Thailand Nomads

thailand-nomads logo

The Ultimate Guide to Klong Dao Beach: Top Things to Do, Places to Stay, and More!

Evening view of the Klong Dao Beach

Klong Dao Beach is one of Thailand’s most popular beaches on the Thai island of Koh Lanta. It spans nearly 3 kilometers along the island’s west coast.

The beach boasts fine white sand and clean, tranquil water, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Numerous restaurants, bars, and resorts are positioned along the beach, so you will be able to find somewhere to dine or drink.

The ambiance is laid-back and relaxed; even during peak season, the beach is rarely crowded.

As a result, it is ideal for couples, families, and lone travelers.

One of the unique features of Klong Dao Beach is the stunning sunset view. The sunsets are truly breathtaking and should not be missed.

Watching the sun go down over the Andaman Sea is a magical experience you will never forget.

Evening view of the Klong Dao Beach
[siteorigin_widget class=”LSOW_Accordion_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget]

Where to Eat on Klong Dao Beach

There are many great places to eat on Klong Dao beach, each offering a unique dining experience. Here are some recommendations:

1. The Black Pearl

The Black Pearl is a beachfront restaurant located on Klong Dao beach in Thailand.

It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, offering a diverse Thai and international cuisine menu.

The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere, with a casual open-air dining area that allows you to enjoy the sea breeze and beautiful beach views.

The seating is arranged in a relaxed and comfortable manner with wooden tables, chairs, and lounge chairs to relax and enjoy the sunsets.

The menu at The Black Pearl features a diverse range of dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, pasta, salads, and more.

Some of the standout dishes on the menu include the prawn pad Thai, black pepper crab, and the seafood platter, which is perfect for sharing with friends or family.

The restaurant also has a great selection of drinks, including cocktails, beers, and fresh juices.

The staff at The Black Pearl are friendly and welcoming, providing excellent service to ensure your dining experience is enjoyable.

The restaurant also has a great sunset view, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun go down over the Andaman Sea.

The black pearl restaurant on Klong Dao Beach

2. Cook Kai

Cook Kai is great for those looking for delicious and affordable Thai food on Klong Dao beach.

The restaurant is popular with locals and tourists, so booking in advance is always a good idea, especially during peak season.

The restaurant serves various Thai dishes at affordable prices, and has a casual, laid-back atmosphere.

The menu at Cook Kai includes classic Thai dishes such as pad Thai, green curry, and tom yum soup.

They also offer various vegetarian and vegan options, including vegetable stir-fry, tofu and vegetable curry, and fried rice.

The portions are generous, and the food is prepared fresh and served hot. The restaurant also has a small bar that serves beer, wine, and cocktails.

One of the signature dishes at Cook Kai is their yellow curry with chicken, a creamy and aromatic curry packed with flavor.

The restaurant also offers a many seafood dishes, including grilled prawns and steamed fish, which are cooked to perfection.

3. Fresh Restaurant

Fresh Restaurant is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant located on Klong Dao beach. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, organic ingredients in its dishes, and its menu is full of healthy and delicious options.

The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere, with tables and chairs in a breezy open-air space with a view of the beach.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the service is generally fast and efficient.

The menu at Fresh Restaurant features a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to smoothie bowls and freshly squeezed juices.

Some popular dishes include vegan burgers, spicy chickpea curry, and veggie lasagna. There are also plenty of gluten-free options available.

The restaurant also has a great selection of smoothies, with various fruits, vegetables, and superfoods blended into delicious and healthy drinks.

The dragonfruit smoothie and the green smoothie are both highly recommended.

One of the unique features of Fresh Restaurant is its commitment to sustainability.

The restaurant uses compostable packaging and avoids plastic wherever possible, and sources its ingredients from local farmers and suppliers.

They also offer cooking classes and workshops on healthy living and sustainability.

The view from Fresh restaurant on Klong Dao Beach

4. The Mango House

It is a vegan restaurant located on Klong Dao beach. The restaurant has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating available.

The menu at The Mango House Restaurant features a varied menu, including salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and vegan desserts.

