How to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta (2024)

Thinking about a trip to Koh Lanta? We share different ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, so you can decide the right route for you.

Koh Lanta is a beautiful destination, just 80 kilometres south of Krabi Town. There are a few ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta and today, we share all those options, so you can choose the best option for you. 

Contents hide

1 Why visit Koh Lanta?

2 How to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta?

2.1 The Fastest way

2.2 The cheapest way

2.3 The unique way

2.4 Helpful Resources

Why visit Koh Lanta?

Koh Lanta is a relaxed, beautiful island in Thailand and is well with a visit. This is a very laid back island, so don’t expensive lots of parties here. However, you can spend your days relaxing on the beach and spend your evenings sipping on cocktails along the beach bars. You can explore Ko Lanta Old Town, a charming destination where the old harbour use to be. Explore the national park and make sure to visit the various beaches around the island. 

How to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta?

The Fastest way

The quickest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is via flight. You can fly from Bangkok to Krabi Airport then take a private car straight to Koh Lanta. 

Flights to Krabi are available with Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) whilst budget airlines like Thai Lion air, Not Air and Air Asia from Don Mueang airport (DMK). The flight takes under an hour and a half. 

Once you land in Krabi, you can take a private transfer or taxi to the Hua Hin Pier, where a ferry is available to travel over to the island of Koh Lanta. Alternatively, you can take one of the minivans that are available from outside of the Krabi Airport. 

TIP: Book your flights with Air Asia for an all-included package; you will fly to Krabi then take their transfer bus over to Koh Lanta. 

Other flight options include flying from Bangkok to Trang or Phuket then making your way to Koh Lanta from here. This is a great option if you have the time and want to explore Trang or Phuket before heading over to Koh Lanta. Trang is around a 2 hour minivan ride away from Koh Lanta and you can catch a ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta.

Prices: Prices will of course vary depending on what time of year you are travelling and which airline you choose to fly with. Flights can be found for as little as 814B one way when booking in advance, however, you will need to be additional prices for checked luggage. 

The cheapest way

Koh Lanta is around 1000KM from Bangkok, so quite a journey via car. If you are travelling on a budget, it is possible to catch an overnight bus to Krabi then travel to Koh Lanta via the ferry. 

This journey tends to begin in the evening in Bangkok and takes around 11 hours to drive to the Krabi Bus Terminal. One you are at the terminal, you may have to wait for 2-3 hours to take a minivan or taxi towards the pier, to then catch the ferry. 

Prices: You can reserve your bus seat using the 12GoAsia website and tickets cost around 1100B. Compare flight and bus prices before your trip, as prices can work out cheaper depending on the time of the year you are travelling. Additionally, you may be able to haggle for cheaper prices when booking at a tour company along Khao San Road or via your hotel/hostel. 

The unique way

It is possible to take the train to Koh Lanta and this is a unique option for many. This is a 16-17 hour overnight sleeper train that runs from Bangkok to Trang, and then you would take a 2-hour minivan or taxi to Koh Lanta. 

Prices: These train routes can also be booked on 12GoAsia but will only take you to Trang. From the Trang Station, you can book a minivan trip from the tour agent near the station. The 2nd Class Sleeper AC train ticket costs around 1080B whilst a 1st class Sleeper train (that will give you more privacy) costs 1767B.