Ferry To Koh Lipe: Costs, Options And Tips
A Simple Guide To Getting The Ferry To Koh Lipe
The only way to reach the beautiful Thai island of Koh Lipe is by ferry. Before my visit, I was completely lost about how to get there.
If you are in the same boat as me (no pun intended), then stick around to see how to plan a smooth trip.
Whether you are coming in from Hat Yai, Langkawi (Malaysia), Koh Lanta, Phuket or just across the sea from Pakbara like me, I will give you all the key information that I wish I had before we travelled to Thailand.
The high and low seasons have different schedules and can change even after that. I hope I can give you an informed take on what to expect from my experience.
Also, make sure to read my posts about Where To Stay In Koh Lipe and The BEST Time To Visit Koh Lipe.
Let’s get to it!
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Ferry Port Map To Koh Lipe
As you can see on the map, the Andaman Sea is big but that doesn’t make Koh Lipe less accessible.
Let’s look at the main piers where you can travel to Koh Lipe.
Ferry From Pakbara Pier To Koh Lipe
When we visited Koh Lipe we took the ferry from Pakbara Pier in Satun across the Andaman Sea.
The sea was almost perfect with a few bumpy waves to slow us down. I couldn’t say the same for the trip back, however.
The ferry took us almost an hour and a half and it cost 650 Baht one way or 1,200 baht return.
In low season it only runs from 1.30 AM and 01.30 PM. In high season there are more frequent ferries. Including 09.30 AM and 11.15 AM.
The current schedule for boats from Pakbara Pier to Koh Lipe Island:
| Leave Time | Destination | Reach Time | Cost (Baht) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30 AM | Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) | 11:00 AM | Adults: 600 |
| Children under 2: Free | |||
| 11:15 AM | Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) | 12:30 PM | Adults: 600 |
| Children under 2: Free | |||
| 11:30 AM | Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) | 13:00 PM | Adults: 600 |
Read my post about What Is The Best Beach In Koh Lipe?
Ferry From Hat Yai To Koh Lipe
Hay Yai is nearly 90 KM away from Koh Lipe.
The journey takes almost 5 and a half hours but there are some great views of the Satun Coastline.
You can purchase tickets to Koh Lipe from Hat Yai right here.
Ferry From Koh Lanta To Koh Lipe
Sadly, we couldn’t get the ferry to Koh Lanta from Koh Lipe because it doesn’t run in the low season.
But next time we visit, we will move between both islands as they are my favourite islands in all of Thailand.
Please note there are two ferries per day from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe at 10.30 AM and 1.30 PM. It takes about 3 hours on the speedboat. You can book tickets for the ferry here.
Current ferry schedule from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe:
| Departure Time | Arrive At | Arrival Time | Price (Baht) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM | Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) | 13:30 PM | Adults: 1700 |
| Children: 1400 | |||
| Infants: 500 | |||
| 4:45 PM | Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) | 16:45 PM | Adults: 1700 |
| Children: 1400 | |||
| Infants: 500 |
Ferry From Phuket To Koh Lipe
The ferry leaves Jian Wanich Pier and Rassada Pier in Phuket several times throughout the day.
For example, if you depart from the pier at 8:30 AM, the journey takes 5 hours to reach Koh Lipe since Phuket lies on the opposite side of the Andaman Sea.
We did a similar journey when travelling from Koh Lanta to Phuket, and you’ll be treated to some amazing views of the islands along the way.
Ferry From Langkawi To Koh Lipe
Langkawi is a Malaysian island nearby and many people come to Koh Lipe on a ferry.
This includes piers at Telaga Terminal Harbour Marina and Kuah Jetty.
The ferry running times are 09.15 AM and 14.00 PM and usually take 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the ferry company you use.
Please note – As you will be coming on from Malaysia you may need a visa and allow additional time for processing.
A one-way ticket costs 160 MYR and a return ticket costs 312 MYR
You can purchase tickets from Langwaki to Koh Lipe here.
Ferry Schedule From Langkawi To Koh Lipe
Here are the current ferry schedules between Langkawi (Kuah Jetty) and Koh Lipe:
| Period | Departure (Malaysia) | Arrival (Thailand) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 10th 2024 – Mar 9th 2025 | 09:15 AM | 09:45 AM |
| Nov 10th 2024 – Mar 9th 2025 | 2:30 PM | 14:30 PM |
| Mar 10th 2025 – Mar 27th 2025 | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Mar 28th 2025 – Apr 6th 2025 | 09:15 AM | 09:45 AM |
| Mar 28th 2025 – Apr 6th 2025 | 2:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 7th 2025 – May 20th 2025 | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
Here are the current ferry schedules between Langkawi (Telaga Harbour) and Koh Lipe:
| Period | Departure (Malaysia) | Arrival (Thailand) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 1st 2024 – Apr 14th 2025 | 09:30 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Nov 1st 2024 – Apr 14th 2025 | 14:30 PM | 15:00 PM |
| Apr 15th 2025 – May 31st 2025 | 10:00 AM | 10:30 AM |
Note: Schedule times may vary depending on weather conditions and season. It’s recommended to check with the ferry operator for the most up-to-date schedule.
Where To Go AFTER Koh Lipe
There are many superb places to visit after Koh Lipe.
I recommend you visit Ao Nang and tick off places like Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket and Koh Haa.
Koh Lanta, too, is truly special if you like places less hectic than, say, Koh Phi Phi or Phuket.
You could even do a Hong Islands Day Trip.
Transport for tourists is very good in Krabi so you can easily move from town to town or region in minivans or ferries.
One of the many reasons why I LOVE travelling in Thailand.
Hong Island Day Trip Vlog
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Taking the ferry to Koh Lipe offers an adventurous journey to one of Thailand’s most treasured islands.
While the waters can be rough and bouncy at times, when the waves are calm, it’s absolutely spectacular.
You can bring a backpack and a large suitcase, too, without any issues for the most part. You can purchase tea and coffee or some small snacks at the pier in Pakbara if you feel peckish before the journey.
There was no toilet on the ferry when I visited Koh Lipe. So if you struggle with a weak stomach, bring motion sickness tablets and avoid eating heavy meals before boarding the boat.
Make sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, as Thailand is hot most of the year.
If you’re carrying electronics and don’t trust other people handling your suitcase ( One guy dropped my suitcase into the sea with my drone inside) then bring these in your backpack with you.
Playing it safe will help you avoid discomfort and make the most of your stay at Koh Lipe.
If you enjoyed this post then make sure you check out my article on the 15 unmissable things to do in Koh Lipe.
Thanks for reading,
James
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