How To Get To Koh Lipe: Every Route, Every Price (2026)
Getting To Koh Lipe Without Any Stress
Here’s how to get to Koh Lipe, and the short answer is a ferry, though which one and from where depends entirely on where you’re starting.
I made a few mistakes working that out the first time, so this is the version I wish I’d read before booking anything.
There are two main gateways: Pak Bara pier on the Thai mainland (the cheapest and most frequent option) and Langkawi in Malaysia, if you’re crossing over rather than starting fresh in Thailand. From Bangkok, you’re looking at a night bus or train down to Trang or Satun, then the ferry itself, roughly 90 minutes to two hours depending on conditions. Or just fly.
From Langkawi, it’s a more straightforward international ferry, though the schedule runs on Malaysia time, and immigration takes longer than you’d expect for such a small island.
I’ll be honest, the ferry over was choppy enough that I spent most of it questioning my life choices. Then I stepped off onto Pattaya Beach, saw that white sand, and thought right, this is exactly why everyone raves about this place. It has a way of making you forget the journey almost instantly, a bit like how a rough flight gets wiped from memory the second you’re horizontal on a sun lounger.
If there’s one thing I’d tell a friend booking this trip, solo or as a couple, it’s don’t try to save money by piecing together the cheapest possible route through unfamiliar bus stations. I did, and it cost me more time and stress than the extra few pounds would’ve saved.
North Point Beach is where I ended up most evenings, and watching the sunset there, every single night, was one of the actual highlights of the whole trip, not just a line I’m putting in for the sake of it. Whether you’re travelling alone or bringing someone with you, that’s the kind of evening this island is built for.
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My Favourite Hotels On Koh Lipe
🏨 Bayview Sunset – Check Prices Here
Map Of Koh Lipe and Surroundings Ferry Terminals
Pakbara To Koh Lipe
When we visited Koh Lipe we took the ferry from Pakbara Pier.
We bought our tickets from one of the many tour operators in the street near Pakbara Pier.
It cost 650 Baht ($19.35/£14.50/€17.05) one way or 1,200 Baht ($35.70/£26.80/€31.45) return.
To be honest, it went very smoothly, and the ferry was on time. During the low season, Pakbara Pier is the only pier in the Andaman Sea that takes people to Koh Lipe.
We were told numerous times that the high season starts on October 15th, so from then on, there will be more ferry options.
The only times the ferry leaves Pakbara Pier in low season are at 11.30 AM and 01.30 PM
So note that if you are planning a trip.
When we arrived at the ferry terminal, we had to pay a National Park fee of 220 Baht each.
Nobody mentioned this, and we completely forgot, so be prepared for that.
You can only pay in cash but thankfully there are many ATMs around Pakbara so just ensure you bring cash with you.
Langkawi To Koh Lipe
In the low season, you cannot get to Koh Lipe from Langkawi directly.
From October to May the ferry operates between Langkawi and Koh Lipe.
Again, visitors will arrive at the same pier on Pattaya Beach and tickets cost 160 MYR Per Person. Langkawi is not in Thailand but rather Malaysia which many people don’t realise.
In the high season, you can easily get to Koh Lipe. You have two choices – a 09.30 AM ferry and a 02.00 PM ferry.
The best advice for travelling in Thailand I can give you after nearly 6 months is to prebook tickets to avoid ruining your plans.
Give yourself some days in advance, especially in high season.
You can purchase tickets here in advance to make sure you get the date you want.
Don’t forget you need to get through immigration so you must add three hours to be safe.
🎫 Book A Minivan & Ferry From Langkawi To Koh Lipe 🛳️
Bangkok To Koh Lipe
The best way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe is by first flying to Hat Yai.
From there, take a taxi to Pakbara Pier before hopping on the ferry across the Andaman Sea.
I recommend staying overnight in Pakbara if you’re flying in internationally or arriving late in Hat Yai. We spent a night at a lovely place called Best House Resort, just a few minutes drive from Pakbara Pier.
The next morning our hotel arranged a tuk-tuk to transport us and our bags to the pier, and off we went.
As Pakbara is nearly 1,000 kilometres I suggest you fly and don’t even consider a bus or taxi.
Don’t be crazy. Domestic flights are very affordable in Thailand so you can expect to pay upwards of €25.00 each way.
Not bad in my view.
