Andaman Coast: Island hopping guide

Thailand’s Andaman Coast is home to some of the most gorgeous islands in the country. With so many incredible destinations to choose from and so many transfer options, it can be a difficult – albeit enjoyable – task to work out an itinerary. To help you plan your trip around the Thai islands, we’ve put together a selection of tips to help you.

This guide covers the southern section of Thailand’s Andaman Coast from Phuket to Ko Lipe.

How to book boat and ferry services

Boats and ferries can be booked in person once you are in Thailand. Many hotels and guest houses will be able to arrange your tickets or you can visit any local tour office. Some of the best-known boat companies running services on the Andaman Sea routes include:

• Andaman Wave Master
• Bundhaya Speedboat
• Phantip Travel (bus and ferry transfers)
• Ploysiam Speedboat
• Satun Pak Bara Speedboat
• Tiger Line Ferry

Although bookings can be made online, the websites aren’t always the most user-friendly. Alternatively, you can also book through online agents such as 12Go who will charge a small booking fee. One thing to note is that online sites don’t always list all of the available services. This is where booking in person at a local tour office has the advantage.

Booking boat and ferry trips in Thailand

Routes and journey times

The graphic below includes many of the most popular routes and an estimate of the journey times. On some routes, speedboats and ferries are both used so the journey times will vary. Crossing times can also be faster in high season compared to low season. While we’ve highlighted many of the routes, you may also find different schedules are available depending on where you are travelling to or from. Ask at your hotel or check with a local travel agent when you are in Thailand for full details. 

Click here for larger version of map

Where there is no direct scheduled boat service between islands or the timings don’t work for you, it’s often possible to hire a longtail boat privately. You can negotiate a fare directly with the boatmen or you can ask your hotel or guest-house for advice. You pay for the boat rather than per person, so this can make it an economical option if you are travelling with a group.

Boat timetables
There are numerous boat operators and lots of different departure and arrival times. As a rough rule of thumb, there are usually at least two services a day to most of the islands; one early/mid-morning and one early/mid-afternoon.

Check the latest schedules and availability with local transportation providers or travel agencies in Thailand. Weather conditions can impact boat schedules, especially during the monsoon season so it’s best to check for any updates before planning your journey. On a similar note, boat arrival/departure times aren’t always punctual. Keep this in mind if you have flight connections. 

What are the boats like?

Boats vary depending on the route. A large, comfortable ferry makes the leisurely journey between Krabi and Phuket with a scenic stop en route at the Phi Phi Islands. A variety of modern speedboats ply the route between Pak Bara on the mainland and Ko Lipe. At the other end of the scale, the route between the Krabi and Phang Nga mainland to the Yao Islands uses old-fashioned longtail boats which also carry goods and motorbikes in addition to passengers. However, these routes from the mainland to Ko Yao also happen to be amongst the most scenic you can take in this region and can be a great way to travel. 

How do I know which pier to use?

When booking travel, check where the arrival/departure point is. In many cases, pick-up and drop-off are included in the price you pay and you will be taken to the appropriate pier. For example, booking the ferry from Ao Nang in Krabi to Phi Phi, a large songthaew (a converted truck with two rows of seating) is often used to take passengers between Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara Pier.

During the low season months (May-October on the Andaman Coast) not all boat services will run and different piers may be used during this period compared to the high season months. Always check the departure/arrival piers when you book your ticket.

When island-hopping in Thailand, consider carefully what luggage you take. For the bigger ferries that use traditional piers, taking a suitcase on and off isn’t a problem. However, if you are travelling to somewhere like Ko Sukorn, you need to walk down steep steps and then clamber into a longtail boat. Although the boatmen are generally helpful, keep this in mind when you prepare your packing list for Thailand.

