Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry Guide: Routes, Schedules, Prices

Embarking on a journey from Langkawi, Malaysia, to Koh Lipe, Thailand, offers a seamless transition from one stunning island paradise to another. This guide provides essential information for travelers planning this route, focusing on ferry services, immigration requirements, and practical tips based on the provided sources. Whether you are a beach lover, adventure seeker, or looking to relax, the ferry connection makes travel between these destinations convenient.

Ferry Travel: Seasonal Considerations

Ferry services between Langkawi and Koh Lipe primarily operate during the high season. This typically spans from October to May, offering the most frequent and reliable connections due to generally favorable sea conditions.

During the low season, which is roughly from June to September, direct ferry services may be limited or unavailable due to less predictable weather patterns and potentially rougher seas. Travelers planning to visit Koh Lipe during the low season would need to consider alternative, more circuitous routes, often involving travel via Satun and Pak Bara on the Thai mainland.

Departure and Arrival Points

Langkawi offers two main departure points for ferries heading to Koh Lipe.

Langkawi Departure Points

Telaga Harbour Marina (Pantai Kok): This jetty is often recommended if you are coming from Langkawi International Airport or staying in areas like Pantai Cenang or Pantai Tengah. It’s considered nearer to these popular tourist areas and potentially offers a slightly shorter ferry ride (about 1 hour 15 minutes) compared to Kuah Jetty. The drive distance from Langkawi International Airport to Telaga Harbour is approximately 25 minutes. Telaga Harbour is described as offering a scenic and peaceful start to the journey, although facilities might be limited. The operator for Telaga Harbour is often the Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club.
Kuah Jetty (Bandar Kuah): Located in Kuah town, this is the main ferry terminal in Langkawi. It is a suitable option if you are traveling from Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Penang, or are staying in Kuah town. It’s convenient for exploring the town or doing last-minute duty-free shopping before departure. The ferry ride from Kuah Jetty takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. The operator for Kuah Jetty is often the Bundhaya Speed Boat.

Your choice of departure point might depend on factors such as proximity to your accommodation or personal preference.

Koh Lipe Arrival Point

Regardless of the Langkawi departure point, all ferries arriving from Langkawi dock at Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe. Pattaya Beach serves as the island’s main arrival point where immigration procedures and national park fee collection take place.

The Journey and Arrival Experience

The ferry journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe typically takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, travel time can vary slightly depending on the number of travelers and sea conditions. The ferry is generally spacious and modern, accommodating around 150-200 people, and is fully air-conditioned. There are washrooms onboard. There is no onboard meal service, so you may wish to bring your own snacks and beverages.

Some past traveler experiences note that the initial part of the trip can be rough depending on water conditions.

Upon nearing Koh Lipe, the ferry anchors offshore because there is no pier on the island. Passengers are then transferred between the ferry/speedboat and the beach by local longtail boats. This transfer is included in the ticket price. This longtail transfer offers a scenic introduction to Koh Lipe’s clear waters. Bags are typically loaded onto the longtail boats separately by attendants.

Arrival in Koh Lipe is at Pattaya Beach.

Immigration Procedures

Traveling between Langkawi and Koh Lipe involves crossing international borders between Malaysia and Thailand, so proper documentation is essential.

Documents Required

You will need:

Your valid passport or border pass (for Malaysians) with a minimum validity of 6 months.
A Customs declaration form for leaving Malaysia (required on the Malaysian side).
A Thai Arrival Card (available at the check-in counter) to be filled and submitted to border authorities upon arrival in Thailand.

Check-in and Immigration Process

Check-in procedures start well before departure. For the Kuah Jetty departure, check-in begins 90 minutes before departure and closes 45 minutes prior. For the Telaga Harbour departure, check-in begins 90 minutes before departure at the terminal and 2 hours before departure at the Satun Pakbara Speedboat Club in Koh Lipe, with counters closing 45 minutes before departure. Some sources indicate check-in at Telaga Harbour is 2.5 hours before departure, closing 1 hour prior. It is crucial to arrive before the counter closure time, otherwise, you may need to repurchase a ticket for the next departure.

