Thailand Ferry Guide — Routes, Operators & Tips

## Ferries in Thailand — Everything You Need to Know for Island Hopping

Thailand is a paradise for island lovers, with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Ferries are the essential and most popular way to travel between the mainland and the country’s famous islands. This guide covers key routes, recommended operators, the booking process, cost considerations, and practical tips to help you choose the right ferry and enjoy a smooth, pleasant journey.

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## Major Operators and Booking Platforms

Dozens of ferry companies operate in Thailand, but for most international travelers, it’s easiest to book through trusted global platforms:

- **Direct Ferries**: Huge selection of routes, including main island connections.
- **12Go**: Specializes in the Thai market, lets you combine bus+ferry or train+ferry.
- **Bookaway**: User-friendly platform with excellent customer service.
- **Ferryhopper**: Focuses mainly on southern islands and Phuket.
- **Omio**: Sometimes offers good deals on tourist-heavy routes.
- **Rail Europe**: Less relevant for ferries, but sometimes shows combined connections.

**Editorial insight:** In practice, most local ferry companies work across several booking platforms. Price differences are usually small, but Bookaway and 12Go typically offer the fastest and most reliable customer support, especially for changes and cancellations.

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## Popular Ferry Routes — Mainland & Island Connections

Ferries in Thailand connect mainland destinations like [Krabi](/places/krabi), [Chumphon](/places/chumphon), or [Donsak](/places/donsak) to well-known islands, as well as island-to-island routes. These are the main lines most travelers use:

- [Koh Samui – Koh Phangan](/routes/koh-samui-koh-phangan): Short, frequent route; ideal for Full Moon Party visitors.
- [Krabi – Koh Phi Phi](/routes/krabi-koh-phi-phi): Classic route with frequent sailings and stunning scenery.
- [Phuket – Koh Phi Phi](/routes/phuket-koh-phi-phi): One of the most popular routes, available almost year-round.
- [Koh Phi Phi – Koh Lanta](/routes/koh-phi-phi-koh-lanta): Short trip, perfect for jumping between two favorite islands.
- [Donsak – Koh Samui](/routes/donsak-koh-samui): The main gateway to Samui, with departures all day.
- [Chumphon – Koh Tao](/routes/chumphon-koh-tao): Main route for divers, with both night and day options.
- [Koh Lanta – Koh Lipe](/routes/koh-lanta-koh-lipe): For reaching the southern islands, especially good in dry season.
- [Phuket – Krabi](/routes/phuket-krabi): Combines beautiful bays and coastline; a scenic alternative to the bus.
- [Koh Phangan – Koh Tao](/routes/koh-phangan-koh-tao): Quick link for travelers in the northern Gulf.
- [Ranong – Koh Phayam](/routes/ranong-koh-phangan): Quiet destination for nature and relaxation.
- [Phuket – Koh Lipe](/routes/phuket-koh-lipe): Longer journey, available only in season.
- [Laem Ngob Pier – Koh Chang](/routes/laem-ngob-pier-koh-chang): Gateway to the largest island in the northeast, with organized departures.

**Editorial insight:** Ferries between islands fill up fast during peak season (December–April). Booking in advance guarantees your spot, especially around festivals and holidays.

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## How Does the Booking Process Work?

1. **Compare and Select:** Start by checking availability and routes on 12Go, Bookaway, or Direct Ferries. All let you filter by departure time, boat type, and whether you need a land connection (bus/minivan).
2. **Enter Details:** You’ll need your passport info, full names, email, and phone. Sometimes you’ll be asked to select a seat (not always required).
3. **Payment:** Pay securely online by credit card (sometimes PayPal is available).
4. **Get Your Ticket:** Most routes send you a digital voucher by email. You can usually show it on your phone, but it’s smart to print a backup—especially for small operators or less touristy islands.
5. **Arrive at the Pier:** Arrive 30–60 minutes early. Sometimes you’ll need to exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at the counter, especially at major piers like [Donsak](/places/donsak).

**Editorial insight:** Local ferries are generally punctual, but allow for extra time—weather can cause delays, especially in the rainy season (May–October).

