Sightseeing on Ko Lanta

Driving or riding around Ko Lanta is a challenge and makes for an excellent adventure. You can explore independently by renting a bike or Jeep 4WD at any of the tour agents on the island. The road conditions are good with paved surfaces, with the exceptions of two roads - the first running across the island to the East coast, and the second the last 10km of road at the southernmost point on the way to national park. This should be attempted by experience riders only.


Ko Lanta's people are a mixture of many races; Muslim, Thai, Thai-Chinese and Sea Gypsies. This diversity means you can see old Chinese style houses, Islamic Mosques, Buddhist Temples and traditional Thai housing styles, all on one tiny island.
Many of the local people work in fishing communities, and you can easily spot large groups of the colourful long-tail boats moored on almost every beach. Further inland, you can see rubber and palm farming set against the back drop of Ko Lanta's mountain range. On the East coast flat lands prawn farming and fish farming using floating baskets continues .



Information - Getting Around on Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta has one paved road running from Ban Saladan (the main town) along the length of the West coast, then turning across the island and following the East coast southwards.

The unpaved roads are generally in pretty good condition, but can deteriorate quickly in rainy season, becoming more difficult to negotiate without a 4 wheel drive.

The main form of transport on the island is small motorcycle or scooter. These can be rented by the day, week or month at any resort or travel agency - you can expect to pay around B250 per day plus petrol.

Even though there is little traffic, please keep to the left, drive
with care and go slowly enough to enjoy the views!
Many visitors return home with a “Thai tattoo” on their leg –
a small scar left by the burn mark from a motorcycle exhaust – remember they get hot! If you have a flat tire, you'll probably find
a small 'patch tire' shop nearby that will fix it quickly and cheaply.

A safer way to explore the island, particularly for families, is by Jeep. Small Jeeps area available for rent by the day or week through most travel agents on the island. Booking in advance is recommended as there is a limited supply of jeeps on the island.

A limited Song-Thiew service is in operation, offering cheap transport available along the main road, in the back of pick-ups fitted with canopies & benches. Motorcycle taxis and
tuk-tuks can be hired easily in Ban Saladan and along the West coast of the island.
Resort transport runs from most resorts to the Pier in Ban Saladan, meeting the ferry and minibus arrivals & departures daily, at 8 am, midday and late afternoon.