A Digital Nomad Guide to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Visa

Compared to most countries in the Southeast Asian region, it’s quite easy to get a visa for Koh Lanta. I personally found their immigration website to be straightforward to navigate through although you may need to use Google page translator since the English version of the site isn’t always accurate. 

Digital nomads may be interested in Thailand’s ‘Smart Visa’ which was recently introduced to make it easier for foreigners to stay in the country for up to four years. There are four types of Smart Visas: 

• Smart T: This visa is applicable to Science & Technology experts who have a minimum income of THB 100,000 or more. 

• Smart I: This Smart Visa is more commonly granted to investors who are willing to inject at least 20 million Bahts in the country. With this visa, you will be treated to a fast-track service in all of Thailand’s international airports. 

• Smart E: For this visa, you need to have a relevant Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years’ work experience. The Smart E targets high-level senior executives who have a minimum income of at least THB 200,000 per month. 

• Smart S: This one is ideal for digital nomads who have their own start-up companies. You’ll need to make a deposit of at least THB 600,000 which the country will hold for three months. 

• Smart O: The Smart O visa is applicable to spouses and children of any main Smart Visa Holder. 

Additionally, digital nomads who are only going to be in the country for two months or less may apply for a tourist visa on the immigration site. Bear in mind that you will need to submit documents such as copies of your plane ticket, proof of accommodation, as well as passport-sized pictures. In some cases, you may also be asked for a copy of your bank statement to show that you have at least THB 20,000 in your account. 

It is also possible to apply for a visa extension once you’re in Koh Lanta. Personally, I found it easier to go on a visa run by hopping on a cheap flight to Cambodia before returning to Thailand after a few days. 

If you can afford it, you can also consider applying to the Thailand Elite Visa which grants you up to five years in the country. While it does provide multiple entries into Koh Lanta, this visa runs for around THB 600,000.

Culture and Food in Koh Lanta

In true Thai fashion, the local food scene in Koh Lanta includes plenty of spicy, sour, and sweet notes – all generously drizzled with oil and more often than not, served with a hearty side of carbs. You’ll also find plenty of seafood on the menu – in fact, you’ll even see plenty of beach vendors offering sea urchins and oysters freshly plucked from the ocean. 

Having said that, I did notice that Koh Lanta is one of the rare few Thai provinces where you’ll also find healthier options. Not unlike Bali, the island is sprinkled with vegan, raw, or vegetarian restaurants, so rest assured that the local cuisine definitely caters to various palates.

However, I do have to point out that there’s no international fast-food outlets on the island. If the local cuisine isn’t quite up your alley, you’ll certainly find plenty of eateries specializing in Western fares- although these can be more expensive. 

Some of my absolute favorite dishes that I tried on Koh Lanta included: 

• Pla Kapung Neung Manao: In my opinion, this is best enjoyed at a beachside restaurant so you can savor the freshest of ingredients. This dish basically consists of a whole steamed fish, abundantly flavored with cilantro, Thai chilis, fried garlic and lime soup. If you’re not a fan of spicy dishes, you can always opt out of the chilis. It’s usually served alongside a heaping bowl of freshly boiled rice. 

• Yam Nua: Basically a fragrant roast beef salad, Yam Nua was my go-to lunch when I was on the island. Ideal for a hot summer’s day, this dish is made up of thin beef strips, chopped red onions, shallots, cabbage, carrots, and sprinkled with spearmint leaves. Most restaurants allow you to choose your dressing and if you want to be particularly adventurous, I can recommend the chili-infused lime juice and garlic sauce. 

• Massaman Curries: While it looks just like any regular Indian curry, the Massaman Thai curry has an entirely different flavor profile. Indeed, these curries utilize less spices, but more tamarind paste and coconut cream. Restaurants usually serve meat, fish, and chicken curries but you’ll also find plenty of places serving up Vegetable Massaman. Like most Thai dishes, these are normally accompanied by steamed rice or flaky Rotis that you can dip into the sauce. 

