Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Laem Tanod)
The park headquarters at the island's southern cape, with the white Patchotiwachirapha lighthouse, a viewpoint, a short jungle nature trail, resident monitor lizards and macaques, and a small beach.
- Category
- National Parks
- Entrance fee
- As of 2026 approx 200 THB foreign adults, 100 THB children (thainationalparks.com); confirm locally
- Hours
- Daily, daylight hours approx 08:30-17:30; confirm locally
- Best time
- Nov-Apr dry season; morning to beat the heat for the nature trail
- Time needed
- Half day (2-4 hours)
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate (short coastal nature trail, some rocky steps)
About Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Laem Tanod)
This is the island's signature sight, and it earns that billing. You get the white lighthouse standing at the southern cape, a viewpoint over the water, a short jungle nature trail, and a small beach all in one compact spot. The monitor lizards and macaques wandering around are part of the appeal, not a nuisance, though keep your snacks and belongings zipped up around the monkeys.
The honest catch is the road in. That final stretch to the cape is steep and unpaved, so it's genuinely rough on a weak scooter. Come on something stronger or a 4x4 if you can, and take it slow. The lighthouse itself is a photo landmark rather than something you go inside, so set expectations there.
Go in the morning during the dry season. You'll dodge the worst heat on the trail and have the light for photos. If it has rained recently and you're not confident on that last road, it's fine to skip rather than risk a slippery climb.
Highlights
- The white Patchotiwachirapha lighthouse as a photo landmark at the cape
- Short coastal jungle nature trail with rocky steps
- Viewpoint over the Andaman at the island's southern tip
- Resident monitor lizards and macaques around the headquarters
- A small beach right at the park HQ
Tips
- Ride in the morning to beat the heat on the nature trail and get the best light
- The last road stretch is steep and unpaved, so use a 4x4 or a stronger scooter
- Keep food and loose items secured around the macaques
- Best in the Nov-Apr dry season; skip the rough final road after heavy rain if your scooter is weak
How to get there
From Saladan hub in the north, drive the west-coast road ~30 km south by scooter (~50-60 min) or songthaew; last stretch is a steep unpaved road best on 4x4 or a stronger scooter