As a lovely Thai island with splendid beaches, interesting cultural sites, and a low-key vibe, spending a few hours relaxing in a Koh Lanta café can be the perfect way to fully embrace island life. Beat the heat and quench your thirst or indulge in tasty light bites and sweets to keep hunger at bay. Here are some of the best cafés and coffee shops in Koh Lanta.
Located close to the sands of Klong Nin Beach, Monkey Biziness’ slogan is ‘Monkeys Make Real Coffee’ (disclaimer: monkeys do not work here). The international team makes fresh hot and iced coffees and you’ll find an interesting selection of global teas, freshly squeezed fruit juices, and smoothies on the menu. Fancy something stronger? Order an ice-cold beer. There’s a small but satisfying selection of breakfast and lunch items to nibble on, including bacon and eggs, Penang curry, and wraps. Sit in the leafy garden or enjoy the rustic ambience indoors. A small gift shop sells local crafts, too.
One of just a handful of cafés on Koh Lanta’s smaller island of Koh Lanta Noi, you can sometimes hear the lilting call to prayer from one of the nearby mosques while unwinding here. Enjoy soft background music while you choose between the indoor or outside seating areas, as friendly staff members make you feel welcome. Lunch options include sandwiches, red and green curries, and pad Thai. If you’re craving something sweet, the selection of desserts and ice creams should hit the spot – the milkshakes are to die for.
Serving tasty vegan and vegetarian dishes, Kaya Caffe is a top choice for people who follow a meat-free diet. The delicious and colourful breakfast and lunch dishes are sure to please meat eaters, too! Savour fresh home-made items such as smoothie bowls, chia puddings, and pesto sandwiches alongside sweet treats including carrot cake and vegan chocolate cake. The Italian owner puts care, skill, and love into making each dish to keep customers full and happy. The cute café is also just a stone’s throw from one of the island’s top attractions: Lanta Animal Welfare.
Shanti Old Town is a charming café in Koh Lanta’s Old Town, on the eastern side of Koh Lanta Yai. Sitting right next to the sands, the seaside setting offers great views of Koh Por and other nearby islands. Low tables and patterned scatter cushions help to create a relaxing atmosphere, or you can hop onto a bar stool to soak up the views from the open-fronted café. Start the day with tantalising French-style crepes (the owner is French) or enjoy delectable ice creams, with inventive flavours that include lavender and lemon, mango chilli, and chocolate cinnamon.
Fruit Tree Coffee Shop is a modern and stylish Koh Lanta café near Phra Ae Beach. While the surroundings are fresh and funky, the homey vibes are strong. It serves an assortment of filling breakfasts and hearty sandwiches, and visitors with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed by the fabulous selection of cakes, cookies, and other delights. Coffee is made fresh using beans from Colombia, and their fresh coconut juice is a real thirst-quencher. Need an energy boost? Try one of their healthy nutri-drinks, packed with fruit, vegetables, and seeds.
Located close to the main road that runs past Klong Khong Beach, Peak Cafe is a casual and cosy spot. Unwind to the sounds of mellow jazz as you start your day with a breakfast of home-baked breads, eggs, or pancakes. Come lunchtime, the sandwiches are filling. Coffee is made using beans grown in Northern Thailand, and the fruit smoothies are freshly prepared using locally grown and seasonal fruits. The staff members are friendly and often offer great tips for enjoying the best of the island.
Not a Toy Cafe is a combination of a quirky and kooky café with a treasure trove of handmade artworks and crafts available to buy. Many pieces are made from recycled objects and scrap material. The items are fun and attractive but they are not (as the name indicates) toys! From carved wood and soft toys to metal work and mobiles, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye. Enjoy sitting in this whimsical museum as you sip on a latte with colourful froth. The food selection is small but delicious, with waffles, mushroom burgers, and sandwiches among the choices.
Marketing itself as a ‘small talk café and chill out’, Tuesday Morning is a laid-back café that encourages you to unwind and linger for a while. It’s open every day well into the evening (not only Tuesday mornings), so you can get your caffeine fix and dose of calm any time, with sea views enhancing the relaxed ambience. The smoothies are delicious and there’s a wide choice of other drinks, too. Pop in for breakfast, with dishes like French toast and the large and colourful fruit bowl. Alternatively, stop by for a beer or cocktail at sunset.
Pure Koh Lanta is a fabulous café for travellers who are craving healthy drinks and meals while exploring the island. Many of the organic items can be made to accommodate different dietary requirements and intolerances, too. Artfully arranged flowers and condiments mean that meals are a treat for the eyes as well as for the taste buds. Enjoy generous servings of hummus, feta on toast, or smoothie bowls, and personalise your meals with a range of additions including goji berries, chia seeds, and protein powder.
Step into Living Room, situated near Long Beach, and feel right at home in this well-designed café. Breakfast options include overnight oats, croissants, and pastries. Various meal sets are available, helping you save money. It’s a top spot for brunch or lunch too, with choices such as avocado and salmon toast, poached eggs, and various stuffed baguettes and sandwiches. The on-site bakery makes fresh bread daily, and there’s always a tempting selection of cakes, muffins, and pastries for a tasty sugar hit. The coffee and smoothies are consistently highly rated.
