Historic Shophouses

Where History Meets the Sea

The main street of Ban Ko Lanta — the original settlement that gave Koh Lanta its name — is lined with one of the finest rows of Sino-Portuguese shophouses in Southern Thailand. These two- and three-storey timber buildings, many dating back to the late 19th century, were built by Chinese merchants who came to trade with the island's Sea Gypsy (Chao Ley) fishing community. Today they are among the best-preserved examples of this distinctive architectural style outside of Phuket Town and Penang.

Walking along the waterfront road is a genuinely moving experience. The buildings lean gently towards each other over the narrow pavement, their faded pastel façades reflected in the still water below. Locals sit outside on wooden chairs, fishing boats are tied up at the end of the street, and the smell of fresh coffee drifts from the cafés tucked into century-old interiors.

The Architecture

Sino-Portuguese architecture is a fusion style that emerged in the port cities of Southeast Asia during the 18th and 19th centuries — a blend of Chinese shophouse tradition with Portuguese colonial details, filtered through local materials and craftsmanship. In Ban Ko Lanta, the buildings are primarily constructed from hardwood timber rather than the masonry seen in Phuket, giving them a distinctly warm, organic character.

Look for the characteristic five-foot walkways (covered arcades at ground level), ornate wooden shutters, Chinese clan symbols above doorways, and the elegant proportions of the upper floors. Many buildings still function exactly as they were designed to: a business on the ground floor and family living space above.

Cafés, Boutiques & Galleries

The restoration of Old Town over the past two decades has attracted a thoughtful community of small businesses that sit beautifully alongside the original character of the street. You will find:

• Independent cafés serving excellent Thai-style coffee and fresh fruit smoothies in lovingly restored interiors with exposed timber beams and vintage furniture.
• Artisan galleries selling original artwork, batik, and handmade jewellery inspired by island life and the Sea Gypsy culture.
• Boutique clothing shops with locally designed resort wear, handmade sandals, and natural fabric pieces you simply won't find elsewhere.
• Street food vendors set up in the evenings with grilled seafood, Thai satay, fresh papaya salad, and rotating local specialties.

The Sea Gypsy Community

The Chao Ley — often called Sea Gypsies — are the original inhabitants of Koh Lanta and much of the southern Andaman coastline. A seafaring people with their own distinct language, traditions, and spiritual practices, they have lived on this coast for centuries, following the rhythms of the tides and monsoons.

The Chao Ley village at the southern end of Ban Ko Lanta is one of the most accessible and welcoming in the region. The community is proud of its heritage and tolerant of respectful visitors — but please be mindful: this is a living neighbourhood, not a tourist attraction. Walk quietly, ask before photographing people, and consider purchasing directly from local craftspeople.

Getting There

Old Town is at the south-eastern tip of Koh Lanta, approximately 1 km south of our properties. The walk along the east coast road takes about 15 minutes and passes through the mangrove fringe — a lovely stroll at any time of day. Alternatively, it is a short scooter or songthaew ride from anywhere on the island.