The Andaman coast of southern Thailand is one of Southeast Asia\’s best island-hopping regions — a string of very different islands connected by speedboats, each worth at least a night. This guide covers the classic route from Koh Lipe in the south to Koh Lanta in the north, with options for arriving from Malaysia and continuing toward Krabi. You can do it in 10 days or stretch it to three weeks.
🚤 [Travelpayouts widget: Andaman coast island transport via 12Go]
ℹ️ This route operates high season only — approximately November to May. The speedboat connections between islands are suspended during monsoon season (June–October). Plan accordingly.
The Route: South to North
The natural direction is south to north — arriving from Malaysia (Langkawi or Pak Bara) to Koh Lipe, then working your way up through the Trang Islands toward Koh Lanta, and continuing to Krabi if time allows. This keeps you moving with the prevailing transport flow.
Stop 1: Koh Lipe (2–4 nights)
The southernmost Thai island and the natural gateway from Malaysia. Koh Lipe has three distinct beaches, a busy Walking Street, dive shops, and a lively social scene. Best for: divers, first-time Andaman visitors, and island hoppers who want a social base. Snorkeling at North Point is excellent — turtles are common.
- Arriving from Malaysia: Ferry from Langkawi (high season) or speedboat from Pak Bara year-round
- Onward: Speedboat to Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, or Koh Ngai
🏨 [Travelpayouts widget: Hotels on Koh Lipe via Booking.com or Agoda]
Stop 2: Koh Mook (1–2 nights)
About 1.5 hours north of Koh Lipe by speedboat. Koh Mook is the Trang Islands\’ most accessible and affordable island — the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot) alone is worth the stop. A 80-meter sea cave you swim through in darkness to reach a hidden beach enclosed by cliffs. Charlie Beach on the west coast is excellent for swimming and sunsets.
- Getting there: Speedboat from Koh Lipe ~1.5 hours, or from Trang pier ~45 min
- Don\’t miss: Emerald Cave at low tide (morning tours only)
- Onward: Longtail to Koh Kradan (15–20 min) or Koh Ngai (30 min)
🏨 [Travelpayouts widget: Hotels on Koh Mook via Booking.com or Agoda]
Stop 3: Koh Kradan (1–2 nights)
The most visually stunning island in the Trang group — a tiny car-free island with fewer than 10 resorts and a beach that consistently ranks among Thailand\’s most beautiful. Snorkeling directly from shore is excellent. It\’s more expensive than Koh Mook but the extra cost is worth it for the beach quality and quiet.
- Getting there: Longtail from Koh Mook (15–20 min) or speedboat from Trang pier (~1 hour)
- Book well ahead — limited resorts fill fast in December–January
- Onward: Speedboat to Koh Ngai or Koh Lanta
🏨 [Travelpayouts widget: Hotels on Koh Kradan via Booking.com or Agoda]
Stop 4: Koh Ngai (1 night optional)
The smallest of the main Trang islands — just a handful of resorts and one of the best snorkeling reefs in the region directly offshore. Worth one night if you want maximum quiet and underwater time. Skip if you\’re short on time.
Stop 5: Koh Lanta (3–5 nights)
The largest island on this route — a long west-coast beach with distinct areas ranging from the busy north (Long Beach, Phra Ae) to the remote south (Kantiang Bay). Koh Lanta is the most developed island after Koh Lipe and makes a good base for day trips. Good diving, cheap food, and a wide range of accommodation.
- Getting there: Direct speedboat from Koh Lipe (~3 hours, Bundhaya or Satun Pakbara) or via Koh Ngai
- Arriving at: Saladan Pier, north tip of the island
- Onward to Krabi: Ferry from Klong Jilad Pier, ~1.5 hours
🏨 [Travelpayouts widget: Hotels on Koh Lanta via Booking.com or Agoda]
Suggested Itineraries
10 Days (Fast)
- Days 1–3: Koh Lipe
- Day 4: Koh Mook (Emerald Cave)
- Days 5–6: Koh Kradan
- Days 7–10: Koh Lanta
14 Days (Comfortable)
- Days 1–3: Koh Lipe
- Days 4–5: Koh Mook
- Days 6–7: Koh Kradan
- Day 8: Koh Ngai
- Days 9–13: Koh Lanta
- Day 14: Krabi (fly home or continue)
Starting from Malaysia
- Day 0: KL or Penang → Hat Yai (overnight)
- Day 1: Hat Yai → Pak Bara → Koh Lipe (arrive afternoon)
- Days 2–12: Island hop as above
- Day 13: Koh Lanta → Krabi (fly or continue north)
Transport Summary
| Leg | Time | Cost from |
|---|---|---|
| Pak Bara → Koh Lipe | ~1.5 hours | ~550 THB |
| Koh Lipe → Koh Mook | ~1.5 hours | ~800 THB |
| Koh Mook → Koh Kradan | ~20 min (longtail) | ~200 THB |
| Koh Kradan → Koh Ngai | ~30 min | ~300 THB |
| Koh Lipe → Koh Lanta (direct) | ~3 hours | ~1,750 THB |
| Koh Lanta → Krabi | ~1.5 hours | ~400 THB |
🎟 [Travelpayouts widget: Andaman island hopping transport via 12Go]
Related Guides
- Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta: Speedboat Guide
- Koh Lipe vs Koh Kradan vs Koh Mook
- Hat Yai to Koh Lipe
- Kuala Lumpur to Koh Lipe
- Penang to Koh Lipe
This post contains affiliate links. When you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.