Island Hopping Koh Lanta: Best Day Trips & Hidden Gems Ranked
After months of living as slowmads in Thailand, we’ve narrowed down the absolute best day trips from Koh Lanta. Whether you want the thrill of the Emerald Cave or the untouched sands of Koh Rok, this guide reveals how to book, what to pack, and how to dodge the midday tour boat crowds.
As much as we adore the chilled-out vibes and tropical paradise of Koh Lanta, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Luckily, there are tons of fantastic day trips from Koh Lanta to keep you busy during your stay.
From adventuring through the jungle to finding secret waterfalls to snorkelling at the nearby islands, we’ve got you covered in this guide about the best tours in Koh Lanta to add to your itinerary.
This post includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no cost to you. You can also buy us a coffee to support the site directly. Learn more in our Cookie Policy.
👋Toti & Ale here
London couple, 45+ countries, 300+ guides. We are full-time content creators, travelling as slowmads, spending quality time in places we love the most. We run this and several other blogs from the best places in the world even working on our laptop from our favourite hammock cafe in Koh Lanta.
April 12, 2026 This update reflect new tour opportunities, review checked in all the tour we suggest, updated prices and offerings. No AI; all road-tested.
Best day trips from Koh Lanta
Khao Mai Kaew Caves
Ready for an amazing Ko Lanta Itinerary? This list starts with one of the most unique attractions in the area – the Khao Mai Kaew Caves. Located just 15 minutes from Saladan Pier by a longtail boat, this hidden gem features impressive chambers and caverns to explore. As you wander through the extensive cave system, keep an eye out for stalactites, stalagmites and even sleeping bats!
We recommend joining this Kayak tour of the caves to fully experience paddling through the dark passages into expansive openings filled with sunshine pouring through holes in the ceiling. It’s an adventure thrill that makes for one of the top day trips from Koh Lanta.
Extend your adventure at Khao Mai by exploring the beaches.
If you are an adventurous traveller, you might like it. Extend the trek far beyond the classic viewpoint and cave tour. Venture into a 7 km trekking path across the mountains to enjoy empty Talabeng Beach. This longer route takes 4-5 hours to complete but offers bragging rights for having crossed Koh Lanta on foot!
Book your tour now:
Kayak Tour
Snorkelling + Emerald Cave
Khlong Chak Waterfall Hike
If you are looking to spend a day adventuring in nature, the Khlong Chak Waterfall hike is a must. After a 30-minute longtail boat ride up the Khlong Chak River, you’ll disembark to trek through the lush rainforest valley to reach this majestic cascading waterfall.
Scramble over boulders and natural rock formations for 3.5 Kilometres as you make your way up towards the sound of rushing water. The payoff is worth it when you finally arrive at the aquamarine pool surrounded by the jungle.
Go for a refreshing swim or relax on the rocks while enjoying a picnic lunch. Just beware of cheeky monkeys who may try to steal your snacks!
Four Island Snorkeling Tour
One of our favourite day trips from Koh Lanta is escaping to the tropical paradise of the nearby islands. This four-island snorkelling tour takes you to some of the best spots to experience island hopping and underwater life in the Andaman Sea.
The tour starts by taking you to the postcard-perfect Koh Rok for snorkelling (Check here the itinerary) among colourful fish and even sea turtles!
After, visit the famous Emerald Cave tunnel to swim through 80 metres in darkness into an open lagoon surrounded by soaring cliffs. Continue the adventure with stops at Koh Haa and Koh Ngai to snorkel vibrant reefs before relaxing on the powder-soft sands with fresh coconut.
Khao Sok National Park Day Tour
For a change of pace from beach vibes, consider a day trip to Khao Sok National Park. Yes, it is quite far, so we have included it here, but it is better to go when in Phuket.
Centred around the impressive Cheow Lan Lake, a visit here feels like stepping into the jungle landscape from Jurassic Park with dramatic limestone mountains jutting up through the lush rainforest.
Join a longtail boat tour to explore hidden lagoons and caves throughout the flooded forest, keeping an eye out for monkeys, hornbills and other wildlife.
