Travel Budget for Koh Lanta Visit Koh Lanta on a Budget or Travel in Style

Koh Lanta, Changwat Krabi, Thailand
Asia / Thailand / Southern Thailand /
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Koh Lanta is a tranquil island known for Klong Dao Beach, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, and Lanta Old Town. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, scuba diving with your friends, or relaxing on the beaches, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Koh Lanta that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Koh Lanta?

You should plan to spend around $61 (฿2,043) per day on your vacation in Koh Lanta. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $20 (฿684) on meals
  • $6.20 (฿208) on local transportation
  • $54 (฿1,794) on hotels

A one week trip to Koh Lanta for two people costs, on average, $854 (฿28,602). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $61
    ฿2,043
  • One Week Per person
    $427
    ฿14,301
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $854
    ฿28,602
  • One Month Per person
    $1,829
    ฿61,290
  • One Week For a couple
    $854
    ฿28,602
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,707
    ฿57,204
  • One Month For a couple
    $3,658
    ฿122,580
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Koh Lanta cost?

A one week trip to Koh Lanta usually costs around $427 (฿14,301) for one person and $854 (฿28,602) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Koh Lanta on average costs around $854 (฿28,602) for one person and $1,707 (฿57,204) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Koh Lanta will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Koh Lanta on average costs around $1,829 (฿61,290) for one person and $3,658 (฿122,580) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Koh Lanta expensive to visit?

Koh Lanta is a smaller island that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

If you choose to make it so, Koh Lanta can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

On average, budget travelers spend $24 (฿821) per day, mid-range travelers spend $59 (฿2,043) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $144 (฿4,970) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Koh Lanta.

Within Asia, Koh Lanta is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Koh Lanta Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Koh Lanta?

The average Koh Lanta trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Koh Lanta travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Koh Lanta cost?

Koh Lanta on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$11
(฿366) 		$27
(฿897) 		$63
(฿2,096)
Local Transportation1 $2
(฿78) 		$6
(฿208) 		$17
(฿585)
Food2 $8
(฿266) 		$20
(฿684) 		$53
(฿1,791)
Entertainment1 $14
(฿474) 		$33
(฿1,123) 		$72
(฿2,396)
Alcohol2 $1-3
(฿28-85) 		$2-6
(฿69-208) 		$5-15
(฿165-495)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Koh Lanta. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $24 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Koh Lanta, such as Blanco Hostel@Lanta, Non La Mer Hostel - Bed & Yoga, and Hub of Joys. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited. While food is a highlight for many in Koh Lanta, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most visitors to Koh Lanta will want to visit Klong Dao Beach, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, or Lanta Old Town. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $59 per person, per day.

There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Koh Lanta. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Lanta Mermaid Boutique House is a great choice for kids, and Chaw Ka Cher Tropicana Lanta Resort is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Koh Lanta hotel costs guide.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $144 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the island, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Lanta 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Koh Lanta

The hotel prices in Koh Lanta might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $27, but during peak winter season, expect to pay around $50. Prices vary from $13 to $121, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Koh Lanta for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $54 (฿1,794). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $27 (฿897) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $27
    ฿897
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $54
    ฿1,794

Hotels in Koh Lanta

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Koh Lanta

The average hotel room price in Koh Lanta based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $27 in the low season and $50 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Koh Lanta include:

  • Baan Thai Lanta Resort starting at $41
  • Moonlight Exotic Bay Resort starting at $30
  • Crown Lanta Resort & Spa starting at $109
  • Baan Kantiang See Villa Resort starting at $88
  • Twin Bay Resort starting at $20
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a very family-friendly place, and when traveling with children, it's important to find accommodations with extra space.

In this island, you'll have a variety of resorts to select from. You might find accommodations that include meals, or at least breakfast, with many having onsite dining.

