Ko Lanta Andaman Coast, Thailand Travel Guide
Citizens of many countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU member states, and New Zealand, enter Thailand without a visa for short stays. Air arrivals often receive up to 30 days. For incoming passengers by road or rail or sea, the period might be 15 or 30 days; check certain guidelines for your nationality. This exemption typically appears as a stamp upon arrival. For longer stays, obtain a visa in advance from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country country or residence. Citizens from certain countries, like India and China, obtain a Voa for up to a 15-day stay. This visa comes at designated international immigration checkpoints, including Krabi International Airport.
For stays longer than visa exemption or VOA periods (e.g., 60 days), a Tourist Visa (TR) submission before traveling is needed. This visa involves an application form, a valid passport, recent passport-id-sized pictures, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of sufficient sufficient money for your stay. Applications head to a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Thailand does not collect a general admission price for tourists, beyond any visa application fees when a a visa is necessary. The immigration process at the airport runs smoothly. You present your passport and the completed arrival/departure card to an immigration officer. They may inquire about your intention of visit or duration of stay. Biometric data, like fingerprints and a photo, generally finds collection at immigration counters.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park: A fee applies for park entry, typically 200 THB for grown-ups and 100 THB for children for foreign visitors. Keep your ticket. This fee stands aside from tour costs. No specific vaccinations stand as a rule for entry into Thailand from most countries. However, ensure your routine vaccinations stay current before travel. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
Passport Validity
Stay valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Thailand. This is a strict regulation.
Can bring about denial of entry at the immigration counter.
For Specific Nationalities
Up to 15 days for citizens of certain countries (e.g., India, China) obtained at specific international airports.
Confirm your country's eligibility and the latest regulations before relying on VOA.
Safety Precaution
Digital copies of your passport, visa, and important documents on your phone or in cloud storage. This creates a backup.
Do not carry all physical documents in one place. Separate your originals and copies.
The Thai Baht (THB) serves as Thailand’s official currency. ATMs are widely available on Koh Lanta, specifically in Saladan and alongside the primary beach roads. These typically levy a fee of 220 THB (about $6 USD) per transaction for foreign cards, plus any fees your home bank may impose. Exchange booths are also common in tourist areas. They present varying rates, so comparing a few can bring savings. Inform your bank of your international travel before you leave to avoid card freezing due to unusual activity. Carrying some small denominations of Baht remains useful for immediate needs, street food, and small purchases, as many local vendors prefer cash. Larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and some dive centers accept credit cards, but cash proves most effective for local eateries, street food, scooter rentals, and more compact shops.
Accommodation per night: Hostel dorm 250-500 THB; Basic fan bungalow 400-800 THB; Mid-range A/C hotel 800-2,500 THB; Luxury resort 3,000-15,000+ THB. Meals per dish: Street food 50-100 THB; Local Thai restaurant 80-250 THB; Tourist/Western restaurant 200-500 THB; Fine dining 500-1,500+ THB. Transportation: Scooter rental 200-300 THB daily; Songthaew 50-150 THB; Taxi/private transfer 200-500 THB; Ferry from Krabi/Ao Nang 350-500 THB; Minivan + ferry from Krabi Airport 400-550 THB. Attractions: Mu Ko Lanta National Park 200 THB; 4-Island Tour 800-1,200 THB (excluding park fees); Snorkeling/Diving day trip 1,200-3,500 THB; Thai Cooking Class 800-1,500 THB.
The most efficient method to save on food. Seek street food and local Thai eateries.
For experienced riders, this offers the most cost-effective island travel with freedom.
May to October visits lead to substantial savings on accommodation and some activities.
Common for scooter rentals, private longtail boats, and market items. Always maintain a friendly demeanor.
Buy large 5-6 liter bottles from supermarkets; a lot of places to stay also offer refill stations.
Thailand’s Andaman coast, including Thailand, faces tsunami risks, as the 2004 event showed. The island has a tsunami warning system, and evacuation route signs appear in coastal areas. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes from where you are staying. Listen to local advisories and follow instructions from authorities if a warning sounds. During heavy monsoon rains, notably from September to October, flash floods can occur in low-lying areas, and small landslides may happen in hilly regions. During the low/green season (May-October), seas become very rough. This renders boat travel dangerous and frequently leads to ferry service and island tour cancellations. Always check ocean conditions and tour operator advisories.
Traveler's diarrhea counts as a common issue. Drink only Bottled water or water purified with a reliable filter. Avoid ice unless it clearly comes from a clean, filtered source (commercial ice generally appears safe). Eat hot, freshly cooked food from reputable vendors or busy restaurants. Avoid raw salads or fruits with the skin on unless you peel them yourself. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use Hand sanitizer, especially before eating.
