Koh Lanta Guesthouses, Hotels and Resorts

No longer is Koh Lanta a haven of hippies, backpackers, or sea gypsies. While it still entices the free-spirited and carefree, the cat’s out the bag and now it’s on everyone’s radar. You’ll find accommodation catering for mid-range spenders, to five-star guests, as well as families, and just-marrieds.

People come for its natural beauty, unspoilt beaches, and laid back atmosphere, making Koh Lanta feel unique from any of the other Thai islands.

While backpackers still abound, hostels and cheap bungalows can be found more towards the northern end of the island. Khlon Nin beach is usually considered a middle option, both in terms of location and lodging, and further south you’ll find the more upmarket addresses if you really want to treat yourself – after all, it is your holiday!

Budget

If you’re a backpacker you won’t be hard pushed to find an idyllic beach bungalow within budget. Near the mid-northern end of Long Beach, O-Zone Beach Huts are a popular choice for those used to a bit of basic (cold water showers and mosquito nets) but who want a break from dorms. The rooms are set back from the beach and offer their own hammock and balcony where you can sit and chat to your new neighbour. You can’t argue with the price at THB500 for a private ensuite fan room – great if you’re sharing the cost.

Khlong Khong is the real bees-knees for backpackers with many choosing Where Else! as their pied-à-terre, with its quirky vibe of junkyard-come-gallery-come-antique shop (rooms priced around THB500 depending on the season).

If you’re looking for cheaper though, Jinda Hostel down the southern end of the island near the beautiful Kantiang Bay offers mixed dorms for just THB200.

Mid-range

Clean Beach Resort on Khlong Nin (one of our favourite beaches) is a small oasis of green jungle within 30m from the beautiful clean white sands. It’s a great mid-range option for couples, offering clean and tastefully decorated AC standalone bungalows, a shared pool, and plenty of restaurants a mere stone’s throw away. Prices start from just under THB900 for a large double room and balcony in the low season.

Another tasteful mid-range option is up on Long Beach, Papillon Bungalows. Just minutes from the sandy shores of the popular beach, the quiet resort offers 11 simple white painted bungalows with a terrace and hammock, and the resort has an on-site restaurant serving Thai and Western menus, too, meaning some days you needn’t venture too far. For a Superior Double room you can look to pay THB1,500 during high season.

Top end

Depending on how luxury your ‘luxury budget’ will stretch, certainly one of the most high-end resorts on the island has to be Pimalai (you can get an idea of the clientele by the million dollar yachts moored in the bay) perched discretely up on the hill at Ao Kantiang giving it the perfect vantage point for endless views over the pristine bay and Andaman Sea.

The eco-conscious guests will love Pimalai as its dedicated to sustainable tourism and preserving its natural surroundings. Prices start at THB6,000.

Long Beach offers its own alternative if you prefer to stay nearer the more ‘happening’ end of the island, Lanta Sand Resort & Spa. Think waterfalls, lush tropical gardens, swimming pools (multiple) that overlook the beach… it’s a gorgeous place to stay for honeymooners, needless to say. We also encourage you to check out the spa listing for the ultimate indulgence. Deluxe Doubles in high season are priced at THB8,000.