You will complete immigration procedures on the Malaysian side before boarding. Passports may be retained by officials after check-in and returned closer to boarding time.

Upon arrival at Pattaya Beach in Koh Lipe, you must proceed to the Thai immigration counter. Here, you will present your passport and arrival card to receive an entry stamp. The immigration process might take some time depending on the volume of arrivals.

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements vary by nationality. Malaysian citizens typically do not require a visa to enter Thailand. Visitors from most countries can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 15 days via land border crossings like the ferry from Langkawi. If you arrive at a Thai international airport without a visa, you may receive a 30-day stamp. Visa on Arrival (VOA) facilities exist for certain nationalities in Thailand. For longer stays, it is recommended to obtain a visa in advance from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. Thailand’s visa policies, particularly regarding overland entries and visa runs, have seen changes, with the guideline being to encourage obtaining necessary visas beforehand. It is advisable to check the latest visa information from reliable sources.

Note that if you are returning to Langkawi after visiting Koh Lipe, you must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) again before re-entry, even if you completed it upon your initial entry to Malaysia.

Ticket Booking and Prices

How and When to Book

Booking your Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry ride in advance is highly recommended, especially during the high season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Seats are limited.

Tickets can be purchased through various channels:

Online Booking Systems: This is a convenient way to compare prices, check availability, and secure tickets, offering peace of mind and potential flexibility with cancellations/refunds, particularly during peak season. Online booking systems may close a certain number of hours before the trip (e.g., 12 or 24 hours for Langkawi to Koh Lipe).
Local Travel Shops/Agents: You can book in person with an agent.
Ferry Dock/Terminal Counters: Walk-in bookings are possible if space is available, but this is not guaranteed during peak times.

Ticket Prices

The prices for the ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe are broadly similar for both departure points. Prices are typically quoted in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) for departures from Langkawi and Thai Baht (THB) for departures from Koh Lipe.

Examples of prices mentioned in the sources for 2025 and 2024/2025 high/peak season:

Langkawi to Koh Lipe (Departure from Langkawi)

Adult (One Way): RM 160. Limited offers mention RM 140 (Kuah Jetty) or RM 155 (Telaga Harbour).
Adult (Return): RM 320. Limited offers mention RM 280 (Kuah Jetty) or RM 310 (Telaga Harbour).
Child (2-11.99 years): RM 140 (One Way), RM 280 (Return). Limited offers mention RM 130/135 (One Way) and RM 260/270 (Return).
Infant (0-1.99 years): Free.

Koh Lipe to Langkawi (Departure from Koh Lipe)

Adult (One Way): Around 1200 THB or 1300-1400 THB. Some mention 1400 THB. A past traveler noted paying 1,200 baht for a speedboat or 1,000 baht for a ferry in 2018/2019.
Adult (Return): Around 2800 THB.
Child: Around 1200 THB (One Way).

These prices are for the ferry ticket only. Note that tickets are generally non-refundable. Amendment services (date and time change only, same jetty and traveler) may be available for a fee (e.g., RM30 per pax per way), requiring completion before 48 hours from departure.

Additional Costs

Beyond the ferry ticket, you must budget for the Tarutao National Park entrance fee upon arrival in Koh Lipe. This fee contributes to conservation efforts.

Adults: THB 200.
Children (2-9.99 years or 2-11.99 years depending on source age range): THB 100. Thai nationals pay a different rate.
Visas to enter Thailand (if applicable based on your nationality).

Ferry Schedules (High Season 2024-2025)

During the high season, ferries typically operate daily. Schedules can vary slightly depending on the specific dates within the season and the operator.

Here are examples of schedules provided for 2025:

From Kuah Jetty, Langkawi (Operated by Bundhaya Speed Boat)

Langkawi to Koh Lipe (Apr 7 – May 20, 2025): Depart 11:30 AM (MYT) – Arrive 12:00 PM (Thai Time). (Also mentioned for Oct 15 – Nov 9, 2024 and Mar 10 – Mar 27, 2025).
Koh Lipe to Langkawi (Apr 7 – May 20, 2025): Depart 01:00 PM (Thai Time) – Arrive 03:30 PM (MYT). (Also mentioned for Oct 15 – Nov 9, 2024 and Mar 10 – Mar 27, 2025).
During peak season (Nov 10, 2024 – Mar 9, 2025 | Mar 28, 2025 – Apr 6, 2025), there are two daily departures from Kuah Jetty and from Koh Lipe.