• Crab summer rolls: Another refreshing snack that’s perfect for the warm Thai climate, crab summer rolls are available in virtually every restaurant around the island. Some places even use fried octopus instead of crab. One word of caution though – the dipping sauce in Thailand is probably much spicier than what you’re used to, so be sure to do a quick taste test before completely submerging your rice wrapper in it.  

Given that Koh Lanta is basically a melting pot that encompasses Muslims, Buddhists, and Gypsies, you can expect to find plenty of cultural festivals all year long. For example, if you visit Koh Lanta in March, you’ll get to attend the annual Laanta Lanta Festival which takes place in the Old Town. Because this festival aims at preserving the local Chinese heritage, it features ceremonial shows, folkloric costumes and music, as well as free food samples from streetside stalls. 

Another popular festival in Koh Lanta is the Sat Duean Sip Festival which honors the ancestors. Also known as the Tenth Lunar Month, this festival is mostly centered on food. Families usually spend days preparing five traditional food offerings that are presented to the monks. Ornate carriages are also decorated and pulled through the streets of the Old Towns and Saladan. 

Twice a year, the island’s sea gypsy community holds the Loy Rua festival during which brightly painted boats and vessels are symbolically filled with the villager’s worries and sent adrift to sea at the end of the day. Believe me when I say that this is quite a sight to behold, with the decorated boats floating gently in the pinkish water at sunset while the gypsies softly chant their traditional songs in the background. 

Koh Lanta Nightlife

Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that Koh Lanta’s nightlife doesn’t even begin to compare to elsewhere in Thailand like, say, Bangkok for example. Other than a small cluster of bars and clubs, the island doesn’t quite have that many options in terms of evening entertainment. There are no shopping malls and only one cinema in Koh Lanta that closes quite early on most evenings. 

The one exception to Koh Lanta’s temperate nightlife is on the West Coast where you’ll find plenty of wild parties in raucous venues – think boozy college freshmen on spring break who want to dance the night away while experimenting with various substances. 

Still, if wild parties aren’t exactly your scene, you can check out the few bars or clubs that do remain open until around 1:00 or 2:00. My advice would be to check these clubs out on Friday and Saturday nights because that’s really when they flare to life. You may even be treated to live entertainment from local or international DJs. If you’re interested in the local nightlife, you may also wish to check out the island’s resorts, most of which regularly host vibrant parties for locals and foreigners alike. 

Pangea Beach Bar

Located smack on Long Beach, Pangea Beach Bar rapidly turned into my absolute favorite spot in Koh Lanta. Open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 2:00, this beach shack boasts straw huts and rattan furnishing with an open-air dance floor right there on the sand. Friday and Saturday nights are usually punctuated by live entertainment thanks to local DJs or musicians specializing in house music. 

While Pangea Beach Bar is particularly renowned for its extensive list of handcrafted cocktails, I can also recommend their grilled seafood which, more often than not, is fished right from the ocean in front of you. 

Free Descent (formerly Funky Monkey)

If you’re into karaoke, this is the one place that you can’t afford to skip. Indeed, their karaoke nights on Fridays are hailed as among the best on the island and everyone is urged to join in – so this may not be the spot for introverts. What I personally liked the most about Funky Monkey was how, despite its popularity, the establishment offers reasonably priced snacks and drinks. 

Found in Saladan, this karaoke bar is open Monday to Sunday, 17:00 to 4:00. Digital nomads who are visiting in high season should preferably head there early, because it tends to get quite crowded, and you may be denied entry once they reach maximum capacity. 

Freedom Bar

With a funky décor, neon lighting, and a treehouse-style architecture, Freedom Bar is certainly on the more expensive side but if you ask me, it’s completely worth the splurge. Because it’s so popular among foreigners, this spot is also ideal for digital nomads looking for networking or collaborating opportunities. 

In line with its super-casual vibe, Freedom Bar has oversized cushions scattered all over the floor so you can just kick back and relax with a drink while enjoying the live music in a multi-hued atmosphere. There are plenty of wooden tables and chairs available for those who would like to try one of their delicious dinner offerings. Freedom Bar is found in Lanta Emerald Bungalow, right on Liberty Beach. 

