Traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Lipe involves crossing the Gulf of Thailand, traversing the mainland, and boarding a speedboat to reach one of Thailand’s southernmost islands. The most practical and scenic route includes an overnight stop in Ao Nang (Krabi) before continuing to Koh Lipe via Pak Bara Pier the next morning.
This guide outlines a clear, step-by-step itinerary, realistic travel times, costs, and essential booking and packing tips to make your journey smooth and well-coordinated.
1. Step-by-Step Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Koh Samui → Krabi (Overnight in Ao Nang)
Morning departure:
- Choose a morning or late-morning ferry from Koh Samui to Krabi.
- Frequent departures include 09:30–11:30, operated by reputable companies such as Lomprayah, Seatran, or Lomlahkkhirin.
- Most routes include a ferry + bus combination, arriving in Krabi Town or Ao Nang by mid-afternoon (typically between 14:30 and 16:30, depending on service and connections).
- When possible, book a route that includes a land transfer to Ao Nang.
Afternoon & Evening:
- Check in to your Ao Nang hotel.
- Spend the evening exploring Ao Nang Beach, its walking street, and enjoy an early seaside dinner before resting for the next day’s early start.
Day 2 – Krabi (Ao Nang) → Pak Bara → Koh Lipe
Early morning:
- Depart early from Ao Nang for the long drive to Pak Bara Pier.
- Distance: approximately 220–230 km.
- Travel time: 3.5–5 hours, depending on traffic and pick-up point.
- To reach the 11:30 Pak Bara boat, aim to depart between 05:30–06:00, arriving at the pier by ~11:00 for check-in.
At Pak Bara Pier:
- Check in with your speedboat operator (e.g., Ploysiam or Jolly Travel) at least 30 minutes before departure.
- The 11:30 boat is a popular high-season option.
- Travel time to Koh Lipe: 1.5–2 hours, often arriving around 13:00–13:30.
- Arrival pier: Pattaya Beach (Koh Lipe), from where long-tail boats connect to nearby accommodations.
2. Where and How to Book
- Samui → Krabi: Book ferry + transfer tickets directly through ferry operator websites (Lomprayah, Seatran, Lomlahkkhirin) or at local ferry counters. Select a route that includes Krabi Town or Ao Nang transfer if available.
- Krabi → Pak Bara transfer: Arrange this through local travel agencies or Ao Nang hotels. Minivans and private cars commonly service this route. Confirm that your booking ensures arrival at Pak Bara by 11:00.
- Pak Bara → Koh Lipe speedboat: Purchase tickets directly from Ploysiam or Jolly Travel. Confirm departure times, check-in rules, and luggage allowances in advance.
Tip: Booking your Krabi → Pak Bara transfer and Pak Bara → Koh Lipe speedboat with the same agent or operator ensures better coordination if delays occur.
3. Timings and Buffers
| Segment | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui → Krabi | 2–4+ hrs | Depends on route and operator (express catamaran vs. slower ferry + bus). |
| Krabi → Pak Bara (land) | 3.5–5 hrs | Depart early from Ao Nang (05:30–06:00) for an 11:00 pier arrival. |
| Pak Bara → Koh Lipe (boat) | 1.5–2 hrs | The 11:30 departure arrives around 13:30. Schedules may vary in low season. |
Recommended buffer: Allow at least 30–45 minutes for pier check-in before each boat departure.
4. Estimated Costs (Per Person, One-Way)
| Segment | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui → Krabi | THB 700–1,500 | Depends on operator and inclusion of land transfer. |
| Krabi → Pak Bara (land transfer) | THB 500–1,500 | Minivan = budget option; private taxi = faster but pricier. |
| Pak Bara → Koh Lipe speedboat | THB 600–900 | Direct high-speed services; luggage may be limited. |
Total (Samui → Koh Lipe via Ao Nang): Approximately THB 1,800–3,500, depending on operator and transfer type.
