Krabi or Koh Lanta? Cliffs and island hopping, or long beaches and slow days.
The short answer: Krabi, usually meaning Ao Nang and Railay, is known for its limestone cliffs and boat trips: the Four Islands, the Hong Islands and Phi Phi all leave from the beach, and the airport is under an hour away. Koh Lanta, about two to three hours south by van and car ferry, is calmer, with long beaches down its west coast and a slower pace that suits families and longer stays. Both are in Krabi province and share the same Andaman weather.
Below: a side-by-side comparison, who each one suits, and how to travel between them.
Krabi and Koh Lanta side by side
The practical differences that usually decide it. Checked in November 2026.
| Krabi (Ao Nang, Railay) | Koh Lanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there | Krabi Airport, under an hour from Ao Nang | About 2–3 hours from Krabi Airport by van and a short car ferry; boats mainly November to April |
| Beaches | Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara; Railay and Phra Nang under the cliffs, by longtail boat | Long beaches such as Klong Dao and Long Beach, quieter bays to the south |
| Island trips | Four Islands, Hong Islands and Phi Phi, straight from Ao Nang | Koh Rok and Koh Haa (about October to mid-May), and the islands of Trang |
| Atmosphere | A busy resort town, with plenty of restaurants and bars | Spread-out resorts and quiet evenings |
| Low season | Wetter and quieter; a few speedboats from Ao Nang and Railay keep running | From about May to October many beach restaurants and some hotels close |
| Weather | Andaman coast: drier from about November to April, wetter from May to October | The same |
Going to both? Krabi to Koh Lanta by van or boat.
Which one should you pick?
Choose Krabi if you want the classic scenery and a day trip most days: the cliffs at Railay, boat trips from the beach, rock climbing, and plenty of choice for dinner.
Choose Koh Lanta if you want long beaches, space and quiet evenings, or you are travelling with children and staying a week or more.
Do both: a few nights in Ao Nang or Railay for the island trips, then the van or the boat to Lanta to slow down.
Beaches and atmosphere
Ao Nang is a lively beach town with hotels, shops and restaurants along the front. Railay, a short longtail ride away, has no road and sits under huge limestone cliffs; it is the reason many people come to Krabi. See where to stay in Krabi.
Lanta's beaches run down the west coast of Lanta Yai, from Klong Dao and Long Beach near Saladan to Kantiang Bay in the south. Resorts are spread out and the evenings are quiet. See where to stay on Koh Lanta.
Day trips
From Ao Nang, longtail boats and speedboats leave the beach for the Four Islands, the Hong Islands and Phi Phi. Inland, a day trip goes to the Emerald Pool and hot springs.
From Lanta, speedboats go to Koh Rok and Koh Haa in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, known for clear water and snorkelling; these islands close in the monsoon, and in 2026 the season reopened on 1 October.
Getting there
Krabi International Airport has flights from Bangkok and some international routes; Ao Nang is under an hour away, and the airport bus costs 150 baht. See Bangkok to Krabi.
Lanta has no airport. Most people fly to Krabi and take a minivan, which drives onto a short car ferry and over a bridge to Lanta Yai, in about two to three hours. In December and January the queue for the car ferry can be long.
The low season
From about May to October both get more rain and fewer visitors. Lanta changes more than Ao Nang: the wind blows onto the west coast beaches, many beach restaurants close and some smaller hotels shut until November, though the island is quieter and cheaper.
Travelling between Krabi and Koh Lanta
Minivans run all year from Krabi Town, Ao Nang and Krabi Airport to Lanta, taking about two to three hours with the car ferry. From about November to April, boats also sail to Saladan Pier from Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi Town and from Ao Nang; in the low season only a few speedboats from Ao Nang and Railay keep going.
Rough seas can cancel boats, even in the high season; the van does not depend on the weather.
Krabi vs Koh Lanta FAQ
Is Krabi or Koh Lanta better for families?
Lanta is usually easier: long beaches, spread-out resorts and quiet evenings. Ao Nang works too, with more restaurants and boat trips close by.
How far is Koh Lanta from Krabi Airport?
About two to three hours by minivan, including the short car ferry.
Which is better for island hopping?
Krabi. The Four Islands, Hong Islands and Phi Phi trips leave straight from Ao Nang.
Is Koh Lanta closed in the low season?
No, but it is much quieter. From about May to October many beach restaurants and some hotels close, and most boats stop; the minivan runs all year.
Is there a bridge to Koh Lanta?
Not to the mainland yet: vans and cars cross on a short car ferry. A bridge is under contract and due to open in 2029.
Last checked: 7 November 2026. Getting there, the car ferry, boats and the bridge from our Krabi to Koh Lanta and Bangkok to Krabi pages; Koh Rok season from Portail Asie (Mu Ko Lanta National Park announcement, 1 October 2026); low season on Lanta from Amazing Lanta.