🚐 Book Flight, MiniVan & Ferry From Bangkok To Koh Lipe ✈️
Penang To Koh Lipe
To reach Koh Lipe from Penang you will need to travel to Hat Yai and then you will depart for Pakbara Pier.
There’s no direct way to go to Koh Lipe from Penang. In high season, going via Langkawi is usually faster.
Once at the pier, you’ll board the ferry to Koh Lipe. Keep in mind that you’ll need to go through immigration from Malaysia, which will add extra time to your journey before you leave.
If you are travelling from Penang, you can also book a private transfer to Pak Bara Pier via the Wang Kelian border crossing, though I haven’t used this route myself. This allows you to travel directly by van instead of going through Hat Yai.
With this information you can plan accordingly.
🛥️ Book Tickets From Penang To Koh Lipe 🇹🇭
What Nobody Tells You Before You Board
Your seat and how you pack can make a huge difference to the journey.
Choose A Seat Near The Back
I learnt this lesson during a Four Islands tour from Koh Lanta. I sat at the front of the speedboat and was thrown around for most of the journey. It was uncomfortable and, at times, painful.
Try to sit closer to the back. The engines make it louder, but the ride is usually smoother.
Keep Valuables In A Waterproof Bag
The crew usually stores large bags inside the boat or stacks them at the front, depending on how busy the service is. Most luggage is handled carefully, but mistakes happen. Keep electronics, travel documents and other valuables with you in a waterproof bag.
Carry Cash For The National Park Fee
You need to pay a 220 Baht ($6.55/£4.90/€5.75) national park fee. I paid this fee before boarding the ferry at Pak Bara Pier. Trips into Tarutao National Marine Park may involve additional fees, so carry some cash.
Take Care When Stepping Onto The Pontoon
When you arrive at Koh Lipe, the boat may stop beside a long blue floating pontoon. It can move sharply when the sea is rough, so watch your footing and follow the crew’s instructions when getting off.
You Will Not Need A Car
Once you arrive, you can explore Koh Lipe on foot, take a tuk tuk or hire a bicycle. There are no conventional roads for cars, which helps the island feel quieter than many other destinations in southern Thailand. All tuk tuk trips cost 50 Baht ($1.50/£1.10/€1.30).
If you are travelling from Langkawi, allow extra time to complete immigration before boarding.
Would I Do It Again? Absolutely
Getting to Koh Lipe is easy when you know the best options.
Getting around Thailand is easy thanks to the country’s awesome transport infrastructure. Time after time, I have experienced superb service without any problems, and getting to Koh Lipe from Pakbara was no exception. Almost.
While the floating pier was fine when we arrived it was much trickier to navigate safely to the boat because of the tide. My suitcase (which was holding my drone) ended up in the sea. I checked all inside and only a little water penetrated so all was fine.
Still, that one wobbly moment on the pier hasn’t put me off going back. Koh Lipe is a great island with real raw beauty. Spend some time exploring it for yourself if you can.
If you enjoyed this post check out my article on the Things To Do In Koh Lipe.
Any questions, just ask.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
What’s The Easiest Way To Get To Koh Lipe?
The easiest way to reach Koh Lipe is to fly to Hat Yai, take a minivan to Pak Bara Pier and then catch a speedboat to the island. The whole journey typically costs around 1,230-1,340 THB ($36.60-39.90/£27.45-29.90/€32.25-35.10). You can book the minivan and ferry together, which makes the journey much simpler. Leave plenty of time between your flight and ferry, as a delay could disrupt the entire trip. I took the minivan to Pakbara Pier, stayed a night there before taking the ferry.
What Is The Closest Airport To Koh Lipe?
Hat Yai International Airport is the closest airport in Thailand, around 75 kilometres from Pak Bara Pier. The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours. Langkawi International Airport is geographically closer to Koh Lipe, at about 50 kilometres away, and you can travel from Langkawi to the island by ferry during the high season. If travelling through Hat Yai, aim to reach Pak Bara Pier before the 02.30 PM boat. Later departures sometimes run at around 04.00 PM, but they are not always available.
How Long Is The Ferry From Phuket To Koh Lipe?
The ferry from Phuket to Koh Lipe takes around five to seven hours. It is one of the longest ferry journeys in southern Thailand, with one-way tickets costing approximately 2,300 THB ($68.50/£51.35/€60.25). This route usually operates only during the high season, from November to April. Bundhaya Speed Boat and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club are two well-known operators. Check the route carefully before booking, as some tickets include a transfer rather than a direct journey.
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