A kayaking adventure is also a popular way to take in the epic scenery. If time permits, tacking on an overnight stay at a floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake is a magical way to experience Khao Sok National Park.
READ ALSO
For further recommendations about Thailand, see this guide.
Visiting Thailand? Stay in a floating bungalow in Khao Sok for unforgettable memories
☕ Buy us a coffee!
Our travel guides are free and made with love to help you explore more, spend less, and travel better. Passport and Stamps project is all run at our expenses, and reader founded. If you’ve found our tips and guides useful, we’ll appreciate if you can buy us a coffee.
This will keep the adventures going and support more content like this. Cheers!! ☕🌍
Koh Muk and Tham Morakot Day Tour
Another beloved island hopping day trip option from Koh Lanta is this tour to Koh Muk and Tham Morakot. Koh Muk charms with its peaceful vibes, talcum powder sands and emerald waters that beckon snorkelers.
While you can relax on the beach, the main draw here is heading inland to Tham Morakot.
This magnificent cave features an 80-metre limestone tunnel that emerges into an inland beach with crystal clear waters and dazzling sunlight pouring through.
Wading through the cave passage into this hidden beach surrounded by towering cliffs makes it obvious why Tham Morakot earns the nickname the “Emerald Cave”. Don’t miss it on one of your day trips from Koh Lanta!
Khlong Thom Hot Springs
For a relaxing change of scenery from Koh Lanta’s beaches, the Khlong Thom Hot Springs offer a peaceful retreat. Nestled in jungle-clad hills on the mainland, the hot springs provide the perfect spot to soak away any stresses.
The hot springs channels mix warm mineral waters with cool mountain stream water to create bath-like temperatures. Lazing neck-deep in the pools with forested hillsides rising all around makes time drift peacefully.
Between dips, hiking trails lead to tumbling waterfalls and vine tunnels offering welcome shade. Stop for a traditional Thai massage perfected over centuries to ease any sore backpacker muscles, too.
The laidback pace at Khlong Thom provides blissful relaxation on a day trip from Koh Lanta’s usual beach vibes.
Phi Phi Island Speedboat Tour
For a jam-packed day discovering one of Thailand’s most iconic islands, join a Phi Phi Island speedboat tour from Koh Lanta or book your full itinerary with a local guide (HERE).
This day trip takes you zipping by speedboat to Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh to experience Maya Bay and more. Snorkel dazzling reefs, hike to the Phi Phi viewpoint and lounge on the beaches framed by towering limestone cliffs.
Of course, no trip to Phi Phi Leh is complete without a stop at the world-famous Maya Bay. This once-hidden gem was thrust onto the main stage after being featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio movie ‘The Beach’.
As a result, Maya Bay faced severe environmental damage from over-tourism. Luckily, it’s now a protected area with restricted visitor limits that you can experience thoughtfully. Just be sure to book this day trip from Koh Lanta well in advance since spots fill quickly! Book Here!
Koh Lipe Speedboat Adventure is the most fun day trip from Koh Lanta
Last but not least, on our roundup of the top day trips from Koh Lanta is a speedboat adventure to Koh Lipe. Located closer to Malaysia in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe has rightfully earned fame for its gorgeous beaches and chill vibes. Since it takes around 2 hours to reach by speedboat, visiting Lipe makes for the perfect (yet ambitious) day trip from Koh Lanta.
Once you arrive, get ready to be wowed by the soft white sands and calm turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. We suggest walking to the seaside, seat at one of the cafes with sea view, listening to good music and having a fresh lunch. Relax before the evening.
The Walk Street, is the busiest part of the island (there is no much around, apart from that). Take an accommodation on the island and return to Koh Lanta the day after.
Scuba Dive in Koh Lanta, Thailand
One of the most appreciated activities in Koh Lanta is going Scuba Diving. Every traveller in Thailand knows that the best coral reef is in Koh Tao and Koh Lipe, well the second isn’t far from Koh Lanta.
