Andaman Coast, Thailand
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 arrivals by land or sea, the period might be 15 or 30 days; check specific rules 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 or residence. Citizens from certain countries, like India and China, obtain a Visa on Arrival 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 prior to travel is needed. This visa involves an application form, a valid passport, recent passport-sized photos, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay. Applications go to a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Thailand does not collect a general entry fee for tourists, beyond any visa application fees when a visa is needed. 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 purpose 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 adults and 100 THB for children for foreign visitors. Keep your ticket. This fee stands apart 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.
May lead to 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 Ko Lanta, specifically in Saladan and along the main 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 give 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 shops accept credit cards, but cash proves most effective for local eateries, street food, scooter rentals, and smaller 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 effective way 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; many accommodations also offer refill stations.
Thailand’s Andaman coast, including Ko Lanta, 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 your accommodation. Heed local alerts and follow instructions from authorities if a warning sounds. During heavy monsoon rains, especially 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 sea 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 unpeeled fruits unless you peel them yourself. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use Hand sanitizer, especially before eating.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness present in Thailand. Use Insect repellent consistently, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellent to exposed skin. Consider wearing Long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings. Verify your accommodation has mosquito nets or screens if staying in open-air bungalows.
Motorbike accidents stand as a significant safety issue for tourists on Ko Lanta. Road conditions vary, 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 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 hostel dorms or basic guesthouses, street food, scooter rental or shared songthaews, and free beach activities or national park visits.
Very low cost accommodation and food.
Limited options for organized tours or higher-end experiences.
Daily Costs: 1,800 - 4,000 THB (approx. $50 - $110 USD). This budget includes comfortable bungalows with air conditioning, a mix of local and tourist restaurants, scooter rental with occasional private taxis, and one or two organized tours like island hopping or a cooking class.
Good balance of comfort and value with varied activities.
Some luxury experiences may fall outside this budget.
Daily Costs: 5,000+ THB (approx. $140+ USD). This budget includes boutique resorts or luxury villas, fine dining, private cars with drivers or speedboat charters, and exclusive experiences like private tours or spa treatments.
Highest comfort levels and access to exclusive services.
Budget for this level 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/Ao Nang | 350 - 500 | Per person, one way. |
This section reinforces health and safety advice to help you stay 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).
Drink only bottled water. Eat hot, freshly cooked food from busy, reputable vendors. Wash hands frequently 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 small antiseptic solution and bandages in your First aid kit. Consider wearing Water shoes in rocky beach areas or when exploring waterfalls to protect your feet from sharp objects and slippery surfaces.
For emergency assistance, dial 191 (Police, Ambulance) or 1155 (Tourist Police for English speakers). Ko Lanta 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 your accommodation's evacuation plan.
While Ko Lanta generally offers a safe environment, awareness of specific risks makes for a more secure and enjoyable trip.
Travel insurance is a good choice 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 and personal liability for accidents where you are at fault.
