least 90 minutes before your ferry’s departure time. This is to allow enough time for customs and immigration, much like when you’re taking a plane.
At Telaga Harbour, your passport will be stamped out of Malaysia and your luggage will be checked. In most cases, you have to surrender your passport to the captain as you board the ferry.
You’ll have maybe a couple of hours to have lunch and enjoy the beautiful view from Pattaya Beach. Just make sure you are back at your meeting point at the designated time.
Once back at the ferry, you can relax for 2.5-3 hours until it docks at Koh Lanta’s Saladan Pier.
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 Langkawi to Koh Lanta
What is the distance from Langkawi to Koh Lanta?
The distance from Langkawi to Koh Lanta is 160 km (99 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Langkawi to Koh Lanta?
The fastest way to get from Langkawi to Koh Lanta is by ferry and takes 8 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Langkawi to Koh Lanta?
The cheapest way to get from Langkawi to Koh Lanta is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 400 MYR ($85.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Langkawi 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.
