Welcome to Koh Lanta, a tranquil island paradise nestled in Thailand’s Krabi province, renowned for its stunning sandy beaches and serene atmosphere. For those seeking an escape from bustling crowds, Koh Lanta offers a relaxed holiday experience, making it ideal for couples, solo travelers, divers, and families. While there isn’t an airport directly on the island, Krabi International Airport (KBV) serves as the closest gateway. Getting from Krabi to Koh Lanta is straightforward, with various reliable transport options available, including the scenic ferry service.
This guide focuses specifically on traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta by ferry, providing essential information and practical tips for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Why Choose the Ferry to Koh Lanta?
Opting for a ferry or speedboat from Krabi to Koh Lanta offers several distinct advantages, particularly for those who appreciate coastal scenery and convenience.
- Scenic Journey: Ferry travel provides a picturesque experience across the Andaman Sea, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views as you approach the island.
- Potential Speed: Speedboats, in particular, can offer a faster travel time compared to road transport, especially when sea conditions are favorable.
- Luggage Capacity: Ferry services generally provide a more generous luggage allowance compared to shared minivan services, which can have limited space. Standard ferries often come equipped with amenities such as restrooms and air conditioning.
- Direct Island Arrival: Passenger ferries and speedboats arrive directly at Saladan Pier in the north of Koh Lanta Yai, the main tourist island.
Ferry and Speedboat Availability: Seasonal Considerations
It is crucial to understand that passenger ferry and speedboat services from Krabi to Koh Lanta operate exclusively during the high season.
- High Season: This period typically runs from November to April. During these months, sea conditions are generally calmer, making sea travel ideal.
- Off-Season: From May to October, which is the rainy season, these services are not available due to rougher seas and potential for storms. If you plan to travel during the off-season, road travel via minivan or taxi (utilizing the car ferry) is the only viable option.
- Weather Impact: Even during high season, ferry and speedboat services can be significantly affected by rough weather, potentially leading to delays or cancellations.
Departure Piers in Krabi
Ferries and speedboats to Koh Lanta depart from various piers in the Krabi area:
- Klong Jilad Pier: This is Krabi’s main pier. A fast ferry service from Klong Jilad Pier to Koh Lanta is reported to take approximately one hour. You can book a taxi online from Krabi Airport to Klong Jilard Pier, which is 15.8 km away, to catch a ferry.
- Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang: Ferries from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta typically depart at 11:00 AM, making stops at Railay and Koh Jum before arriving at Saladan Village around 12:45 PM. The cost from Ao Nang is approximately 500 THB per person, with the journey taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Floating Pier East Railay and Kongka Pier are also mentioned as departure points.
Arrival at Saladan Pier, Koh Lanta
All passenger ferries and speedboats will bring you to Saladan Pier, located on the northern tip of Koh Lanta Yai. Saladan Pier is a central hub for ferries and speedboats arriving at the island, and it is part of the main commercial town of Saladan. The pier itself is primarily a walkway extending over the sea to the shore, and it does not have extensive facilities directly on it.
Important Considerations Upon Arrival:
- Busyness and Chaos: Saladan Pier can be quite busy and potentially chaotic, especially during peak arrival times.
- Overpriced Taxis: Be aware that taxis and tuk-tuks waiting directly at Saladan Pier are known to be expensive and overpriced. They may charge as much as ฿500 per person for relatively short distances.
- Recommended Action: To avoid inflated prices, it is highly recommended to arrange a pick-up directly with your resort in advance if you have booked accommodation. Alternatively, you might find more reasonably priced local taxis or songthaews by walking a short distance (around 5 minutes) away from the immediate pier area and into the main part of Saladan town. A tuk-tuk from Saladan Pier to a resort can range from 50 to 150 THB per person depending on the specific location on the island. Some resorts even offer free pick-up services.
Journey Duration and Cost
The travel time and cost from Krabi to Koh Lanta by ferry or speedboat can vary:
- Duration:
- Standard ferries from Krabi piers typically take around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Speedboats are faster, with durations varying; some can be as quick as 10-15 minutes as part of a combined package.
- A high-speed ferry from Klong Jilad Pier is reported to take about an hour.
- A joint bus and ferry service directly from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta with Jijie Tour and Travel is scheduled for 2 hours.
- The overall distance between Krabi and Koh Lanta by ferry is approximately 42 miles (67 kilometers), with average travel times around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Cost:
- Standard ferry tickets generally cost around 550 THB (approximately $11 USD).
