Getting Around the Island

Driving around the island on a motorbike is a great way to see the island. Bikes are available to rent for around ฿250 - ฿300 for 24 hours. There are many places in any village that rent bikes. However, please, please drive safely. Even if you are a good driver don’t expect everybody else to be. Thailand is notorious for its bad traffic and although the roads around Lanta are far removed from the gridlock of Bangkok, driving sensibly is essential.

We would not be doing our jobs right if we didn’t warn you that unless you have a full bike license, it’s very likely that your travel insurance (you do have some, right?) will not cover you if you have an accident in Thailand, and medical expenses in Thailand can be extremely high if you are not insured.

Please wear a helmet. You might not think it looks cool, but as well as saving your head from sunburn if you are driving around the island, it might save your life. The police often have helmet checks in operation around the Saladan area and they will stop and fine you if you are not wearing a helmet.

Important points for renting a bike.

● There is no insurance, so if you damage the bike in any way, you are liable to pay all damages. This can be a major issue if you rent a newer bike in good condition and damage the bike even slightly, even if it’s accidental damage from something like a stone chip. Sometimes renting an older bike with a few existing scratches and scrapes can be a better option.

● If you get a flat tire, it’s your responsibility to fix it. There are bike repair shops
all over the island who can typically fix a flat tire in 10 minutes for a few hundred baht. More often than not, a friendly Thai person will stop and point you in the direction of a repair shop. If you aren’t sure or stuck on a road with nothing close by, call us and we usually know where the nearest repair shop is.

● Never leave your keys in the ignition if you are parking a rental bike before going to eat, or visiting the beach, etc., although not common, bike thefts do happen.

If two wheels aren't suitable for you, it’s possible to rent a car instead. Car rental is around   ฿1,200 - ฿1,500 for 24 hours. If you let us know we can organize a car rental for you from a reliable supplier. 

These are typically automatic, rather than manual cars, and often small Nissan’s or Suzuki’s. Although some larger Toyotas are available. 

Taxis and tuk-tuks can be quite expensive on Koh Lanta. Expect to pay around ฿600- ฿800 to Saladan, and ฿400- ฿500 for destinations such as Klong-Nin and Klong-Khong.

There are often drivers waiting around the village square near the pier. Depending on your plans, the drivers are often happy to wait for a few hours if you are visiting a beach or going for dinner and will drive you back to your accommodation as well. Always agree on a price in advance, most drivers won’t expect to be paid until the end of your journey. 

If you know you need a taxi in advance for going to the airport or want a driver for a full / half day to tour the island, please let us know, and we can organize a reliable driver for you. This is particularly important if you are getting a taxi to the ferry terminal, or to the airport and need the driver to turn up on time!