Koh Lanta Old Town
A charming, historic village on stilts, offering a peaceful escape with fresh seafood and traditional Thai culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the local market buzz
Koh Lanta Old Town
Best Time
Experience the local market buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, historic village on stilts, offering a peaceful escape with fresh seafood and traditional Thai culture.
"The old wooden buildings on stilts, traditional shopfronts, and calm sea views give the place a laid-back, nostalgic vibe."
🛵 Rent a Scooter
Explore the island at your own pace and easily reach Old Town for lunch. :motorcycle:
🍽️ Dine Over the Water
Enjoy incredibly fresh seafood with unique views from the stilted restaurants. :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Wooden Houses
Main street
Wander through charming, traditional wooden houses on stilts, showcasing the island's heritage.
Seafood Restaurants on Stilts
Waterfront
Savor fresh, local seafood with stunning sea views from restaurants built directly over the water.
Old Town Pier
End of the main street
A picturesque spot perfect for photos, especially during sunset, offering serene sea and mountain vistas.
Weekend Market
Main street
Experience local life with crafts, snacks, and music at the lively Sunday morning market.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Slow Pace
Market Magic & Dining Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Things to do in Ko Lanta?
🛵 Rent a Scooter
Explore the island at your own pace and easily reach Old Town for lunch. :motorcycle:
🍽️ Dine Over the Water
Enjoy incredibly fresh seafood with unique views from the stilted restaurants. :fish:
Koh Lanta Old town is a pretty chill place.
Staying in Old Town Koh Lanta area?
🛍️ Visit the Sunday Market
Discover local crafts, snacks, and a lively atmosphere. :shopping_bags:
📸 Capture Sunset Views
The pier offers stunning photo opportunities as the sun dips below the horizon. :camerawithflash:
9 days in Koh Lanta what to do?
Tips
from all over the internet
🛵 Rent a Scooter
Explore the island at your own pace and easily reach Old Town for lunch. :motorcycle:
🍽️ Dine Over the Water
Enjoy incredibly fresh seafood with unique views from the stilted restaurants. :fish:
🛍️ Visit the Sunday Market
Discover local crafts, snacks, and a lively atmosphere. :shopping_bags:
📸 Capture Sunset Views
The pier offers stunning photo opportunities as the sun dips below the horizon. :camerawithflash:
🍦 Try Local Treats
Stop by small cafes for ice cream or local snacks like at Grandma's House. :ice_cream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Koh Lanta Old Town for its peaceful, charming atmosphere and unique traditional wooden houses on stilts. The fresh seafood served at waterfront restaurants is a major draw, as is the picturesque pier, especially at sunset. While some find it small, its tranquility and authentic local feel are highly valued.
"Old Town is a peaceful, charming spot on the east coast of the island, perfect if you want a break from the beach crowds. The old wooden buildings on stilts, traditional shopfronts, and calm sea views give the place a laid-back, nostalgic vibe.
We loved strolling through the main street, exploring the local shops and small cafes. The seafood here is super fresh, definitely try one of the restaurants with seating over the water. The locals are friendly, and there’s a real sense of community here.
The pier is a great photo spot, especially at sunset. And if you’re lucky, you might catch the weekend market with local snacks, crafts, and music.
It’s not a big town, but that’s what makes it special. Great for slow travel, soaking in local life, and just unwinding.
Would come back again."
Iqmal B.
"The town is beautifully quiet, with peaceful atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at ease. Small, locally owned shops line the small street, each offering something unique. The architecture is a mix of old wooden houses on stilts and is a must visit on the island. Easy to rent a bike for the day and your off exploring 😊"
Ger O Connor
"The best thing I saw was the view from the sea.
The ☁️ clouds were touching the mountains 🏔️ and that was really a mesmerizing scene.
Then the Lanta old town. It was so peaceful.
Food was good.
In fact here the best part was the bike 🛵 riding.
People can hire scooter (car too) & ride the whole island 🏝️.
This experience was also a memory to remember.
Many shops & restaurants are available.
Tested thai food & was great.
🥥 👍.
At the night the old Lanta bike tour was super awesome.
In deed a good place for vacation"
Siam Rakayet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Koh Lanta Old Town is by renting a scooter or hiring a taxi from other parts of the island. The drive is scenic and takes about 20-30 minutes from Long Beach. Many visitors enjoy the bike ride as part of the experience.
Parking is generally available along the main street or in designated areas. If you arrive by scooter, finding a spot is usually straightforward.
While there isn't direct public transport to Old Town, you can take a songthaew (shared taxi) to the main road and then arrange a short onward journey or walk. Renting a scooter offers the most flexibility.
Renting a scooter is highly recommended for exploring Koh Lanta Old Town and its surroundings. It allows you to stop at viewpoints and discover hidden gems.
Yes, there are several viewpoints along the route to Koh Lanta Old Town, perfect for a coffee break and to admire the island's beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit Koh Lanta Old Town itself. You can freely wander the streets and enjoy the atmosphere.
Most shops and restaurants in Koh Lanta Old Town are open daily from late morning until early evening. The Sunday market has specific hours.
Yes, Koh Lanta Old Town hosts a popular Sunday morning market where you can find local handicrafts, food, and souvenirs.
The market is best visited on Sunday mornings. It's a great opportunity to experience local culture and find unique items.
The main recurring event is the Sunday market. Keep an eye out for local announcements for any other special cultural events.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic wooden houses on stilts, the pier (especially at sunset), and the waterfront restaurants offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the charm of the old town and the pier. Mid-morning can also be good before the heat sets in.
The pier is ideal for capturing panoramic views of the sea, the traditional houses, and the distant mountains, particularly during sunset.
At the Sunday market, you can capture vibrant shots of local vendors, colorful crafts, street food, and the lively community atmosphere.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and be respectful of residents and privacy before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Koh Lanta Old Town is renowned for its fresh seafood, served in restaurants built over the water. You can also find traditional Thai dishes and local snacks.
Many visitors rave about the seafood restaurants on stilts. 'Lanta Seafood' (the OG) is a frequently mentioned spot for its authentic taste and over-water seating.
Freshly grilled fish, prawns, and other local seafood are highly recommended. Don't miss trying authentic Thai curries and stir-fries.
While seafood is the specialty, most Thai restaurants can prepare vegetarian or vegan versions of their dishes upon request. Specify your dietary needs.
Dining in Old Town can range from affordable local eateries to slightly more upscale seafood restaurants. Expect reasonable prices for the quality and experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget Backpackers
📸 Photographers & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit