Your Ultimate Thailand Road Trip Guide : Phuket to Koh Lanta

When we set out from Phuket to Koh Lanta, we decided to do something a little different — make the journey part of the adventure. With our own car, a few AI suggestions*, and an open mind, we discovered a road trip route filled with Barista Champion coffee, coastal views, towering limestone rock formations and a ferry crossing that had us very much at one with the locals as we stepped into the slower pace of Thai island life. Read on for what to see, do and love along the way!

Where is Koh Lanta?

Koh Lanta is part of an archipelago of 52 islands in the Andaman Sea, off Thailand’s west coast. The main islands, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, are known for their laid-back vibe, green landscapes, coral-fringed beaches and friendly locals — a world away from the busyness of Phuket.

What’s with the AI suggestions?

This road trip and Koh Lanta holiday were part of an experiment in which AI planned our itinerary. With the increasing use of AI for Itinerary planning, we wanted to explore this further. According to ABTA’s Holiday Habits 2025-26, the number of people using AI for holiday inspiration has doubled in the past year, from 4% to 8%, with young people leading the way.

If an AI itinerary could be trusted, it would save a whole heap of time! You can read more about how we got on here. Coming next: Using AI to Plan a Thailand Island Escape.

Getting There from Phuket

A direct drive from Phuket to Koh Lanta takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours (see our timings below), including the ferry crossing from the Ban Hua Hin Pier in Krabi Province (not to be confused with the other Hua Hin Pier in the coastal town outside Bangkok!)

But honestly, if time allows, go slower. Where’s the fun in rushing through what is arguably one of Thailand’s most stunning landscapes?

Choosing your routes

Option 1: The direct route

On our drive down, we took the direct route and left Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, at 7:20 am, stopped for coffee and brunch, and arrived at the Koh Lanta ferry terminal by 12:40 pm — about 155 km later.

Option two: a Phang Nga Natai Beach stopover

You are driving through Phang Nga, so you could decide to break the journey at one of the stunning hotels, not too far off your route, at Natai Beach, Phang Nga.

We have stayed at the following and can recommend:

• Aleenta Phuket – Phang Nga Resort & Spa – as seen on our IG here.
• Natai Beach Resort – as seen on our IG here.
• Iniala Beach House – as seen on our IG here.
• The Hot Spring Beach Resort and Spa, a little further north, as seen on our IG here.

Option three: a bigger Phang Nga detour to the Samet Nangshi Viewpoints

We stayed at Beyond Skywalk Nangshi – as seen on our IG here

Option Four: A stop in Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Tubkaek Beach

Highly recommended! We have always loved Krabi’s towering limestone cliffs, and you’ll find some incredible places to stay. On this occasion, we decided to stay at Tubkaek Beach

Where to stay

• Rayavadee. Railay Beach
• Dusit Thani Krabi
• Centara AO Nang Beach Resort & Spa – loved, loved, loved this resort in a quiet area of Ao Nang – More details here! 
• Centara Grand BEACH RESORT & VILLAS KRABI Tucked away on its own private beach behind Monkey Hill – magical! Our stay details: here! Resort room video here
• Centra BY Centara at Phu Panu. At the back of Ao Nang with a mountain backdrop. Details here!

For those without a car, options include:

• Flights to Krabi International Airport (with hotel pickup to Lanta)
• Speedboats (about 90 minutes from Phuket’s Rassada Pier)
• Minibuses or taxis (find options on 12go.asia or Rome2Rio)

Driving in Thailand – What to Know

Driving in Thailand can be “adventurous.” We both have Thai driving licences from the pandemic era, when the roads were quiet — ideal practice time! While Mr Wren handles the wheel confidently, I’m happy to leave the driving to him. Driving in Thailand is unpredictable; add in the inexperienced holidaymakers on their scooters, and well, let’s just say your defensive driving skills need to be at their best.

Hiring a Car in Thailand

These days, we hire a car on arrival at Phuket Airport. We don’t go with one of the big companies and have used the same guy who was originally recommended by one of Mr Wren’s golf mates.

However, we have used Discover Cars, a car rental comparison platform in both Europe and Australia and have found them to offer well-maintained cars at good prices.

A few tips:

• You’ll need an International Driver’s License
• Foreigners are often deemed at fault in any road incident
• Driving is safer than riding a moped, but local transfers may be easier if you’re not used to Thai roads.
• If you are new to Thailand, wait a few days to observe the roads in your area and assess whether they are suitable for you!
• Between Phuket and Krabi, we found the roads well-maintained, and certainly in Phang Nga, we always remark on how great the roads are.

Phuket to Koh Lanta Roadtrip Routes

Coffee, Brunch & the Ferry Crossing

• ☕ Coffee Stop: Asterik Espresso, Takua Thung — home to Thailand’s 2025 Barista Champion and a must for caffeine lovers. More on IG at @asterikespresso.phnagnga
• 🍽️ Brunch: Tan Café x Just Fine in Krabi Town — stylish, calm, and delicious. More on IG at @tancafexjustfine
• ⛴️ Car Ferry: From Hua Hin Pier (Krabi) to Khlong Mak Pier (Koh Lanta Noi) — ferries run continuously from early morning to late evening.

Ferry Tips:

• Buy tickets before reaching the pier — the office is on the road on the way in and can be easy to miss – see below.
• Cost (Oct 2025): 50 THB per person + 30 THB per car (about £3 / $4 USD total).
• Ferries vary — from modern boats to floating metal barges! It’s potluck, which is waiting on your arrival!

Arrival on Koh Lanta

Ten minutes later, you’re gliding into island life. From the pier, it’s a scenic drive south to Kantiang Bay, where we based ourselves for our stay.

Wren’s Tip:
Don’t rush this journey. Build in time for coffee, photos, and maybe even a detour — the drive is part of the fun.

Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram @littlewanderingwren.

👉 [Read next: Using AI to Plan a Thailand Island Escape]