Ko Lanta was once known by its Malay name, "Pulao Satak", which means "Long Beach Island".

In 2015, a bridge replaced the ferry crossing to the island of Ko Lanta Noi, though as of 2024[update] the ferry that in turn connects Lanta Noi to the mainland remains.

The administrative center as well as home to most Moken or Chao Ley ("Sea people") is Old Town, located roughly 2/3rds down the much-less developed east coast.

Lanta escaped the worst of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

[1] The French television show Koh-Lanta is named after the island, where its first season was filmed.