Koh Lanta hotel and lodging guide

All resorts enjoy gorgeous beachfront locations

Whether it’s a top end resort or a simple bungalow on the beach, Koh Lanta has accommodation to suit every budget. Some of Thailand’s best and most exclusive resorts are in Koh Lanta and you can expect to pay anything up to 29,000 baht per night for the privilege. Mid-range resorts are also plentiful and offer luxury at much more affordable rates of 1,500 baht upwards. At the bottom of the scale are beach side bungalows, with the most basic ones starting at 300 baht.

The key attraction about Lanta is that most of the resorts have a beachfront location. It’s far less developed in that a single road runs along the coast servicing dozens of resorts that line the waterfront, without the usual overcrowding.

Guesthouses and beach bungalows in Koh Lanta

Here are a few we recommend.

Lanta Palm Beach Bungalows: this is a place for people who want to meet others and socialise. Situated on the infamous white sands of Palm Beach, the location couldn’t be better. They offer everything from bamboo huts to comfortable air-conditioned cottages. 47 Moo 3; 300 baht +.

Baan Phu Lae: this place has bags of character and is value for money. Situated in the very south of the island and sandwiched between white sands and jungle, there are 13 bungalows and a further four air conditioned huts. Mai Pai Bay; tel: 081 201 1704; 350 to 700 baht.

Narima: situated on its own private beach, all bungalows are individually designed and have sea views. The huts have been specifically angled to offer complete privacy and are scattered throughout lush, leafy trees, a stone’s through from the water’s edge. Khlong Nin Beach; tel: 075 662 668; 1,500 baht +.

Golden Bay Cottages: you wouldn’t say that these cottages are fancy or authentically Thai, but the friendly staff, spotlessly clean rooms and great value for money make this a nice place to stay. The beachfront restaurant is excellent. Khlong Dao Beach; tel: 075 684 161; 1,600 baht +.

Twin Lotus Resort and Spa: this resort seems to rise out of the water as if it had been there for hundreds of years. The Twin Lotus has 78 magnificent rooms, including suites and villas right on the beach and all within 12 acres of gardens. It is luxury defined and has a price tag to match. Klong Dao Beach; tel: 02398 658890; 4,500 to 29,000 baht.

Lanta Sand Resort and Spa: lying at the north end of Long Beach, this resort offers upmarket villas and bungalows set in a tranquil tropical garden. Suitable for couples and families alike, Lanta Sand Resort is Balinese inspired luxury with that all important Thai hospitality. Long Beach; 4,000 to 14,000 baht.

Lanta Serviced Apartments: offer a slightly different experience, with their private lodges that are more like a holiday home than a resort. Six, fully outfitted units with nice views near Phra Ae beach are offered as self-catering apartments by the Thai-Swiss owners. Rates are a reasonable 950 - 1950 baht (depending on the season). www.lanta-servicedapartments.com/index.htm