Irish Embassy Pub

I was quite surprised to come across a place like the Irish Embassy Pub in Koh Lanta. Standing in stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere that I have come to expect from most Thai clubs, this place has a refined and laidback interior – perfect for those who would like to enjoy a relatively quiet night out. In true Irish style, you can expect typical pub fares such as burgers, fish and chips, mushy peas, and the likes. It even serves Irish brews such as Guinness and Kilkenny Cream Ale.

On select evenings, the Irish Embassy Pub does host events such as retro nights, dart throwing or pool contents, open mic, and live music. Whenever there’s an international football match on, you can expect the pub to come to life as European expats gather around the flatscreen to cheer on their favorite team. Open Monday to Sunday from noon to 1:00, this pub is found in Prae Ae.

Why Not Bar

Like most nightspots in Koh Lanta, Why Not Bar also features a super laid-back vibe with a casual dress code. It’s found right on the beach and offers floor seating with large, plush cushions arranged in front of circular tables. While it does offer live music, this bar is especially known for its thrilling fire shows punctuated by rhythmic beats. These shows usually start around 22:00, but I’d recommend that you head over there at least half an hour earlier to ensure that you get a good spot. 

This up-and-coming bar is located right on Kantiang Bay, on the island’s south coast. Around once a month, you will be treated to exhilarating parties so you can dance the night away right by the water’s edge. Why Not Bar is open every day from 11:00 to 2:00 the following morning.

Things to do in Koh Lanta

I must admit that at first, I was worried about getting bored in Koh Lanta – after all, the archipelago’s islands are all on the small size, and it was all too easy for me to imagine that I would run out of things to do in just a few days. 

How wrong I was! 

Despite its diminutive size, the thing about Koh Lanta is that it offers something new in just about every corner. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures like cave climbing or something laid-back like simply stretching out on one of the (many) sunny beaches, rest assured that the islands are just bursting with an assortment of entertainment to keep you occupied on your days off. 

Here are some of my personal favorite things to do in Koh Lanta:  

• Indulge in a yoga class

  Given the distinctive wellness culture that permeates the island, you’ll be able to find yoga classes in virtually every corner of Koh Lanta. For example, Oasis Yoga in Saladan boasts yoga classes in traditional stilted wooden treehouses. With ocean views on one side and jungle vistas on the other, this yoga studio offers both morning and afternoon classes for adults or children of all levels. While prices can be on the more expensive side, rest assured that it’s also possible to find cheaper yoga classes. For instance, Lanta Yoga, also located in Saladan, offers sessions for around THB 300 for one and half hour.

• Relax on the pristine beaches

  There’s no denying that the one thing that put Koh Lanta on the map is undeniably its glorious stretches of soft, silky sand. Luckily enough, all the beaches are entirely free to visit, perfect for digital nomads who are strapped for cash. In fact, you can even set up a cheap tent on one of the beaches for a memorable night, right by the water’s edge. From most beaches, it is possible to rent snorkeling gear to explore the lagoon or hop on a 30-minute glass bottom boat ride for around THB 20. Long Beach, colloquially referred to as Phra Ae Beach, is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Located just a quick drive from Saladan Village, this beach does live up to its name and stretches for five kilometers. While I absolutely adored the crystalline lagoon, do bear in mind that the water goes deep quite quickly, owing to the sloped terrain. It’s also one of the rare coastal places in Thailand that’s not packed with restaurant tables and sunbeds. In high season, it’s not uncommon to see food vendors lined up under the palm trees serving up inexpensive eats. On a less positive note, Long Beach can get quite packed and noisy owing to its popularity. If peace and quiet is what you’re after, you may wish to check out the aptly named Secret Beach which is found between Khlong Khong Beach and Long Beach. Because it’s quite easy to miss the entry, several foreigners just drive past the red dirt road, completely oblivious to the paradisiac setting that awaits mere feet away. As such, you’ll mostly encounter locals, but if you head over there during office hours on weekdays, you might just get the entire place all to yourself. With a calm lagoon, this beach is also home to a herd of cows who often come to relax or munch on ripened coconuts. There’s even a small, family-owned bar where you can sip on a refreshingly cool beer while chatting with the friendly owners.

