FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Difference between high & low season?
Our island is subject to two tourist seasons: the high season from November to April and the low season from May to October.
In general the seasons correspond with the best weather conditions, although, the weather in low season can be amazing and the weather in high season can sometimes be very disappointing.
In high season everything, such as hotels, restaurants, trips, excursions are always open and usually charge a premium price.
The sea on the west coast is calm and clear and snorkeling is at its best. In low season some places close down, prices drop tremendously, especially for accommodation and the sea can be rough and beaches less appealing as underwater currents bring trash onto the coast.
Nevertheless, low season can be a great time for those looking to see and experience the real Thailand and enjoy living in a local fisherman village. Old Town is the perfect place for that!
How to get around?
Our island is quite large and if you want to fully enjoy all that the island has to offer, you will need some mode of transportation.
As for now, public transportation around the island does not exist, and private transport is rather expensive. We recommend to rent a motorbike.
We can help you rent one and teach you how to ride it. The price is 200 Baht a day. However if you stay just a couple of days (3-5 days) there are plenty of things to do on our side as well!
Despite the majority of locals and tourists choosing not to wear a helmet, it is crucial to prioritize safety and always wear one for personal protection.
How is the Old Town and why should I visit it?
The neighbourhood is one of the most authentic local Thai neighbourhoods still found on Koh Lanta. The houses are built on poles on the sea with stunning views of the ocean, sunrise and nearby islands.
Old Town has the sea on one side, and mountains, rubber trees and jungle on the other. Most tourists visit the resorts and accommodations on the touristy West-coast, where the beaches are found.
People are friendly and honest. Your neighbours are a melting pot of Thai Muslim fishermen, Thai Chinese merchants, Sea gypsies, expats and other tourists. The neighbourhood is a real quiet one, but prepare for the sounds of local Thai life: waves, birds, crickets, rain drops, frog choir, boat motors, roosters, prayers from the local Mosque or Buddhist temple or just children playing outside.
It's important to note that the water around Old Town Koh Lanta is not a designated swimming area and there may be hazards such as boats, currents, and marine life. It's always a good idea to exercise caution when swimming in open water.
If you are looking for a designated swimming area, there are several beaches located on the west coast of Koh Lanta that are more suitable for swimming.
How is the weather on Koh Lanta?
In general Koh Lanta has 3 seasons; a dry season from November to February, a hot season from March to April and a rainy season from May to October.
But it is not as black and white as the names would imply. In general, throughout the year the weather is hot and humid. In rainy season you will find many beautiful days when the sky is blue and the sun is shining.
In the dry season, especially the beginning of it, you may have very stormy rainy days. It is very difficult to predict the weather here even from today to tomorrow.
The forecasts are not helpful at all, as they always show storms and rain, even when the sky is blue and our guests are on amazing island trips. ‘Don’t worry, be happy’ is the key to island life.
If you come with a positive and easy-going attitude, you will have a great time for sure.
Where can you get your groceries?
Market every day - Every day of the week you will find a fresh market somewhere on the island, but it is moving from place to place. All fresh markets are in the morning from around 7 to 11 am. Feel free to ask us for location if you would like to visit the market.
Seven-Eleven (7/11) - unlike the name suggests this shop is open 24/7. Here you can get more Western stuff like the 7’s famous toasted sandwiches, bread, fake cheese, bacon, snacks, chocolate, wine and many different snacks.
Lanta Mart & Mother Marche – If you are missing Western food, you will find many imported goods at Lanta Mart in Saladan or the Mother Marche in Klong Dao. Here you can find real cheese, Western style sausages, almond milk, nacho sauce, a wide variety of alcohol and more and more. However, be ready to pay for it, as the prices are less friendly.
Grocery and convenience stores – Besides the market and the 7-11 there are grocery stores everywhere where you can get the basics, fruit and vegetables.
Are there hospitals & clinics on the island?
While the island may not have as many medical facilities as larger cities, it does have options available for basic medical care.
- Koh Lanta Hospital: This is the main hospital on the island. It provides general medical services, emergency care, and outpatient services. The hospital has a team of doctors, nurses, and support staff to attend to patients' medical needs.
- Koh Lanta International Clinics: there are a few an they offer medical consultations, basic treatments, and emergency services. It serves both locals and tourists on the island and may have English-speaking staff to assist international visitors.
It's worth noting that if you require specialized medical care or complex treatments, you may need to consider traveling to mainland Thailand or nearby cities like Krabi, which have more comprehensive healthcare facilities.
