Koh Lanta has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. But here’s the thing: most tourists never see them. They stick to Long Beach or Klong Dao, take a few photos, and call it a day.
That’s a mistake.
The real magic of Koh Lanta hides at the southern tip and tucked along the eastern coast. Quiet stretches of sand where you might be the only person for hours. We’ve spent years exploring this island, and we’re sharing our favorite secret spots.
1. Bamboo Beach (Ao Mai Pai)
This is the one. If you only visit one hidden beach on Koh Lanta, make it Bamboo Beach.
Located in the far south near Mu Koh Lanta National Park, this crescent of white sand stays empty most days. The water is crystal clear, perfect for swimming. A small restaurant serves fresh seafood right on the sand.
How to get there: Follow the main road south past Kantiang Bay. Look for a small dirt path on your left about 2km before the national park entrance. The road is bumpy, so take it slow.
Pro tip: Get there before 10am. By noon, a few tour boats arrive, and the magic fades a bit.
2. Nui Beach (Ao Nui)
Nui Beach feels like something from a movie. Dramatic cliffs frame a tiny cove with turquoise water. The beach is small, maybe 100 meters, but stunning.
The catch? Getting here takes effort. You’ll need to climb down a steep path with ropes. Not for everyone, but worth it if you’re reasonably fit.
What to bring:
- Good shoes for the climb down
- Water and snacks (no shops here)
- Snorkeling gear for the reef
3. Klong Jark Beach
Between the busy Long Beach and the popular Kantiang Bay sits Klong Jark. Somehow, tourists keep driving past it.
The beach stretches for nearly 3 kilometers. Golden sand, gentle waves, and usually just a handful of people. Perfect for long walks or finding your own private spot.
A few small resorts dot the northern end, but walk south for 10 minutes and you’ll have the beach to yourself.
4. Ao Khlong Khong (The Quiet End)
Khlong Khong Beach gets some visitors, sure. But most stay near the northern bars and restaurants. Walk south for about 15 minutes and the crowds disappear.
This southern stretch has excellent swimming at high tide and interesting tide pools at low tide. Some of the best sunsets on Koh Lanta happen right here.
5. Waterfall Bay Beach
Inside Mu Koh Lanta National Park, past the famous lighthouse, there’s a small beach most people miss. They come for the lighthouse photo and leave.
The beach sits below the trail to the small waterfall. Rocky in places, but a few sandy patches make for peaceful swimming. The water is cooler here, fed by mountain streams.
Entry fee: 200 baht for the national park.
Getting Around: Your Options
Koh Lanta’s hidden beaches require wheels. Taxis exist but are expensive and hard to find in the south.
Your best bet? Rent a scooter. It gives you freedom to explore at your own pace, stop whenever something catches your eye, and reach those secret spots down bumpy dirt roads.
The KOHME app lists trusted scooter rental shops across the island. Book directly through the app, compare prices, and skip the haggling. Most rentals run 200-300 baht per day.
Pack a Picnic with KOHME
Here’s a local trick: these hidden beaches have no food stalls. That’s part of their charm, but you’ll get hungry.
Before you head out, order food through KOHME and pick it up on your way south. Fresh Thai food beats convenience store snacks on the beach every time.
Or do what we do: hit a beach in the morning, then use KOHME to get food delivered to your resort after. Nothing beats a post-beach feast.
Best Times to Visit
Early morning (7-10am): Empty beaches, soft light for photos, calm water.
Late afternoon (4-6pm): Heat fades, golden hour lighting, spectacular sunsets.
Avoid midday: Hot, harsh light, and any tour groups that show up will be there.
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen (protect the coral)
- Plenty of water
- Snacks or a packed lunch
- Snorkeling gear
- A waterproof bag for your phone
- Cash (no ATMs in the south)
A Local’s Advice
These beaches stay beautiful because they stay quiet. Take your trash with you. Respect the environment. Don’t play loud music.
And please: don’t geotag exact locations on Instagram. Let people discover these spots the old-fashioned way, through word of mouth and a little exploration.
Koh Lanta rewards those who wander. Grab a scooter through KOHME, pack some food, and go find your own secret beach.
Activities on Koh Lanta
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Food, scooters, activities, and more. Everything you need on Koh Lanta in one app. Ready to go? download the KOHME app to browse, compare, and book everything in one place.
🍎 iPhone: apps.apple.com/app/kohme
🤖 Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kohme.foodapp Hungry after exploring? Try Koh Lanta food delivery for a fuss-free meal back at your place.