• Tour Mu Koh Lanta National Park

  In stark contrast to the island’s postcard-worthy sites stands the rugged terrains of Mu Koh Lanta National Park, located on the southern coast. First established in 1990, this marine park encompasses over 16 islets in the Koh Lanta group, including a part of Koh Lanta Yai. Easily recognizable by its lighthouse towering on the hill, this park is home to rocky outcrops and even a forest trail that you can hike through on your way to the shore. This park additionally features a few cycling trails as well as camping facilities. With an abundant marine life, this area also provides plenty of snorkeling opportunities. Best of all, you can even rent a bungalow right at the very heart of Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Prices for the bungalows usually range between THB 1,500 to THB 2,000 per night. The park is open from 8:30 to 17:00 daily. The entrance fee is THB 200 for adults and THB 100 for kids.

• Uncover Koh Phee’s Caves

  Also known as ‘Ghost Island’, Koh Phee is a rock islet which is found just off the east coast of Koh Lanta. You’ll find boat shuttles departing from the beach virtually all day long and the price for a two-way transfer normally ranges between THB 400 to THB 600. Once at Koh Phee, you can use ropes and tires to explore the many caves that the islet is known for. I do have to warn you that very few agencies actually provide safety equipment or even harnesses so be sure to do your research in advance. Now, if cave climbing isn’t quite your thing, rest assured that you can always rent a kayak – perhaps even one of those transparent ones that went viral on social media – and explore the glorious turquoise waters around Koh Phee. Digital nomads who book a day trip through an agency may even be treated to lunch on one of the deserted islands in the vicinity. A quick note of caution though – do keep your eyes peeled for the mischievous groups of monkeys who might swoop over to snatch your phone when you’re taking pictures. I would also recommend that you wear adequate shoes to explore the caves and perhaps even get a waterproof case for your phone if you’re going to kayak. Sunscreen is quite essential considering how brutal the Thai sun can be, especially when reflecting off the water. Most tours to Koh Pee cost between THB 1,200 and THB 1,500 per person.

• Stroll through Old Town Koh Lanta

  One of the absolute best cultural experiences I’ve had in Thailand was venturing through the narrow lanes in Old Town Koh Lanta. Originally a settlement for the gypsies, the Old Town was built on slits over the water. What I personally like best about this place is how it retains so much of its ancient architecture, including old Chinese shophouses that you can browse through for local products. Of course, you’ll also find your fair share of modern shops, including touristy stalls and smoothie stands. I would say that exploring the Old Town is the closest thing you’ll get to stepping back in time in Thailand. Compared to Koh Lanta’s lively and energetic buzz, the Old Town has a very slow, almost sluggish atmosphere – just like the bygone days.

Best Time to Visit Koh Lanta

Like all Thai provinces, Koh Lanta boasts a sunny and warm climate all year long. Instead of the four traditional seasons, the island has a dry and a wet period punctuated by bi-yearly monsoon rains. Owing to its geographical location (7.6 degrees above the equator), Koh Lanta has plenty of humidity, even during the monsoon so be sure to pack loose cotton or linen clothing. 

The dry season normally ranges from mid-October to early March, with the most populated months being December, January, and February. During that time, you can expect highs of up to 40 degrees Celcius during the day, so be sure to keep hydrated and always carry your sunscreen with you. At night, the temperature is more tolerable with lows ranging from 28 to 37 degrees. Owing to the sunny weather, this is the ideal time to indulge in nautical activities such as kayaking, catamaran trips around the islets, snorkeling, and the likes. 

Because the island is so crowded in dry season, you usually need to make reservations several days in advance. It’s not always possible to land last-minute accommodation during summer so be sure to book your hotel beforehand. 

If you want to avoid the crowd and benefit from the best rates, you can always fly to Koh Lanta during the wet season between May and September. Locals usually refer to this period as the ‘Green Season’ since the lack of tourists usually mean a lack of pollution. In Green Season, you can expect plenty of heavy rainfall in May and June with some respite in July and August. The rain usually picks up again in September until early to mid-October. 

