Lanta Klong Nin Beach Resort

Lanta Klong Nin Beach Resort is a relaxed, low-key base on Klong Nin Beach, one of the most pleasant stretches of Koh Lanta's west coast. The beach is only about two minutes on foot, which means you can stroll down for a swim at breakfast or wander over for a sunset drink without thinking about transport. The resort is built around gardens, a pool and a restaurant, and it has the unhurried feel that draws many visitors to Koh Lanta in the first place. Rooms come in three types: a Standard Room, a Standard Room with a garden view and a Deluxe Bungalow with a garden view. They have air conditioning, showers, flat-screen TVs with cable, balconies, refrigerators, electric kettles and safes, which is a practical set of comforts for a stay of several nights. Bungalows are a good choice if you like a little extra privacy and a garden outlook, while the standard rooms suit those who simply need a clean place to sleep after a day on the water.

The facilities suit a budget-minded stay. There is an outdoor pool, a garden, a restaurant, bike rentals, tour and ticket assistance, luggage storage and laundry. Free Wi-Fi and free self parking are included, and the premises are smoke-free. An airport shuttle and supervised childcare can be arranged for an extra charge. The tour desk is useful for booking boat trips to the four islands, Koh Rok and the mangroves, which pick up from hotels along this coast.

Klong Nin has a balanced character. It is quieter than Klong Dao and Long Beach, with fewer bars and a more relaxed pace, yet it has restaurants, shops and a few beach bars within easy reach. Nui Beach is a short drive, Khlong Khong Beach is a few minutes further and Long Beach is around twelve minutes away by car, so you can sample several beaches without changing hotels. Krabi International Airport is a drive of well over an hour and a half, including the ferry crossing, so plan transfers in advance.

Getting around the island usually means a scooter, a taxi or a tuk-tuk. If you rent a scooter, wear a helmet, ride carefully on the hills and bends, and check that your insurance covers it. Many guests also use the resort's bike rentals for short trips to nearby restaurants. Evenings are quiet, so bring a book or plan an early night before a boat day.

The best time to visit is the dry season from about November to April, when the sea is calm and the islands are open to boats, and rates rise at Christmas and New Year. From May to October the island is greener and cheaper, but some businesses close and the sea can be rough, so choose a place with a pool. Read recent guest comments, confirm what your rate includes and check the cancellation terms when you book.