How to get from Krabi to Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe, often called the “Maldives of Thailand,” is a tropical paradise known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and incredible marine life. Located 220 km (137 miles) south of Krabi, Koh Lipe is accessible by speedboat, ferry, or a combination of bus and boat. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.

Overview of Travel Options

Here are the main ways to get from Krabi to Koh Lipe:

• By Direct Speedboat: The fastest and most convenient option.
• By Ferry + Speedboat (Via Pak Bara): A budget-friendly and reliable alternative.
• By Bus/Van + Ferry (Via Pak Bara): A slower but cheaper option.
• By Flight + Speedboat (Via Hat Yai): The most comfortable route for those flying from Krabi.

Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Krabi to Koh Lipe.

Timetable

By Direct Speedboat: The Fastest and Most Convenient Option

Taking a direct speedboat from Krabi to Koh Lipe is the most popular and efficient way to reach the island. Speedboats operate seasonally from November to April, as the seas can be rough during the monsoon season.

Key Details:

• Departure Point: Krabi Klong Jilad Pier or Ao Nang.
• Arrival Point: Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe.
• Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours, with short island stops.
• Price: 1,700–2,300 THB (~$50–$70 USD), depending on the operator.
• Boat Operators:
  • Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club.
  • Bundhaya Speed Boat.
  • Tigerline Travel.
• Departure Frequency: Once daily at 9:00–11:00 AM (seasonal service only).

Pros:

• Fastest way to reach Koh Lipe.
• No need for multiple transfers.
• Scenic ride through the Andaman Sea.

Cons:

• More expensive than other options.
• Speedboats can be bumpy during rough seas.
• Limited availability (seasonal service only).

Booking Tip:

For the smoothest ride, choose early morning departures when the sea is calmer. Use our online search form to check schedules and secure your tickets.

By Ferry + Speedboat (Via Pak Bara): A Budget-Friendly and Reliable Alternative

For travelers outside the high season (May–October) or looking for a cheaper and more reliable option, the best route is ferry from Krabi to Pak Bara + speedboat to Koh Lipe.

Step 1: Take a Ferry from Krabi to Pak Bara Pier

• Departure Point: Klong Jilad Pier (Krabi Town).
• Arrival Point: Pak Bara Pier, Satun Province.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Price: 500–900 THB (~$15–$25 USD).

Step 2: Take a Speedboat from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe

• Departure Point: Pak Bara Pier.
• Arrival Point: Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe.
• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Price: 650–1,000 THB (~$20–$30 USD).
• Speedboat Operators:
  • Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club.
  • Bundhaya Speed Boat.
• Frequency: 2–3 departures daily.

Total Duration: 5 to 6 hours.

Total Price: 1,200–1,800 THB (~$35–$55 USD).

Pros:

• More budget-friendly than direct speedboats.
• More frequent departures available.

Cons:

• Requires a transfer at Pak Bara.
• Takes longer than a direct speedboat.

Booking Tip:

This route operates year-round, making it the best option during the monsoon season. Use our online search form to check ferry and speedboat availability.

By Bus/Van + Ferry (Via Pak Bara): A Slower but Cheaper Option

For travelers on a tight budget, taking a bus or van from Krabi to Pak Bara and then a ferry to Koh Lipe is the cheapest way to travel.

Step 1: Take a Bus or Van from Krabi to Pak Bara Pier

• Departure Points:
  • Krabi Bus Terminal.
  • Ao Nang or Krabi Town (hotel pickup available for some services).
• Arrival Point: Pak Bara Pier, Satun Province.
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours.
• Price: 350–600 THB (~$10–$18 USD).

Step 2: Take a Speedboat from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Price: 650–1,000 THB (~$20–$30 USD).

Total Duration: 6 to 7 hours.

Total Price: 1,000–1,600 THB (~$30–$45 USD).

Pros:

• Cheapest option available.
• Buses and ferries operate year-round.

Cons:

• Takes significantly longer than direct speedboats.
• Requires multiple transfers.

Booking Tip:

Book a combo ticket (bus + ferry) in advance to save money. Use our online search form to check schedules and book your ticket.

By Flight + Speedboat (Via Hat Yai): The Most Comfortable Route

For travelers flying from Krabi or other regions, the best option is to fly to Hat Yai and then take a van + speedboat to Koh Lipe.

Step 1: Take a Flight from Krabi to Hat Yai

• Duration: 1 hour.
• Price: 1,200–2,500 THB (~$35–$75 USD).

Step 2: Take a Van from Hat Yai Airport to Pak Bara Pier

• Duration: 2 hours.
• Price: 250–400 THB (~$8–$12 USD).

Step 3: Take a Speedboat from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe

• Duration: 1.5 hours.
• Price: 650–1,000 THB (~$20–$30 USD).

Total Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

Total Price: 2,500–4,000 THB (~$75–$120 USD).

Pros:

• Comfortable and avoids long boat rides.
• Good option for travelers arriving from other parts of Thailand.

Cons:

• More expensive than other options.
• Requires multiple transfers.

Booking Tip:

Book flight + van + ferry combo tickets for smoother connections. Use our online search form to check availability.

Final Tips for Traveling from Krabi to Koh Lipe

• Best Option for Speed: Direct Speedboat (3.5 hours, from 1,700 THB).
• Best Option for Budget Travelers: Bus + Ferry via Pak Bara (~1,000 THB, 6+ hours).
• Best Option for Year-Round Travel: Ferry + Speedboat via Pak Bara (~1,200+ THB, 5+ hours).
• Book Early for Peak Season: Boats fill up quickly from November to April.
• Prepare for Wet Boarding: Speedboats often require walking through shallow water, so wear flip-flops and quick-dry clothing.