Lanta Old Town (Sri Raya)
The island's historic east-coast port town of century-old Sino-Portuguese and Chinese-Thai stilt shophouses, once the main trading harbour, now lined with cafes, craft shops, seafood decks over the water and a small museum.
- Category
- Historical Sites & Ruins
- Entrance fee
- Free
- Hours
- Streets open all day; most shops and cafes approx 10:00-22:00
- Best time
- Late afternoon into evening; Nov-Apr for the nicest weather
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours
About Lanta Old Town (Sri Raya)
This is my pick for the most atmospheric spot on Lanta that isn't a beach. The old port town is lined with century-old Sino-Portuguese and Chinese-Thai stilt shophouses, and it was once the island's main trading harbour. Today those buildings hold cafes, craft shops, seafood decks built out over the water, and a small museum.
What makes it special is that it's the real thing, a genuine slice of old Lanta rather than a built-up tourist trap. It's quieter and more authentic than the beach strips, so it rewards a slow wander with a coffee and a browse through the craft shops.
Come late afternoon into evening when the light is soft and the seafood decks over the water come alive. It's an easy ride down the east coast, and everything's free to walk around.
Highlights
- Century-old Sino-Portuguese and Chinese-Thai stilt shophouses
- Seafood decks built out over the water
- Craft shops and cafes in the old trading buildings
- A small museum on the town's history
- A quieter, more authentic feel than the beach strips
Tips
- Come late afternoon into evening for the best light and atmosphere
- Time a meal at one of the seafood decks over the water
- It's free to wander, so budget time to browse the craft shops slowly
- Visit in the Nov-Apr season for the nicest weather
How to get there
From Saladan drive ~20 km down the east-coast road (~30-35 min by scooter or songthaew)