Guide to the Most Beautiful Beaches of Koh Lanta

Guide to the Most Beautiful Beaches of Koh Lanta

April 11, 2025

Koh Lanta, a picturesque island in Thailand's Krabi province, is a true paradise for beach lovers. Known for its crystal clear waters, golden sands and unforgettable sunsets, the island offers a range of beaches to satisfy even the most discerning traveler. In our guide, we'll take you on a tour of three of Koh Lanta's most beautiful beaches, perfect for both families with children and couples looking for a romantic getaway. Each of these beaches has its own unique character, offering a variety of activities and views that will stay in your memory for a long time. Prepare to discover true gems, where the blue of the sea meets the white of the sand, and palm trees hum the soothing melody of the tropics.

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Long Beach - a sprawling beach for everyone

We begin our journey from Long Beach, also known as Phra Ae Beach - one of the most popular and longest beaches on Koh Lanta. This expansive sandy beach, over 4 kilometers long, is the perfect place for families looking for space and a variety of activities.

Long Beach impresses with its golden, soft sand and gentle descent into the sea, making it perfect for children. The water here is crystal clear and calm, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Along the beach you will find numerous bars and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Thai food and refreshing drinks.

One of the main advantages of Long Beach is its spaciousness - even during peak season it's easy to find a quiet place to relax. The beach also offers beautiful views of the surrounding islands and breathtaking sunsets. It's the perfect place for afternoon strolls along the shore or building sandcastles with the kids.

It is worth noting that Long Beach is well developed in terms of tourist infrastructure. You'll find numerous hotels and resorts for every budget, from budget bungalows to luxury resorts. This makes it a great base for exploring the island's other attractions.

For active tourists, Long Beach offers water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. You can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas to spend the day comfortably on the beach. In the evening, visit one of the beach bars to enjoy the sunset with a drink.

Long Beach is also a great place to observe marine life. In the shallow waters, you can often see colorful fish and sometimes even hermit crabs walking along the sand. This is a great opportunity for children to learn about marine wildlife up close.

Keep in mind, however, that as the most popular beach on the island, Long Beach can be quite crowded during peak season (December-March). If you're looking for a more tranquil spot, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer tourists.

Kantiang Bay - a the hidden gem of the south

The next stop on our tour of Koh Lanta's most beautiful beaches is Kantiang Bay, a true gem tucked away on the southern tip of the island. This picturesque bay, surrounded by lush vegetation and limestone cliffs, offers a completely different experience from the sprawling Long Beach.

Kantiang Bay impresses with its unspoiled beauty and tranquility. The beach, although much smaller than Long Beach, charms with its crystal clear waters and soft white sand. It is the perfect place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and crowds, wanting to enjoy a true tropical paradise.

One of the biggest advantages of Kantiang Bay is its intimate atmosphere. The beach is rarely crowded, making it ideal for couples seeking a romantic retreat or families wanting a quiet getaway. The bay's shallow and calm waters are safe for children, and the abundance of underwater life makes it a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Unlike Long Beach, the tourist infrastructure in Kantiang Bay is more limited, which adds to the charm and authenticity of the place. Here you'll find several high-quality resorts and restaurants that blend in perfectly with the natural landscape without disturbing its beauty.

Kantiang Bay is famous for its breathtaking sunsets. An evening walk along the beach as the sun hides behind the horizon is an unforgettable experience. It's also a great place for stargazing, thanks to minimal light pollution.

For nature lovers, Kantiang Bay offers the opportunity to encounter wildlife. Sometimes you can see water warblers walking on the beach or monkeys in the surrounding woods. However, remember to observe them from a safe distance and do not feed them.

It is worth mentioning that Kantiang Bay is also a great starting point for exploring the southern part of the island. Nearby is Mu Ko Lanta National Park, where you can go trekking through the jungle or visit the picturesque lighthouse.

Although Kantiang Bay offers fewer amenities than Long Beach, you will find several bars and restaurants serving delicious Thai food and fresh seafood. This is the perfect place to sample local specialties in an authentic atmosphere.

Keep in mind that getting to Kantiang Bay can be a bit more difficult than the more popular beaches in the north of the island. The roads are winding and steep, so if you decide to rent a scooter, take extra caution. Alternatively, you can take tuk-tuks or cabs.

Klong Khong Beach - a beach for adventurers

The final stop on our tour of Koh Lanta's most beautiful beaches is Klong Khong Beach, a destination that attracts adventurers and lovers of a bit more wildlife. This beach, located in the central part of the island's west coast, offers a unique experience for those who appreciate authenticity and close contact with nature.

Klong Khong Beach differs significantly from the previously described beaches. Its distinctive feature is the numerous rocks and corals visible at low tide, creating a fascinating landscape. While this can make swimming difficult, especially during low water, for many this is precisely the charm of this beach. It's an ideal place to explore coastal rock pools, where a variety of marine life can be found.

This beach is much quieter than Long Beach, but offers more entertainment than the intimate Kantiang Bay. Along Klong Khong Beach, you'll find a number of hippie-style bars that give the place a unique, relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to meet other travelers, listen to live music or attend evening beach parties.

Klong Khong Beach is famous for its amazing sunsets. In the evenings, the beach comes alive as tourists and locals gather to enjoy the spectacle of colors in the sky. It's the perfect place to say goodbye to the day and hello to a starry night with a drink in hand.

For families with children, Klong Khong Beach can be an interesting option for a short trip. Children will be delighted to explore the rock pools and watch the small sea creatures. However, remember to wear water shoes to protect their feet from the sharp rocks.

It is worth noting that Klong Khong Beach is not a typical beach for sunbathing or swimming. Its charm lies in its unique landscape and atmosphere. It's a great place for long walks along the shore, especially at low tide, when you can admire the vast expanse of rocks and coral.

You'll also find several diving and snorkeling schools near the beach. While the beach itself is not ideal for these activities, it is a good starting point for excursions to nearby coral reefs.

The tourist infrastructure around Klong Khong Beach is well developed, but retains a more local character. You'll find a range of affordable bungalows and small resorts, as well as numerous restaurants serving both Thai specialties and international cuisine.

When comparing Klong Khong Beach with Long Beach and Kantiang Bay, it's worth noting that each beach offers a very different experience. Long Beach is ideal for families and those seeking convenience and variety, Kantiang Bay impresses with its pristine beauty and tranquility, while Klong Khong Beach attracts adventurers and lovers of unusual landscapes.

When choosing a beach on Koh Lanta, you should consider your preferences and expectations. But regardless of your choice, each of these beaches offers an unforgettable experience and a chance to experience the diversity that this beautiful Thai island has to offer.

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