Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Is Koh Lanta a good option for relaxation compared to Railay and Ao Nang during high season?

Koh Lanta high season railay beach Ao Nang travel itinerary expat travel advice Thai beaches relaxation crowds Koh Samui hotel recommendations

Jan 2, 2024

a year ago

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

We are rethinking our itinerary and any advice would be appreciated 🙏 We (2 couples almost 50s) land in Krabi after exploring Cambodia and Northern Thailand and really want to relax for a couple days and not be bothered by large crowds.  We have booked Railay for 3nts and Ao Nang for 3nts then off to Koh Samui by ferry. Koh Lanta looks less busy and easy to get to from Krabi airport. would Koh Lanta be a good relaxing place or more of the same high season crowds?

3,077

views

2

likes

63

all likes

31

replies

0

images

16

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around whether Koh Lanta would provide a relaxing experience compared to Railay and Ao Nang during the high season. Many commenters agree that Koh Lanta is generally quieter than the other two destinations, offering nice beaches and a more laid-back atmosphere. Despite some concern about potential crowds during high season, several contributors suggest that Koh Lanta is less busy and a better fit for relaxation. They also recommend exploring the island further to find even quieter spots and highlight the availability of good food options. However, some caution about the busy conditions in Koh Lanta, especially during peak travel times.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Sam *****

Koh Lanta is crazy busy right now.

Like

Reply

Sim *****

Pratchuap khiri khan is a nice quiet town, beach isn’t brilliant but you can go into the air force base which has a lovely bay with a nice beach. Brilliant night market at the railway station too.

Like

Reply

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes we are going to Angkor Wat, Chiang Mai then down to Krabi so thinking Koh Lanta may be a bit more relaxing than Railay west side, and we have to stay at Ao Nang.

Like

Reply

Kitty *******

@Inga ************

hands down, Lanta for me every time

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kitty *******

Reply

Kevin **********

Personally, I'm more drawn to "real Thailand", Ubon is one of my favorites on the Lao border west Thailand, or make it to Angor Watt in Cambodia. Island hopping is a tourist thing but it's not very culturally enlightening. Mostly day tourist. But that's me, as I grew up on an island

Like

Reply

Kevin **********

Hua Hin is nicknamed "Little Stockholm ", and Cha am beach, next door, might just be what you're looking for

Like

Reply

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kevin *********

i figured it was a Scandinavian area lol ! I want to see it all so add to my list of destinations! Thanks for the info and laugh!

Like

Reply

Kevin **********

@Inga ************

say hey to Sven and Ollie for me

Like

Reply

Reply to

Kevin **********

Reply

Kevin **********

With a name like "Inga" Hua Hin beckons you

Like

Reply

Tim *********

Lanta has huge beaches and many bars,restaurants, coffee shops. Always easy to relax

Like

Reply

Aaron *******

Yes, go straight to Koh Lanta.

Like

Reply

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank You! We have looked at this resort.

Like

Reply

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

any suggestions on where to stay for good swiming/floating in the ocean?

Like

Reply

Aaron *******

@Inga ************

I recently stayed at Lanta Sand Resort and Spa. Loved it. Beachfront. Great Beach and Ocean.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Aaron *******

Reply

Eddie ******

If you want laid back peaceful islands look at Koh Mak and Koh Kood. Away from the madding crowds for sure

Like

Reply

Beche ***********

Expore Hong Island, Hong lagoon, loa la ding ,Pakistan pia, snorkeling . It is 6 to 7 hours byprivate long tail boat .

Visit 4 Islands poda island ,chicken island ,separated sea, rai ley is great experience.

We use his services. He has very nice team.

@Phuket *******************

Like

Reply

Chris *******

Personally I'd skip ao nang and go to Lanta after Railay.

Like

Reply

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

wish we could no cancelation at Ao Nang resort.

Like

Reply

Chris *******

@Inga ************

oh well, Railay is a very good stop for a night or two.

Ao Nang is very touristic and does not have a great beach.

They do have a large night Market.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Chris *******

Reply

Nongnuch ********

"not be bothered by large crowds" and then book nights at Ao Nang, Railey Beach and Koh Samui ? These are the crowded places during the high season

Like

Reply

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nongnuch *******

yes, this is why we are rethinking our itinerary and looking into Koh Lanta.

