Whether you are in Krabi Town, arriving at Krabi Airport or staying in one of the coastal towns in Krabi Province, there are many ways to travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta, depending on the season. Koh Lanta is an island (actually there are three islands, but more on that later), so you have to take a ferry to get there, although the island is very close to the mainland and the ferry journey is very short. As Koh Lanta is easily accessible, it is a popular choice among tourists who want to feel the pulse of the island of Thailand with its beautiful beaches, limestone formations and jungles.
Since Koh Lanta consists of three main islands, getting here can be a bit confusing. The first island is called Koh Klang and is located next to the mainland, separated only by a small river that can be crossed by a bridge. The next island is Koh Lanta Noi, or Little Lanta, connected to Koh Lanta Yai by a road bridge. Koh Lanta Yai (Big Lanta Island) is where most of the change in tourism has taken place, as it is an island with a long coastline and nine beautiful white sand beaches. In this guide, when we talk about Koh Lanta, we will refer to Koh Lanta Yai Island as this is where you will go on your trips from Krabi to Koh Lanta.
Car trip from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Ferry traveling between the mainland and Koh Lanta © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
Traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta is very easy as there are many transportation options. If you’ve read the first few paragraphs of this article, you already know that Koh Lanta is an island and you need to take a ferry to get there, although the distance is short and it’s part of the car trip, so in many guides it travels without even mentioning it and this is something to keep in mind. Another thing to consider is the time of year you plan to travel. You can go to Koh Lanta from Krabi by road all year round, regardless of the season, unlike the two options below.
So what are the road travel options from Krabi to Koh Lanta? You can rent a car if you feel like driving and want to explore the roads of Thailand. The biggest advantage of having your own car is that you can go at your own pace and stop wherever you want along the way. In addition, you will be able to use the car upon arrival in Koh Lanta. You can rent a car at Krabi airport.
Toyota vehicle often used as a minibus or minivan in Thailand © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
If you’re arriving at Krabi Airport but don’t want to drive, there are several different options to choose from. Private vans can be hired for up to 6 passengers. They are a great option if you are traveling with family or friends as you can split the cost between several people. You’ll pay for the entire van, not just the seats you take, so the total price will be the same whether you’re traveling alone or with five other friends. The good thing is that you will have the van to yourself, you will be able to enjoy the air conditioning and you will have more space than in a public van (see below). Upon arrival in Koh Lanta, you will be taken to the door of your hotel. You can also hire a private van to pick you up from your hotel, not just to get there from the airport.
Public vans can pick you up from the airport or hotel in Krabi. The advantage is that they are cheap, but they also have a disadvantage: public minivans are always crowded and it is often very hot. Sometimes there is even a lack of space for luggage, which can be a big problem. Even if you have booked a seat in advance, you will not be guaranteed a seat as drivers usually pick up more passengers along the way. If we add the stops the van makes at hotels in Koh Lanta to drop off other passengers, you’ll understand why many tourists prefer a private van.
Ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta
As we have discussed, the ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta will not be an option if you are traveling in low season (usually May to late October) due to rough seas, but if you are going between November and April, the passenger ferry is a good way to travel from Krabi on Koh Lanta.
You can catch a ferry from Krabi Town at Krabi Passenger Pier or from Ao Nang if it’s more convenient for you. In Ao Nang, boats depart from Nopparat Thara Harbor and free shuttles are available from Ao Nang Beach. The ferry takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to cross from Ao Nang and 2 hours from Krabi.
Express fast boat from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Another option you might want to consider in peak season is the fast boat service. If you are traveling to Koh Lanta from Krabi between November and April, this will be the fastest way to get there. The combo ticket includes a private van transfer from the airport. You will be taken to the fast boat port where you will board one for the 10-15 minute express cruise to Koh Lanta Port. There they will be waiting for you to pick you up and take you to your hotel.
Admittedly, this tour only saves a bit of time, but it’s a fun way to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi.