nakara long beach is the best hotel in koh lanta. the poll shows two chairs looking onto the beach

The Best Hotel In Koh Lanta: Discover The Best Places To Stay

Finding The Best Hotel In Koh Lanta

Looking for the best hotel in Koh Lanta? After spending several weeks on the island and staying in three different hotels, I can confidently say that Nakara Long Beach Resort is the absolute best choice.

As someone who has spent months exploring Thailand and considers Koh Lanta my favourite island, I understand how crucial choosing the right accommodation is for enhancing your island experience.

So I always say Koh Lanta is totally worth visiting!

Located on the pristine Long Beach, Nakara offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and value that will make your stay in Koh Lanta truly memorable.

Having personally experienced the hospitality and amenities here, I can assure you that this recommendation comes from firsthand experience.

There are many amazing things to do on Koh Lanta and excellent restaurants to try, which explains why this island is becoming so popular.

However, there are some other amazing options to consider, which I will talk about.

Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my Privacy Policy.

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Exploring KOH LANTA. Boring Island or Worth Visiting?

Koh Lanta Hotels Map

1 Nakara Long Beach Resort

We simply loved Nakara Long Beach Resort.

When we arrived in September, we had the hotel almost entirely to ourselves, with just three other guests departing the next day.

The staff were exceptional. I chatted with the owner’s son, who you’ll often see kayaking along the sea at sunset.

We got a small private bungalow right on the beach overlooking the Phi Phi Islands.

While breakfast started as a light meal when we first arrived, it expanded to a full buffet once the hotel filled up with guests.

I loved the fact that we had our own TV, a great shower with nice water pressure, and we could tie our bikes to the deck outside the door.

The pool was superb. We discovered a second pool on the south side of the hotel, which opened up for high season. So you are spoiled for choice.

I would say its the best hotel in Koh Lanta!

I would rate this hotel 9/10, only losing a point for the light breakfast when there was no buffet.

2 Peaceful Resort Koh Lanta

Another really good option in Long Beach is Peaceful Resort Koh Lanta.

There is an interesting concrete corridor, as I call it, taking you right down to Long Beach. When we used this walkway, we saw people riding motorbikes down to the beach.

The room was spectacular. It had a dark, woody feel with an amazing bed, large fridge and nice nice-sized TV. We had an outdoor seating area overlooking our beautiful pool.

There was a small shower to remove sand from your feet before entering the pool, which kept it nice and clean.

The staff were superb. Always smiling and willing to help us book minivans or transport. The breakfast was usually egg-based, but more substantial than other places I have eaten in Koh Lanta.

I particularly enjoyed the fact that we could park our bikes in a sheltered area so they didn’t get wet during the rainy periods.

We were a very short walk from Anny’s, Tamarind and Where Else, so good food nearby too.

3 Lanta Palm Beach Resort

This was the first place we ever stayed on Koh Lanta was Lanta Palm Beach Resort.

While it may not be as spectacular as Nakara or even Peaceful Resort, it was perfect for us to spend 8 days there.

Located about a 20-meter walk from the sands of Long Beach, it was elevated off the ground with a nice little outdoor seating area.

It felt very private, although there were numerous other bungalows around us. Each evening, we could walk the short distance across the premises to San Sunset Bar and have some cocktails, dinner, or a massage on the beach.

Our breakfast was included too. The tasty rice porridge with prawns or chicken was my go-to meal. It was filling and authentically Thai.

However, the restaurant only opens during high season between October and April.

4 Chada Lanta Beach Resort

When I walked past Chada Lanta Beach Resort, I instantly regretted not booking it!

The rooms look amazing with their private balconies that look out over beautiful gardens and a stunning pool. Some of the fancier rooms even have their own pools and spa baths.

The resort is right on the beach, which is perfect for swimming and relaxing. There’s also a lovely spa if you want to treat yourself, and a gym to keep fit during your stay.

The food options are great too, you can enjoy Thai food with amazing sea views at their main restaurant, grab international dishes at their coffee shop, or sip cocktails at their beach bar while watching the sunset.

Scoring 7.7 from over 300 reviews isn’t too bad.

5 Rawi Warin Resort And Spa

I must admit that again, when I looked at Rawi Warin Resort now, I wish I had booked it!

This beautiful 5-star resort has everything you could want, four big pools, a gym, and amazing views over Klong Tob Bay.

