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 – Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. It’s one of the few places left in the south of Thailand where you could be the only person on a beach!
This deceivingly small island is actually not so small at all and is brimming with adventures to be had. You can try your hand at hiking, caving, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, climbing, or just spend your time zooming around the island on a scooter.
The island has a very chilled-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. Home to limestone mountains, coral reefs and a rainforested interior, this little paradise in the Andaman Sea is not to be missed.
Hostels in Koh Lanta are SUPER affordable, especially compared to neighbouring islands. Some even include breakfast (music to my budget-backpacker ears). From pumping parties to yogi-vibes, I’ll take you through the best hostels across the island.
If you’re looking for bustling vibes and to base yourself where the action is, you’ll want to base yourself on the north end of the island. But if you’re after complete serenity and relaxation, head further south. Anyway – I’ll run you through everything you need to know below!
So, let’s dive into it.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Koh Lanta
- Best Overall Hostel in Koh Lanta – Blanco Hostel @Koh Lanta
- Best Hostel in Koh Lanta for Solo Travellers – Non La Mer Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Koh Lanta – Leaf House Bungalows
- Best Party Hostel in Koh Lanta – De Bra Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Koh Lanta – Hub of Joys
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
The 5 Best Hostels in Koh Lanta
Many a backpacker in Thailand finds their way to Koh Lanta and each one of them needs a place to crash. Let’s look at some of the best.
1. Blanco Hostel @Koh Lanta – Best Overall Hostel in Koh Lanta
- Dorm (mixed): From $6
- Address: 627 Moo 3, T.saladan A., Koh Lanta, Thailand
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 – which is always handy. But even if you don’t want to get salty and sandy, you can dive in the swimming pool! The best of both worlds.
In that garden? There’s a massage hut, hammocks, plus a firepit that everybody sits around in the evening. Sounds pretty calm to me. There’s also a bar at the best overall Koh Lanta hostel complete with drinks deals which I can always get on board with. You can also take yoga classes, trekking, and scuba diving at the hostel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site bar
- Swimming pool
- Close to the Koh Lanta’s pristine beaches
- Social events – buffet dinners, quiz night, 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. They also provided all the necessary freebies – a towel, shower gel, hand gel and a blanket to ensure a good night’s sleep!
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 if you have an early departure you’ll still get a decent night’s sleep. How gooood.
2. Non La Mer Hostel – Best Hostel in Koh Lanta for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Address: 305/4-5 Long Beach, Koh Lanta, Thailand
Apparently ‘non la mer’ means sleepwalking in Thai, which is fun. Not sure if that’s a good thing or not, but… if you wanna stay at the best hostel for solo travellers in Koh Lanta then look no further than this place!
The overall vibe here is welcoming and very chilled out. 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
- Cats… need I say more.
- Free breakfast!
- Air Conditioning
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.
3. Leaf House Bungalows – Best Cheap Hostel in Koh Lanta
- Dorm (mixed): From $6
- Private Room: From $10
- Address: 430, Moo3, Ampher Saldan, Koh Lanta, Thailand
Hey Beach! You’d expect this to be right near the beach… and it IS! It’s right on one of my fav beaches in Koh Lanta, Long Beach! That makes this a recommended hostel in Koh Lanta for anybody interested in snorkelling, sunbathing or just living your best island life (for a bargain of a price!)
It’s a very, very affordable place to stay, so that’s why it’s the best cheap hostel in Koh Lanta. And, well, being right on the beach I reckon it’s great value for money. You can rent scooters from this hostel and zip around the island, too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Steps from Long Beach
- Island-style, bamboo hut stay
- Tour and transport organisation
- Cheap as chips!
If you’re after luxury, this may not be the place for you. This is a true island-style stay and will have you bunking up in a bamboo hut, with a fan and a mosquito net. If you like things a bit rough around the edges, this place is a load of fun. Its reviews speak for themselves!
Enjoy chilling out under the green palm garden with a book or if you need to get some work done, they’ve got free and decent wifi in all areas!
You’ll be in a bangin’ location; only a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach). All the important things are nearby, including but not limited to: ATMs, pharmacies, grocery stores, bars and restaurants!
Top Thailand travel tip: base yourself by a 7/11 and eat all the cheese toasties you can dream of.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. De Bra Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Koh Lanta
- Dorm (mixed): From $9
- Private Room: From $28
- Address: 205 Moo 5, Loh-Du-Yong, Sala Dan, Koh Lanta, Thailand
A super warm and welcoming place, this top hostel in Koh Lanta is a short walk to Saladan which is a lively spot on the island. So, there are a load of restaurants and bars to eat at and chill out nearby – my favourite being the night markets!
This hostel is run by backpackers for backpackers! They have created the ULTIMATE 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
- Socal vibes
- Scooter driving lessons
- Tour and transport organisation
This is the sorta place where they try to treat each guest as a member of the family – so you can see why it’s our top choice for solo travellers in Koh Lanta. They offer a pick-up and drop-off service to and from the ferry port too (they know their way to our budget-backpacker hearts).
The hostel can also organise all of your tours, transport and motorbike rental needs – it’s a one-stop shop, baby! They will also help to teach you to drive the scooters too – absolute legends.
