The Best Backpacker Hostels to Book in Koh Lanta, Thailand

Non La Mer Hostel is a five-minute walk from Phra Ae Beach (also known as Long Beach) and close to a handful of budget-friendly restaurants (try Mr Green if you need to satisfy late-night Thai food cravings). Flying solo? The lively bar on the ground floor and the laid-back social spaces with hammocks and beer pong tables make it easy to meet fellow travellers here. Hostel owner Nong can help you arrange cheap scooter rentals – she also runs free yoga classes a few mornings each week.

The 10 private budget rooms with shared bathrooms at Journey Hostel are compact but squeaky clean. There’s a small communal lounge, but you’re better off wandering the local night market or eating at riverfront restaurant the Fat Pig if you want to rub shoulders with other backpackers. The pier is only two minutes away – so you won’t have to haul your luggage far to catch your next ferry.

Lemonade Boutique Inn is 90 seconds from Klong Dao Beach – but who’s counting? The five-bed dorm (with privacy curtains) and 18 en-suite rooms are pristine, and the staff are super welcoming. Nab a table at nearby Koala Bar for sunset cocktails on the sand, or spend an evening watching young Muay Thai fighters practise their moves at Klong Dao Stadium.

The private rooms at Hugs Guesthouse are a little dated, but the family who run the place are super friendly and keen to share their insider travel tips. The restaurant downstairs serves authentic Thai food – just ask the locals who eat here. The hotel is a short walk from Lanta Yoga’s open-air studio, as well as a forest-lined stretch of Long Beach (walk north along the shore and the beach gets deeper and sandier).

Close to Phra Ae Beach, Funky Fish Hostel is a sociable backpackers’ base. There are mixed and female-only dorms, plus an on-site restaurant where you can order Thai dishes to share with your new pals and dine outside on the wooden terrace. Other creature comforts include laundry facilities, luggage storage and free wifi, plus the hostel has bicycles to rent. Alternatively, you can conveniently book tours with the helpful staff.

Let It Bee is just off the main road that runs close to Long Beach. Hostels here know what they’re doing: the mixed dorms sleep six, and there’s also a private double room (with a shared bathroom) to suit backpacking couples. You’ll find free toiletries in the bathroom and complimentary wifi. Unusually for a Thai hostel, Let It Bee has a well-equipped kitchen that you can use to prepare your own meals. Plus you can rent scooters and bicycles to make exploring Koh Lanta a breeze.

Rx Hostel has a great location next to the sands of Klong Nin Beach – a stretch of sand that lures travellers from across the island with stunning sunsets. The hostel has mixed dorms, and bunks are fitted with privacy curtains. There’s also a common area with a fridge and microwave, plus outdoor seating. Just before the day’s end, head to one of the many restaurants and bars close to the beach for sunset views with cocktail in hand.

Blanco Hostel at Lanta is close to Long Beach. Each bunk in the mixed dorms has a reading light and power outlet for your convenience and comfort. There’s also an on-site restaurant-bar where you can mingle, unwind with a Thai beer or two and tuck into tasty food as you look across the garden. Take your favourite book and chill in one of the hammocks or rent a bike to discover your surroundings.

A short distance from the beach, Best Stay Hostel At Lanta provides great views of the green mountains to its rear. It has mixed- and single-gender dormitories in different sizes, and beds have curtains for privacy. Under-bed lockers add to your peace of mind. Breakfast is included in the price, and the hostel has a restaurant-bar. There’s a TV in the common area if you just can’t bear to miss your favourite shows. Other positive points include laundry facilities, luggage storage, car parking and free wifi.

Clean, secure, sociable and modern, Hub of Joys can be found near Long Beach. Hostels needn’t cost your privacy, and this place proves it – it has mixed- and single-gender dorms, and all beds have curtains. Rooms are secured with pin pads. The hostel has a restaurant where all guests can start their day full of energy with a free English breakfast. Other freebies include wifi, toiletries and parking. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas where you can swap travelling tales and tips with other guests.

Bubu Lanta Hostel is built in a traditional Thai style using bamboo. An attractive hostel, it sits close to Long Beach (Phra Ae). Affordable prices make it a top choice for beach-loving budget-conscious backpackers. The compact dormitories sleep both men and women, and bathrooms are spacious, modern and clean. The grounds are great for relaxation, and there are various outdoor seating areas. Chill at the bar when you’re not out and about exploring.