Ko Lanta Andaman Coast, Thailand Travel Guide
Songthaews signify the most common form of "public" transport on The island of Lanta. A songthaew is a converted pick-up truck with two rows of benches in the back. They act as shared taxis, getting the hang of and dropping off passengers along their route. They are a common sight alongside the primary roads. Songthaews mainly follow the main north-south road of An Island district in krabi province Yai. This road connects Saladan, the principal town and ferry pier in the north, with the different beaches down the length of the west coast. Destinations include Klong Dao, Long Beach, Klong Khong, Klong Nin, Kantiang Bay, and continue further south towards Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
Thailand’s songthaews do not operate on a fixed route or a structured ticketing system. Fares are negotiated directly with the driver before you board. Expect to pay between 50-150 THB per person, depending on the distance. For example, a trip from Saladan to A Vast beach might cost 50-80 THB, while a trip to Kantiang Bay might be 100-150 THB. Fares typically increase slightly at night. Songthaews operate from early morning, generally about 7 AM, until late evening, usually around 10 PM or 11 AT night.
Runs along the north-south road of The kingdom of thailand Yai, connecting Saladan with various west coast beaches.
No formal ticketing; fares are agreed upon directly with the driver based on distance.
Typically from 7 IN the morning to 10 PM or 23:00, with frequency varying with demand.
Limited availability on Ko Lanta. Local agencies or large resorts may offer. IDP is mandatory.
Most popular option (200-300 THB/day). Widely available. IDP is lawfully mandatory for motorcycles.
No formal sharing programs. Some guesthouses offer (50-100 THB/day) for brief trips.
Thailand drives on the left. Helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists. Be a cautious driver.
Renting a scooter is the most popular and convenient way to navigate Ko Lanta. Shops, guesthouses, and resorts widely offer them. A standard automatic scooter typically costs 200-300 THB per day. Longer rental periods often include a small discount.
These traditional Thai boats can be hired for short hops between nearby beaches or for private island hopping tours. Negotiate directly with a captain.
Tour operators arrange transfers for specific excursions using minivans or songthaews; these are generally included in the tour price.
Infrastructure on Thailand generally poses challenges for travelers with mobility needs. Sidewalks are often uneven or absent. Public transport may have difficulties.
Saladan the town has sidewalks for walking. Beaches are excellent for strolls, especially when the tide is out.
Safe for leisurely walks.
No dedicated bicycle lanes exist. Cyclists share main roads with vehicles.
For experienced cyclists only.
Stay off of when walking or cycling main roads at night due to poor lighting and rapid traffic.
Travel by taxi or Songthaews at night.
Longtail boats offer a traditional and flexible mode of water transport. For incoming passengers, finding transport from Saladan Pier is generally straightforward.
No hop-on-hop-off bus services operate on Ko Lanta. Tours use private minivans or Songthaews, generally included in the tour price.
Main roads lack dedicated sidewalks, making long walks challenging and sometimes unsafe, especially at night.
No dedicated bicycle lanes. Share roads with vehicles. Stick to tranquiler streets or resort areas for casual rides.
Always take photos or videos of your rental scooter or car before you start driving. Document any existing scratches or damage to avoid disputes when returning the vehicle.
Songthaew on Ko Lanta, Krabi Province, Thailand. Photo by Aiwok, Wikimedia Commons.
