If you're planning a holiday in Koh Lanta, Thailand, you may wonder about the best ways to get around the island. Whether travelling from the pier to your hotel or visiting various beaches, knowing the available transportation options and their costs is essential. Although Koh Lanta is over 20 km long, the options for getting around are limited. Your choices include tuk-tuks, taxis, bicycles, motorbikes, and rental cars. Let's take a closer look at each of these options.
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Book a taxi / bus / shared transfer from Krabi to you hotel on Koh Lanta
Public transport on Koh Lanta
Regarding public transportation on Koh Lanta, it's simple - there isn't any. Locals generally drive their own motorbikes and cars.
Although there have been attempts to organize public transportation on the island, they have yet to be successful. I even managed to see buses on Koh Lanta a couple of times. But they have been out of work for a long time.
You can find and buy bus tickets from Krabi to your hotel on Koh Lanta on the 12Go.Asia website.
Taxi on Koh Lanta
Taxis on Koh Lanta come in three types of vehicles:
- Traditional cars with air conditioning,
- Converted pickup trucks that can fit up to 8 passengers,
- Tuk-tuk taxis are motorbikes with a sidecar that can accommodate 3-4 passengers.
A taxi booked from the Kiwitaxi is the quickest and most comfortable way to get from Krabi Airport to your hotel on Koh Lanta.
Like in other Asian tourist destinations, taxi prices at Koh Lanta can vary depending on the driver. If only one taxi driver is available, they might charge you a high price.
There is no taxi company on Koh Lanka and there are no uniform rates. All local taxi drivers work for themselves. Transport companies work only for long distances, for example, to Krabi airport or Ao Nang. You can order long-distance taxis on 12go.com or KiwiTaxi.
To help you estimate the cost of a taxi ride on Koh Lanta, here are some typical fares:
- From Saladan Pier to Klong Dao Beach (2 km) - 40-80 baht
- From Saladan Pier to Bakantiang Beach (20 km) - 300-400 baht
- From Klong Dao Beach to Klong Khong Beach (8 km) - 100-200 baht
If you want to hire a car with a driver to explore Koh Lanta Island, you can negotiate an hourly rate with the driver. For example:
- 1500 baht for 4 hours,
- 2200 baht for 6 hours.
But agree on the total price and route to avoid surprises. Otherwise, the driver might claim that he did not agree to drive so far.
Unfortunately, as of writing this article, it's impossible to order a Grab Taxi on Koh Lanta. It is a pity, as the Grab Taxi app can help reduce transportation costs in other parts of Thailand.
Motorbike (scooters) for rent on Koh Lanta
If you want to rent a motorbike (scooter) in Koh Lanta, you can find them in many hotels and front of tour agencies. However, keep in mind that the cheapest options are usually in poor mechanical condition.
Be ready to pay around 300 baths daily for a technically sound motorbike that isn't too beat up.
Theoretically, you must have a category A driver's license to ride a motorbike. In practice, police presence on the island is minimal. However, please remember that your insurance companies may refuse to pay for treatment if you get into an accident without a Category A license.
It's important to note that despite the roads to Koh Lanta being less crowded than other areas of Thailand, they're not necessarily safe.
Find things to do on Koh Lanta Book a taxi from your hotel to Krabi airport
The roads can be hazardous due to potholes, aggressive drivers, and lack of lighting at night.
If you need to become an experienced rider, consider safe alternatives such as bicycles, rented cars, or guided tours.
Rent a bicycle on Koh Lanta
Bicycles are available for rent for around 100-150 baht per day, but motorbikes may be easier to find. Some hotels offer bicycle rentals, so it's worth checking when booking your accommodation.
Car for rent on Koh Lanta
Car rental options are available starting from 1200 baht per day if you prefer to travel by car.
If you plan to explore beyond Koh Lanta island and into the Krabi province, renting a car from Krabi Airport and taking it on the ferry to Koh Lanta may be more cost-effective.
There is only one central gas station on Koh Lanta in the island's northern part, a few kilometres away from the Saladan pier on the main road. You can find self-service gas vending machines and counters filled with fuel bottles on almost every corner.
As elsewhere in Thailand, refuelling at a gas station is most cost-effective since prices are typically lower than those at vending machines and bottles.
An article you might be interested in: The best destinations in Krabi (Thailand).
