Epic Things to Do in Koh Lanta (Aside from Beaches!)

Koh Lanta has been on my radar for the past decade. I’d heard endless stories about the gorgeous beaches, lack of crowds, and chilled-out atmosphere. Koh Lanta always sounded right up my alley, so I honestly don’t know what took me so long to go there. Better late than never, right?

So I finally packed my bags for a 10-day trip to Koh Lanta in December. And it did not disappoint. While I expected beaches galore, I was happy to find tons of other incredible things to do in Koh Lanta besides lounging on the beach.

Don’t get me wrong, I did plenty of beach hopping during my trip. But if you’re like me and wondering what else there is to do on this magical island in Krabi, here’s my guide on some of the best things to do in Koh Lanta!

Cruise around on a scooter

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, then you know that motorbiking around Southeast Asian islands is one of my all-time favorite activities. Of course, riding a scooter does come with its risks (like that time I crashed in Bali), so I don’t recommend it unless you’re at least a bit experienced.

That being said, Koh Lanta is a very mellow place to drive. The roads are good, the terrain isn’t too hilly, and there aren’t loads of other vehicles on the roads. Plus, the best thing about motorbiking around the island is that you can pull off at random beaches, run into stunning viewpoints, and find hidden gems you’d never unearth otherwise.

I rented my scooter from Happytime Motorbike & Car Rental and I highly recommend them. We paid around 400 baht per day for a suped-up bike.

Insider info: Honestly, getting around Koh Lanta without a motorbike or car is a bit challenging. The island is big and the attractions are spread out. If you don’t have your own transportation, you will have to haggle with local taxi and tuk-tuk drivers. I’ve heard their rates can be quite expensive. Also note, there is no Grab or Bolt on Koh Lanta.

Have a sundowner at Sabai Sabai

I found Sabai Sabai Viewpoint & Lounge on my last day in Koh Lanta – and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to take in my final sunset on the island. This hidden gem is perched on the top of a steep hill (here’s the Google Maps location). Its location offers 360-degree views of the island that are absolutely breathtaking. I visited during sunset but I imagine the views are incredible at any time of day.

This place does get crowded so it’s best to make reservations, especially if you want to lounge in one of the coveted netted seating areas during sunset. From the stiff cocktails to the tempting smoothie bowls, salads, and Thai dishes, this is a great spot to have a chilled-out meal.

Snorkel on a 4 Islands Boat Tour

Embarking on the 4 Islands Boat tour is easily one of the most iconic things to do in Koh Lanta and a must-do for first-timers. You can book tours all over town but if you’d prefer to book online, you can book the 4 Islands Tour via Get Your Guide.

This tour allows you to ride in one of Thailand’s famous longtail boats. You’ll have the chance to snorkel and swim in the crystal clear waters at Emerald Cave, Koh Ngai, Ko Chueak, and Koh Maa. There’s also the option to tack on a visit to Koh Kradan if you’re feeling ambitious!

Help the animals at Lanta Animal Welfare

As someone who has two rescue cats and has fostered 20+ kitties where I live in Dubai, animal rescue is near and dear to my heart. So when I heard about Lanta Animal Welfare, I knew I just had to sign up for a tour.

It was amazing to get behind the scenes and learn all about the incredible work they do TNRing (Trap-Neuter-Return), rescuing, rehoming, and offering medical care. Of course, it was also a blast hanging out with some of the rescue kitties and pups.

The tour costs 300 baht for adults and 200 baht for kids under 12. All the money goes back into helping all of these amazing volunteers help Koh Lanta’s animals in need. If you’re an animal-lover like me, taking a tour is easily one of the best things to do in Koh Lanta!

Take a cooking class for a cause

Speaking of animals, Lanta Animal Welfare also runs a non-profit Thai cooking class called Time for Lime. The school is located on the grounds of the welfare center. Not only will you learn how to make your own Thai dishes – think Panang Curry, Papaya Salad, Khao Soi, and beyond – but you can swim in the pool, sip cocktails, and cuddle with sweet animals!

Plus, everything can be made vegetarian or vegan, which is something I appreciate as a longtime vegetarian! The 5-hour classes cost 3,600 baht for two people and 2,300 for solo chefs. All of the proceeds go toward Lanta Animal Welfare. So it really is a win-win.

Get cultured in Lanta Old Town

Located on the lesser-visited east coast of the island, Lanta Old Town takes a bit of effort to reach, but trust me when I say it’s well worth it. If you’re into culture, history, and ocean views, this is easily one of the coolest things to do in Koh Lanta.

This historic port town was first settled 500 years ago by the ChaoLay people, who were nomadic seafarers. A couple hundred years later saw the arrival of Muslim Malay migrants, followed by an influx of Chinese merchants, who arrived in Lanta Old Town 100 years ago.

Lanta Old Town is small but it’s lined with wooden 19th-century Chinese shophouses, stilted seaside restaurants offering dramatic views, souvenir shops selling cool local products, and Chinese temples and shrines. It’s super fun to just pop into the shops to see what you can find. While you’re there, be sure to grab a drink at one of the stilted restaurants because the ocean views are absolutely killer.

Insider tip: Mayuri’s Bar (Secret Bar) has a very cool stilted outdoor terrace with a gorgeous view over the water. It’s a great spot for lunch or sunset drinks.

Eat your way through Walking Street

You’ll find Koh Lanta’s buzzing little Walking Street in the heart of Saladan, the main town of Koh Lanta. Starting around 5 pm each night, the Walking Street bursts to life with vendors selling all manner of street food, clothes, and touristy trinkets. This is a great place to fill up on budget eats – from pad thai and papaya salad to tacos and kebabs – and do a little people-watching.

Take a hike in Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Located at the southern tip of Koh Lanta is where you’ll find the wild and rugged Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Once you reach the entrance, you’ll pay a 400 baht entrance fee and be given a map that will lead you to hiking trails, beaches, and the famous lighthouse. Spending a few hours in Mu Ko Lanta National Park is one of the most unique things to do in Koh Lanta and it’s a great way to see a very different side of the island.

Insider tip: Do not feed the monkeys, and be sure to watch your belongings. Those little guys are brazen!

Sip local craft beers at Devy Ale Cafe

I’m a big fan of craft beer and I was totally surprised to find a local brewery in Koh Lanta. Devy Ale Cafe is located smack in the middle Klong Kong Beach and it’s a lovely place for a sundowner. They had a handful of brews on the menu. I wasn’t sure which one to go for, so the bartender let me do free tastings of everything from stouts to sours.

I ultimately went for one of the IPAs and it was delish. Craft beer aside, I love the super chilled-out atmosphere, the gorgeous beachfront terrace, and the unreal sunsets. I highly recommend stopping by for a drink if you find yourself in Klong Kong!