Ferries in Thailand
Traveling by Ferry in Thailand
Thailand offers an extensive ferry network that connects its beautiful islands and coastal destinations. Whether youโre heading to Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or venturing further to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, or Phuket, ferries provide a scenic and efficient way to travel.
This guide covers Thailandโs most popular ferry routes, along with a ferry map for easy planning. Many of these routes have been personally explored in early 2025, providing first-hand insights into what to expect.
Map: Thailand ferry routes: crossings to the Thai Islands.
- Click on the ferry ports to see all crossings
In the following map, you can find several ferries on the southwestern coast of Thailand. Connecting Koh Samui to Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand and, on the other side, Koh Lanta, Phuket and Kho Phi Phi in the Andaman Sea. Bangkok lies to the north.
About the crossings in Thailand
As mentioned earlier we went on vacation in Thailand in early 2025 with our family. You can find out more about our ferry experiences in this blog about ferrying through Thailand.
Popular Ferry Routes in Thailand
Gulf of Thailand (Eastern Side)
- Koh Samui โ Koh Phangan (30 min โ 1 hour)
- Koh Samui โ Koh Tao (1.5 โ 2 hours)
- Koh Phangan โ Koh Tao (1 โ 1.5 hours)
- Mainland (Surat Thani / Donsak Pier) โ Koh Samui (1.5 โ 2 hours)
Andaman Sea (Western Side)
- Phuket โ Koh Phi Phi (1 โ 2 hours)
- Koh Phi Phi โ Krabi (Ao Nang or Railay Beach) (1 โ 1.5 hours)
- Koh Phi Phi โ Koh Lanta (1.5 โ 2 hours)
- Phuket โ Koh Lanta (2.5 โ 3 hours, some routes via Koh Phi Phi)
Island Ferry Guide
For several Thai islands, weโve created dedicated guides on how to get there by ferry and what to keep in mind. On those pages, youโll find the different ferry routes to each island.
Ferry Operators & Ticket Booking
Thailand has several ferry operators, including:
- Lomprayah High-Speed Catamarans (faster, more expensive)
- Seatran Discovery (comfortable, mid-range pricing)
- Raja Ferry (budget option, larger ferries for vehicles)
- Andaman Wave Master (routes in the Andaman Sea)
How to Book
- Tickets can be booked online via our booking module or at ferry terminals.
- Prices vary based on season, speed, and operator.
- Some ferries allow vehicle transport, especially on mainland to Koh Samui routes.
Travel Tips & Considerations
- Book early in peak season (Nov โ April), as ferries fill up quickly.
- Sea conditions can affect schedules, especially during monsoon season (May โ Oct).
- High-speed ferries are faster but can be rough in bad weatherโtake motion sickness precautions if needed.
- Island hopping is easy, but plan connections carefully, as ferry schedules vary.
On board, vessels & route maps
Whether you're planning a quick island hop or a longer journey, booking in advance is crucial, especially in peak season.
Booking Your Ferry: Why Itโs Important
Unlike in some other countries, ferries in Thailand sell out quickly – especially during the peak season (November to April). Many operators stop selling tickets approximately 24 hours before departure, meaning last-minute bookings are often not possible.
Key Booking Tips
- Book in advance – at least a few days ahead in high season, especially for popular routes like Koh Samui-Koh Tao or Phuket-Koh Phi Phi.
- Check ferry schedules early, as some routes have limited departures per day.
- Online booking is recommended – this ensures you have a confirmed ticket before arriving at the port.
- Donโt rely on same-day purchases – walk-in tickets may not be available, and some ticket counters close sales a day before departure.
๐ฐ Example fares (one-way per person):
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan: ~$10-$15 USD
- Koh Samui to Koh Tao: ~$20-$30 USD
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: ~$15-$25 USD
- Koh Phi Phi to Krabi: ~$12-$20 USD
Check your price:
Ferry Travel in Thailand
Thailand has a well-established ferry network, connecting major islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta. These ferries offer a reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly mode of transport for island hopping.
Our platform provides expertise, informationย and route details. Travel options range from high-speed catamarans to standard ferries with seating.ย Timetables and availability vary based on season and weather conditions, so booking in advance is recommended.
In addition to Thailand, we cover ferry routes in the Singapore region, offering a broader guide for travelers exploring Asia by sea.
Thailands ferry routes in a table
| Crossing | Travel time | Sailings | Notes&remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket โ Koh Phi Phi | 1โ2h | Daily | Most popular route with stunning views |
| Krabi (Ao Nang) โ Koh Phi Phi | 1.5โ2h | Daily | Commonly used by backpackers |
| Koh Phi Phi โ Koh Lanta | 1โ1.5h | Daily | Easy hop between two laid-back islands |
| Phuket โ Koh Lanta | 1.5โ2.5h | Daily | Scenic ferry, sometimes with a stop in Phi Phi |
| Krabi (Ao Nang) โ Koh Lanta | 2โ3h | Daily | Accessible via van + ferry combo |
| Pak Bara โ Koh Lipe | 1.5h | Up to 4x/day | Most direct route to Koh Lipe |
| Trang (Hat Yao Pier) โ Koh Lipe | 2h | Up to 2x/day | Alternative route via speedboat |
| Koh Lipe โ Koh Lanta | 3โ4h | Seasonal | One of the longest sea crossings |
| Koh Samui โ Koh Phangan | 30m | Frequent | Shortest and busiest inter-island route |
| Koh Samui โ Koh Tao | 1.5โ2h | Daily | Beautiful ride, often with stop at Koh Phangan |
| Koh Phangan โ Koh Tao | 1โ1.5h | Daily | Key connection in the Gulf of Thailand |
| Surat Thani โ Koh Samui | 1.5h | Frequent | Often sold as a combo with van or bus |
| Surat Thani โ Koh Phangan | 2.5โ3h | Frequent | Mainland connection via Don Sak Pier |
| Surat Thani โ Koh Tao | 6โ7h | Daily | Longer route, usually via Koh Phangan and Samui |
| Chumphon โ Koh Tao | 2h | Up to 4x/day | Popular route with Lomprayah ferries |
| Chumphon โ Koh Phangan | 5โ6h | Daily | Usually stops in Koh Tao |
| Chumphon โ Koh Samui | 6โ7h | Daily | Long connection across the Gulf |
| Phuket โ Koh Yao Yai | 30โ45m | Frequent | Quick ride from Bang Rong Pier |
| Phuket โ Koh Yao Noi | 30โ60m | Frequent | Great for quiet island stays |
| Krabi โ Koh Yao Noi | 45m | Frequent | Less touristy, peaceful route |
Useful for travelers in Thailand
Hi. Can I take my scooter on the ferries when visiting the different islands? And does that cost extra?
Im planning a backpacking trip next summer for 3 months to Thiland and I really want to visit Kho Phi Phi and it's good to know there is a Ferry. Anyone know of any other hidden gem islands/places?
Hi, is there any way of getting from mainland Europe (Spain) to Thailand by ferry?
Thanks ๐
Unfortunately, this is not possible and the options over land or by air are better.
It's hilarious that anyone is still calling phi phi a hidden gem