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Koh Lanta is a laid-back island off Thailand's Andaman coast. Long sandy beaches and a slow pace draw people who want quiet. The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta is the bus at $15 (500 THB). That trip takes 5 hours 30 minutes. The shared minivan costs a little more and takes about as long. There's a ferry too, and a private transfer if you'd rather not share the ride.
Distance from Phuket to Koh Lanta
Phuket and Koh Lanta are about 80 km (50 miles) apart. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 1h 30m and 9h.
5 ways to travel from Phuket to Koh Lanta
There are five ways to travel from Phuket to Koh Lanta. You can choose between the bus, bus via Krabi, minivan, ferry, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 30m–5h 30m and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $15 (500 THB).
Reach out to our Community
1Hi !
Thank you so much for these guides, they are the most helpful itinerary I have ever seen.
I wanted to ask a question : for one of the quick ferry option linked in this article, it says that you need to handover your passport to the captain and they have to stay with the ship crew until they have the autorisation of immigration. As one of the rules in travel is to NEVER hand out your passport, is it normal for them to do so ? Or should I just book another ferry ?
Thank you so much for your hard work !
Céline
Hi Celine, I'm so glad that we're able to help you with our guides! We double-checked this for you and spoke to Bundhaya Speedboat (bookaway.com) going from Phuket to Koh Lanta. They confirmed that you don't need to hand over your passport since you're only travelling between two Thai islands. Immigration checks are only mandatory for cross-border trips, like from Langkawi to Koh Lanta (geckoroutes.com).
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Lanta
Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Lanta for every budget.
BudgetSleep In Lanta Resort
Sleep In Lanta Resort is incredible value for money. Rooms start at $13 (430 THB) 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 (430 THB) per night.
BudgetSweet Life Community Guesthouse
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 (530 THB) per night.
Mid-RangeGreen Pepper
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 (1,100 THB) per night.
Mid-RangeLanta Happy Hill
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 (1,020 THB) per night.
Treat YourselfThe Mantra Navi
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 (2,650 THB) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit 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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Phuket to Koh Lanta, roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) apart. In all, there are 5 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $15 (500 THB). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Phuket to Koh Lanta?
The distance from Phuket to Koh Lanta is 80 kilometres (50 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta?
Journey times from Phuket to Koh Lanta overlap: bus + ferry 5h 30m, bus via krabi 5h - 5h 30m, shared minivan 5h 30m, ferry 1h 30m - 9h, private transport 4h 30m - 5h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta?
The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta is by bus with ticket costs starting from 500 THB.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Travel Writer
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.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
