Koh Lanta is an up-and-coming tourist market in Thailand's Andaman Sea. The accommodation scene offers all of the luxury and amenities that tourists will find on well-established islands like Phuket and Samui, but it does so at a fraction of the price. The islands in this area have a strong reputation among nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering more to these groups than the overly-commercialised markets of the other islands.

The most popular place to stay is on Klong Dao Beach, where guests have the most options when it comes to dining, partying and enjoying water sports on the beach. Ferries from the mainland dock across from Klong Dao at Sala Dan Pier. The entire island is characterised by luxurious, white sand beaches and intermittent bungalows. Tourists are unlikely to be disappointed with the surroundings regardless of where they stay.

The Best Western on Klong Dao Beach is the only international chain represented in the island's resort community. The well-appointed rooms are some of Koh Lanta's most expensive. Relax Bay Resort is located on Long Beach and is tucked into a forested, half-mile stretch of the beach. On Kantiang Bay, Baan Lanta Resort and Spa offers luxurious bungalows and comprehensive service and amenities.

Koh Lanta Yai is the island with the most tourist infrastructure. The northwest coast (especially Klong Dao Beach) is lined with upscale resorts featuring full amenities and critically-acclaimed restaurants. Beyond the traditional resorts, guests can take stay in private bungalows and pamper themselves at the Twin Lotus Resort and Spa.

South of Klong Dao Beach is Phra Ae Beach (sometimes called Long Beach). This area is also home to several resorts, hotels and spas, but it isn't as crowded as its neighbour to the north. The beach is as long as the name suggests, which gives everyone the feeling that that their stretch of coastline is semi-secluded despite the number of guests staying here.

Further south are Klong Khong Beach and Klong Nin Beach, both of which host a few resorts that are more laid back than those to the north. In between these resort areas are two secluded hotels: Sri Lanta and the Narima Resort.

Near the southern tip of the island is Kan Tiang Bay with a few resorts that specialise in island-hopping tours. Offshore are Koh Ha, Koh Hin and Koh Rok, islands that offer the best scuba diving in the Koh Lanta area.

Visitors yearning for privacy can travel to the south of Koh Lanta Yai and catch a ferry to the neighbouring Koh Ngai. This island hosts five different resorts that are spaced out across the eastern coastline, far enough apart that patrons can keep expansive stretches of the coast to themselves.