While you’ll undoubtedly land the very best deals in terms of accommodation, the bad news is that there isn’t a lot to do in May and April. In fact, most speedboat services to Koh Lanta stop running around this time although you’ll still be able to catch the occasional ferry to the island. Most locally owned businesses remain closed during this time to protect the outdoor furniture from heavy gusts and rain. On the flip side, digital nomads working in creative fields will have the island virtually all to themselves with as much peace and quiet as they need to focus on their projects. 

Koh Lanta for Families

I may not have travelled to Koh Lanta with kids, but I did notice that the island easily caters to children and families in general. Baby formula, diapers, and other such products are readily available in mini-marts and pharmacies throughout the island.

I will say that not every coastal road is stroller-friendly though, given the number of potholes that I saw in Koh Lanta, but you’ll certainly find better infrastructure in family-friendly neighborhoods such as Klong Dao in Saladan.  

While local schools hold classes in the local language, rest assured that there are plenty of international establishments for foreign kids, especially in Saladan. Popular options include Global Village School Lanta, Lanta International Language School and The International School of Asia, Koh Lanta. These schools normally specialize in international curriculums, including the American, British, and International Baccalaureate. There’s plenty of emphasis on extra-curricular activities, especially yoga and nautical sports. 

If you have smaller children, you’ll be glad to learn that the island does provide English-speaking day care centers such as the Happy Kids Kindergarten in Phra Ae Beach. 

In terms of entertainment, there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy during the weekend. Some of the more popular family-friendly activities include: 

• Khlong Jark Waterfall: Located just steps from Kantiang Bay in the south, this waterfall is accessible after an easy stroll through the forest. The waterfall has a shallow pool, perfect for kids who would like a refreshing swim after their hike. 

• Lanta Animal Welfare: One of the best family-friendly destinations in Koh Lanta, the Lanta Animal Welfare is always on the lookout for volunteers to spend time with their rescue kittens and puppies. Kids will undoubtedly like walking the rescues or help the staff feed and bathe them. Located in Sala Dan, this non-profit organization is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00. 

• Koh Rok Snorkeling: Just a quick boat ride away from Koh Lanta takes you to one of the best snorkeling spots around. You can always book a full-day tour to Koh Rok that includes snorkeling expeditions, picnic lunch, and boat rides around neighboring islets. While day tours usually cost between THB 1,500 – THB 2,000, it’s also possible to arrange for overnight camping trips on Koh Rok for an additional THB 500, tents and blankets included. 

• Kayaking: Given its popularity among expat and local families alike, it’s quite easy to arrange for kayaking expeditions in Koh Lanta. Some agencies even offer kayaking tours through mangrove forests on the eastern coast so you can spot endemic creatures such as the mudskipper fish. Alternatively, you can also book a kayaking tour to various islands, including the Talabeng sea cave. Prices range from THB 800 to THB 1,500.

Living in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Transportation

Getting around Koh Lanta isn’t quite as simple as traveling across more populated Thai areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or even Phuket. In fact, the great majority of digital nomads that I met preferred to get around on scooter. It’s also possible to rent a car in Koh Lanta but this can get expensive very quickly. While this definitely had its advantages, I was personally a bit hesitant to rent a scooter owing to the fact that most Thai people drive like they’ve got a few extra lives tucked away somewhere. 

It’s also important to know that there’s no actual public transportation system in Koh Lanta. Most resorts, bungalows, and hotels lie within walking distance to popular restaurants or bars. Of course, given Koh Lanta’s topography, you’ll never be far from the beach, even if you rent a place near the center of the island. 

Here are some of the most common ways of getting around in Koh Lanta: 

Tuk Tuk

There are three main types of Tuk Tuks on Koh Lanta – regular ones, Tuk Tuks with sidecars, and those that look like pickup trucks- perfect for groups of up to ten people. While Tuk Tuks are quite speedy, I did notice that those posted in front of popular venues tend to charge more than three times the average transfer price, so don’t be afraid to haggle.

