I had a bit of a mix-up with Klong Toab Beach. The shoreline complexity—changing from hills to flatland, interrupted by a stream and rocky formations—along with a tricky road and a poorly drawn tourist map, led me to explore only half the beach.
Unfortunately, I ended up seeing the less appealing side and was convinced that this was all there was to Klong Toab. While writing this post, I realized the discrepancy and initially thought about scrapping the draft until my next trip.
However, I figured my mistake could actually serve as a helpful tip for readers—don’t make the same error. Plus, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity for lively interaction with subscribers, especially those who have already visited the area and could share useful insights for my return.
Beach Overview
The main feature of Klong Toab Beach is its location along Koh Lanta’s main highway, Road 4245. The beach runs north to south for nearly 1 mile (1.5 kilometers), with only the first half visible from the road.
From Lanta Corner Resort, where the highway closely follows the coastline, to Coconut Grove Restaurant, where the road curves inland, you’ll find a somewhat somber view of the sea. The shoreline here is lined with concrete and tiles that face heavy erosion each rainy season, so don’t be surprised to see sections of the promenade with holes and washed-out spots. If you’re just following a tourist map, you might arrive at this promenade wondering, “Where’s the beach?” Instead, you’ll find mostly rocks.
Past Coconut Grove Restaurant, the road veers inland, creating a 1,300 by 1,300-foot (400 by 400-meter) area where about a dozen hotels and resorts are located, though only half this area is developed. The remaining space is mostly wild jungle and a fairly large river with a wide mouth.
Klong Toab Beach is rocky in many spots, so sandy, swim-friendly areas are mainly in front of specific hotels.
Swimming
There’s no direct access to the water from the promenade—and there’s little need, as most wouldn’t swim here. The water remains shallow for around 330 feet (100 meters), and at low tide, rocks are exposed, creating a “moon-like” landscape. Toward the center, a channel is used by longtail boats.
The smaller sandy sections on the southern end of Klong Toab are more inviting, where most of the beach’s infrastructure and accommodations are located. The promenade suggests that waves might occur here, though they’re more likely during the off-season.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to explore the southern section myself, so the photos shown are from the promenade area only.
Sunbeds and Shade
In the second half of Klong Toab Beach, which I didn’t reach, there’s reportedly everything you’d need for a typical tourist beach experience. However, since I don’t have any pictures, I’ll save the detailed description for another time.
Based on what I’ve seen at nearby beaches, I assume Klong Toab has umbrellas and sunbeds on its sandy sections, though natural shade is likely sparse—especially at low tide when the beaches get very wide.
Beach Photos
Amenities
The first half of Klong Toab Beach lacks much infrastructure. There are literally just two small, local Thai cafes and that’s about it. On the left side, where Moonlight Exotic Bay Resort or its restaurant (or perhaps both) are situated at the edge of the beach, I personally find that the resort’s “fantastic” view of rocks is not particularly appealing.
After Moonlight, you’ll come across a small cluster of hotels where the infrastructure is primarily hotel-based, offering the basics: a bar, restaurant, pool, massage services, and equipment rentals—mostly from beachfront establishments.
As for the main road, I spotted some gas stations, many cafes, a couple of proper restaurants, plenty of local Thai shops, a mosque, rental and repair shops, and even a lawyer’s office. Street tourist agencies are also common, but I didn’t notice any major attractions nearby.
Accommodation
There are no houses in the deserted part of Klong Toab, except for the resort at its northern tip—Lanta Corner Resort.
However, moving southward, you’ll find more options. Here are some key places to consider:
- Moonlight Exotic Bay Resort
- Lanta Palace Resort And Beach Club
- Rawi Warin Resort and Spa
- Lanta Sand Resort & Spa
I didn’t come across any private rentals that would appeal to long-stayers or digital nomads. Additionally, the general infrastructure around Klong Toab isn’t particularly suited for a long stay.
How to Find the Beach
From Saladan (where ferries from Krabi arrive), it’s about a 12-15 mile (20-25 km) drive to Klong Toab, which takes around 20-25 minutes. If you’re heading straight there, you can purchase a minibus ticket at the pier for around 500 baht.
If you’re arriving on Koh Lanta with your own vehicle, just follow Road 4245. You’ll recognize Klong Toab Beach as you reach an open section of the western coast where the sea splashes just 33-49 feet (10-15 meters) from the road. This coastal stretch is unique and easy to spot, marking the start of Klong Toab Beach.
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