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## Types of Ferries & Comfort Levels

- **Speedboats/Catamarans:** Fast, air-conditioned, and comfortable (usually 1–2 hours on most routes). Not ideal for those prone to seasickness—they can be bumpy.
- **Standard Ferries/Large Boats:** Bigger, more stable, and cheaper, but slower. A calmer experience overall.
- **Overnight Ferries:** Mostly on routes like [Chumphon – Koh Tao](/routes/chumphon-koh-tao), with basic beds and partitions. Unique but not luxurious.

**Editorial insight:** Not every ferry suits every traveler—families often prefer large, stable boats, while those in a hurry may opt for speedboats. During monsoon season, larger vessels are the safer and more comfortable choice.

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## Costs — What to Expect

- **Short routes:** 100–400 baht per person (e.g., [Krabi – Koh Phi Phi](/routes/krabi-koh-phi-phi)).
- **Medium routes:** 300–700 baht, like [Phuket – Koh Phi Phi](/routes/phuket-koh-phi-phi) or [Donsak – Koh Samui](/routes/donsak-koh-samui).
- **Long or combined routes:** 600–1,500 baht, such as [Phuket – Koh Lipe](/routes/phuket-koh-lipe) or [Koh Lanta – Koh Lipe](/routes/koh-lanta-koh-lipe).
- **Overnight ferries:** Wide price range—check current rates for bed class and season.

**Editorial insight:** Booking a combined “Bus+Ferry” ticket (for example, [Bangkok – Koh Samui](/routes/bangkok-koh-samui)) can save you the hassle of coordinating bus and ferry schedules.

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## Pro Tips — Make Your Ferry Ride Smoother

- **Pack light clothing and rain gear:** Especially in the rainy season, some crossings can get very wet.
- **Bring seasickness tablets:** Especially for speedboats or rough weather.
- **Carry water, snacks, and sun protection:** Not all routes have a café or shade on board.
- **Know your arrival point:** Some piers (like [Laem Ngob Pier – Koh Chang](/routes/laem-ngob-pier-koh-chang)) are far from the main town—plan your taxi or shuttle in advance.
- **Double-check departure times:** Not all routes run daily, especially to remote islands like [Koh Bulone](/routes/ranong-koh-bulone).
- **Be ready for extra ticket checks:** You may need to show your passport at boarding.

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## Sample Itineraries

- [Phuket – Koh Phangan](/routes/phuket-koh-phangan): Connects two major islands, sometimes includes a bus transfer.
- [Krabi – Koh Lanta](/routes/krabi-koh-lanta): Short, family-friendly crossing.
- [Koh Phi Phi – Krabi](/routes/koh-phi-phi-krabi): Return from the islands to the mainland.
- [Koh Lanta – Koh Phi Phi](/routes/koh-lanta-koh-phi-phi): For reaching another southern island.
- [Koh Tao – Koh Phangan](/routes/koh-tao-koh-phangan): Quick hop between Gulf islands.
- [Phuket – Krabi](/routes/phuket-krabi): Fun alternative to the bus.
- [Donsak – Koh Phangan](/routes/donsak-koh-phangan): Gateway to the party island.
- [Phuket – Koh Tao](/routes/phuket-koh-tao): Long journey, often includes a bus transfer.
- [Chumphon – Koh Samui](/routes/chumphon-koh-samui): Combines train/bus with ferry.
- [Koh Lanta – Krabi](/routes/koh-lanta-krabi): Return to the mainland.
- [Koh Samui – Koh Phi Phi](/routes/koh-samui-koh-phi-phi): Connects two of the most popular islands.
- [Koh Lanta – Koh Bulone](/routes/koh-lanta-koh-bulone): For less-traveled destinations.

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## Practical Summary for Choosing a Ferry in Thailand

- Check your route and season in advance—traveling during the wrong time can mean a rough ride.
- Compare booking platforms, especially if traveling as a group or family.
- Choose standard ferries for comfort and stability, speedboats only if you need to save time.
- Book at least a day or two ahead, or even earlier during peak season.
- Don’t count on just “winging it”—ferries are a key part of Thailand trip logistics, and good planning will save you headaches.

With proper planning, your ferry won’t just get you from A to B—it’ll be a highlight of your trip, with sea views and a true holiday vibe.