You can book your day of Scuba Diving including pickup, lunch and gear, for the best day out from Koh Lanta.
Would you like a free guide?
Stop Scrolling. Your Thailand Itinerary is ready!
Save 15+ hours of research. Download my curated PDF guide with exact routes, food spots, and tips—ready to use offline.
* You can unsubscribe anytime.
What islands can you visit from Koh Lanta?
Koh Ngai (Ko Hai)
Koh Ngai, better known as Ko Hai, ranks as one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. Its crystal clear waters, powdery white sand beaches, and lush jungle interior make it the quintessential Thai paradise island.
We recommend booking an to handle transport and snorkelling equipment. Longtail boat trips take about 1.5 hours each way.
The highlight of Koh Ngai is its stunning beaches. Clear turquoise waters lap onto powder soft sand, with palm trees offering slices of shade. Tham Phang Beach and Koh Ngai Beach compete over which is more paradisiacal.
Offshore, Koh Ngai offers some of the best snorkelling in the Krabi area. Vibrant coral reefs lie just metres from the shore, making them easily accessible. The reefs teem with tropical fish and even turtles if you’re lucky.
Back on land, a small hiking trail crosses the island through dense jungle dotted with monkeys and birds. The route leads to the Koh Ngai viewpoint, looking back over Tham Phang Beach.
With its laid-back vibes and postcard-worthy beaches, Koh Ngai deserves its reputation as one of Southern Thailand’s most beautiful islands.
MORE GUIDES ABOUT KOH LANTA?
– Koh Lanta itinerary for backpackers
– How to go from Phuket to Koh Lanta
– Why you should book a trip to Koh Lanta? Pros and Cons
Ko Bubu Island
This is a private island, reachable only by longtail boat. Rising from the Andaman Sea between Krabi and Koh Lanta, Ko Bubu remains an off-the-beaten-path tropical escape.
Its quiet coves lined with granite boulders and golden sand host just a single resort, keeping Ko Bubu’s beauty secret. Kayak through sea tunnels snorkel vibrant reefs, and hike trails to a viewpoint for sunset. With limited development and easy day trips from Koh Lanta, Ko Bubu offers a peaceful hideaway.
LOOKING FOR MORE THINGS TO DO IN SOUTHERN THAILAND?
– Things to do with a small budget in Phuket
– 15 Best Reasons why visit Phuket, Thailand
– 20 Unmissable Phuket photo spots
Talabeng Island
Very close to Koh Lanta, Talabeng Island provides a tempting day trip escape. The view of golden Talabeng Beach, beautifully framed by jungle-clad hills, gives the idea of how rough the island is.
Relax here with a beachfront seafood BBQ as fishing boats drift past offshore.
Alternatively, you can book this tour by kayaking to Talabeng Cave for half day from Koh Lanta.
Overnight Tours from Koh Lanta
While the focus of this guide is on awesome day trips from Koh Lanta, we also want to quickly mention some stellar overnight tours to consider during your stay for a true getaway. Top overnight trips from Koh Lanta include multi-day liveaboard diving adventures, camping excursions to Koh Rok and overnight safari tours of Khao Sok National Park. You can book most of these in Koh Lanta, but we always suggest planning the trip in advance. Seats are always limited and get filled out quickly.
These allow you to really immerse in the destination without rushing. An overnight tour from Koh Lanta lets you experience sunrise and sunset, go on guided night hikes to spot wildlife and enjoy evening entertainment. If you have more time during your Thailand travels, we recommend extending one of the day trips above into an overnight escape from Koh Lanta.
Summarising our suggestions for the best day trips from Ko Lanta
Koh Lanta serves as the perfect base to embark on all kinds of epic adventures in the Andaman Sea and beyond. We hope our guide on the top day trips from Koh Lanta gave you great ideas to make the most out of your visit.
Let us know if you have any other questions as you plan your Thailand itinerary. Whether you seek adrenaline-filled excursions or prefer blessing out on the beach with a tropical cocktail, there’s surely a fantastic day trip from Koh Lanta that fits your travel style!
