How Do Ferries Work in Thailand?
Thailand's island ferry network connects dozens of destinations across two coasts. Understanding how it works saves time, money, and avoids frustrating missed connections.
Quick Answer
How do ferries work in Thailand?
Thailand has two separate ferry networks: the Gulf of Thailand coast (serving Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) departing mainly from Chumphon and Surat Thani, and the Andaman Sea coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi Islands, Koh Lipe) running from Rassada Pier in Phuket or Ao Nang in Krabi. Most routes offer a choice between high-speed catamarans and slower, cheaper options. Tickets are sold at piers and through online platforms.
Gulf of Thailand Ferry Routes
The three main Gulf islands — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao — are served primarily from two mainland departure points: Chumphon (for Koh Tao) and Surat Thani (for all three, though Koh Tao via Surat Thani is a very long route). From Bangkok, the most common approach is a night bus or train to Chumphon or Surat Thani, then the morning ferry.
Lomprayah is the premium high-speed catamaran operator on Gulf routes, running Chumphon–Koh Tao–Koh Phangan–Koh Samui with multiple daily departures. Journey times: Chumphon to Koh Tao 1.5 hours; Koh Tao to Koh Phangan 1 hour; Koh Phangan to Koh Samui 45 minutes. The combined Bangkok–Koh Samui package including bus transfer and ferry runs around 800–950 THB.
Seatran Discovery operates the car ferry from Don Sak pier (Surat Thani province) to Koh Samui — the only route that accepts vehicles.Raja Ferry also runs the same route. The car ferry is slower (1.5 hours) but essential for those driving to the islands.
Andaman Sea Ferry Routes
The Andaman coast operates a more complex network given the larger number of islands and greater distances. Key hubs are:
Phuket (Rassada Pier) connects to Phi Phi Islands (1.5 hours), Krabi (2.5 hours), and Koh Lanta (3–4 hours). The Phi Phi ferry runs multiple times daily with operators including Ferry Andaman, Pha Ngan Ferry, and seasonal operators. Prices are 350–500 THB one-way to Phi Phi.
Krabi (Ao Nang or Klong Jilad Pier)connects to Phi Phi (45 minutes–1.5 hours depending on operator), Koh Lanta (1.5 hours), Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, and Koh Kradan via the Trang island-hopping route. The Trang archipelago ferries are slower, less frequent, and more dependent on tides — but the islands are among Thailand's least-crowded.
Koh Lipe(Thailand's southernmost tourist island) is the most complex to reach: fly to Hat Yai, then minivan to Pak Bara pier (2–3 hours), then speedboat to Koh Lipe (1.5–2 hours). In high season, a direct speedboat from Langkawi, Malaysia, operates daily (45 minutes, approximately 600 THB).
Seasonal Closures
Tips for Using Thai Ferries
Arrive early: High-speed ferries enforce scheduled departures. A 30-minute buffer at the pier is wise. Slow ferries are more flexible but can still leave ahead of schedule if full.
Pack light or check bags: Luggage handling on smaller speedboats can be rough — bags may be thrown into lockers or stowed in the bow. Use a dry bag or waterproof cover for electronics and documents. On overnight ferries, luggage goes in designated cargo holds and is generally safe.
Combination tickets: Most operators sell combined bus/minivan + ferry tickets that include transfers from your hotel to the pier and from the destination pier to your hotel. These are worth the small premium — pier transfers add time and cost if arranged separately, and operators manage the connections in case of delays.