Visitors often spend a week in Koh Lanta. If you're planning to stay for a while, consider getting a vacation rental with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of winter) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Koh Lanta

In Koh Lanta, the public transit system is not very good. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Regrettably, the island lacks walkability. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $6.20 (฿208) per person, per day, on local transportation in Koh Lanta. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Koh Lanta is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $6.20
    ฿208

The main roads on the island are paved, and many resorts and dive shops offer transportation to their guests. Many locals will ride motorbikes, and subsequently many are available to rent. It's also possible to hire a motorbike with a sidecar as a taxi – just be sure to negotiate the price beforehand.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel for $123 details
  • Pravate Transfer Lanta Island to Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao nang for $82 details
  • Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer for $179 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Koh Lanta
How much does it cost to go to Koh Lanta? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Koh Lanta
The price of renting a car in Koh Lanta will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Koh Lanta?

Listed below are some transit expenses in Koh Lanta, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.


  • Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta
    ฿600


Food Budget in Koh Lanta

The food in Koh Lanta is delightful, and it's important to take the time to experience all the local tastes. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Koh Lanta can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Koh Lanta is $20 (฿684) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $20
    ฿684

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Koh Lanta is around $20 (฿684) per person, with previous travelers spending from $8 to $52. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Koh Lanta are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $2 to $6
  • Lunch: $3 to $8
  • Dinner: $6 to $14
  • Coffee: $2
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $3

Look out for the spices of southern Thai food (which has an Indian influence). If you're not used to it, it can come as quite a surprise. That doesn't mean you should pass up some specialty dishes of the area like indian-style Muslim curry, rice noodles in fish curry sauce or chicken birayani.

Food in Koh Lanta

Food & Dining Tips

When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.

Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.

Enjoying the scenery while saving money is easy with a picnic. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or picturesque location for your meal.

Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.

Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Koh Lanta. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Cooking Class and Market Tour at Lanta Thai Cookery School on Koh Lanta for $59 details
  • Cooking Experience at Lanta Thai Cookery School From Koh Lanta for $53 details
  • Sukho Cuisine Thai Cooking School From Koh Lanta for $57 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Koh Lanta?

Typical prices for food in Koh Lanta are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Koh Lanta. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.


  • Casual Breakfast
    ฿160
  • Casual Lunch
    ฿270
  • Casual Dinner
    ฿445
  • Fancy Dinner (for Two)
    ฿1,697


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Koh Lanta

It's easy to see why people visit Koh Lanta, given its beaches, romance, food, and resorts.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Koh Lanta typically cost an average of $33 (฿1,123) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $33
    ฿1,123

Some of the most popular sights include:

  • Klong Dao Beach (Free)
  • Mu Ko Lanta National Park for ฿400
  • Lanta Old Town (Free)

One of the most magnificent sights on the island are Khao Mai Kaew Caves. Located at the center of the island, the caves are made of rocks and caverns with the most stunning stalactites and stalagmites. In order to tour the caves, you will definitely need a guide. One unique option is to take an elephant ride around the caves. Be sure to bring good shoes, as the ground can be rather slippery.

For a look into the unique makeup of Koh Lanta, take a trip down to Lanta Old Town. This small village on the east side of island is home to Chinese merchants, Thai fishing families and an ancient sea gypsy community. This area was once the part and commercial center for the island as trading ships from Phuket, Penang and Singapore sailed through here. Today, it's a very endearing area with great restaurants and shopping.

And of course, who goes to an island and doesn't take in the gorgeous beach scenery? Kor Kwang is a shallow and stunning beach, while Pra Ae is a crescent shaped coast with a stunning silence.

Klong Dao is the most popular beach on Koh Lanta. It's white sand and clear waters are attractive to any visitor, but because it is so long, it never feels overly crowded.

If you need more than white sand and crashing waves, Klong Nin is also covered with coconut and pine trees with a gorgeous rain forest as your backdrop. Like every beach on Koh Lanta, this beach is perfect for a quiet day of reflection and relaxation.

