If you are wondering how to get to Koh Lanta from Bangkok, then you are in the right place.
This enchanting and remote island on the Andaman Sea is a haven for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s known for its unspoiled beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and non-touristy vibes.
But because it’s not the biggest tourist hot spot in Thailand, getting to Koh Lanta is not as straightforward as other islands in Thailand.
Koh Lanta’s remote location is part of its draw though, and having called this island home for a couple of months, we’ve figured out the best ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta.
Here’s the secret, revealed…
Where Is Koh Lanta In Thailand?
Koh Lanta is located very near to Krabi, a hot beach destination in Thailand known for its limestone rock formations and hot spring pools.
Not many people know that Koh Lanta is just a short ferry ride from a pier near Krabi, crossing a channel between the mainland and the island.
Koh Lanta is not one island, but two, connected by the Siri Lanta Bridge. Koh Lanta Noi, which loosely translates to Little Koh Lanta, is a service island, and is used to connect the large island to the main island Krabi region.
Koh Lanta Noi is remote and untouched, surrounded by mangroves and tributaries, and very little development. As such, not many people visit here, aside from a day trip just to see what it’s all about.
Across the Siri Lanta Bridge is Koh Lanta Yai, also known as Big Koh Lanta, is the main island on Koh Lanta and where you will find all the main attractions.
Koh Lanta doesn’t have its own airport, so the nearest airport is Krabi International Airport, located 58.9km (36.5 miles) away. The only way to travel between Krabi and Koh Lanta is by boat or ferry.
How To Get To Koh Lanta From Bangkok: The Best Way (Flight + Ferry)
Because Koh Lanta is so close to Krabi, and where the ferry is located, you will need to go here first.
To get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, you will need to follow these two main steps.
- Fly to Krabi
- Taking a ferry from Hua Hin Pier in Krabi to Koh Lanta.
Step 1: Get To An Airport in Bangkok
The first thing you will need to do is get to one of the airports in Bangkok to fly to Krabi. The distance between Bangkok and Krabi is 783 km (486.5 miles) which is a 1 hour 25 minute flight, or 20 hours on a bus!
You can get internal flights from Bangkok to Krabi for as little as $40 USD, even when you book late (we booked the day before) and there are several flights leaving throughout the day with multiple budget airlines, such as Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, ThaiAir Asia, VietJet Air, and Thai Smile.
The price of the bus from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is roughly around $20 USD, and usually departs at night so you arrive the following day around midday. The only good thing about the bus is that you can save money, not only on transport but on one nights accommodation.
However, for the sake of comfort, we recommend getting a flight as it’s not too much more expensive.
You will find most flights depart from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), which was an international airport and now primarily serves domestic flights. However, some flights do depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) so do check before booking.
You can read about how to get to the airports in Bangkok in this complete guide.
Top tip: We recommend you book a flight that leaves mid-morning or later in the day, as the Rail Link to the airports in Bangkok start operating at 6.00am, which would mean you would need a taxi to catch the first flight of the day at 8.00am – and that would be expensive.
Step 2: Taking A Bus to Hau Hin Pier & Ferry
Once your plane lands at Krabi International Airport, then you’ll find taxis and transfers to Koh Lanta from outside Exit 15 of the arrivals hall (you will see a group of people waiting with signs).
The buses will take you directly to your hotel on Koh Lanta and will include the cost of the ferry from Hua Hin.
Fortunately, ferries to Koh Lanta operate frequently, since the sailing time is only 20 minutes.
The ferries from Hua Hin to Koh Lanta Noi run from 7.00am until 10.00pm and depart every 30 minutes.
If you are not taking the taxi/transfer from the airport and instead would like to hire a car and drive yourself, the cost of the ferry is 50 baht per foot passenger and 130 baht per vehicle.
How To Get To Koh Lanta From Bangkok: The Cheap Way (Bus + Ferry)
If you are traveling on a budget, then you may want to opt for the night bus instead. The good thing is that night buses in Thailand are usually pretty comfortable, cheap, and allow you to save on a night’s accommodation.
