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Koh Lanta is well-known for being a tranquil and private tropical vacation, and while you may associate it with beaches, jungles, and coastal resorts, there is more to the island than that.
Koh Lanta Old Town is a modest, historical district that transports tourists to a bygone period. Despite its small size, the historic town has a lot to offer for exploration and discovery.
In this tour, we’ll go over the history of Koh Lanta’s Old Town, what to see and do there, and what you should know before visiting.
History of Koh Lanta Old Town
According to legend, hundreds of years ago, the town was home to a sea gypsy community that made a livelihood off the Andaman Sea.
They were known locally as “The Sea People” and spent their days sailing the sea and their evenings sleeping on their boats.
The gypsies were only temporary residents at first, but they quickly became permanent residents on land.
Soon after, Chinese sailors came through the town and recognized it was an excellent trading location, so they, too, chose to settle there.
Over time, the town evolved into a multicultural population that included immigrants from the Malay Peninsula and Indochina. They considered the area fertile, and the vicinity of the sea provided numerous chances.
The many ethnic groups coexisted and grew over time, eventually forming the Sri Yaya community.
During King Rama IX’s reign in 1962, a change in administration led to the flourishing of the rest of Koh Lanta.
The community saw the establishment of the Koh Kanta district office and the construction of the two-story Ban Yao wooden buildings along the shoreline.
The Sri Yaya population, which currently lives in the Old Town, has converted these wooden structures into shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The Sri Yaya community has traditionally been a commerce and market community, and little has changed in Koh Lanta Old Town; there is still a weekend market every Saturday and Sunday, and stores are open every day.
Tourism is now the town’s main source of income, with visitors flocking to witness the integrated community and unique wooden buildings.
There are various activities available in Koh Lanta Old Town.
1. Check out the wooden stilt buildings.
The wooden structures that house shops, restaurants, and cafes are the most distinctive features of Koh Lanta Old Town.
The buildings, constructed in the 1960s, possess a unique historical design reminiscent of Chinese colonies across Asia. Chinese lanterns, plants, and foliage adorn each building.
The characteristic wooden shutters and tiled roofs distinguish the style of these buildings. Spend some time meandering along the main high street, taking in the architecture.
2. Walk around Koh Lanta’s Old Town Pier.
A pier in the centre of Koh Lanta Old Town extends out into the calm waters of the island’s eastern side.
One or two locals use the pier primarily for fishing, tossing their lines and nets in hopes of catching something.
As you walk along the pier, you can see the little islands of the Andaman Sea in the distance, as well as the small, long-tail boats parked in the port. It’s a quiet, remote, and tranquil area with breathtaking views.
Take a look back at the coastline to appreciate the design of the stilt dwellings above the water.
3. Check out the shipwreck.
The shipwreck is believed to be a Rawi Warin Grand Ship, even though little is known about its origins or age.
The ship has toppled over to one side and, while being an obvious wreck, does not appear to be in horrible shape.
Online reports claimed that the ship, parked too close to the beach, sank in 2020 after a monsoon battered it.
4. Visit Koh Lanta Community Museum.
The Koh Lanta Community Museum is arguably the only spot on the island where you can get a sense of what life was like in a bygone age.
While admission to the museum is free, we kindly ask for donations to support its funding and upkeep.
Learn about the local way of life and the tsunami that slammed Thailand’s south coast on December 26th, 2004. Koh Lanta was one of the most severely affected islands, and as a result, there are several signs for tsunami shelters around the Old Town.
The museum is small, with only a few rooms, yet it has a wealth of local historical and interesting objects.
5. Shop at the Koh Lanta Old Town: Street Market (Weekend Only)
If you’re visiting Koh Lanta Old Town on a weekend, be sure to go to the Old Town Lanta Street Market, which is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
During this period, the streets are bustling with sellers selling everything from souvenirs to trinkets, apparel, and street food.
It’s a lively atmosphere and the busiest time of day in town.
6. Visit the Hammock House.
Looking for unique souvenirs from your trip to Thailand? How about a hammock? The hammock house is the perfect spot to get a hammock keepsake to take home with you.
The company provides handcrafted hammocks in a range of colours and styles, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste in this beautiful and delightful boutique.
7. Pay your respects at the Chinese temple and shrine.
In honour of the Chinese traders who established Koh Lanta Old Town, a lovely temple and shrine have been built in the town centre.
The shrine, which juts out into the ocean, resembles a little pier with a pagoda at the end. Please remove your shoes when strolling around the shrine to show respect.
Across the street is a Chinese temple, with incense burning and figurines of Chinese deities on tables.
There isn’t much information about the Chinese Temple online; however, there is a sign above the shrine honouring Zhongshan Wang, the fifth king of the state of Zhongshan.
8. Shop for souvenirs and dresses.
Of course, it would be difficult to walk by all of these ancient businesses without doing some shopping. Many of the stores’ storefronts include women’s outfits, blouses, and shorts.
If you’re looking for attractive dresses and apparel in Koh Lanta, this is the place to go.
9. Relax in a cafe.
The best way to admire the stilt houses’ architecture is to visit a cafe or restaurant with a terrace that overlooks the water.
There are numerous restaurants and cafés along the main street, but Rareview Coffee & Restaurant has a great reputation with a nice patio that overlooks the lake and pier.
10. Take selfies with the giant blue lobster.
The giant lobster has become something of an icon in Old Town. It represents the town’s longstanding fishing tradition and love of seafood.
Old Town restaurant menus frequently feature seafood, and the Andaman Sea is home to blue lobsters.
11. Attend the Laanta-Lanta festival.
The island’s populations, who are quite proud of their cultural diversity, celebrate this yearly event in March.
The event invites diverse ethnic groups to join together, express their gratitude to one another, and celebrate their harmonious community via their customs, arts, and activities.
At the event, you may discover many kiosks selling local artwork, street food vendors grilling munchies, and traditional dances and entertainment.
The town typically sets up a stage in its grassy area and plays live music throughout the day. There is also a unique “boat floating” ceremony.
If you’re visiting Koh Lanta Old Town in March, don’t miss out on this event and experience the locals’ enthusiasm and delight.
FAQS FOR VISITING Koh Lanta Old Town
Is there a town in Koh Lanta Old Town?
Yes, there are several towns in Koh Lanta. Old Town Koh Lanta is one of Koh Lanta’s 37 communities, but it was the island’s earliest settlement.
Is Koh Lanta Old Town beautiful?
Yes, Koh Lanta Old Town is quite beautiful. The reason for this is that it is still underdeveloped in terms of tourism, leaving much of its rough appeal and natural scenery undisturbed by congestion.
When should I travel to Koh Lanta Old Town?
The best time to visit Koh Lanta is between November and February, when the weather is sunny and warm but not hot and humid. From March to May, the weather is at its peak. The monsoon season extends from June to October.
How long should I stay in Old Town, Koh Lanta?
Walking around Old Town Koh Lanta will take you no more than 20 minutes, but you should plan to spend some time shopping, relaxing at a restaurant, and visiting the museum. Allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours to see Old Town Lanta.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—all you need to know about Old Town Koh Lanta and all of its fantastic attractions.
As you can see, it’s a modest and quaint place on the island that doesn’t take long to explore. While it may be tempting to spend your days lounging on the beaches of Koh Lanta, we urge that you take the time to visit the island’s earliest village.
