Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta is one of the classic Andaman island-hopping routes — two very different islands connected by a scenic speedboat journey that passes through some of southern Thailand\’s most beautiful waters. The direct speedboat takes around 3 hours and stops at several Trang islands along the way. Here\’s exactly how it works, including the low-season overland alternative.
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ℹ️ The direct speedboat between Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta operates high season only — approximately November to mid-May. In low season (June to October) there is no direct service. The overland alternative via Pak Bara is available year-round.
Option 1: Direct Speedboat (High Season: Nov–May)
The speedboat departs from Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe and arrives at Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta. Journey time is approximately 3 hours. Two main operators cover this route:
- Bundhaya Speed Boat: Departs 09:00. Stops at Koh Bulon, Koh Kradan, Koh Mook, and Koh Ngai en route — making this a mini island-hopping trip in itself. Arrives Koh Lanta ~12:00. From ~1,750 THB (~$48 USD).
- Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club: Departs 09:00. Stops at Koh Bulon before reaching Koh Lanta. Journey approximately 4.5 hours. From ~1,750 THB (~$48 USD).
Arrive at Pattaya Beach at least 30 minutes before departure. Tickets can be bought at the pier or booked online — book ahead in peak season (December–February) as boats fill up.
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Option 2: Via Pak Bara (Year-Round)
The overland route works year-round and is the only option in low season. Speedboat from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara pier (~1.5 hours), then minivan from Pak Bara to Koh Lanta (~3 hours overland). Total journey time approximately 5–6 hours. Cost slightly lower than the direct speedboat at around 1,200–1,500 THB (~$33–41 USD) total.
Some operators sell a combined Koh Lipe → Pak Bara → Koh Lanta ticket — ask at your guesthouse or the pier on Koh Lipe.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Time | Cost from | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct speedboat (Bundhaya) | ~3 hours | ~1,750 THB | Nov–May only |
| Direct speedboat (Satun Pakbara) | ~4.5 hours | ~1,750 THB | Nov–May only |
| Via Pak Bara (overland) | ~5–6 hours | ~1,200 THB | Year-round |
The Islands You Pass En Route
The Bundhaya speedboat stops at four islands between Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta — you can disembark at any of them and continue on a later boat. This makes the route ideal for island hopping:
- Koh Bulon: Tiny, very quiet, basic bungalows. Almost no tourists.
- Koh Kradan: Stunning beach, limited resorts, excellent snorkeling. One of Thailand\’s most beautiful islands.
- Koh Mook: Emerald Cave, Charlie Beach, affordable guesthouses. Good base for Trang islands.
- Koh Ngai: Small, excellent snorkeling, very peaceful. Few resorts.
Arriving on Koh Lanta
Speedboats arrive at Saladan Pier on the northern tip of Koh Lanta Yai. From the pier, songthaews (shared pickups) and taxis run to beaches along the west coast. Most guesthouses will arrange pickup if you contact them ahead.
Koh Lanta\’s main beaches from north to south: Long Beach (Klong Dao) → Phra Ae → Klong Nin → Kantiang Bay. The further south, the quieter and more scenic.
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Practical Tips
- Book ahead December–February — boats sell out, especially the Bundhaya service
- Morning departure only — both operators depart 09:00, no afternoon options
- Seasickness tablets recommended — the open Andaman crossing can be rough
- Luggage — Satun Pakbara limits 20kg per person, Bundhaya allows 30kg + carry-on
- Weather — in marginal weather (late Oct, early Nov) departures can be delayed or cancelled
Related Guides
- Kuala Lumpur to Koh Lipe
- Kuala Lumpur to Koh Lanta
- Koh Lipe vs Koh Kradan vs Koh Mook
- Hat Yai to Koh Lipe
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