Koh Lanta: Boats, Park Fee and When to Go

Easiest way in: the 8.00 ferry from Ko Phi Phi reaches Ko Lanta at about 9.30 for about THB 300, and from Krabi the 11.00 ferry costs about THB 350. A foreign adult pays THB 200 for the national park, and Ko Rok is closed from 1 June to 30 September.

Ko Lanta is a ferry ride from Ko Phi Phi or Krabi. The earlier boat leaves Ko Phi Phi at 8.00 and lands at about 9.30, for about THB 300. From Krabi, the ferry leaves Khlong Chi Lat Pier at 11.00 for about THB 350. Mu Ko Lanta National Park charges each foreign adult THB 200, as of June 2022.

Getting to Koh Lanta

Most people come by boat from Krabi or Ko Phi Phi, and there is also a road route on two car ferries.

Treat the operator prices as a guide and check the booking site for the exact fare. Land transfers at either end cost extra, as the ferry price covers the ferry only. In Krabi, most large ferries leave from Klong Jilad Pier. For full timings, see the Krabi to Koh Phi Phi ferry page.

If you are driving, head for Krabi and turn right onto Highway 4206 towards Ban Hua Hin, then take two car ferries to Ko Lanta Yai. Some island roads are steep and may need a 4WD vehicle. The mainland leg is on the Bangkok to Krabi page.

What the national park costs

A foreign adult pays THB 200 and a foreign child THB 100 at Mu Ko Lanta National Park, which is a group 2 park. If you drive in, a vehicle charge comes on top. Keep the receipt on you after paying.

The offshore spots cost more. Ko Rok, Ko Ngai, Ko Ha and the Hin Muang-Hin Daeng dive sites carry a special services fee of THB 400 for an adult and THB 200 for a child.

Compare other parks on the national park fees page. For an overnight stay, the park has lodges and camping grounds with tents and equipment for rent, and headquarters is on +66 7 565 6576.

When to go

Plan Ko Rok and dive trips for the open season, which runs from 16 November to 15 May. Ko Rok itself is closed from 1 June to 30 September, and Ko Ha, Hin Muang and Hin Daeng close from 1 August to 30 September. If you travel in May, October or early November, ask the operator whether boats are running.

The southwest monsoon covers Thailand from about mid-May to mid-October, and the monsoons can start and end off schedule in any year. To weigh Andaman against Gulf months, see the islands by month page.

Staying safe in the water

Be careful in the rainy season, when jellyfish come close to shore and stings can be fatal. Riptides are the other worry, and people have drowned in strong ones, especially in monsoon season. Read more on the jellyfish and rip currents page.

Look at the beach flag before you wade in. Two red flags mean absolutely no swimming, and a yellow flag means swim with caution.

Pick your boat with care too, since passenger boats have sunk or collided, usually through overloading or rough seas in monsoon season.

Dial 1669 for a medical emergency. For a crime involving a tourist, call the tourist police on 1155. More numbers are on the emergency numbers page.

To see Lanta in context, start with the Thailand islands guide, then compare it in the family-friendly islands comparison. For Krabi’s mainland base, see the Ao Nang guide.

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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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