A mosquito-borne tropical disease is a mosquito-borne illness present in The kingdom of thailand. Use Insect repellent consistently, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most lively. Apply repellent to exposed skin. Consider wearing Long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings. Verify your accommodation has mosquito nets or screens if you're based in open-air bungalows.
Motorbike accidents stand as an important safety issue for tourists on Ko Lanta. Roads can be different, and some drivers can be reckless. Many tourists lack experience driving scooters, especially on unfamiliar roads. Always wear a Helmet (legally mandatory and for your safety). Drive cautiously and defensively. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Consider a taxi ride or songthaew if you do not feel confident driving a scooter.
Here are specific price ranges to guide your planning:
Accommodation (per night): Hostel dorm bed: 250 - 500 THB; Basic fan bungalow/guesthouse: 400 - 800 THB; Mid-range A/C bungalow/hotel: 800 - 2,500 THB; Luxury resort/villa: 3,000 - 15,000+ THB.
Meals (per dish): Street food dish: 50 - 100 THB; Local Thai restaurant meal: 80 - 250 THB; Tourist/Western restaurant meal: 200 - 500 THB; Fine dining meal: 500 - 1,500+ THB.
Daily Costs: 800 - 1,500 THB (approx. $22 - $42 USD). This budget includes shared rooms in hostels or basic guesthouses, street food, scooter rental or shared songthaews, and free beach activities or national visits to the park.
Very inexpensive accommodation and food.
Limited options for organized tours or higher-end experiences.
Daily Costs: 1,800 - 4,000 THB (approx. $50 - $110 USD). This affordable includes comfortable bungalows with air conditioning, a mix of local and tourist restaurants, scooter rental with occasional private taxis, and only one or two organized tours like island hopping or a cooking class.
Good balance of comfort and value having different activities.
Some luxury experiences may fall outside this low-cost.
Daily Costs: 5,000+ THB (approx. $140+ USD). This affordable includes boutique resorts or luxury villas, fine dining, personal vehicles with drivers or speedboat charters, and exclusive experiences like private tours or spa treatments.
Highest comfort levels plus admission to exclusive services.
Budget for this degree of travel escalates quickly.
| Mode of Transport | Typical Cost (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter Rental (daily) | 200 - 300 | Most popular, good for independent travel. |
| Songthaew (shared taxi, short distance) | 50 - 150 | Flexible, negotiate fare. |
| Ferry from Krabi/A Beach town in krabi | 350 - 500 | Per person, one way. |
This section reinforces health and security recommendations to assist you keep well and secure during your Ko Lanta adventure.
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tdap, MMR, Rabies (for prolonged stays or animal contact), Japanese Encephalitis (for prolonged rural stays during monsoon).
Stick to bottled water. Eat hot, freshly cooked food from busy, reputable vendors. Regularly wash your hands or use Hand sanitizer.
Use high SPF Sunscreen, wear Hats and Sunglasses. Stay hydrated and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Quick action on cuts and scrapes avoids infection in the tropical climate.
Clean and disinfect any cuts or scrapes immediately. Pack a little antiseptic solution and bandages in your First aid kit. Consider wearing Water shoes in rocky shorelines or when exploring waterfalls to look after your feet from sharp objects and slippery surfaces.
For emergency assistance, dial 191 (Police, Ambulance) or 1155 (Tourism Police force for English speakers). Thailand Hospital (075-697-078) is in Saladan. For serious situations, transfer to larger hospitals in Krabi or Phuket may prove necessary.
Pharmacies are widely available for common medications.
Bag snatching from motorbikes or opportunistic theft from unattended belongings can occur. Secure valuables in hotel safes and keep bags close.
Accidents involving tourists on scooters stand as common. Always wear a Helmet. Drive cautiously, especially if inexperienced, and avoid driving under the influence.
The island features a warning system and evacuation route signs. Be aware of where you're staying's evacuation plan.
While Ko Lanta generally offers a safe environment, awareness of certain risks makes for a more secure and enjoyable trip.
Travel insurance is a great option for international trips to Ko Lanta. A policy typically covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability. Verify your policy covers activities like diving or scooter rental (some policies exclude these if you do not hold a valid International Driving Permit).
Covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation (which can be very costly without insurance).
For unforeseen events that prevent or cut short your trip, like illness or family emergencies.
Includes compensation for lost or delayed baggage plus personal liability for accidents where you are at fault.
