Koh Tao and Koh Lanta are both good islands to visit in Thailand. Both islands have amazing beaches and a good range of fun things to do on each island. Koh Lanta is located off the Andaman Coast in southern Thailand, while Koh Tao is located on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand.
These two islands have a similar laid-back vibe. And have a reasonable amount of stuff to do on each Island. But there are distinct differences between the two islands. These range from the nightlife to which island has a better range of available accommodation.
In this post, we will go through which island to visit if it is either Koh Tao or Koh Lanta to visit. Let’s get started!
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Koh Tao Or Koh Lanta
Koh Tao and Koh Lanta are both beautiful islands to visit. In comparing these two places, we will compare things to do in each place, accommodation, nightlife, and any other factors that would have an impact on your visit.
Let us compare Koh Tao and Koh Lanta.
Which One Has The Better Beaches?
Koh Tao and Koh Lanta are popular islands to visit with long beautiful gold-sand beaches. Beaches on both islands are popular with visitors and locals.
Beaches In Koh Tao
Koh Tao has some amazing beaches, with Sairee Beach being the most popular. This is where you can meet other visitors and backpackers from all around the world.
Among other beaches to visit are.
- Freedom beach.
- Taa Toh beach.
- Koh Nang Yuan island.
- Shark bay.
- Tanote bay.
Beaches In Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is home to awesome beaches with crystal clear blue water for everyone to enjoy. Here is a list of the best beaches in Koh Lanta.
- Klong Dao beach.
- Ba Kan Tiang beach.
- Long beach.
- Klong Jark beach.
What’s The Nightlife Like?
Generally, Thailand is known for its nightlife with some famous party islands. There are places that stay open until early in the morning. Making it great for travelers looking to party.
Let’s compare the nightlife between Koh Tao and Koh Lanta
Koh Tao’s Nightlife
Koh Tao’s nightlife has more of a chilled-out vibe. And is home to the famous Koh Tao pub crawl. It is also home to some cafés, bars, and live music bars.
Koh Lanta Nightlife
Koh Lanta’s nightlife is fairly quiet compared to Koh Tao’s. Does not have as many cafés, bars, and live music bars as Koh Tao. Koh Lanta is quiet in the low season which is from March to September.
Simply, Koh Lanta does have nightlife but it is not crazy and certainly not a party island. You would not visit Koh Lanta for the nightlife.
Accommodation In Koh Tao Vs Koh Lanta
Choosing the right accommodation is important regardless if it is in either Koh Tao or Koh Lanta. Koh Tao is more like backpacker heaven although times are changing a little.
Staying In Koh Tao
Koh Tao has a good range of hotels, hostels, and resorts with beach views and amazing sunset bars.
There are cheaper hostel options and hotel options that are only a few min’s walk from the beach or more. Especially in the low season.
Staying In Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta has a good supply of top resorts and hostels with beach views. The accommodation in Koh Lanta is very affordable, especially in the low season.
What To Do See In Koh Tao And Koh Lanta
Koh Tao and Koh Lanta are both blessed with amazing beaches and places to see. There are a number of things to do that will keep you busy for a few days.
Here are some of the best things to do on each island
Things To Do On Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is not as lively as Koh Tao but it is a great place if you want to relax at the beach and explore the old town. Koh Lanta is quiet in the low season which is from March to September. And it is not touristy.
Here is our list of things to do in Koh Lanta Thailand.
- Explore Lanta Old Town.
- Enjoy the beach.
- Visit the Lanta Animal Welfare Center.
- See Khlong Chak waterfall.
- Go island hopping.
Read more about things to do in Koh Lanta here.
Things To Do On Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a popular island for diving all year especially to learn to dive. As well as a great place if you want to relax and enjoy the nightlife.
Here is our list of things to do in Koh Tao Thailand.
- Enjoy snorkeling.
- Relax on Sairee Beach.
- See the view from John Suwan’s viewpoint.
- Join the Koh Tao Pub crawl.
- Enjoy the beautiful Sunset.
- Enjoy the viewpoints.
Read more about things to do in Koh Tao here.
How To Get To Koh Lanta And Koh Tao
If you are planning to visit either Koh Tao or Koh Lanta and are now wondering how to get to Koh Tao or Koh Lanta? Koh Tao is a lot easier to get to than Koh Lanta.
Getting To Koh Lanta
You can fly into Krabi and then get a minibus to Koh Lanta. If visiting from Phuket or Koh Phi Phi there are ferries going to Koh Lanta regularly.
Getting To Koh Tao
The fastest way to Koh Tao is to fly to Koh Samui but the plane tickets are expensive since Bangkok Airways owns the airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Surat Thani. Then get a bus to the pier and catch the ferry to Koh Tao.
Read more about how to get to Koh Tao here.
High and Low Season
The high and low tourist seasons have a major effect on Thailand. In Koh Tao, the high season is very busy and prices for accommodation can it pricey. Whereas in low season it becomes very affordable with a nice flow of tourists.
In Koh Lanta, the seasons have a major effect. Koh Lanta is busy from December to March but very quiet in the other months. Making top resorts very affordable.
Best Time To Travel To Koh Tao
Koh Tao has an average temperature of between 25°C to 33°C all year round. The dry season is from January to April, while the wet season runs from May to December.
The best time to visit Koh Tao is between December to April.
Best Time To Travel To Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta has an average temperature of between 27°C to 33°C all year round. The dry season is from December to April, while the wet season runs from May to December.
The best time to visit Koh Lanta is between December to April.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, which one to choose depends on how much time you have and your plans. For people interested in scuba diving especially if interested in learning to dive and for a lively nightlife all year round then it is Koh Tao.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more relaxed chilled vibe with a lot of things to do in the day with a quieter nightlife and amazing beaches then Koh Lanta is for you.
And that’s it for now! I’d love it if this post on Koh Lanta or Koh Tao Thailand, which island to choose was helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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