If you’re planning on spending a whole day exploring the island, I would also suggest that you negotiate with the driver to settle on a daily rate instead of the usual price per kilometer. The rate normally ranges from THB 50 – THB 80 for two kilometers. Bear in mind that Tuk Tuks in Thailand usually charge per person and not per trip. 

Scooter rental

Like I mentioned, this is the most popular way of exploring the island, both for locals and foreigners. In fact, if you don’t mind braving the streets and somewhat demented drivers, this can actually be quite an inexpensive way of seeing the island. Even if I’m not a fan of driving in Thailand, I must admit that Koh Lanta has far less traffic than elsewhere in the kingdom. 

Most rental companies charge around THB 200 per day in low season and around THB 300 – THB 350 in high season. While some companies do ask for an international driver’s license, most do not ask for documentation. As far as gas is concerned, it’s usually sold by the bottle at roadside stalls. The price ranges from THB 35 to THB 45 per liter. 

Taxi

Owing to their expensive rates, taxis in Koh Lanta are more popular among tourists than foreigners. There are no taxi stands on the island, but you can simply stop by the side of the road or wave your hand and they will come to a stop. 

Sometimes, you can also spot some taxis parked in front of shopping centers. Prices usually depend on the route – for example, a one-way trip from Klong Dao Beach to Klong Khong Beach (around eight kilometers) will set you back between THB 100 – THB 200. Taxi drivers tend to charge more for late night trips.

Fitness and Health

Despite its party scene, rest assured that Koh Lanta isn’t all about boozing and greasy Thai food. Quite on the contrary, there’s an undeniable health and fitness culture in Koh Lanta – as evidenced by the sheer number of healthy restaurants and sporty activities available in virtually every neighborhood. Eateries such as Koh Lanta Noi Organic Farm and Restaurant, and Tuesday Morning Small Talk Cafe are quite popular among expats for their low-calorie dishes sourced from fresh, organic produce. 

In terms of exercise, Muay Thai is the sports of choice among locals, especially the older generation. If you’re interested in this sport, you can always check out specialized centers such as the Lanta Muay Thai Academy which is found on Long Beach. Along with Muay Thai classes, this club also offers private coaching, yoga, and fitness training. I did find their rates to be quite affordable: a six-month membership will set you back THB 3,500 while a yearly plan costs THB 6,000. A monthly subscription will set you back THB 1,000. 

Hiking and running are quite popular activities among both foreigners and locals. In fact, locals usually flock to the National Park in the south to enjoy an immersive stroll in nature or explore the many hiking trails. You’ll also find people jogging on the beach in the early morning or late afternoon and as exhilarating as this is, I learned the hard way that you can’t exactly go barefoot – there’s plenty of broken bottle fragments (especially after the weekend) and sharp shell shards, so be sure to shoe up adequately.

Koh Lanta People

While I found the people in Phuket to be quite cold and somewhat resentful of the staggering number of tourists that invaded their island, I must say that interacting with the people in Koh Lanta was among the highlights of my stay. 

Not only were they exceptionally warm and hospitable, but I noticed that locals didn’t hesitate to go out of their way to help you – more than once, I’ve been escorted to my destination while asking for directions. I’ve had locals pay for my drinks or meals and a friendly granny who owned her own little snack whipped up a special two-course meal just for me because regular menu items were too spicy. She didn’t even charge me extra and refused to accept a tip. 

It didn’t take me long to realize that the world-famous ‘Koh Lanta Charm’ was more than just an idiom on the island. This probably has something to do with the fact that the island regroups locals of various faiths and ethnicities who live in perfect harmony with one another. This multi-ethnic community primarily consists of three distinct cultural groups – the Thai-Chinese, Thai-Muslim, and the Sea Gypsies who are also known as the ChaoLay. I was told that the Sea Gypsies were the very first settlers to arrive to the island. 

