Getting from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok is a really easy journey which can be done in about 4 hours.
“How do you travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok in Thailand”.
I recently found a thread on Reddit where a user was trying to find answers to this exact question. But the responses on the thread were a clusterfuck of misinformation.
Which inspired me to write this post to get the up-to-date information out there. Because traveling between these two awesome places is not as difficult, as it seems. There is just a lack of information online.
How to Travel To Khao Sok From Koh Lanta
Book Travel From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok
- Book a Private Transfer From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok (Andaman Taxis)
- Book a Bus Ticket From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok (via Krabi): Part One
- Book a Bus Ticket From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok (via Krabi): Part Two
- Don’t Miss Out on Spending a Night Glamping In Khao Sok National Park! Check The Lowest Rates For a Luxury Tent Here.
There are two routes you can take from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok. Either choose a private car which costs about 5,000 Baht total. Or take the Minivan from Koh Lanta to Krabi Bus Terminal, then connect at Krabi Bus Terminal with the minivan to Khao Sok costing 800 Baht a person.
Map From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok
Private Travel From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok
The entire trip from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok can be made by road so depending on your budget taking a private car is the simplest solution. A private car from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok will cost in the region of 5,000 THB (around 100USD).
Keep reading to find out how to catch the bus from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok 🔽
Benefits of a Private Car From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok
- Private car is the quickest way to travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok. The entire journey takes around 3 hours.
- Eliminate the need to make a connection at Krabi Bus Station.
- Leave at whichever time is most convenient for you. There is no tie to a bus schedule.
- The cost is the same for a private minivan or private car. The cost can be split between those traveling meaning for a large group the cost per person is similar to taking the bus.
- Much more comfortable- the public busses often lack space because the footwells are used for luggage storage.
- Get picked up from your hotel in Koh Lanta, get dropped off at your hotel in Khao Sok.
There are two licensed taxi firms who operate this route: Bangkok Taxi 24 (Book) and Andaman Taxis (Book).
To book a taxi with either of these companies you need to make a reservation on 12GO.Asia. For a private service you’d need to book a few days in advance during the peak season (November – March). You can usually get away with booking one day before during the off season months.
Here is where you can book a private car from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok: https://12go.asia/en/travel/koh-lanta/khao-sok-national-park.
Taking The Bus From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok
If you are on a budget then taking the bus from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok is the cheapest transport option available. You’ll need to take two buses which connect at Krabi Bus Terminal.
- 1) Take the minibus from Koh Lanta to Krabi Bus Station
- 2) Change the Minibus at Krabi Station
- 2) Take the minibus from Krabi to Khao Sok
Part One: Koh Lanta to Krabi
Try to take the bus as early as possible so there is time to make the connection
Book the minivan from Koh Lanta to Krabi: You can book with 12GO.Asia for 350 THB which includes pick up from you accommodation on Koh Lanta and also includes the costs of the short 15 minute ferry ride to exit Koh Lanta Island. The minivan operates every hour.
The company which operates this minibus is called ‘SahaGornRotYonDoisan Krabi’. If you speak Thai you can get a cheaper rate (250-300) by calling the company to book. Phone Number: +66816063591 or +66836371115.
The bus ride takes one to two hours depending on which area your collection hotel is located.
Part Two: Krabi to Khao Sok
When you arrive at Krabi Bus Station you can change to the minibus heading to Khao Sok. The Minibus leaves the station (roughly) every two hours starting at 7.30am. There are six departures each day with the last bus leaving at 3.30pm.
Book the minivan from Koh Lanta to Krabi: You can reserve your tickets in advance, which I recommend doing because there is high demand for this route and only a few buses each day. Booking online with 12GO.Asia will cost 400 Baht a person.
If you want to take your chances and leave it until you arrive at the Bus Station tickets are sold at counter 3 for the same price. The bus route is number 444. The company operating this route can be contacted on +66841493565, (Line or Phone).
The second leg of the journey then takes around three hours with the minibus traveling via Khao Lak – Takua Pa and then to Khao Sok National Park. When arriving at Khao Sok transport directly to your accommodation is included.
How NOT to Get From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok
There was a ton of misinformation online about getting from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok with most websites recommending to travel Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi to Phuket to Khao Sok. You do not need to take a boat to get from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok. Traveling this way takes twice as long and costs twice as much! You’d also need to stay overnight in Phuket and break the travel over two days. Stick to taking the bus for the best way to travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok.
Tips and FAQ – Travel From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok
1️⃣ How far is Koh Lanta from Khao Sok?
Both Koh Lanta and Khao Sok are in the south of Thailand. Which makes getting from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok really easy. Koh Lanta is an island in Krabi Province and Khao Sok is a National Park in Surat Thani Province. There is a distance of 200 Kilometers between the two destinations.
2️⃣ How to Book Koh Lanta to Khao Sok Tickets?
Book a private car in advance using 12GO service. Bus tickets can also be booked online using 12GO or you can call the bus company on +66816063591.
3️⃣ How Long Does it Take From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok
A Private Car will take 3 hours to complete the journey. The minibus (via Krabi) will take 4 hours driving. And there will be a maximum connection time of two hours at Krabi Bus Terminal.
4️⃣ How Much Does it Cost From Koh Lanta to Khao Sok
Taking the minibus from Koh Lanta to Khao Sok will cost 350 Baht to Krabi and 450 Baht to Khao Sok per person. A private transfer will cost 5000 Baht for up to 9 people.
5️⃣ How Many Trips are There Per Day From Lanta to Khao Sok
Private Taxi’s run at your schedule and you can leave at whichever time you would prefer. The bus leaves Koh Lanta to Krabi every hour and then leaves Krabi to Khao Sok every two hours. Buses for both routes start at 7.00am. The last bus leaves at 3.30pm.
6️⃣ Which means of transport is the best for the route?
From the results of a poll by 12GO which surveyed 1000 travelers. 98% said they preferred to travel with private car. 2% said they preferred to travel by taking the minibus.
7️⃣ Where Does The Koh Lanta to Khao Sok Bus Stop
Both private cars and minibuses collect from your hotel in Koh Lanta. And both services will take you to your pre-booked hotel in Khao Sok.
🎱 Where is The Best Place to Stay in Khao Sok
Without a doubt the best place to stay are the floating bungalows on the lake. For a cheaper accommodation option you can stay in an actual tree house. Book Khao Sok Accommodation Here.