Things to Do on Koh Lanta: Diving, Beaches, and National Park

Diving

Koh Lanta is the jumping-off point for some of the most remote and rewarding dive sites in the Andaman Sea — further from Phuket’s day-trip radius, less dived, and often in better condition.

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang — Two seamounts 2 hours south of Koh Lanta by speedboat. Hin Daeng (“Red Rock”) rises from 200+ metres to within 16 metres of the surface. The wall is covered in red soft coral (the source of the name) and the site is one of Thailand’s most reliable for large pelagic species: grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks, and whale sharks most commonly sighted March–May. Current can be strong. Day trips: ฿3,500–5,000 including equipment and food.

Ko Ha — Five uninhabited limestone islands 40 minutes south. Cathedral Cave is the signature feature: a large sea cave filled with air, entered by swimming through an underwater arch — the light entering through cracks in the cave ceiling creates a cathedral effect. Suitable for Open Water divers. Also excellent for snorkelling.

Koh Haa Lagoon — A sheltered lagoon between Ko Ha’s islands with calm, clear water. The best easy dive site for beginners and for an afternoon dive when the morning sites have used up energy.

Day dive packages from Koh Lanta: ฿2,500–4,000 for 2 dives including equipment. Most dive shops are on Klong Dao or the main road near Saladan.

Snorkelling

Ko Ha is the best snorkel destination from Koh Lanta — the Cathedral Cave can be snorkelled through (easier at slack tide), the water around the islands is clear, and the fish density is high. Half-day snorkel tours to Ko Ha: ฿1,200–1,800. Full-day Ko Ha + Hin Daeng snorkel (drift snorkel at the seamount): ฿2,500–3,500.

Near the island’s beaches: the rocky points at Kantiang Bay and Bamboo Bay have the best accessible snorkelling from shore.

Koh Lanta National Park

The park covers the southern 20% of Koh Lanta. The main access is by the sealed road from the west coast that winds down to the park entrance.

Lighthouse viewpoint — The old lighthouse on the cape has views across to the Malay Peninsula on clear days. A short walk from the park entrance.

Haad Nui beach — Inside the park boundary, accessible by a 15-minute forest trail. A small cove with clear water and no facilities. Best visited in the morning before the heat builds.

Wildlife — Monitor lizards up to 2 metres are common at the park entrance. The forest has hornbills, kingfishers, and various raptors. Macaques in the trees near the road.

Entry: ฿200. Open 8am–6pm. Scooter required — no public transport.

Old Town (Ban Saladan)

The pier village at the north tip retains wooden shophouses built on stilts over the sea — a character typical of Andaman Malay fishing communities that has largely disappeared elsewhere. A 30-minute walk along the waterfront passes craft shops, small restaurants, and views across to the mainland. More authentic than the resort strip on Klong Dao.

Sea kayaking

The east coast mangroves are the best kayaking on the island. Several operators offer guided paddles through the mangrove channels at high tide — the route passes through narrow channels between root systems and enters areas unreachable by any other transport. Half-day guided tours: ฿900–1,400. The north coast also has a sheltered strait between Koh Lanta Yai and the smaller Koh Lanta Noi (still inhabited by the Chao Ley sea-nomad community).

Cooking classes

A handful of guesthouses and restaurants on Klong Dao and Klong Nin run half-day Thai cooking classes. The Koh Lanta Cookery School on Klong Dao is the most established — starts with a market visit, covers 4–5 southern Thai dishes. ฿1,500–2,000 per person.