The Old Town Pier

Koh Lanta's Most Iconic Landmark

The wooden pier at Ban Ko Lanta — known locally as the Old Town Pier — is one of the most photographed spots on the island. Stretching out over the tranquil Strait of Koh Lanta on the east coast, it has served the island's fishing community for well over a century. Today it remains a working pier: longtail boats bob alongside in the morning, local fishermen mend their nets, and the daily catch is unloaded for the markets and restaurants of Old Town.

The pier is the beating heart of the Sea Gypsy (Chao Ley) community who have called this coastline home for generations. Standing here in the early morning, with mist lifting off the calm water and the first light catching the stilt houses along the shore, you get a sense of island life that has barely changed in decades.

Sunrise at the Pier

The east coast faces the Gulf of Thailand and the Strait of Koh Lanta, which means the Old Town Pier is one of the finest sunrise spots on the island. Arrive between 6:00 and 7:00 am and you will often have the pier almost to yourself — just the fishermen returning from their night at sea and a few early-rising photographers. The light is soft, golden, and extraordinary.

Our properties are just 1 km north of the pier, making an early morning walk along the coast road a genuinely special start to any day.

The Morning Fish Market

From around 6:00 to 9:00 am, the area around the pier transforms into an informal fish market. Local fishermen bring in their catch directly from their boats — red snapper, barracuda, squid, tiger prawns, and an ever-changing selection of Andaman Sea seafood. The Old Town restaurants buy direct, which is why the fish at the waterfront dining spots here is so exceptionally fresh.

4-Island Boat Tours

The Old Town Pier is also the departure point for the most popular day trip from Koh Lanta: the 4-Island Boat Tour. Traditional longtail boats and larger speedboats depart each morning, visiting a collection of stunning uninhabited islands off the south coast — including Koh Rok, Koh Ngai, and Koh Muk. The tours include snorkelling in crystal-clear water, a visit to the famous Emerald Cave, and a fresh seafood lunch on board.

We can arrange 4-island boat tours for all our guests. Get in touch with our concierge team for current schedules and prices.

Getting There

The pier is in the centre of Ban Ko Lanta Old Town, at the south-eastern end of the island. From our properties, it is a pleasant 1 km walk or a 3-minute scooter ride south along the east coast road. There is no entrance fee — the pier is a public space open to all.