Long Beach, Klong Nin or the Old Town: the calm Andaman island, who each part suits, and where to book.
Quick answer
Long Beach for the widest choice of resorts and the easiest family stay. Klong Nin, further south, for a quieter village feel on a good beach. The Old Town, on the east coast, if you want character over sand.
| Area | Best for | Feel | To the beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | Families, first visit | Resort beach, relaxed | On the beach |
| Klong Nin | A quieter beach | Village, laid-back | On the beach |
| Lanta Old Town | Character, no beach | Stilt houses over the water | No swimming beach |
See where the places are
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Phra Ae in Thai, and the island's main resort beach: several kilometres of sand, the biggest choice of places to stay and eat, and sunsets every evening. Busy by Lanta standards, which is quiet by Phuket standards.
Skip it if: you want to be far from other visitors.
Halfway down the west coast, with a smaller village, a handful of restaurants and a beach that stays uncrowded. The usual answer for people who find Long Beach too developed.
Skip it if: you want a wide choice of restaurants and shops.
On the sheltered east coast, a former trading port with wooden houses on stilts over the sea, Chinese shrines and seafood restaurants over the water. A different island from the west coast beaches.
Skip it if: you want to swim from your hotel.
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The Andaman calendar: November to April. Outside those months, seas are rougher, many boat trips stop and a number of resorts close for the season.
Phi Phi is more dramatic and far busier. Lanta is flatter, larger, quieter and better suited to families and longer stays.
By road and car ferry from Krabi, about two hours from the airport, or by passenger boat from Krabi, Phi Phi or Phuket in high season.
For anything beyond your own beach, yes, or a tuk-tuk. The island is long and the beaches are spread out along one road.
Last verified: 14 September 2026
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