Koh Lanta, a perfect island for families!

So many islands in Thailand to choose from, where should you go?  All of them I say, but if you only have a few weeks them definitely head to Koh Lanta.  We started out in Phuket on Patong beach. Although, we enjoyed the beach, Patong was much too crowded and touristy for us. Then we went to Koh Phi Phi which is beautiful and almost as touristy as Phuket but far less seedy. Next we landed on Koh Lanta and loved the quiet charm.  We found a great resort on the beach with several pools where we stayed a few weeks and just chilled. Of course, we were there during the slow or green season so I cannot attest to how busy it gets during high season but with things so spread out I can't imagine this as a party town.

Where to stay

White Flower Apartments & Royal Lanta Hotel

We stayed at two places different places while in Koh Lanta.  We stayed our first few nights in a one bedroom apartment across the road and up the hill from the beach.  It was nice and plenty spacious for for our family.  With a great pool and nice neighbors we could have stayed here for weeks.  We paid about $32USD a night.  However, we are beach people and have little kids so we opted for a deluxe room at the Royal Lanta Resort and Spa.  Being right on the beach was a huge bonus.  They also offer a breakfast buffet with lots of western choices that the kids love.  We negotiated a rate of about $40USD a night.

Getting around

Koh Lanta is super easy to get around.  Tuk tuks and songtow taxis are everywhere.  Just head to the road and negotiate your price. If the first one is too high then just wait for the next one. It should never cost you more than 50 baht one way.  You can also rent a tuk tuk for about 150-500 baht a day.  We decided we wanted more freedom and less hassle to go whenever we wanted so we rented a tuk tuk while we were there.  Our kids especially loved cruising around the island.  We for rates for long term rental to be about 150+ Baht.  Negotiate everything and check out several vendors.

Shopping

Mini marts and 7-11s are plentiful and sell everything you should need like food and diapers.  The main store in town is called Lanta Mart and has all your basic needs even yogurt, hair color and diapers.  But so do most of the mini marts.  The prices tend to be about the same at all the stores.  When we had an apartment food is so affordable that we rarely cooked at home.  Breakfast, snacks and a light lunch was always eaten at home, but we would usually go out for dinner.  A loaf of wheat bread costs about $1USD, peanut butter $3.05USD and jam $2USD.

Food

There are no shortage of yummy and affordable places to eat.  With so many expats making Koh Lanta their home there  is no shortage of Thai or international food choices.  Meals at restaurants usually run 70 to 150 Baht.

Things to do

Diving, snorkeling, boat trips, playing on the beach, relaxing, playing in the pool, and just enjoying life.  We rented a tuk tuk and loved cruising around the island.  There are caves and private beaches all over the island.  Although we were on Koh Lanta in the slow season, there was still a lot of fun things to do.

Thailand is a beautiful country with so many islands to explore.  Hopefully, we will be back soon! What is your favorite island?


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