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Scuba Diving in Koh Lanta | Technical & Cave Diving Center
Exploring Koh Lanta’s Local Markets with Kids
One of our favourite family activities on Koh Lanta doesn’t involve the beach at all. Instead, we head to one of the island’s local markets.
The markets are a wonderful place to spend time with little ones, experience local Thai culture, and discover the incredible variety of fresh produce, food, and everyday life on the island. We especially love visiting during the weekends when there’s no school. Our children enjoy helping with the shopping, choosing fruit and vegetables, and seeing all the different foods and colours on display.
And of course, while we try not to buy too many sugary treats, we occasionally leave with a few local snacks for the kids to enjoy later in the day!
Koh Lanta Market Schedule
The local markets generally run from around 8:00 a.m. until midday, although times can vary slightly depending on the season and vendors.
The market changes location each day of the week:
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Monday: Klong Dao
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Tuesday: Klong Nin
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Wednesday: Siri Lanta Bridge
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Thursday: Pra Ae (Long Beach)
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Friday: Klong Nin
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Saturday: Saladan
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Sunday: Old Town
Because the market moves around the island, you’ll usually find one nearby no matter where you’re staying.
What You'll Find at the Markets
One of the best things about Koh Lanta's markets is the huge variety of local products available.
Fresh Local Fruit and Vegetables
The fruit and vegetable stalls are always our first stop. Depending on the season, you’ll find:
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Mangos
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Pineapples
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Watermelon
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Dragon fruit
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Papaya
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Bananas
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Fresh herbs and vegetables
Buying fruit from the market is often cheaper than supermarkets and supports local farmers at the same time.
Fresh Seafood and Meat
Many vendors sell fresh seafood caught locally, including:
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Fish
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Prawns
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Squid
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Shellfish
You’ll also find chicken, pork, eggs, and other ingredients commonly used in Thai cooking.
Spices and Local Ingredients
The markets are a fantastic place to discover Thai spices, curry ingredients, fresh herbs, and sauces that you may not find elsewhere.
Thai Snacks and Desserts
One of the most colourful parts of any market is the dessert stalls. You'll find everything from mango sticky rice and coconut crepes to brightly coloured coconut jellies, pandan desserts, and Thailand's famous golden sweets made from egg yolks.
Many of these treats have been enjoyed for generations and are just as popular with locals as they are with visitors. If your children have a sweet tooth, buying a small selection to share is a fun way to discover new flavours together.
One thing to keep in mind: maybe the most known of all Thai desserts among tourists, mango sticky rice, is certainly delicious, but it's seasonal. Depending on the time of year, you may not find it at every market. The colourful coconut jellies, khanom chan, thong yod, med kanoon, and coconut crepes are much more consistently available throughout the year on Koh Lanta.
A Local Breakfast Favourite
One of our family’s favourite breakfast treats, though not the healthiest one, is fried chicken served with sticky rice and crispy fried onions. It’s a popular breakfast among locals along with moo ping, grilled pork skewers.
Our kids absolutely love the chicken—but then again, what kid doesn’t like fried chicken?
Clothes and Accessories
The markets aren’t just about food. You’ll also find:
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Children’s clothing
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T-shirts and shorts
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Hats
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Bags
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Accessories
It’s a great place to browse and occasionally pick up a bargain.
A Great Way to Experience Local Life
For visitors, the markets offer much more than shopping.
They’re an opportunity to see everyday life on Koh Lanta, try new foods, and experience a side of the island that many tourists might miss.
Children often enjoy the sights, smells, and excitement of the market just as much as the adults do.
Be Careful on the Roads
If you’re driving to the market, remember that traffic often slows significantly near market areas.
People are walking between stalls, parking scooters, loading groceries, and crossing the road. You’ll also encounter plenty of scooters, tuk-tuks, and cars arriving throughout the morning.
Market areas are usually marked with traffic cones to alert drivers, but it’s always important to stay patient and drive carefully.
A few extra minutes can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe.
Our Tip
If you’re visiting Koh Lanta with children, make time for at least one local market during your stay. Come hungry, bring some cash, and allow yourself plenty of time to wander.
You might leave with a bag full of tropical fruit, a few local treats, and a memorable glimpse into everyday island life.
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