Ferries to Ko Lipe
Ferries to Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe is a stunning island located in the Andaman Sea, on the southwestern side of Thailand. While it may not be the most famous Thai island, its pristine beaches and clear waters make it a hidden gem for travelers.
There are multiple ferry routes to Ko Lipe, with Pak Bara Pier being the most popular and well-organized departure point. Other routes include ferries from Ko Lanta and Trang’s Hat Yao Pier.
But first a map of Thailand's main ferry routes
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.
All ferry routes to Ko Lipe
About the crossings to Ko Lipe
Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe Ferry Guide 🚤🏝️
Ko Lipe is a stunning island located in the Andaman Sea, on the southwestern side of Thailand. While it may not be the most famous Thai island, its pristine beaches and clear waters make it a hidden gem for travelers.
There are multiple ferry routes to Ko Lipe, with Pak Bara Pier being the most popular and well-organized departure point. Other routes include ferries from Ko Lanta and Trang’s Hat Yao Pier.
Ferry Route: Pak Bara Pier → Koh Lipe
The Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe ferry route is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach this beautiful island in the Andaman Sea. Operated by TigerLine Ferries and SiriLanta, the journey covers approximately 45 miles and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. With up to four daily departures, this route offers more frequent sailings than the alternative Trang’s Hat Yao Pier, making it a preferred choice for travelers. The facilities at Pak Bara Pier are well-developed, ensuring a smoother and more organized travel experience.
Ferry tickets typically cost between $20 and $30 per person, with an average fare of $25, and should be booked well in advance—especially during high season, as seats sell out quickly. Online bookings usually close 24 hours before departure, so it’s best to plan ahead. Many travelers also opt for combo tickets, which include a minibus transfer from major Thai cities to Pak Bara Pier, making the journey more seamless.
While this ferry ride offers a scenic and comfortable crossing to Koh Lipe, it’s important to check for any weather-related schedule changes, as sea conditions can sometimes lead to delays. With its frequent sailings, reliable facilities, and easy access from various parts of Thailand, Pak Bara Pier remains the most convenient gateway to the pristine beaches of Koh Lipe. 🚤🏝️
Ferry Route: Trang Hat Yao → Koh Lipe
The Trang (Hat Yao Pier) to Koh Lipe ferry route offers one of the more adventurous crossings in Thailand. Operated by TigerLine Ferries, this 55-mile journey takes approximately two hours, with a brief stop at Koh Libong before continuing to Koh Lipe. Unlike traditional ferries, this route relies on speedboats, making for a fast but bumpy ride. The waves can get quite rough, so if you're prone to motion sickness, bringing seasickness pills is highly recommended.
While up to two departures per day are scheduled, punctuality isn’t always guaranteed—delays of up to an hour aren’t uncommon. The Hat Yao Pier in Trang is a relatively simple terminal with few facilities, offering little more than a handful of food stands and long-tail boats. If you're traveling from northern Thailand, this ferry might be the more logical choice, but it's worth noting that at $50 per person, it’s a more expensive option compared to the Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe route.
If you're looking for a faster journey and don’t mind a bit of adventure on the water, this speedboat ferry from Trang to Koh Lipe is a great option—just be prepared for a bumpy but scenic ride through the Andaman Sea! 🚤🏝️
Ferry Route: Ko Lanta → Ko Lipe
Instead of navigating Thailand’s roads by minivan or bus, travelers can opt for a direct speedboat or ferry from Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta, bypassing Pak Bara Pier entirely. This is one of the longest sea crossings in Thailand, covering approximately 70 nautical miles (130 km) across the Andaman Sea. The journey, operated by Tiger Line Ferries and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the boat type and weather conditions.
Although we didn’t take this direct route ourselves, we later found our way to Koh Lanta through alternative means. If you’re looking for the most direct and hassle-free way to travel between these two islands, this crossing is an excellent choice. The route is scenic and efficient, offering a seamless transition from Koh Lipe’s remote beauty to Koh Lanta’s laid-back charm.
For those prone to seasickness, bringing motion sickness medication is advisable, as sea conditions can be rough—particularly during the low season. Since this is a popular route, especially between November and April, securing your tickets in advance is highly recommended.
This journey is another adventurous crossing over the Andaman Sea, offering breathtaking ocean views and a direct connection between two of Thailand’s most beautiful islands.
Andaman Sea (Western Side)
- Phuket ↔ Koh Phi Phi (1 – 2 hours)
- Koh Phi Phi ↔ Krabi (Ao Nang or Railay Beach) (1 – 1.5 hours)
- Koh Phi Phi ↔ Koh Lanta (1.5 – 2 hours)
- Phuket ↔ Koh Lanta (2.5 – 3 hours, some routes via Koh Phi Phi)
Other crossings in Thailand:
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 it’s 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.
- Don’t rely on same-day purchases – walk-in tickets may not be available, and some ticket counters close sales a day before departure.
Travel Considerations
- Ferries can be affected by weather, particularly in monsoon season (May–October)—check for cancellations.
- Some high-speed ferries can be rough in bad weather—consider motion sickness precautions.
- Most ferries are passenger-only, but car ferries operate between the mainland and Koh Samui.
By booking ahead, travelers can avoid the stress of sold-out ferries and enjoy a smooth journey between Thailand’s stunning islands.
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, information and route details. Travel options range from high-speed catamarans to standard ferries with seating. Timetables and availability vary based on season and weather conditions, so booking in advance is recommended.
