Ferries & Boats in Thailand

Main operators: Seatran Discovery, Lomprayah, Raja Ferry. Koh Samui from Surat Thani (mainland): 2 hours, 250–350 THB. Koh Phangan from Koh Samui: 30–45 min, 250–350 THB. Koh Tao from Koh Phangan: 1.5–2 hrs, 300–600 THB. Lomprayah runs the fastest, most comfortable catamarans on the Gulf and is the recommended choice. Night boats operate between Surat Thani and the islands — cheap but cramped; not recommended for light sleepers.

Phuket to Phi Phi Islands: 1.5 hrs, 350–600 THB. Krabi (Ao Nang/Nopparat Thara) to Phi Phi: 1.5 hrs, 350–600 THB. Krabi to Koh Lanta: 1.5–2 hrs, 400–600 THB (Oct–Apr only — no service May–Sep). Phuket/Krabi to Koh Yao Noi: 30–45 min, 150–200 THB. Satun to Koh Lipe: 1.5 hrs, 600–900 THB. The Andaman ferry network essentially shuts down during low season (May–October) when seas are too rough. Check conditions before booking.

Longtail boats (traditional narrow wooden boats with a truck engine mounted on a long propeller shaft) are used for short hops — from Railay Beach to Ao Nang (15 min, 100–150 THB), between beaches on the same island, or private charters. They're loud, splashy, and occasionally rough in choppy water. All passengers wear life jackets. Longtail boat charter for a full-day island-hopping tour: 2,500–4,000 THB per boat (shared among your group).

Andaman Coast: Ferries operate reliably November–April. From May–October, seas can be too rough for smaller vessels. Some routes continue with larger vessels but check conditions. Gulf Coast: Generally more sheltered; ferries run year-round though October–November can be rough. Life jackets should always be worn on open boats. Some cheap ferry operators have questionable safety standards — stick to Lomprayah and Seatran on the Gulf; Ao Nang Travel & Ferry and Tigerline on the Andaman coast.