The rooms are really spacious with their own balconies, and they’re decorated in a lovely modern Thai style with wooden furniture. Each room comes with a TV, fridge, and tea/coffee making facilities.

When you’re not swimming, you can relax in their library or games room, or let the friendly staff at the tour desk help plan your adventures.

The food options are fantastic too. You can enjoy fresh seafood at The Watermark restaurant right by the water, grab breakfast or international food at The Golden Pond, or have drinks at The Wave Bar.

Couples especially love this place, giving it excellent reviews for romantic visits.

6 Avani Plus Koh Lanta Krabi Resort

Looking for a relaxing beach getaway? The Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort sits on a beautiful hillside overlooking Koh Kwang Beach.

You can sit out on the sand and have dinner as the sun goes down with your loved ones.

One recent guest shared: “Relaxing stay in a great room overlooking the pool. Close to restaurants and path to beach. Took advantage of buggy to reception, used local tuk tuk to visit local restaurants in the evening. Easy access to public beach by path, also took a bike ride organised by hotel. Staff very helpful, beautiful hotel on a lovely chilled island.”

A really good option for staying on Koh Lanta.

7 Lanta Sand Resort & Spa

Maybe the best hotel in Koh Lanta, some would argue. Lanta Sand Resort & Spa looks to be a winner.

This beachfront resort sits right on Long Beach with three swimming pools and free WiFi throughout.

The rooms are comfortable with private balconies, air conditioning, and all the essentials you’d need for a relaxing stay.

There’s a spa offering massages (even on the beach!), and their restaurant serves up delicious meals with stunning sunset views. The beach bar is perfect for evening drinks, open from 11 AM to 11 PM.

Scoring an impressive 8.5 from nearly 2,000 guest reviews online, it’s clearly a favourite among visitors.

8 Moonlight Bay Resort

Looking into Moonlight Bay Resort made me reconsider my accommodation choice!

The resort has a fantastic beachfront restaurant and bar, plus a modern gym to keep fit during your stay.

After a workout, you can treat yourself to a massage at the beachside hut.

There’s something for everyone here – a kids’ area, a library, and even a meeting room.

Getting around is easy with their electric buggy service to the villas, and the friendly staff at reception can help you book motorbike rentals, car hire, or island tours.

With a fantastic score of 8.8 from nearly 500 guest reviews, this resort is clearly a favourite among visitors.

9 Royal Lanta Resort & Spa

Royal Lanta Resort & Spa looks absolutely stunning but comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag.

One guest shared their thoughts: “Swimming pool and location of hotel right on the beach. Not far from shops and places to eat. Breakfast best, but pastries would be nice.”

All rooms come with their own balcony, comfortable furniture, and everything you would expect from a luxury hotel like a TV, fridge and large bathroom. The rooms have a beautiful mix of modern and traditional Thai design.

You can spend your days lounging on the white sand beach, going for a swim, or treating yourself to a massage right by the ocean. The hotel has two big pools surrounded by tropical gardens.

The beachfront restaurant serves amazing coffee and fresh pastries at their Sea Cow Bakery.

For something special, you can enjoy dinner under the stars on their beachfront terrace.

10 Puteri Lanta Family Villas

Puteri Lanta sits in a perfect spot right by the beach.

The views of the ocean from here are amazing. The resort has comfortable rooms with balconies, air conditioning, and everything you need for a great stay. There’s free WiFi everywhere and plenty of parking if you’re driving.

It’s easy to explore the area from here – you can walk to beautiful Kantiang Beach in just a few minutes, and the stunning Ao Nui Beach is only 5 minutes away. The famous Klong Jark Waterfall and Mu Ko Lanta National Park are close by too.

The resort even offers a pickup service from Saladan Pier.

With a fantastic score of 9.0 from almost 300 guest reviews, this place is clearly a favorite among visitors.

I will stay here next time for sure!

11 Twin Lotus Resort and Spa – Adult Only

While Twin Lotus Resort is adults-only, we walked past it during our beach visits, and it looked incredible.

The grounds are stunning with amazing views across the sea.

With a score of 8.9 from nearly 10,000 guest reviews, you know it’s one of the best places to stay on the island.

The pools look like a little piece of heaven, and they’re so close to the beach that you can easily switch between the two.

The rooms and bungalows sit in beautiful garden areas. They mix modern and Thai styles, with nice dark wood furniture. Each room has air conditioning, its own bathroom, and either a view of the sea or gardens.