To get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta by bus, you will need to follow these two main steps.
- Get to Khao San Montanatip near Khao San Road in Bangkok
- Take the bus to Koh Lanta Saladan Pier
- Get a taxi to your hotel
Step 1: Get to Khao San Montanatip
To get to Khao San Montanatip, you can either take a bus, ride-share app such as Uber, or taxi.
If you’re arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can take the Rail Link to Phetchaburi, where you can then change onto the MRT.
Take the MRT to Sam Yot Station, and from there take a Bolt or Grab to Khao San Montanatip, which is cheaper than a taxi.
If you are arriving at Don Mueang Airport, take the Red Line to Phaya Thai station, then, transfer to the BTS Skytrain and take it to Siam Station.
From there, take a taxi or Grab to Khao San Montanatip.
If you’re already in Bangkok, you can take a bus to Khao San Montanatip. There are several buses that pass near here, and you can see each of them and their schedules here.
Step 2: Take the bus
Once you have reached Khao San Montanatip, you then need to get the bus. Typically the bus leaves between 5.00pm and 7.00pm, but do check the time on your booking.
We recommend you book the bus via 12Go.asia, which includes the bus and ferry connection.
The prices on 12Go.asia have been comparable to what we have been quoted at travel agencies in Thailand, so we always use them when booking buses and transfers.
Note that the bus requires you to check in 1 hour before departure and you are allowed 20kg of luggage per person. Any additional baggage you will have to pay extra for.
You must show the driver your booking confirmation/QR code at check in.
Step 3: Get a taxi to your hotel from Koh Lanta Saladan Pier
The bus will drop you off at Koh Lanta Saladan Pier, which is at the northern side of Koh Lanta Yai near Klong Dao Beach.
Depending on where you choose to stay in Koh Lanta, you will need to get a taxi to your hotel from Saladan Pier. The good news is there will be taxis waiting at the pier – just walk over to the roundabout next to the pier and you will see a handful of taxis waiting for you.
The price depends on how many people you have in your group, but a taxi shouldn’t cost more than 100 baht.
Sometimes the resorts will have a shuttle bus, so do check with your hotel before jumping in a taxi.
You can also find scooter rentals near the pier if you don’t have a lot of luggage and plan to hire a scooter anyway.
How To Get From Koh Lanta to Bangkok
The best way to get back to Bangkok from Koh Lanta is to get a shuttle bus from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport, and fly back to Bangkok. You can book this via 12Go.Asia or by arranging a transfer service with your hotel.
This is the only way to get back to Bangkok if you haven’t hired a car from Krabi Airport and driven yourself to Koh Lanta.
If you have, you will need to cross the ferry crossing from Koh Lanta Noi to Hua Hin Pier and drive back.
Since you’re in Koh Lanta, you might want to plan to visit other islands in Thailand, such as Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, Koh Jum, Railay Beach or Ao Nang, or some of the further away islands such as Koh Lipe, Koh Libong or even Langkawi.
You can get direct ferries and speed boats from Saladan Pier to these islands, and there are multiple ferries leaving throughout the day. See the timetable below.
Getting To Koh Lanta FAQs
What is the best way to get to Koh Lanta?
The best way to get to Koh Lanta is to fly to Krabi International Airport and then take a bus/transfer service. The transfers include the ferry and take you directly to your hotel, making it easy and convenient.
Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Koh Lanta is definitely worth visiting. The island is remote, and less populated by tourists, which means it’s unspoiled and quiet. It has beautiful beaches, impressive caves, and a fascinating Koh Lanta Old Town.
Final Thoughts On Getting From Bangkok To Koh Lanta
While reaching Koh Lanta is not a quick endeavour, it’s definitely worth the trek. If you’re finding the chaos of Bangkok is putting you on edge, the quietness and remote lifestyle in Koh Lanta will soothe your troubled mind.
While there are two ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, we hope this guide gave you some insight into the best route to take for you.
No matter where you’re coming from or which way you decide to get to Koh Lanta, the dazzling beaches of Koh Lanta and quiet resorts will make every minute of travel worth it.