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Krabi's limestone cliffs give way to Koh Lipe's white sand and clear turquoise water at the far south of the Andaman coast, close to the Malaysian border. Koh Lipe is small enough to explore on foot, and the journey there is part of the fun: a minivan ride south, then a speedboat across open water.
Everything on this route is a combined ticket, so you book once and the operator arranges the road and sea legs. Pack a waterproof bag for your valuables, because the last stretch can be splashy.
Krabi to Koh Lipe by Ferry and Speedboat
Combined tickets cover the minivan transfer from Krabi to the pier and the boat to the island. Departures are early: 06:30, 07:00 and 07:15 for the minivan-and-speedboat ticket, 07:00 and 07:15 for the high speed ferry. The trip takes from about 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes, and on booking platforms tickets cost from about $34 to about $44 (October 2026).[1]
High Speed Ferry
The high speed ferry is the larger boat, which usually rides the swell more smoothly than a speedboat. That makes it the better pick if you get seasick. Leave Krabi early and you reach Koh Lipe in time for a first swim in the afternoon.
Minivan and Speedboat
The minivan-and-speedboat ticket takes the same time and costs the same as the ferry. The speedboat leg is quicker but bumpier when the sea is choppy.
Krabi to Koh Lipe by Van and Speedboat
The van-and-speedboat ticket leaves Krabi at 06:30 and takes about 5 hours 40 minutes, the quickest way to Koh Lipe. It costs about $39 on booking platforms (October 2026).[1] Pak Bara pier in Satun province is the main mainland departure point for boats to Koh Lipe, and the pier is a 2 hour drive from Hat Yai airport.[2]
From 16 October to 31 May, 4 boats a day leave Pak Bara for Koh Lipe, at 09:30, 11:30, 11:45 and 13:30. The direct crossing takes 1 hour 30 minutes. The 11:45 boat stops at Koh Tarutao and Koh Khai for 20 minutes each and takes 2 hours 30 minutes. From 1 June to 15 October only the 11:30 and 13:30 boats run.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Departures from Krabi |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Speed Ferry | About $34 - $44 | 6h 15m - 7h 30m | 07:00, 07:15[1] |
| Minivan + Speedboat | About $34 - $44 | 6h 15m - 7h 30m | 06:30, 07:00, 07:15[1] |
| Van + Speedboat | About $39 | 5h 40m | 06:30[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Krabi to Koh Lipe
- Book in advance: The Thai Marine Department sets how many passengers each boat may carry, so seats are limited and tickets can sell out.[2]
- Park fee and pier tax: The national park entrance fee is 200 baht per adult and 100 baht for children aged 3 to 14 (non-Thai visitors). You pay it at the pier, it is not in the boat ticket, and you need the receipt for snorkelling trips to the nearby islands. A pier tax of 20 baht is due on top.[2]
- Check-in: Be at the counter at least 30 minutes before departure. Baggage is 1 suitcase under 30 kg plus hand luggage.[2]
- Water and snacks: No food or drinks are sold on board, so bring water.[2]
- Rough sea: If you are sensitive to motion, take seasickness tablets about 30 minutes before boarding.
- Early start: Most departures from Krabi leave between 06:30 and 07:15, so sort out breakfast the evening before.[1]
Timetable
| Ferry Krabi - Koh Lipe $ 34.05โ44.41 6h 15m โ 7h 30m | |
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| Van Krabi - Koh Lipe $ 39.08 5h 40m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Krabi to Koh Lipe, including current prices and schedules.
The ferry and the minivan-and-speedboat combination are the cheapest, from about $34 on booking platforms (October 2026). Book early for the best choice of departures.
The van-and-speedboat ticket is the fastest, at about 5 hours 40 minutes. It leaves Krabi at 06:30.
Plan for about 5 hours 40 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes, depending on the ticket type and the number of stops.
No. Koh Lipe has no airport. The nearest airports are Hat Yai and Trang, and from Hat Yai the drive to Pak Bara pier takes about 2 hours.
In the high season, October to April, boat check-in on Koh Lipe is in front of the immigration centre at the Bundhaya jetty on Pattaya Beach. Outside the high season it moves to Sunrise Beach.
Yes, but with fewer boats. From 1 June to 15 October only 2 boats a day leave Pak Bara for Koh Lipe. In very rough seas the operator lets passengers postpone without extra charge.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable Krabi - Koh Lipe. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
- [2] Ploysiam Speedboat: Travel information: Getting to Koh Lipe from Pak Bara Pier. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.