You can relax by the pool with a drink or try some fun water activities like diving and fishing.

Honestly, I would love to change things up and stay here next time.

12 Lanta Cottage

Located just 50 meters from beautiful Klong Dao Beach and a short 1.5km from Saladan Pier, Lanta Cottage caught our eye during our sunset walks. We loved how it stood out against the colourful evening sky.

The rooms are comfortable and modern, each with its own balcony or terrace, TV, and private bathroom with a shower. You’ll also get nice extras like free WiFi and parking.

They offer bike rentals if you want to explore the area, and can help arrange fun activities like snorkelling and diving trips.

Plus, the location is perfect – you’re close to everything but still have a peaceful spot to relax.

One guest shared: “Overall this place is great. The location is wonderful! It is a short walk to the beach, which is lovely! The pool is great and the staff are wonderful!!! Heads up, you will need to pay in cash. This was my first experience of this in Thailand, but might be a common thing on Ko Lanta.”

Looks like a really good option for backpackers or couples if you ask me.

13 Twin Bay Resort Koh Lanta

Twin Lotus Koh Lanta (rated 8.4 from almost 700 reviews) is a peaceful adults-only resort right on Klong Dao beach.

It stretches along 3 kilometers of beautiful white sand, making it perfect for couples, honeymooners, and digital nomads looking for a longer stay.

Note: The resort will be partially closed during May-September 2025 for renovations, with a full closure from September 7-13, 2025.

The resort has 129 rooms and villas, offering plenty of facilities and activities. To keep the peaceful atmosphere, only guests aged 18 and over are welcome.

It’s easy to get here – just a 1.5-hour drive from Krabi International Airport.

14 YinDee Lanta Villas

YinDee Lanta Villas caught our eye while passing by – it really stood out with its beautiful garden setting.

The property offers lovely villas with their own terraces, and there’s a nice swimming pool you can use all year round. They’ve got free WiFi everywhere too.

Inside, the villas are really comfortable with everything you need – air conditioning to keep cool, a kitchen where you can cook your own meals, clean private bathrooms, and a cosy living room.

You can also relax outside in the dining and seating areas, or have a picnic in the garden.

It’s in a great spot, just a short walk from Kaw Kwang Beach, and you can easily get here from Krabi Airport.

There are some nice places to visit nearby, like Saladan School and the National Park.

Families especially love staying here; they’ve made sure it’s really welcoming for kids with special rooms and facilities for the whole family to enjoy.

15 Alama Sea Village Resort

Alama Sea Village Resort sits overlooking the Andaman Sea in a beautiful spot near Ba Kan Tieng Bay.

The setting is terrific and maybe one of the best sea views in Koh Lanta, in my view.

The resort offers a complete package with a restaurant serving both local and international dishes, an outdoor pool, and a spa, all with free WiFi throughout.

The villas are nicely equipped with everything you need – each one has a balcony with views, a seating area with TV and DVD player, and a private bathroom complete with shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. For comfort, you’ll find air conditioning and a safety deposit box.

One guest shared: “We loved the hut accommodation, so much space with the underneath hammock area. Pool area is stunning and so cheap for what you get. The bedroom was comfy and great to have AC and a fan.”

The resort offers helpful extras like a 24-hour front desk, car rentals, and laundry service. There’s also a sun terrace where you can relax, and you can enjoy special cocktails and drinks at the bar.

16 Lanta Pearl Beach Resort

Lanta Pearl Beach Resort sits right on beautiful Long Beach, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

With an impressive score of 8.8 from nearly 1,000 reviews, this resort offers the perfect mix of exotic charm and luxury living.

The cozy bungalows blend traditional Thai style with modern comfort. Each one has its own balcony where you can relax in a hammock and enjoy garden views. Inside, you’ll find beautiful wooden furniture and a modern bathroom with shower.

There’s plenty to keep you busy, try fishing or snorkelling, or fire up the beachside BBQ for a sunset feast.

Need to explore? The friendly staff can arrange motorbike or car rentals, and help plan your island adventures.

When it comes to food, the Pearl Restaurant serves up delicious Thai dishes and fresh seafood. For lighter bites and refreshing drinks, head to the Pearl Bar.

17 Gooddays Lanta Beach Resort

Passing by Gooddays Lanta Beach Resort on Phra-Ae Beach (also known as Long Beach), I could see what all the fuss was about.