Some of the most popular dishes include the Mango Salad, Falafel Wrap, and the Green Monster Smoothie.

The dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and prepared with care and attention to detail.

The restaurant also has a great selection of beverages, including fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and specialty teas.

The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and are happy to help you choose the perfect meal or drink.

The Restaurant is also committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness. The restaurant uses biodegradable packaging and recycles all of its waste.

The restaurant also has its own organic garden, where they grow their own herbs and vegetables.

5. Diamond Cliff Beach Restaurant

Diamond Cliff Beach Restaurant is a popular restaurant on Klong Dao beach in Thailand.

The restaurant offers a beautiful beachfront location with stunning views of the Andaman Sea. It is known for its romantic setting and great food.

The menu at Diamond Cliff Beach Restaurant offers a range of Thai and international dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood. Some popular dishes include grilled prawns, fish curry, and seafood platters.

The restaurant also has a great selection of wines, cocktails, and other beverages.

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options, including a cozy dining room and a spacious outdoor terrace with ocean views.

The atmosphere is elegant and romantic, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

The service at Diamond Cliff Beach Restaurant is known to be friendly and attentive, with staff happy to make recommendations or help with special requests.

Prices are generally higher than some of the other restaurants in the area, but the food quality and the beautiful setting make it worth it for many visitors.

View from Diamond Cliff Beach on Klong Dao Beach

6. Red Snapper

This popular seafood restaurant is known for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes. The menu includes grilled fish, seafood platters, and more.

The restaurant is decorated with a nautical theme, with fishing nets and shells adorning the walls.

One of the unique features of Red Snapper is the fresh fish market at the front of the restaurant.

You can choose your own fish or seafood from the market and have it cooked to order by the skilled chefs in the kitchen.

This ensures that your meal is always fresh and cooked to your liking.

Activities on Klong Dao Beach

There are many fun and exciting activities on Klong Dao Beach in Thailand. Here are some recommendations:

1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

The waters around Klong Dao Beach are crystal clear and full of colorful marine life, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Many diving centers on the island offer courses and excursions for beginners and experienced divers.

Here are some of the top spots for snorkeling and scuba diving in the area:

1. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang

These two dive sites are known for their impressive underwater seascapes, including towering pinnacles, colorful coral formations, and deep drop-offs.

The sites are also home to a diverse range of fish and marine life, including reef sharks, barracudas, and giant manta rays.

2. Koh Haa

A group of five small islands located just south of Klong Dao, Koh Haa is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish.

Aerial view of the Koh Haa Island

3. Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai

These two small islands are near Phi Phi Island, just a short boat ride from Klong Dao.

They are popular for their dramatic underwater topography, including steep walls, swim-throughs, and canyons.

4. Koh Rok

Located to the south of Klong Dao, Koh Rok is a small island with crystal-clear waters and a wide array of colorful coral formations.

The island is home to various fish and marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, and clownfish.

5. Koh Kradan

A small island located north of Klong Dao, Koh Kradan is known for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

The island is home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish.

2. Island-Hopping

There are many beautiful islands near Klong Dao that can be explored on a day trip.

Popular destinations include Koh Rok, Koh Ngai, and Koh Kradan, all offering white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and great snorkeling opportunities.

Here are some of the top destinations for island-hopping around Klong Dao Beach:

1. Koh Phi Phi

One of the most popular destinations for island-hopping in the area, Koh Phi Phi is a group of six islands known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and impressive limestone cliffs.

Maya Bay, located on Phi Phi Leh, was made famous by the movie “The Beach” and is a must-visit for many tourists.

The majestic Koh Phi Phi Island

2. Koh Rok

This small island located south of Klong Dao is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

The island is part of a protected marine park, and visitors must pay an entrance fee.

3. Koh Ngai

A small island east of Klong Dao, Koh Ngai is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.

The island is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving, with various colorful coral reefs and marine life to discover.

4. Koh Mook

This small island is located north of Klong Dao and is home to the famous Emerald Cave.

