Koh Lanta, Thailand 🇹🇭
#1511
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koh Lanta is an island district in Krabi Province, known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 residents, primarily comprising locals and expatriates. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 50 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 THB ≈ 0.027 USD. ATMs are available, but check for international card acceptance. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove are popular providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major credit cards are widely accepted. Some cafes and restaurants only accept cash. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include beachfront bungalows, guesthouses, and apartments available through Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless friendly. Many cafes and restaurants accept cards, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are prevalent, with prices ranging from $15 to $100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options starting from $5 per night, such as Dream Lanta Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Klong Dao Beach and Long Beach are popular tourist areas for their amenities and beauty. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Koh Lanta Old Town and the areas near Klong Nin Beach are ideal for long-term stays, offering a peaceful environment. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workation is a popular coworking space offering fast internet and a pleasant atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Station offers good coffee, reliable wifi, and a cozy work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at The Irish Embassy Sports Bar provide opportunities for networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Koh Lanta Expats Facebook Group organizes various community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most common ride-hailing app used on the island. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available for about $6 per day at various shops across the island. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Klong Dao Beach is the most accessible and popular beach for relaxation and activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Krabi International Airport (KBV) is the nearest airport, with regional flights available. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia and Bangkok Airways offer flights connecting to major international cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 4 (Phetkasem Road) connects the island to the mainland. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Trains do not directly reach Koh Lanta; buses from Krabi Town are the best option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; local songthaews (shared taxis) are available for travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and ferries connect Koh Lanta with Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Lanta Hospital provides general medical services, while there are also private clinics available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Lanta Yoga offers classes and wellness retreats focusing on holistic health. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Lanta Fitness is a well-equipped gym catering to fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Numerous laundromats available, with services starting from $2 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood and Foodpanda are both available for delivering food to your accommodation. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Massaman Curry is a must-try when in Koh Lanta, available in many local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Earth Cafe is a well-known spot for healthy vegan and vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Treats Cafe offers a variety of delicious desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Koh Lanta Night Market is a great place for budget shopping and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular platforms for online shopping in Thailand. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Mister S delivers groceries within the island, offering a wide range of products. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Ozone Beach Bar is a lively spot offering cocktails and music right on the beach. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Island Brewing Co. offers locally brewed beers with tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Bon Kitchen has a good selection of wines available for pairing with dinner. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Klong Khong Beach has various street food stalls every evening, delivering local flavors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Oasis bar serves a mix of international dishes, including pizza and pasta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Koh Lanta Old Town is a must-visit for its historic Chinese influence and beautiful views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Koh Lanta Cultural Center showcases local history, culture, and artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Lanta Animal Welfare provides insight into local animal conservation efforts. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Khao Mai Kaew is a serene temple offering beautiful views of the surroundings. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Koh Lanta Music Festival, usually held in March, is a highlight for tourists and locals alike. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area is rich in culture and local craftsmanship. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | A variety of beachside venues host live music and local performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Night markets at Saladan Village offer local crafts and cuisine twice a week. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Lanta offers a vibrant music scene, especially at beach bars and during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found around Koh Lanta, particularly in the Old Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes such as those at Time for Lime focus on traditional Thai cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The galleries in Old Town feature local artists and craftspeople. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old piers and buildings in Koh Lanta Old Town illustrate the island's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island's history as a trading point is reflected in its diverse architecture and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mu Ko Lanta National Park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Koh Phi Phi National Park is a famous day trip destination for snorkeling and diving. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bike paths along the coast provide scenic routes for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints on Koh Lanta provide breathtaking ocean and sunset views, especially at the national park. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sri Lanta Eco Resort offers guided birdwatching tours in nature reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Lanta Yai Beach is a popular spot for evening bonfires and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local delivery services offer shipping options for parcels and documents. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Saladan provide phone and laptop repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers provide facilities for table tennis and recreational sports. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Thai language courses for expatriates and travelers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Library facilities are limited, but cafes often serve as quiet study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Lanta Community Center hosts various activities and is a gathering place for expatriates. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Online gaming is popular in some cafes offering reliable internet. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos on Koh Lanta; the nearest options are in Phuket. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000) in areas near Klong Dao Beach. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $36,000) in quieter locations on the island. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $90,000) near Saladan village. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $75,000) in more secluded areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) near restaurants and shops. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) further from tourist areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate in Thailand. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Thai tax system is based on income earned in Thailand. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Thailand has CFC rules governing taxation of foreign corporations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are based on the value of the property and current usage. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer fees typically 2%, registration fees at 1%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads are not taxed on foreign income as long as they don't reside permanently in Thailand. |