The resort has a lovely outdoor pool and restaurant right by the beach.

The rooms come with either fans or air-con, and all have their own bathrooms with hot showers. You can chill by the pool, get a traditional Thai massage, or rent bikes and cars to explore the island.

One guest shared: “The bungalows were in a great location on Long Beach with easy access to both the swimming pool and Beach. The bars and restaurants were only a short walk away from the resort. Hire moped’s from the resort and were a great way to see the island and the roads very quiet. The staff were very helpful and always on hand if we needed anything.”

This place would be worth every penny if you chose to stay here.

18 LANTA PURA Beach Resort

Located at the northernmost point of Koh Lanta, I was really impressed when I walked past Lanta Pura Beach Resort on Saladan Beach.

The stunning sea views and beautiful beachfront location immediately caught my eye.

This place features an inviting swimming pool and every room comes with its own private balcony, plus there’s free parking if you’re renting a car!

The rooms here are absolutely gorgeous, think elegant spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light.

They have used hardwood furnishings throughout, and each spacious room comes equipped with satellite TV for those relaxing evenings in.

Want adventure? The resort can set you up with exciting snorkeling trips! Or if you’re looking to unwind, treat yourself to a relaxing massage. They’ve thought of everything here, from car rentals to shuttle services and even laundry facilities.

The on-site restaurant serves up an exciting mix of authentic Thai cuisine alongside international favorites. From what I could see, this place definitely deserves a spot on your Koh Lanta accommodation shortlist!

19 Holiday Villa, Lanta

Hidden away in a tropical paradise, Holiday Villa, Lanta sits on its own private beach in Koh Lanta Yai.

You’ll find both a restaurant by the pool and a bar right on the beach. If you need to check your emails or social media, there’s free WiFi at the restaurant.

Getting here is easy, just a quick 5-minute drive from Saladan Pier after your boat trip from Krabi.

The rooms are big and comfy, with air conditioning to keep you cool, a TV for entertainment, and a fridge for your drinks. Each room has its own bathroom with both a shower and bathtub.

Need to unwind? Take a dip in the outdoor pool with relaxing massage jets, or treat yourself to a proper massage. The friendly staff at the front desk can help plan your island adventures, and you won’t have to worry about parking, it’s free!

If you’re getting tired of Thai food, don’t worry, the poolside restaurant serves both local Thai dishes and familiar Western favorites.

You can also grab snacks and drinks at the beach bar, or just order room service if you feel like staying in.

20 Lanta For Rest Boutique

Located in a prime spot on Koh Lanta Yai, Lanta For Rest Boutique offers the perfect mix of convenience and comfort.

Just a quick 900-meter stroll to the beach and 3 kilometers from Saladan Pier, you’ll find everything you need right at your doorstep.

A 7-Eleven is just one minute away, there’s a Mini Big C across the street, and you’re surrounded by great restaurants and useful amenities like laundry services and parking.

The location is ideal for both relaxation and exploration, making it a fantastic base for your Koh Lanta adventure.

One guest shared: “I really liked that this property was really close to the beach. I also liked that the staff were very helpful with everything, they helped me arrange different transfers around the island and pick up and drop off from the harbor. The room was really clean and breakfast was nice for the price that I paid.”

21 Lanta Klong Nin Beach Resort

Nestled in the heart of Koh Lanta, Krabi, Lanta Klong Nin Beach Resort offers a welcoming tropical retreat with convenient perks like free parking and WiFi throughout the property.

The rooms showcase a beautiful blend of modern comfort and traditional Thai style, each featuring a private balcony where you can unwind on comfortable deck chairs.

Inside, you’ll find all the essentials – from satellite TV to a well-stocked minibar.

One guest shared: “We had a really lovely stay! The bungalow was spacious and clean, with a big bed and strong AC. The semi-open bathroom was an interesting feature—clean and functional (good water pressure).”

Looking to explore or relax? The resort has you covered with Thai massage workshops, a helpful tour desk, and easy vehicle rentals.

When hunger strikes, head to their open-air restaurant serving up both local Thai favourites and familiar Western dishes.

Looks like a super option halfway down the island’s west coast.

22 Lanta Castaway Beach Resort

Located on the stunning southern end of Pra Ae Beach, Lanta Castaway Beach Resort welcomes you with its beautiful garden and cosy beach lounging spots, perfect for soaking up the Thai sunshine.