5. Hub of Joys Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Koh Lanta
- Dorm (mixed): From $6
- Address: 341/6 Moo 3 Saladan, Koh Lanta, Thailand
Is this place really a Hub of Joys Hostel? Well, it’s definitely a hub of digital nomad HEAVEN, that’s for sure. Super modern, a cool place, and run by really friendly staff, the best hostel for digital nomads in Koh Lanta is… yeah, pretty much cool AF.
There’s a vibey, spacious coffee shop at the front of this place, plus a decent outdoor patio, so there are plenty of places in this top hostel in Koh Lanta to get your head down and get some work done on your laptop.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Wifi
- Cafe on-site
- Free Breakfast
- Breakfast, Coffee and tea free all day long
Food is served here too, so you don’t need to worry ’bout that. Rent a scooter and zoom around one of the best islands in Thailand when you’re done typing!
The dorms a decent: they offer male, female and mixed dorms. The dorm rooms have air-conditioning, personal lockers and comfy vibes. The perfect place to get a good night’s kip before work in the AM. Hub of Joys Hostel has your back, digi nomads.
That digital nomad lifestyle ain’t so bad, eh.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Koh Lanta Hostels
Do you want to stay in the party district or maybe somewhere more laid back? Use our accommodation and area guide to decide on where to stay in Koh Lanta before booking your hostel.
6. Lemonade Boutique Inn – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Koh Lanta
- Dorm (mixed): From $19
- Private Room: From $54
- Address: 476/4 Klong Dao Beach, M.3, Saladan, Koh Lanta, Thailand
Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? And yeah, it is. Set in the Klong Dao beach area, even the dorm beds at this cool hostel in Koh Lanta are nice – they’re not even bunks. But… dang… the private rooms are BIG and feature cosy beds, mini-fridges, TVs, big light windows and places to put your clothes. Plus a private bathroom.
So you can easily see why this is the best hostel with a private room in Koh Lanta. The staff at Lemonade Boutique are very helpful and will sort you out with transport and tours if you need it, plus give you tips on what to do around the island. High-quality surface.
7. Best Stay Hostel At Lanta
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Private Room: From $19
- Address: 24/2 M.3 Saladan Lanta Krabi Thailand, 81150 Ko Lanta, Thailand
They’re telling us it’s the best stay hostel and, well… it IS pretty good. With crisp and clean linen, cool common room space (complete with swings) and a whole lot of light wood meets polished concrete, it’s definitely one of the coolest hostels in Koh Lanta.
Sure, this Koh Lanta flashpackers hostel isn’t the most vibey of places, but the staff are nice, it’s pretty dang clean and it’s a decent place to relax. Plus you also get welcomed with a welcome drink, so that’s always good.
8. Slacklines Hostel
- Private Room: From $17
- Address: 614 Pansai Moo, Sala Dan, Koh Lanta, Thailand
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.
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. You can rent scooters here to get around the island. Just don’t expect 10/10 cleanliness ’cause, y’know, it’s a bamboo hut.
9. Aha Lanta
- Dorm (mixed): From $9
- Address: 49 Moo 5, Koh Lanta, Thailand
AHA Lanta Cozy Hostel (formally 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.
The hostel features all the good stuff – FREE breakfast, all-day coffee & tea, free towels & cosy, private, DELUX dorms. If you want to whip up a meal or two, there is also a kitchen that you can use. 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.
10. DOX Koh Lanta
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $40
- Address: 1006 Moo.2 Saladan, 81150 Ko Lanta, Thailand
DOX Koh Lanta is a simple, modern hostel that is a great place to rest your head. It’s not got any wild parties or yogi-filled vibes, it’s just comfort at a bargain. There aren’t a lot of common spaces to mix and mingle so it’s not the most social hostel. But there are cute cats around and you’ll be close to some bloody decent food spots, so there’s that.
Located further down the island, and away from the hustle and bustle of Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach) and Saladan – it’s a great place to enjoy the slower pace of Koh Lanta island life in all its tropical paradise glory.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Koh Lanta
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Koh Lanta.
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.
FAQs About Hostels in Koh Lanta
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Koh Lanta.
What to Pack for your Koh Lanta Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Koh Lanta?
The price of hostels in Koh Lanta is budget-friendly on average, starting from $7 – $12+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Koh Lanta for couples?
DOX Koh Lanta is an ideal hostel for couples in Koh Lanta. Its private room has a private bathroom and is just a few steps from Long Beach. It’s a nice hostel to stay in if you’re travelling as a couple.
What are the best hostels in Koh Lanta near the Krabi International Airport?
The nearest airport is Krabi Airport which is pretty far from Koh Lanta – approx 2 hours by car, so it is better to find the best place in a great location. I recommend De Bra Hostel, a top-rated hostel on the island for quick in-and-out access from Koh Lanta to the mainland (where the airport is!)
Final Thoughts on Koh Lanta’s Hostels
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 recouping from a few wild nights on Koh Phi Phi – there are so many hostel options.
If you’re still unsure, I’d lock in Blanco Hostel @Koh Lanta – you can get the best of it all here. Chill vibes by the beach, social events (some centred drinking and some not) and parties if you’re up for it.
Whether you’re after the tranquillity of the south or the busier energy of the north – Koh Lanta is a magical place and I’m so excited for you to visit.
If you know of any other goodies or have any other Koh Lanta tips, please share em’ in the comments!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- 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.
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