From Telaga Harbour, Langkawi (Operated by Satun Pakbara Speed Boat)

Langkawi to Koh Lipe (Apr 15 – May 31, 2025): Depart 10:30 AM (MYT) – Arrive 11:00 AM (Thai Time). (Also mentioned for Oct 18 – Oct 31, 2024).
Koh Lipe to Langkawi (Apr 15 – May 31, 2025): Depart 03:00 PM (Thai Time) – Arrive 05:30 PM (MYT). (Also mentioned for Oct 18 – Oct 31, 2024).
During peak season (Nov 1, 2024 – Apr 14, 2025), there are two daily departures from Telaga Harbour and from Koh Lipe.

Important Notes on Schedules:

Departure times are according to local times. There is a one-hour time difference between Malaysia (GMT +8) and Thailand (GMT +7). Remember to account for this when planning your arrival and onward travel.
Schedules are subject to change informed by the ferry company. Last-minute changes or cancellations can occur, sometimes due to weather or sea conditions, although cancellations are reportedly seldom. In such cases, refer directly to the ferry company.
It is recommended not to book any onward flights for several hours after your expected ferry arrival in case of delays due to sea conditions, weather, or immigration queues.

Practical Tips for Your Journey

Time Difference: Be mindful that Malaysia is one hour ahead of Thailand.
Check-in Times: Adhere strictly to the check-in times (usually beginning 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure, closing 45 minutes prior) to avoid missing your ferry.
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into both countries.
Seasickness: If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication as the ferry ride can be bumpy, especially during choppy conditions. Packing light and keeping essentials in a small daypack is also advisable.
Prohibited Items: Note that no fruit, food, or agricultural products can be taken on the ferry. Vaping is also illegal in Thailand.
Baggage: Keep an eye on your bags during the longtail boat transfer to ensure they get on the correct boat.

Low Season Travel: Alternative Route

If direct ferry services from Langkawi to Koh Lipe are unavailable during the low season (June to September), travelers can consider an alternative route via Satun and Pak Bara in Thailand. This involves taking a ferry from Langkawi to Satun on the Thai mainland, then transferring by minivan or taxi from Satun to Pak Bara Pier, and finally taking another ferry or speedboat from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe. While this route involves additional transfers, it provides access to Koh Lipe during the off-season. The ferry ride from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe takes approximately 90 minutes.

What Awaits You in Koh Lipe

Upon arrival in Koh Lipe, you will be greeted by stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Koh Lipe is part of Thailand’s Satun Province and is celebrated for its white sandy beaches and vibrant marine life. The island is renowned for its magnificent marine life, making it perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Popular beaches include Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach. Walking Street is a central area with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Some sources note that the town area can be tiny and busy, with motorbikes and sidecars being a common mode of transport. There are differing opinions on whether the island is “paradise” or “overrated” and crowded, depending on the traveler’s experience and the time of visit. Some travelers have noted the presence of people smoking weed in certain areas.

Getting around Koh Lipe is relatively easy, often done on foot, but motorcycle taxis are readily available to reach your hotel.

Koh Lipe also serves as a starting point to visit other Andaman islands such as Koh Buloan, Koh Kradan, Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket, usually requiring a change to a speedboat. Nearby Koh Adang offers opportunities for island hopping, hiking to viewpoints, and snorkeling.

Accommodation options on the island range from budget to luxury, and it is advisable to book in advance during peak season.

Conclusion

Traveling by ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe offers a convenient and efficient way to connect these two beautiful islands. By understanding the seasonal schedules, preparing the necessary immigration documents, booking tickets in advance, and being mindful of practical tips like the time difference and potential delays, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey. From the duty-free shopping in Langkawi to the clear waters and vibrant marine life of Koh Lipe, this route opens the door to unforgettable experiences in both Malaysia and Thailand.