If you're looking for the best spot to watch the sunsets of Koh Lanta, head to Relax Beach. There aren't many options for restaurants along this beach, but all you really need is a cocktail to enjoy the sun setting on another beautiful day of your vacation.



Koh Lanta is a great spot for people who love exploring the life just under the sea. There is sea kayaking, fishing, and, of course, snorkeling. Koh Haa is the best snorkel site in all of Thailand. Lately, Koh Haa saw its fish population significantly grow due to new, strict conservation policies.

Just a short boat ride away from Koh Lanta are some of the most impressive dive sites in the world. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are have more than two hundred corals over one hundred reef fish to explore. Keep your eyes wide for whale sharks.

Sightseeing Tips

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Koh LantaScuba diving ranks high among the most enjoyed activities in Koh Lanta. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Beaches:
Beaches in Koh LantaRelaxing on the beach is a top reason many visit Koh Lanta. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

Hiking:
Hiking in Koh LantaAdventurers will find the hiking around Koh Lanta to be excellent. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

A nice way to explore destinations in Koh Lanta is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience Full Day Trip for $196 details
  • 4-Island Wonders: Emerald Cave&Koh Kradan Day Tour by Opal Travel for $49 details
  • Sea Cave and Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta for $32 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Koh Lanta?

Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Koh Lanta, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.


  • Emerald Cave Tour
    ฿700
  • Yoga Session (1 Hour)
    ฿350


Nightlife Budget in Koh Lanta

While Koh Lanta features some nightlife activities, it doesn't reach the excitement levels of other, more renowned destinations. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $4.15 (฿139) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Koh Lanta per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $4.15
    ฿139
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.

Nightlife is fun, but be cautious when drinking. Thieves target distracted people, so stay with your group and trust your instincts to keep yourself safe.



Travel cost data last updated: Mar 26, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Koh Lanta

  • To save money, take advantage of the free activities. Some of the top free activities include:
    • Klong Dao Beach
    • Lanta Old Town
  • During winter, prices typically soar and the island can feel quite crowded. For those looking to save money and have a quieter visit, the shoulder or low seasons are the way to go.
  • Koh Lanta is large enough that you can often find various price levels for hotels, meals, and activities. Save money by exploring options, booking in advance, and checking out free things to do.
  • Traveling more slowly can help you save some cash while enjoying the beauty of the area. When you fill your days with activities, expenses can skyrocket. But taking it easy often means enjoying yourself more and spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Visitors come to Koh Lanta primarily for the outstanding scuba diving. However, this can be quite costly, with limited opportunities to save money. Expect dive trips, equipment rentals, and boating excursions to take up a significant part of your budget. Make sure to verify that your travel insurance covers all bases, including accidents and cancellations due to weather.
  • Koh Lanta offers limited public transit options. Having a pre-arranged ride, such as a private driver or tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
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Traveling in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta Koh Lanta, Thailand

Located on the southern coast of Thailand is a place populated by long beaches and diving hotspots. Consisting of several islands, Koh Lanta is a large island with nine beaches along the coast. The beautiful scenery makes this a quiet and relaxing spot for tourists. The crowds on this island tend to be older than the party-seekers on Ko Phi Phi so you'll find more activities like serene walks on the beach or travelers catching a sunset.

The weather in this region is very tropical with two monsoon seasons. From November to April there is the dry monsoon. Northeastern winds blow through and bring on very dry air. With months of no rain, the island becomes very dusty. During the months of May to October, the island experiences the wet monsoon season. This is when the southwestern winds bring rain from the Indian Ocean. During this season change in April the increase in rain creates a very lush and tropical atmosphere.



Neighborhoods & Around

Ko Lanta two largest islands are Ko Lanta Noi meaning "small Lanta island," and Ko Lanta Yai meaning "big Lanta island." Most of the tourist attractions are located on Ko Lanta Yai.

Related:

Partying in Chiang Mai or other parts of Thailand?

Going to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan?

Hitting the beach in Koh Samui?

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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