A Summer Guide to Koh Lanta: What to do, eat & drink in paradise

Most of your time on this gorgeous southern Thai island should be about soaking up the breeze, swimming in the clear blue sea and reconnecting with nature. But Koh Lanta also has more attractions if you’re looking to do other things, whether it’s visiting cafes, wandering in the old town or sailing out to catch some crabs.

EAT

Tuesday Morning 

Brunch by the sea is a must, especially if you’re angling for a nice IG post, and Tuesday Morning offers just that. Big trees shade simple wooden tables out front, giving a frontrow view of the calm sea. The menu includes scrumptious globally influenced comfort food, including smashed avocado on toast, Mexican pancakes with eggs Benedict, and nasi lemak. Dinner is also a fulfilling affair, with baked barramundi, roasted rosemary chicken, and a seafood platter. Drinks include a simple selection of wine, beers, and cocktails — perfect for those who are looking to toast over the sunset.

27 Koh Lanta Yai

088-409-2914

Open daily 09:09-19:07

Smoon

Travel calories don’t have to be so bad if you can find healthy alternatives, which Smoon provides. The cozy cafe has smoothie bowls, and dairy-free and gluten-free options, which you can enjoy seated at a wooden communal table or ensconced in comfortable rattan chairs. Recommended dishes include salmon with rye bread, rye bread with beetroot hummus avocado and falafel, almond flour lemon cake, and butterfly pea tea with lime soda.

241 Moo 8 Koh Lanta Yai
062-563-9939
Open daily 08:00-16:00

DRINK

Blues Doo Bar 

This beachside bar is probably one of the best spots to witness Koh Lanta’s spectacular sunsets. The relaxed scene comes with a long list of drinks and a seafood platter that covers all the basics, from grilled fish, to oysters, to crab and prawns. To get the night going, head to the bar and ask for your favorite drinks from the friendly bartenders.

Klongnin Beach, Ban Koh Lanta
099-184-6556
Open daily 17:00-late

Escape Cafe 

Pretty interiors, a sun-drenched wooden deck, cozy beach cabanas and an amazing coffee milkshake lure travelers and locals to this popular cafe. The place is set on the white-sand stretch of Long Beach, which means you can wander along the shore with a latte or a beer in hand, and get a nice serving of sparkling ocean as well. It turns into a lively bar at night, so stick around after sunset.

472 Moo 3, Tambon Saladan
087-707-6076
Open daily 08:00-17:00

DO

Kasem Homestay Kohpor 

There’s nothing better than meeting new people and learning about the local culture when you’re on an adventure. Kasem Homestay is run by a local fisherman who will show you how wonderful his hometown is through numerous activities such as fishing, hunting for shells, catching crab or squid, and night sailing. All you need to do is prepare yourself for a wonderful trip on a longtail boat.

74 Moo 4 Koh Lanta Yai
083-650-3967
https://www.facebook.com/KasemHomeStay

Lanta Old Town 

Legendary Lanta Old Town used to be a trading pier more than 100 years ago. In addition to seeing lovingly restored wooden houses, you can score fabulous buys at Thai vintage stores and souvenir shops, and sample delicious eats at cafes or street food stalls. Make sure you pass by The Hammock House if you’re on the hunt for locally made swings or a TouCan hammock.

Lanta E-Bike Tours 

Rent a mountain bike or an e-bike and explore the island, either by yourself or with an expert guide. Tours are offered for different levels, ranging from Classic (15km), to Adventurer (17km), to Off the Beaten Track (23km). Drive through the local community, explore nature trails and hear stories from the locals. Price ranges from THB1,500 to THB1,600 THB, and includes pick- up service, tour guide, bicycle and helmet rental, drinks and lunch.

https://www.lantaebiketours.com/

Bulle de Douceur 

If your holiday plans usually involve supporting local and sustainable businesses, then this store is perfect for you. Bulle de Douceur sells natural cosmetics and cleaning products made on the island. Each item contains natural ingredients and are crafted with no chemicals and parabens, and zero waste. We recommend the clay avocado oil, peppermint shampoo and the anti-fog spray for defogging your snorkel masks. They also offer workshops (starts at THB1,100 for three hours) on how to make soap and household products.

296 Moo 3 Tambon Saladan
098-680-1136
www.bullededouceurbylucille.com

Yee Peng 

The eastern part of the island is home to this old community situated by a mangrove forest. Recently, tourists have started coming to the area to go on nature walks, bike through the community, plant some seagrass, go on a traditional boat tour or kayak along the beautiful underwater forest. For a more memorable experience, visit Yee Peng in the morning to witness the unforgettable sunrise.

Ban Tung Yee Peng, Tambon Saladan

Gojo 4-island Tour 

A visit to Koh Lanta wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the beautiful Andaman sea. GOJO offers an all-day island-hopping speedboat tour that promises a whole lot of fun snorkeling, sunbathing and exploring four different islands. Just make sure you lather on the sunscreen. 

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