- Speedboats are typically more expensive than standard ferries.
- Online booking options for direct services from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta show prices ranging from ฿350 to ฿1,950, depending on the company (e.g., Jijie Tour and Travel at ฿380, Good Luck Lanta Tour at ฿350, Tigerline Travel at ฿1,950).
- Ferries from Klong Jilard Pier can cost around ฿950 with S.P.S.B.C or ฿500 with Lanta Super Concord Tour.
- Combination tickets that include road transfers to the pier may cost more, for example, a van+ferry combo can be around 1250 THB (~$35 USD).
- Many boat companies offer discounts for children under 14 years old.
Luggage Considerations for Ferry Travel
Ferry services generally offer a larger luggage allowance compared to shared minivans, which is beneficial for travelers with more bags. However, it’s worth noting that on some ferries, baggage might be piled together, so consider protecting fragile items.
For those traveling through islands with an arm injury or who prefer not to carry heavy backpacks, wheeled suitcases are often recommended over backpacks, even when getting off boats into the water. Thai boat crew and hotel staff are often helpful with carrying bags. Hybrid bags that have both wheels and tuck-away backpack straps can offer the best of both worlds, especially for situations where you might need to carry your bag through shallow water or sand.
Booking Your Ferry Transfer: Essential Tips
To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to Koh Lanta, consider these booking tips:
- Book in Advance: This is particularly important during the peak season (November to April), when demand is high, to secure your preferred transport option and time.
- Utilize Online Booking Platforms: Online platforms are highly recommended for comparing options, checking schedules, and booking tickets, often with instant confirmation.
- Look for Hotel Drop-off Combos: If booking online, consider services that explicitly include hotel drop-off in Koh Lanta. This can save you from the potentially chaotic and expensive taxi services at Saladan Pier upon arrival.
- Confirm Details: Always confirm your pick-up details and be ready at your designated meeting point (e.g., hotel lobby 30 minutes before scheduled pick-up).
- Review Policies: Pay attention to luggage allowances and cancellation policies, especially if flexibility is important for your travel plans.
Alternatives to Ferry Travel
While this guide focuses on ferries, it’s useful to be aware of other reliable options for getting from Krabi to Koh Lanta:
- Minivan: This is widely considered the most popular and budget-friendly option, operating year-round. Minivans use a land route, including a brief car ferry crossing to Koh Lanta Noi (passengers typically remain inside) before driving across the bridge to Koh Lanta Yai. The journey usually takes 2 to 3 hours, costing around 350-380 THB per person, and often includes direct drop-off at your accommodation.
- Private Taxi: This is the fastest and most convenient option, particularly for groups. Private taxis offer direct, door-to-door transfers, also utilizing the land route and car ferry. The trip typically takes about 2 hours, with prices starting around 1,700-1,800 THB per vehicle, becoming more cost-effective when splitting the fare among multiple travelers.
Exploring Koh Lanta: Beyond the Journey
Once you’ve successfully reached Koh Lanta, a wealth of experiences awaits:
- Beaches: The island is famed for its stunning beaches like Bamboo Beach, Laem Kho Kwang Beach, Long Beach, and Relax Bay, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying spectacular sunsets. Long Beach, in particular, is highly recommended for its clear water and relaxed atmosphere.
- Activities: Immerse yourself in activities such as snorkeling, diving (PADI certification is available), kayaking through mangroves, or hiking in Koh Lanta National Park to discover viewpoints and waterfalls. Consider taking an island tour, such as the Four Islands Tour, to explore nearby beautiful islands.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit Lanta Old Town, known for its traditional wooden houses, unique blend of Thai, Chinese, and Chao Ley influences, local markets, and seafood restaurants built on stilts. You can also engage in ethical tourism by visiting Lanta Animal Welfare or a Thai cooking class.
- Getting Around the Island: The most convenient way to explore is by renting a motorbike, though cycling, tuk-tuks, or even hitchhiking are viable options. Always prioritize safety, especially when riding a motorbike, by wearing a helmet and having adequate travel insurance.
Conclusion
Traveling to the serene island of Koh Lanta from Krabi by ferry is a well-established and enjoyable route, especially during the high season. By understanding the available services, departure points, arrival procedures, and luggage considerations, you can ensure a smooth transition to this beautiful destination. Remember to book your transfer in advance, particularly during peak tourist months, to start your island getaway without a hitch. Prepare to relax and enjoy the tranquil paradise that is Koh Lanta.