Given that it’s a predominantly Muslim nation, there’s a fairly conservative culture on the island, but rest assured that there’s no particular dress code for foreigners in Koh Lanta. Topless sunbathing is quite common in the West, especially on Long Beach, and it’s not uncommon to see foreigners walking around in bikini tops and sarongs, even in the center. The only places where you’re expected to cover up is near sites of worship. Still, no one will actually reprimand you if you’re not adequately dressed. After all, locals may be conservative, but they do have an exquisitely humble and gentle demeanor, especially towards foreigners.

Local women, especially in the South, often go out in full burka. You’ll also hear the Muslim call to prayer several times a day. On Friday afternoons, most Muslim-owned stores and restaurants close early since the owners go to the mosque for their weekly Jumah prayers. 

Just like elsewhere in Thailand, family units in Koh Lanta usually comprise of three generations living under the same roof – grandparents, parents, and children. Women normally live at home with their parents and move into their husbands’ houses after marriage. Elders are treated with so much respect that the common way to greet grandparents is to bow down to touch their feet. During mealtimes, elders are often served first. 

If you would like to interact with locals in their native dialect, you can always learn the following phases before heading to the island: 

• Hello: Instead of shaking hands, Thai people usually fold their hands together in a prayer-like gesture and say Sah-Wah-Dee.

• Thank you: When saying thank you, locals normally give a small bow of the head or again fold their hands together and say Kop-Khun-Krub for men and Kop-Khun-Kha for women. 

• Goodbye: Sà-Wàd-Dee.

See you later: Laéw-Jer-Gan.

Koh Lanta Insurance and Medical Care

Not only do you need health insurance before heading to Thailand, but you also need to always keep copies of your coverage papers on you. While clinics will not deny you treatment without health coverage, bear in mind that the costs can add up very quickly and you’ll be in for a very expensive surprise when they’ll hand over your bill. 

The island has one major hospital in the Old Town and four medical centers located in Khlong Nin, Phra Ae, and Saladan. Both the Old Town Hospital and Siam Clinic in Phra Ae are open 24/24. Given the large number of expats who live in Koh Lanta, most hospital staff do speak English. It’s also important to know that there are only two dental clinics on the whole island – Lanta Smile Dental Clinic and Lanta Denté Clinic.

As excellent as the Thai healthcare system is, I did notice that most hospitals on Koh Lanta are understaffed. Additionally, they’re not as well-equipped as those on mainland Thailand. As such, some emergency procedures may be transferred to better-equipped areas such as Phuket, Krabi, Trang, or Bangkok. Given the island’s small size and lack of traffic, ambulances are usually quick to arrive.   

While you’ll find plenty of small pharmacies dotted all throughout the island, some medication – especially prescription drugs – may not always be available. As such, you may need to grab a ferry to a more developed island like Phuket for other meds. Most pharmacies carry generic instead of mainstream brands and I found the prices to be quite reasonable.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Koh Lanta

While Koh Lanta doesn’t offer quite the same number of opportunities as Bangkok for example, it’s still possible for digital nomads to land a local job on the island. 

Before embarking on your job search, however, it’s crucial to make sure that all your paperwork is in order. Nomads need to have a valid Visa and work permit to be able to work in Thailand. Additionally, your employment should be in line with the country’s Alien Employment Act which stipulates that certain work categories are only reserved for the locals. These include, but are not limited to, stonework, hairdressing, wood carving, bricklaying, and agriculture. 

Websites such as Careerjet and Linkedin can help you land a short or long-term job in Koh Lanta. Thanks to the many resorts on the island, English, French, or bilingual foreigners also have an excellent chance of getting snapped up by the hospitality industry. Scuba and boat charter companies, especially those owned by expats, are always on the lookout for English-speaking staff so it’s worth connecting with them for any potential job opportunity. 

Like elsewhere in Thailand, there are plenty of teaching opportunities in Koh Lanta. In fact, you’ll find many international schools looking for teachers and teaching assistants all year long. You will need to produce a copy of your bachelor’s degree and teacher’s diploma. Teachers usually make between THB 30,000 and THB 40,000 per month, although some schools- especially international academies- are willing to pay up to THB 50,000/monthly. Some institutions also provide complimentary accommodation in a shared apartment or villa.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.