Traveling from Koh Lipe to Phuket is a popular route for those exploring Thailand’s beautiful Andaman Coast. While there’s no direct ferry, there are several options combining boats and land transport to reach Phuket efficiently. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your journey!
Direct Speedboat Route (High Season Only): Koh Lipe to Phuket with Island Transfers
During high season (November to April), some speedboat operators run a direct service from Koh Lipe to Phuket, though a transfer at Koh Lanta in Krabi may still be required.
Route Breakdown
Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta:
- Begin with a ferry from Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta. This part of the journey takes about 3–4 hours, with a chance to see other scenic islands along the way.
Koh Lanta to Phuket:
- From Koh Lanta, board another speedboat or ferry to Phuket, which takes around 2 hours.
Total Travel Time
- Approximate Duration: 5–6 hours
- Best For: Travelers visiting during high season who want a more direct and scenic ferry route
Speedboat + Minivan: The Most Common Route
Since Koh Lipe and Phuket are quite far apart, the most common way to travel between them is by a combination of speedboat and minivan and minivan. This route allows you to take in stunning views of the Andaman Sea and even make a stopover at other beautiful islands.
Route Breakdown
Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier (Satun):
- Begin with a speedboat from Koh Lipe’s Pattaya Beach to Pak Bara Pier on the mainland. The journey takes around 1.5–2 hours.
- Speedboats typically operate twice daily, with departures in the morning at 09:30 a.m.
Pak Bara Pier to Phuket [Private Minivan]
- From Pak Bara Pier, take a pre-arranged private minivan transfer to Phuket. The drive takes around 5–6 hours, and the vehicles are usually air-conditioned for a comfortable ride.
Total Travel Time
- Approximate Duration: 8–9 hours
- Best For: Budget travelers and those who don’t mind a longer journey
Speedboat + Minivan with a Stopover in Krabi
For those who’d like to break up the trip, stopping over in Krabi is a great option. Krabi’s beautiful beaches and stunning limestone cliffs make it worth spending a night or two before continuing to Phuket.
Route Breakdown
Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier:
Take the ferry or speedboat from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier, as described above.
Pak Bara Pier to Krabi Town [Join Minivan]
From Pak Bara Pier, take a pre-arranged join minivan transfer to Krabi. The drive takes around 4 hours, and the vehicles are usually air-conditioned for a comfortable ride.
Krabi to Phuket:
After exploring Krabi, you can take a join minivan from Krabi Bus Station to Phuket Bus Station1. The journey takes about 3-4 hours by road.
Krabi Town to Phuket Bus Station [Join Minivan]
From Krabi Bus station, take a pre-arranged join minivan transfer to Phuket Bus station. The drive takes around 4 hours, and the vehicles are usually air-conditioned for a comfortable ride.
Total Travel Time
Approximate Duration: 7-8 hours (without an overnight stay in Krabi)
Best For: Travelers who want to explore more destinations along the way.
Speedboat+ Flight: The Fastest Option
If you prefer a faster, more comfortable journey, consider combining a Speedboat with a domestic flight. This option can save you time, though it’s usually more expensive.
Route Breakdown
Koh Lipe to Hat Yai:
Take the ferry from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier, then transfer to Hat Yai by minivan. This trip takes about 2 hours for the ferry and 1.5–2 hours by road to Hat Yai Airport.
Flight from Hat Yai to Phuket:
From Hat Yai, take a direct flight to Phuket. Flights take about 1.5 hours, and several airlines operate this route with multiple flights per day.
Total Travel Time
Approximate Duration: 5–6 hours (depending on flight schedule and waiting time)
Best For: Travelers who prioritize speed and comfort over budget