5. Risks, Seasonality, and Important Tips
- Monsoon season (June–September): Some ferries and speedboats operate less frequently. Always verify schedules before booking.
- Tight connections: The long Krabi–Pak Bara road leg makes timing critical. Missing the morning departure from Ao Nang can jeopardize your 11:30 ferry connection.
- Luggage restrictions: Speedboats often limit large suitcases; soft or medium-size bags are ideal.
- Check-in deadlines: Arrive 30 minutes early for every departure—boats rarely wait for late passengers.
- Weather delays: During rough seas, boats may be canceled or rerouted. Combined or same-operator tickets usually make rebooking easier.
6. Contingency Plans
- If you miss the 11:30 Pak Bara boat:
- In high season, later boats (typically 13:30) may be available.
- In low season, consider staying overnight in Pak Bara and taking the next morning’s ferry.
- If sea conditions are rough or services are canceled:
- Operators usually offer rebooking or partial refunds.
- Having travel insurance that covers cancellations is recommended.
7. Practical Packing and Preparation Checklist
- Printed or digital ferry tickets for all legs.
- Passport or photo ID (required at Pak Bara check-in).
- Cash in small denominations (for snacks, pier fees, or transfers).
- Lightweight daypack with essentials: swimwear, sunscreen, medication, snacks, and a power bank.
- Soft luggage or duffel bag for ease on speedboats.
- Confirm Ao Nang hotel’s early breakfast or takeaway option.
- Verify next-day pickup time with your transfer operator before bedtime.
8. Recommended Booking Sequence
- Book Koh Samui → Krabi ferry (choose 09:30–11:30 departure).
- Reserve accommodation in Ao Nang for one night, ideally near the main beach or pickup area.
- Arrange Krabi → Pak Bara transfer to ensure arrival by 11:00 the following morning.
- Book Pak Bara → Koh Lipe speedboat for the 11:30 departure and reconfirm check-in 24 hours prior.
9. Key References Used
- Lomprayah, Seatran, and Lomlahkkhirin ferry schedules for Samui–Krabi routes (via phanganferries.com).
- Ploysiam and Jolly Travel speedboat timetables for Pak Bara–Koh Lipe.
- Rome2Rio data on Krabi–Pak Bara driving distance (220–230 km, 3.5–5 hrs).
- Operator booking and check-in guidelines verified through official ferry and speedboat sites.
10. FAQs: Koh Samui to Koh Lipe via Krabi
1. How long does the journey from Koh Samui to Koh Lipe take in total?
Approximately 10–12 hours of combined travel, excluding the overnight stay in Ao Nang.
2. Is one night in Ao Nang enough for this route?
Yes. As long as you arrive in Ao Nang by late afternoon and depart early the next morning, one night is sufficient.
3. Are there direct boats from Koh Samui to Koh Lipe?
No. The route requires a mainland transfer—typically via Krabi or Surat Thani.
4. What time should I leave Ao Nang to reach Pak Bara in time for the 11:30 boat?
Depart between 05:30–06:00, allowing 4.5–5 hours for travel and check-in.
5. Can I buy a combined ticket from Krabi to Koh Lipe?
Yes, many agents sell combined land + sea packages that cover both legs and simplify coordination.
6. What happens if my ferry from Samui arrives late in Krabi?
If you arrive later than expected, continue to Ao Nang for your overnight stay and adjust the next day’s pickup accordingly.
7. Are there later speedboats from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe?
During high season, additional boats (e.g., 13:30) may run. Schedules are limited in the monsoon period.
8. Is the Krabi–Pak Bara road scenic or mountainous?
It’s a mostly flat and well-maintained highway passing through small southern Thai towns and rural areas.
9. Are pier fees included in the ticket price?
Often not. Keep THB 20–50 cash for pier charges at Pak Bara or Koh Lipe.
10. What’s the best season for smooth travel on this route?
November to April offers calm seas and the most reliable ferry schedules.
