Thailand Travel: Koh Lanta National Park
Day 5, March 16: Koh Lanta
Today was our first real deep dive into Koh Lanta’s natural side: the part that feels untouched, humid, and humming (sometimes literally, given the cicadas) with jungle life. With a rented motorbike, a loose plan, and the promise of sunset on the western beaches, we set out for a full day of exploring.
Motorbike Morning
We started the day by revving up our motorbike and heading south toward Mu Ko Lanta National Park, a ride that winds along the coastline and dips through little pockets of jungle. The farther you go, the quieter the island becomes—fewer cafés, fewer scooters, more trees.
Before anything else, we made sure to book our snorkel trip for tomorrow—easy, quick, and one of the best parts about staying on Koh Lanta. Most trips can be booked just a day ahead without any stress.
Koh Lanta National Park Hike
The entrance fee is simple and budget-friendly: 200 baht per person (about $5.20 USD), and it grants access to everything inside—trails, beaches, and the iconic lighthouse.
The hike itself was short but full of life: thick green canopy overhead, the occasional rustle in the leaves, and monkeys absolutely ready to steal your water bottle if you let them. The trail loops around the hillside and delivers wide-open ocean views before dropping you near the lighthouse, perched dramatically between two beaches. It’s one of the best panoramas on the island.
After the hike, we cooled off by wandering the beach below, with its clear waters and soft white sand that reminded me of those old iMac backgrounds. It felt so UNREAL.
Lunch at Three Sisters
National parks have a way of sharpening your appetite, so after hiking and sweating through half the morning, we hopped back on the motorbike and headed to Three Sisters Restaurant.
If you’re craving traditional Thai comfort food, this place hits the spot.
We ordered Khao Soi, and it was exactly what we needed—rich, aromatic, and restorative after a humid jungle hike.
Sunset Dinner on the Beach
Koh Lanta’s west coast might be one of the best sunset-watching stretches in Thailand. You can choose from Khlong Dao, Long Beach, or Khlong Nin—each with long sandy shorelines and restaurants right on the sand.
We picked one, settled in with dinner, and watched the sky shift from blue to gold to dusky pink. It felt like the whole beach collectively exhaled.
What We Didn’t Do (But You Might Want To!)
Koh Lanta has so many options that it’s impossible to do them all in one day. Here’s a list of what we skipped today but is absolutely worth considering:
Beaches & Nature
- Long Beach
- Kantiang Bay
- Waterfall Bay (Ao Klong Jark) + waterfall hike
- Bamboo Bay (Ao Mai Pai)
- Old Town
- Khlong Dao Monday Market
Wellness & Activities
- Oasis Yoga — 400 baht classes
- Massage / spa treatments
- Cooking classes
- Elephants (choose ethical options)
Food Spots to Explore on Future Days
- Smoon
- Shanti Beach House
- Auntie Mae’s Bakery & Deli
- Khao Yai Restaurant
- Baja Taco
- Yawee
- Red Snapper
- May’s Kitchen
- Happy Veggie
Final Thoughts
If Day Four was all about settling into the ease of island life, Day Five was about discovering Koh Lanta’s roots. Its forests, its cliffs, its hikes, its sunsets. It’s a place that rewards both adventure and slow living, and today we got a little of both. It’s been nearly four years since we’ve been (wow!), and I’m still dying to return.
Ready for Day Six whenever you are!
