Koh Lanta: Getting There, Park Fees and Season

A ferry from Ko Phi Phi reaches Ko Lanta at about 9.30 after an 8.00 departure for about THB 300. From Krabi it leaves at 11.00 for about THB 350. Mu Ko Lanta National Park is a group 2 park, so a foreign adult pays THB 200. Ko Rok closes 1 June to 30 September.

By Vincent Nguyen and team

A ferry from Ko Phi Phi leaves at 8.00 and reaches Ko Lanta at about 9.30 for about THB 300. From Krabi the ferry leaves Khlong Chi Lat Pier at 11.00 and costs about THB 350. Mu Ko Lanta National Park charges a foreign adult THB 200 (as of June 2022).

Getting to Koh Lanta

Boats run from Krabi and Ko Phi Phi, and a road route runs from the mainland with two car ferries. The table lists each crossing with time and fare.

The operator’s vessels run daily between 07:00 and 18:30. Its price ranges are indicative, and exact fares are on its booking site. The DNP ferry times and fares have no issue date, so confirm them before you travel.

The ferry price covers the ferry only, not land transfers in Krabi, Lanta or Phi Phi. The Krabi pier is Klong Jilad Pier, which the DNP spells Khlong Chi Lat. It is the departure point for most large ferries to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. Full Krabi to Phi Phi timings are on the Krabi to Koh Phi Phi ferry page.

By road

Drive to Krabi, then turn right onto Highway 4206 to Ban Hua Hin. Take two car ferries, first to Ko Lanta Noi and then to Ko Lanta Yai. Some routes on the islands are steep and may require a 4WD vehicle. The mainland leg from Bangkok is on the Bangkok to Krabi page.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park fee

Mu Ko Lanta National Park in Krabi is a group 2 park. As of June 2022 a group 2 park charges a foreign adult THB 200 and a foreign child THB 100. The rates took effect on 7 June 2022. They do not include the charge for bringing a vehicle into the park.

A DNP notice dated 19 September 2022 names Mu Ko Lanta among five parks with a special service charge. After paying, carry the receipt for inspection. Compare other parks on the national park fees page.

The park in brief

The park is in Ko Lanta District, Krabi, and consists of 25 islands. It covers 83,750 rai (134 square kilometers). Ko Rok, Ko Ha, Hin Muang-Hin Daeng, Khao Mai Kaeo Cave, Ko Ngai and Laem Tanot are among its attractions.

The park offers lodges and camping grounds, with tent and equipment rental and a restaurant. The Laem Tanot restaurant is open daily 8.30 to 16.30, and the Ko Rok one daily 8.30 to 17.00. The headquarters telephone is +66 7 565 6576.

Season and closures

Ko Rok is closed 1 June to 30 September. Ko Ha, Hin Muang and Hin Daeng are closed 1 August to 30 September.

The park page opens its tourist season for Ko Rok, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang from 16 November to 15 May and closes it from 16 May to 15 November. Book Ko Rok and dive trips inside that window. If you travel in May, October or early November, ask the operator whether boats run.

Compare Andaman and Gulf months on the islands by month page.

Monsoon and rain

The southwest monsoon covers Thailand from mid-May to mid-October. The northeast monsoon runs from about mid-October to mid-February. The west side of southern Thailand is the Andaman Sea, and Krabi is one of its six west-coast provinces. The start and end of the monsoons can vary from the normal dates in any year.

Average annual rainfall is more than 2,100 millimeters, mostly in the rainy season. Average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius over the year, 34 in March and 24 in December.

The Koh Lanta weather station averages for 1991 to 2020 are below. The year total is 2219.5 mm of rain over 152.8 rainy days.

Health and safety

Jellyfish come close to shore, particularly in the rainy season from May to October, and stings can be fatal. Parts of Ko Lanta are on the list of areas where caution about box jellyfish is advised. People have drowned in strong riptides, especially during monsoon season.

Passenger boats have sunk or collided, usually because of overloading, poor maintenance or rough seas in monsoon season. See the jellyfish and rip currents page.

Beach flags mean the following.

• Two red flags: very dangerous, absolutely no swimming.
• One red flag: danger, no swimming.
• Yellow flag: swim with caution.

For a medical emergency, call 1669. It serves only critically ill emergency patients outside medical facilities.

For a crime that involves a tourist, call the tourist police hotline on 1155. The Royal Thai Police number is 191. More numbers are on the emergency numbers page.

For the wider picture, start at the Thailand islands guide. Read the family-friendly islands comparison to set Lanta against other islands, and the Ao Nang guide for Krabi’s mainland base.

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Not confirmed: Ferry times and fares: the DNP figures carry no issue date, so confirm them with the operator. Special fee: the fee board gives THB 400 and THB 200 but not whether the base fee is added, so check your ticket total. Hospital: no island hospital number is confirmed, so ask your accommodation.

Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.

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