Visitors can swim through a narrow cave entrance to a hidden lagoon inside the island, where the water is a brilliant emerald color.

5. Koh Kradan

This small island is located north of Klong Dao and is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.

The island is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving, with various colorful coral reefs and marine life to discover.

Aerial view of the Koh Kradan Island

3. Kayaking

The mangrove forests and secluded beaches are great places to explore by kayak on Klong Dao Beach.

You can rent a kayak from a local rental shop or book a tour that includes equipment.

Kayaks can be single or double-seated and are usually made of durable plastic or composite materials.

You will also be provided with paddles and life jackets. Once you have your kayak and equipment, you can l launch from the beach or a nearby dock.

As you paddle around Klong Dao Beach, you’ll be treated to some stunning scenery, including clear blue waters, rocky cliffs, and lush vegetation.

You can spot wildlife like fish, birds, and even monkeys in the surrounding trees.

Kayaking allows you to explore parts of the coastline that you might need help accessing by foot or boat.

You can paddle into hidden coves and bays, through mangrove forests, and around small islands, discovering secluded beaches and spots for swimming and snorkeling.

Kayaking on Klong Dao Beach is generally not very difficult, as the waters are usually calm and there are few strong currents.

However, it’s still a good idea to be in relatively good physical shape and have basic paddling skills.

A woman enjoying kayaking on Klong Dao Bay

Where to Stay on Klong Dao Beach

When planning a trip to Klong Dao Beach, one of the most important considerations is where to stay. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, there are numerous accommodation options available for every type of traveler.

Here, we will explore some of the best places to stay on Klong Dao Beach to help you make an informed decision and have a memorable stay.

1. Rawi Warin Resort and Spa

This beachfront resort is located on the southern end of Klong Dao Beach and offers a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to private pool villas.

The resort features several restaurants, a spa, and a large swimming pool.

2. Lanta Sand Resort and Spa

This resort is located right on Klong Dao Beach and offers a range of bungalows and villas, many of which feature ocean views.

The resort has a spa, restaurant, and swimming pool.

3. Lanta Casa Blanca

This boutique hotel is just a short walk from Klong Dao Beach and offers a range of rooms and suites.

The hotel features a rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar.

Pool inside the Lanta Casa Blanca Resort

4. Hatzanda Lanta Resort

This resort is on a quiet side street just a short walk from Klong Dao Beach.

The resort features bungalows, villas, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.

How to Reach Klong Dao Beach

Depending on your starting point, there are several ways to reach Klong Dao Beach. Here are some of the most common ways to get there:

1. By air

The nearest airport is Krabi International Airport, approximately 80 km from Koh Lanta. From the airport, you can take a taxi or minivan to the island.

There are also direct flights to Trang Airport, approximately 150 km from Koh Lanta.

2. By Ferry

You can take a ferry to Koh Lanta from several ports, including Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi island.

The ferry ride takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the starting point, and then you can take a taxi or minivan to Klong Dao Beach.

3. By bus

There are several bus companies that offer direct service from Bangkok to Koh Lanta.

The journey takes approximately 12-14 hours and includes a ferry ride to the island. Once you arrive on the island, you can take a taxi or minivan to Klong Dao Beach.

4. By car or motorbike

You can also drive to Koh Lanta and then take a ferry to the island.

The journey from Krabi takes approximately 2-3 hours and includes a ferry ride to the island.

Final Words

With its long stretch of white sand, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque sunset views, it is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

It is perfect for enjoying a classic tropical beach experience with soft sand, warm waters, and stunning sunsets.

However, if you are more into adventure and wish to explore a different coastal landscape with more rugged cliffs, head straight to Hua Hin.

Hua Hin is a popular beach resort town located in southern Thailand, on the Gulf of Thailand. It is known for its long, sandy beach, clear waters, and warm climate.

While Hua Hin and Klong Dao Beach offer some similarities in terms of activities and accommodation options, they also offer unique coastal experiences and are located in different parts of Thailand.

Both destinations are worth visiting, depending on your preferences and travel plans.

    Table of Contents

    Related Posts