Like

Reply

Nongnuch ********

@Inga ************

yes, Ko Lanta is less busy . .the further you move south on Ko Lanta, the quieter it gets

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nongnuch ********

Reply

Karen ******

Koh lanta is much quieter. Nice beaches and lots of food options.

Like

Reply

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

any hotel suggestions?

Like

Reply

Karen ******

@Inga ************

suggest you cross reference reviews in the last 18 months from travel sites like booking.com and trip advisor in your price range. Since Covid some hotels struggled to re enter the market with staffing issues and cash flow. I like klong dao area because easy to walk for dinner/drinks. Many bars on beach too.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Karen ******

Reply

Phil ******

@Inga ************

yes KL is much less busy than KS.

Like

Reply

Robert ********

Same high season crowds but smaller island... Consider density

Like

Reply

Lindsay ***********************

I think Koh Lanta is much more relaxing that Koh Samui but it is a much smaller island.

Like

Reply

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lindsay **********************

what is the best swimming beach, in your opinion.

Like

Reply

Lindsay ***********************

@Inga ************

sunrise is beautiful with a perfect restaurant but if you walk to the left, as you face the shoreline, along the beach where you arrive you will find a footpath that leads to a tiny quiet beach with one little bar.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Lindsay ***********************

Reply

Steve *******

How long is a piece of string? High season is the clue!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Steve *******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the best destinations in Thailand for both beautiful beaches and shopping, avoiding tourist traps like Phuket?

45 comments

6 months ago

What are some suggestions for activities and places to visit in Koh Samui, especially near Jinta Beach Bungalows?

23 comments

8 months ago

What is the best 2-week itinerary for visiting Thailand, including Phuket, Phi Phi Island, and Krabi?

55 comments

9 months ago

What are some beautiful family-friendly alternatives to Phi Phi Islands between Krabi and Phuket?

16 comments

a year ago

What are recommended itineraries and accommodations for a 3-month trip to southern Thailand, including Koh Samui and Koh Lanta?

5 comments

a year ago

What are the best bungalow recommendations for a trip to Koh Chang in January, specifically at White Sands Beach or Lonely Beach?

4 comments

a year ago

Which is better for a family: Koh Samui or Chiang Mai in Thailand?

185 comments

a year ago

Is Khao Lak a good alternative to Rawai for expats considering a move due to changes in Phuket?

55 comments

a year ago

What are the best travel destinations in Thailand for nature lovers during late March to April 2024, considering the burning season?

9 comments

a year ago

What are some good places in Thailand for expats seeking a quieter, budget-friendly location with amenities?

18 comments

2 years ago

Is taking a ferry from Phuket to Koh Lipe, then to Langkawi, and returning to Thailand via Koh Lanta a good visa run idea?

17 comments

2 years ago

What are the best places to stay in Thailand for seniors traveling from Canada during the holiday season?

60 comments

2 years ago

Where can I take my Mum for a chilled beach vacation for 5 days from Bangkok?

11 comments

2 years ago

Where should an old retired couple stay in Phuket for a 5-month visit?

20 comments

2 years ago

What are the best areas to stay in Ko Phangan for families with small children?

4 comments

3 years ago

What are some recommendations for restaurants and spas in Chiang Mai, Ao Nang, and Krabi for a honeymoon?

10 comments

3 years ago

What lesser-known places in Thailand can I visit during my vacation?

56 comments

3 years ago

What are some recommended places to visit near Phi Phi Islands in Thailand?

12 comments

3 years ago

What is the current situation like in Phuket, Samui, and Koh Phangan for travelers considering a honeymoon in July or August?

9 comments

3 years ago

What are the best beach destinations in southern Thailand for a relaxing visit?

25 comments

3 years ago

Is Koh Si Chang worth a quiet day away from Pattaya?

18 comments

3 years ago

What are the best resorts in Krabi that offer a cultural experience and activities like catamaran tours?

10 comments

3 years ago

Is Koh Lanta completely open to tourists?

0 comments

3 years ago

Which is the best location to live in Thailand for 3-6 months: Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Tao?

14 comments

4 years ago

What tips and recommendations can you share for a holiday in Khao Lak, Thailand?

13 comments

4 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.