You’ll love the convenience of free WiFi and parking too!

The rooms and bungalows are a perfect blend of comfort and style. Each one comes with modern amenities like air conditioning, a relaxing patio, and all the essentials you need, from a handy kettle for your morning coffee to a well-stocked minibar for sunset drinks.

The spotless private bathrooms add an extra touch of luxury with their modern showers and thoughtful extras.

Getting here is a breeze – just a scenic 7 km drive from Saladan Pier.

Want to explore? The friendly team at the tour desk can help you plan amazing adventures, from island-hopping to diving in crystal-clear waters.

The beachfront restaurant dishes up tasty local and international cuisine while you enjoy stunning ocean views.

23 Ananda Lanta Resort

Another special option that caught my eye was Ananda Lanta Resort, perched perfectly above Klong Dao Beach.

Every time I walked past, it seemed like the place to be, with its stunning elevated position just 3 km from Saladan town.

The resort really stands out with its beautiful rooms, each featuring a private balcony overlooking either the ocean, pool, or lush tropical gardens.

You’ll find all the modern comforts here: air conditioning, satellite TV, and thoughtful touches like electric kettles in every room.

One happy guest shared: “Loved having a view of the ocean, we weren’t expecting that being so far back from the coast, but our room was up high enough to see the ocean from the balcony. The room was very nice and very clean, and the bed and linens were very comfortable. It was a very enjoyable 5 night stay.”

Beyond the rooms, you’ll find everything you need for a perfect stay, from a refreshing pool and relaxing massage services to convenient bike rentals and a restaurant serving both local Thai and international dishes.

They even offer free parking and WiFi in the lobby! Brilliant!

Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Koh Lanta?

Koh Lanta is a beautiful island located in southern Krabi in the Andaman Sea.

Having spent a number of months on the island, I can confidently say that Long Beach is the best place to stay.

You have all you need right here: a gym, workspace, and proximity to one of the best beaches in Koh Lanta.

You can rent motorbikes, bicycles, or even a tuk-tuk at Mr. Chia’s, which is close by, along with several service centres.

Watching the sun go down on Long Beach is a special way to end an evening on the West Coast.

Other places to consider staying include:

  • Khlong Dao Beach – similar to Long Beach and close by.
  • Klong Nin Beach – further south, with a beautiful beach.
  • Kantiang Beach – a beautiful area with numerous smaller beaches nearby.
  • Koh Lanta Old Town – away from the beaches, but has a big Chinese influence and amazing seafood.

Is It Worth Staying In Koh Lanta?

Yes, Koh Lanta is worth visiting.

If you’re looking for a tranquil island experience that doesn’t bring the same nightlife chaos as Koh Phi Phi or Phuket, then Koh Lanta is for you.

You can expect a peaceful experience while still having options for beautiful day tours to the neighbouring islands, as well as mangroves, cave exploration, old town, and an elephant sanctuary.

You can easily reach Koh Lanta via a ferry, shared minivan or taxi, which makes travel in the region simple and easy.

If you want to visit Koh Lanta from Krabi, check out my detailed guide to help you plan your journey.

Which Beach To Stay In Koh Lanta?

I have compiled a list of the best beaches in Koh Lanta, and it will be useful if you’re trying to decide.

In short, Long Beach was my favourite for many reasons.

Also, Kantiang beach, Beautiful Beach and Khlong Nin beach are great options too.

Safety Wing Insurance

My biggest advice for all travellers of all ages is to take out travel insurance.

We use Safety Wing, and when we needed them to step up for emergency surgery in Kazakhstan, they were superb.

I wasn’t sure about them at first, but after having direct experience with their service, I can say I will never travel without insurance again.

Read about our horror story in Kazakhstan.

Final Thoughts/Conclusion

Koh Lanta has an abundance of hotels waiting for you.

My experience in Koh Lanta was nothing short of spectacular. The staff were always good to us. We even got a free hat from Nakara for staying so long with them, which we were delighted with!

All things considered, no matter which hotel you choose, you’ll have a time to remember. The island is full of things to do and great food to try.

Make sure you visit Koh Lanta Night Market for some local fresh food!

Make sure you check out my essential packing list for Southeast Asia. It will help you decide what you need when packing your bags.

Any questions? Just drop me a message.

Thanks for reading,

James


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