Krabi

The piers most commonly used in Krabi are:

• Klong Jilad (near Krabi Town): used for larger ferries on the Ko Lanta/Phi Phi/Phuket routes
• Nopparat Thara (near Ao Nang): boats to Ko Lanta, Phi Phi, and Phuket
• Chao Fa/Kong Ka Pier (Krabi Town): not as busy since the opening of Klong Jilad, but still used for some services to Ko Jum, Ko Lanta and the Trang Islands
• Ao Nam Mao: used by some longtail boat services
• Ao Thalane: longtail boats to Ko Yao Noi
• East Railay: floating pier used by some speedboats and longtail boats

Krabi travel guide
10 reasons to add Krabi to your Thailand itinerary

Phuket

The piers most commonly used in Phuket for Krabi and the Trang Islands include:

• Rassada: the main pier for boats to Ko Lanta, Krabi, Phi Phi
• Bang Rong: boats to Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai
• Ao Por: boats to various islands

Phuket travel guide
Itinerary Ideas: Phuket, Ko Racha, Phi Phi, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai
17 of the best day trips from Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak

Phang Nga

The main piers on the Phang Nga mainland:

Tha Dan: for longtails to Ko Yao Noi
Thap Lamu: (near Khao Lak): for the Similan Islands
Khura Buri: for the Surin Islands

Phang Nga travel guide
12 of the best things to see and do in Phang Nga

Ko Lanta

The two main piers on Ko Lanta:

Saladan: the most frequently used pier
Old Town: the Old Town pier is used by some boats to the Trang Islands

Ko Lanta travel guide
12 of the best things to see and do on Ko Lanta

Trang Islands

Boat services connect the various Trang Islands with Ko Lanta. If you’re travelling from the mainland to the Trang Islands, the two main piers are at Pak Meng and Hat Yao.

Tour offices in Krabi, Ko Lanta, Phi Phi and Phuket can arrange onward transport to the Trang islands. If you book a combination mini-bus/boat ticket you won’t need to worry and will be taken to the right pier to catch your boat.

Trang travel guide
7 reasons to add Trang to your Thailand itinerary

Ko Lipe and Tarutao National Park 

Pak Bara Pier on the mainland in Satun province is the main pier used for Ko Bulon Le, Ko Lipe, and Ko Trautao. Some speedboat services include a brief sightseeing stop at Ko Khai on the way to Ko Tarutao and then Ko Lipe. If you’re travelling via Trang or Hat Yai, you can use any of the tour offices there to book a combined minivan and boat transfer to the islands. 

10 of the best things to see and do in Satun province
Itinerary Ideas: Trang, Ko Lipe, Ko Tarutao and Ko Bulon Leh

Nearest airports to the islands

• Hat Yai Airport: for Ko Bulon, Ko Lipe, Ko Tarutao
• Krabi Airport: for Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai, Ko Lanta, Ko Jum, Phi Phi, and the Trang Islands
• Phuket Airport: for Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai, Phi Phi
• Trang Airport: for Ko Ngai, Ko Mook, Ko Kradan, Ko Libong, Ko Sukorn

Transfers to the islands can be booked online in advance (via your hotel or with an agent like 12Go) or arranged at the airport on arrival. 

Nearest train stations to the islands

If you prefer the benefits of slow travel, you can take the train from Bangkok down to Trang. Trang Town is a charming destination in its own right and it’s easy to book onward travel to the Trang Islands from here. 

Hat Yai is a convenient transit town for Ko Lipe, Ko Tarutao and Ko Bulon. Travellers can take the train from Bangkok, Hua Hin or Surat Thani to Hat Yai from where you can connect to the islands.

Exploring Thailand by train

Good to know

• If you’re planning a boat trip, check local weather forecasts before you head out
• Ask your hotel for local advice on the safest boat operators
• Wear a life jacket on boats
• Get travel insurance before you travel to Thailand
• Keep your passport close to hand; you may be asked to show your passport when booking tickets
• If you are prone to motion sickness, opt for the slower boats or larger ferries wherever possible. Try to face forward in the direction of travel and keep your eye on the horizon.
• Sitting on the top deck of a boat can be a good way to alleviate the effects of motion sickness, but be careful of sunburn or dehydration even on cloudy days
• If you book a shared minivan to connect with ferries, luggage space is limited. If you have large luggage (over 20kg) you may be required to pay extra.
• Some islands (e.g. Ko Lanta, Phi Phi Don) impose a small entrance fee (10- 20 Baht) which is collected in cash on arrival
• There is a fee to enter Thai National Parks and Marine Parks. The rate varies (around 200-500 Baht) and may sometimes be included when you book a ticket. If in doubt, ask. At other times you may need to pay at the pier at the point of departure. Keep the ticket with you.
• To ask for assistance in case of problems, contact:
  Marine Department Helpline on 1111 or the
  Tourist Police Hotline on 1155 (service is available 24 hours)

You may also enjoy: