Koh Lanta is easily and without a doubt one of my favourite places in Thailand. It feels a world away from the madness of its neighbourhoods *cough* Koh Phi Phi and Phuket *cough*.
The island has a very chill-out energy. It is often the place where backpackers head to relax and detox from the wild times they’ve had around the other islands. From endless beaches, crystal waters and a thick jungle in the centre – Mother Nature did well here.
I’ve spent nearly a year loving life on this magical island, in which time I’ve stayed in nearly every hostel on the island. Overall, I would say they’re pretty affordable, especially compared to other islands. There are everything from pumping parties to yogi-vibes, so let me take you through the Crème de la crème of backpacker pads on the island.
So, let’s dive into it.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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In a hurry? Here are my top hostel picks in Koh Lanta
Let’s take a closer look at each hostel
Many travellers following the classic Thailand backpacking route eventually find their way to Koh Lanta, and each one of them needs a place to crash. Let’s look at some of the best. Let’s look at some of the best.
1. De Bra Hostel – Best Overall Hostel
Price: $
Best for: Solo travellers, social backpackers.
Highlights: Swimming pool, scooter driving lessons, and free pick-up from the ferry port.
Dorms from: $11
Private rooms from: $23
Location: Loh-Du-Yong, close to Saladan, on the quieter side of the island.
This hostel is run by backpackers for backpackers! They have created the ideal solo traveller atmosphere by making it super chilled out and relaxed to meet fellow travellers. A normal lookin’ week at De Bra likely consists of volleyball matches, bonfires, catching the sunset, BBQ nights, lots of pool games and of course some partying!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- FREE pick-up from the ferry port (they know their way to our budget-backpacker hearts).
- Socal vibes but not huge party scene.
- Outdoor swimming pool, billiard table, board games and a bar!
- They will teach you to drive the scooters, too – absolute legends.
The hostel can also organise all of your tours, transport and motorbike rental needs – it’s a one-stop shop, baby! The only slight catch with this hostel is that it is less beach-centric than some of the others. The vibes here are high, but it is a short scooter ride away from the beach side of the island. So, please keep this in mind when booking.
2. Blanco Hostel @Koh Lanta – Best Party Hostel
Price: $
Best for: Solo travellers, party backpackers, beach bums, and a younger crowd.
Highlights: Swimming pool, 2 minutes from the beach, daily social events, and on-site bar.
Dorms from: $10
Private rooms from: N/A
Location: Long Beach, Saladan
Featuring a super nice chill-out area, a big ol’ garden, and a large number of beds, this place is just two mins from Long Beach – AKA one of the best areas to stay on Koh Lanta. The hostel is the most party hostel vibe on the island, with pub crawls, quiz nights and being so close to the nightlife. It attracts a younger crowd, so if you’re a young backpacker, this one’s for you!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site bar, swimming pool and a garden full of hammocks
- Close to popular restaurants and bars on Long Beach.
- Social events every day – buffet dinners, quiz nights, pub crawls, etc.
The dorm rooms here are luxury compared to others on the island. They are equipped with power sockets, built-in lockers, reading lights, hot showers and toilets. The Blanco Hostel bar closes at 11 pm, making it the ideal pre-drinking spot before heading out to Koh Lanta’s epic nightlife. However, you get the best of both worlds, as this also means that if you have an early departure, you’ll still get a decent night’s sleep. How gooood.
3. Non La Mer Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers
Price: $$
Best for: Yogi’s, solo travellers, beach bums, social travellers.
Highlights: Free breakfast, free yoga classes, bar on-site, fully equipped kitchen, gym on-site.
Dorms from: $15
Private rooms from: N/A
Location: Long Beach, Saladan
The vibe here is welcoming and very chill. The hostel offers free yoga classes, and it has a big living space on the second floor with hammocks. Relax with a book, stretch your body and enjoy getting to know your fellow globetrotting comrades. It’s one of those “find yourself” kinda hostels and I’m into it.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- FREE morning yoga classes and a home gym on-site.
- Free breakfast (!!) and a cafe on-site (you won’t go hungry here)
- Fully equipped kitchen for those who prefer to whip up their own meals
The hostel has comfy dorms with either 6 or 8 beds and air conditioning (thank god). They come with personal curtains, lockers and a reading light, so you’ll have a nice space for privacy if you need it. Located near Long Beach, you’ll be surrounded by restaurants, shops, and of course, the sea! There is an ATM nearby and a coin washing machine – what more could you need?
If you’re allergic to cats, this may not be the Koh Lanta hostel for you. But if you are a cat person, this is the only hostel you should stay at.
4. Slacklines Hostel – Best for Hippy Vibes
Price: $
Best for: Solo travellers, budget backpackers, hippy vibes!
Highlights: Swimming pool, hammocks, bar on-site,
Dorms from: $9
Private rooms from: $25
Location: Pansai, Saladan
A typical sorta rustic beach stay, this top hostel in Koh Lanta features thatched beach huts surrounded by tropical gardens. Very nice. It’s just 5 mins from the beach, too. Plus, there’s a swimming pool and a bar here – you can live your best Koh Lanta island life here. It’s a short drive from the busy beach area, but the hostel feels peaceful and remote.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Jungle, hippy vibes.
- As the name suggests, there are plenty of slacklines to play on!
- On-site bar, swimming pool and plenty of garden space to relax in.
- Scooters can be rented on-site, and you’ll need em’ to get around.
Each bungalow (thatched hut, whatever) at this place comes with its own bathroom for extra convenience, but generally, this place is like a chilled jungle experience. These guys have also recently added a couple more modern rooms that you can upgrade to if you want to a little more luxury.
5. Aha Lanta – Best Hostel in the South of Koh Lanta
Price: $$
Best for: Solo travellers, social travellers, those who want some space to unwind and relax.
Highlights: Free breakfast, 5-min walk to the beach, kitchen for use.
Dorms from: $16
Private rooms from: N/A
Location: Kantiang Bay, Ba Kan Tiang
AHA Lanta Hostel (formerly known as At Lanta Hostel) is located toward the southern end of the island, where life operates a bit slower than in the north. The hostel is just a five-minute walk to the Pimalai Beach at Kantiang Bay, one of the most secluded, tranquil and clean (!!) beaches on Koh Lanta.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- It’s located in a quieter town on the island. It’s perfect if you want empty beaches and chill vibes.
- Modern, private and comfortable dorm rooms (they are a real treat!)
- Free breakfast each morning + a kitchen to use
The hostel features all the good stuff – FREE breakfast, all-day coffee & tea, free towels & cosy, private, DELUX dorms. Chill out in the common areas, mix and mingle, or you can even head to the working space if you need to get shit done. It’s important to note that it’s the furthest hostel in this list from the arrival port (at the top of the island), but the hostel can organise transport for you.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Koh Lanta
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. Miss your ferry? Lost your luggage? Decide to learn to ride a scooter on Koh Lanta? Shit happens. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Still not sure where to stay in Koh Lanta?
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Koh Lanta has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Whether you’re up for meeting new people, partying it up or recuperating from a few wild nights on Koh Phi Phi, there are so many hostel options.
If you’re still unsure, here are my thoughts: if you want to be by the beach, I’d lock in Blanco Hostel @Koh Lanta – you can get the best of it all here. Chill vibes by the sea, social events (some centred on drinking and some not) and parties, if you’re up for it.
However, if you want a little less drinking and don’t mind scootering to the beach instead of walking, De Bra Hostel is where you’ll want to be. You can’t go wrong.
If you know of any other goodies or have any other Koh Lanta tips, please share em’ in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Thailand for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best beaches to visit in Koh Lanta covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Thailand if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Koh Lanta before you arrive
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Thailand to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
