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Is Koh Lanta a good option for relaxation compared to Railay and Ao Nang during high season?

Koh Lanta high season railay beach Ao Nang travel itinerary expat travel advice Thai beaches relaxation crowds Koh Samui hotel recommendations

Jan 2, 2024

a year ago

Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

We are rethinking our itinerary and any advice would be appreciated 🙏 We (2 couples almost 50s) land in Krabi after exploring Cambodia and Northern Thailand and really want to relax for a couple days and not be bothered by large crowds.  We have booked Railay for 3nts and Ao Nang for 3nts then off to Koh Samui by ferry. Koh Lanta looks less busy and easy to get to from Krabi airport. would Koh Lanta be a good relaxing place or more of the same high season crowds?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around whether Koh Lanta would provide a relaxing experience compared to Railay and Ao Nang during the high season. Many commenters agree that Koh Lanta is generally quieter than the other two destinations, offering nice beaches and a more laid-back atmosphere. Despite some concern about potential crowds during high season, several contributors suggest that Koh Lanta is less busy and a better fit for relaxation. They also recommend exploring the island further to find even quieter spots and highlight the availability of good food options. However, some caution about the busy conditions in Koh Lanta, especially during peak travel times.

Sam *****

Koh Lanta is crazy busy right now.

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Sim *****

Pratchuap khiri khan is a nice quiet town, beach isn’t brilliant but you can go into the air force base which has a lovely bay with a nice beach. Brilliant night market at the railway station too.

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Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes we are going to Angkor Wat, Chiang Mai then down to Krabi so thinking Koh Lanta may be a bit more relaxing than Railay west side, and we have to stay at Ao Nang.

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Kitty *******

@Inga ************

hands down, Lanta for me every time

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Kitty *******

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Kevin **********

Personally, I'm more drawn to "real Thailand", Ubon is one of my favorites on the Lao border west Thailand, or make it to Angor Watt in Cambodia. Island hopping is a tourist thing but it's not very culturally enlightening. Mostly day tourist. But that's me, as I grew up on an island

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Kevin **********

Hua Hin is nicknamed "Little Stockholm ", and Cha am beach, next door, might just be what you're looking for

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Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kevin *********

i figured it was a Scandinavian area lol ! I want to see it all so add to my list of destinations! Thanks for the info and laugh!

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Kevin **********

@Inga ************

say hey to Sven and Ollie for me

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Kevin **********

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Kevin **********

With a name like "Inga" Hua Hin beckons you

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Tim *********

Lanta has huge beaches and many bars,restaurants, coffee shops. Always easy to relax

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Aaron *******

Yes, go straight to Koh Lanta.

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Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank You! We have looked at this resort.

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Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

any suggestions on where to stay for good swiming/floating in the ocean?

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Aaron *******

@Inga ************

I recently stayed at Lanta Sand Resort and Spa. Loved it. Beachfront. Great Beach and Ocean.

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Aaron *******

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Eddie ******

If you want laid back peaceful islands look at Koh Mak and Koh Kood. Away from the madding crowds for sure

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Beche ***********

Expore Hong Island, Hong lagoon, loa la ding ,Pakistan pia, snorkeling . It is 6 to 7 hours byprivate long tail boat .

Visit 4 Islands poda island ,chicken island ,separated sea, rai ley is great experience.

We use his services. He has very nice team.

@Phuket *******************

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Chris *******

Personally I'd skip ao nang and go to Lanta after Railay.

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Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

wish we could no cancelation at Ao Nang resort.

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Chris *******

@Inga ************

oh well, Railay is a very good stop for a night or two.

Ao Nang is very touristic and does not have a great beach.

They do have a large night Market.

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Chris *******

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Nongnuch ********

"not be bothered by large crowds" and then book nights at Ao Nang, Railey Beach and Koh Samui ? These are the crowded places during the high season

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Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nongnuch *******

yes, this is why we are rethinking our itinerary and looking into Koh Lanta.

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Nongnuch ********

@Inga ************

yes, Ko Lanta is less busy . .the further you move south on Ko Lanta, the quieter it gets

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Nongnuch ********

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Karen ******

Koh lanta is much quieter. Nice beaches and lots of food options.

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Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

any hotel suggestions?

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Karen ******

@Inga ************

suggest you cross reference reviews in the last 18 months from travel sites like booking.com and trip advisor in your price range. Since Covid some hotels struggled to re enter the market with staffing issues and cash flow. I like klong dao area because easy to walk for dinner/drinks. Many bars on beach too.

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Karen ******

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Phil ******

@Inga ************

yes KL is much less busy than KS.

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Robert ********

Same high season crowds but smaller island... Consider density

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Lindsay ***********************

I think Koh Lanta is much more relaxing that Koh Samui but it is a much smaller island.

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Inga *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lindsay **********************

what is the best swimming beach, in your opinion.

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Lindsay ***********************

@Inga ************

sunrise is beautiful with a perfect restaurant but if you walk to the left, as you face the shoreline, along the beach where you arrive you will find a footpath that leads to a tiny quiet beach with one little bar.

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Lindsay ***********************

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Steve *******

How long is a piece of string? High season is the clue!

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Steve *******

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