Discovering Koh Lanta: Thailand’s Best Kept Secret

As part of a wider journey through Southeast Asia, my family and I pressed pause for an extended seven‑week stay on the island of Koh Lanta in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Those seven weeks gave us time to really slow down, explore, and get under the skin of the island. Koh Lanta remains wonderfully laid back and relatively undeveloped compared to livelier Thai islands such as Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, with a slower pace of life that is incredibly easy to fall in love with.

Located off the south‑west coast and reached via a scenic ferry and coastal drive from Krabi, Koh Lanta is ideal if you are looking for a quieter Thai island: lush jungle, long sandy beaches, friendly local communities and golden sunsets. During our stay I visited many Koh Lanta hotels and resorts, from simple barefoot beach hideaways to elevated luxury retreats, to really understand what would suit different types of travellers. One property in particular stood out as something truly special: Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta.

Why I Recommend Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta

Set near the southern tip of Koh Lanta, Pimalai Resort & Spa spans 100 acres of tropical rainforest and curves around the powdery white sands of Ba Kan Tiang Beach, close to Mu Ko Lanta National Park. It combines authentic Thai character with refined comfort and a very calm, unhurried atmosphere that mirrors the island itself, which is why it regularly features among the best luxury resorts in Koh Lanta.

The resort is split between a Beachside Estate, with suites and pavilions just steps from the sand, and a Hillside Estate, where private pool villas sit high above the treetops with sweeping sea views. We stayed in an Ocean View Two Bedroom Private Pool Villa on the hillside, which felt like a private sanctuary: our own infinity pool, floor to ceiling views of the bay, and a beautiful master suite with a bathtub perfectly positioned for sunset.

Throughout the resort, service is thoughtful and genuinely warm. Transfers from Krabi are seamless, the beach is wide and uncrowded with plenty of loungers, and there are two lovely communal pools if you prefer poolside lounging. For active guests, there is an excellent gym, tennis and pickleball courts, a running track around a small lake, yoga and fitness sessions, plus non‑motorised water sports on the beach, making this a great option for those researching active or family‑friendly luxury resorts in Thailand.

Dining is another highlight. From relaxed, toes‑in‑the‑sand meals at Rak Talay Beach Bar & Restaurant to refined dinners with panoramic views at Seven Seas, the food consistently impressed, particularly the Thai dishes and fresh seafood. Breakfasts are generous and varied, best enjoyed while watching the light dance across the bay.

Exploring Koh Lanta from Pimalai

One of the reasons I rate Koh Lanta travel so highly is the balance between tranquillity and things to do. From Pimalai it is easy to visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park, discover nearby coves such as Ao Nui Bay, spend a day snorkelling around islands like Koh Rok or Koh Haa, wander the wooden stilt houses and waterfront cafés of Lanta Old Town, or join a Thai cookery class with a market visit.

Over seven weeks I was able to see a wide range of Koh Lanta beaches and hotels, so I now have a good feel for which areas and properties work best for different travellers, whether you are a couple seeking seclusion or a family wanting space and gentle adventure.

Is Pimalai Resort & Spa Right For You?

Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta is ideal if you are looking for:

• A low‑rise, luxury resort with rooms, suites and villas spread across 100 acres of tropical hillside and beachfront, so it feels spacious and tranquil rather than crowded
• Direct access to one of Koh Lanta’s most beautiful bays, Ba Kan Tiang Beach, with a long stretch of soft sand, calm water, water sports and two infinity pools to choose from
• Excellent facilities on site including a renowned spa, modern gym, tennis and pickleball courts, yoga and fitness sessions, a running track around a small lake and a choice of beachfront and hillside restaurants and bars
• A seamless arrival, with shared or private transfers by road and speedboat available from Krabi (and beyond), plus an easy‑to‑use resort app for buggies, menus and information
• Refined yet relaxed service that works equally well for couples, families and multi‑generational trips, with villa layouts, dining options and activities I can help tailor to your specific travel style

Having travelled extensively through Thailand and spent extended time on Koh Lanta, I can help you decide whether Pimalai is the right choice for you and how to build it into a wider Thailand itinerary, perhaps combining Bangkok, other Andaman islands or a northern Thailand experience.

If you would like to include a stay at Pimalai Resort & Spa on Koh Lanta as part of your Thailand adventure, please get in touch and I will be delighted to help you start planning.

Contact me and begin designing your Thailand escape.