While some islands are now reachable by plane or are connected to the mainland with a bridge, ferries remain the only way to reach some of the most beautiful and amazing islands, hidden beaches, or other seaside destinations. Larger and slower car ferries carry vehicles and passengers around the world, but in certain cases, you will need to opt for a smaller yet faster express high speedboat or catamaran to reach your destination. While the latter does save you time, caution should be taken if you are prone to seasickness. When the sea is, rough high-speed boats which actually cut the waves are a better option than catamarans that ride the waves instead hence turning your journey into a rock-and-roll trip. To prevent or beat motion sickness, we recommend taking a special medication – consult your doctor prior to the journey. While on board, grab a seat on an open-air deck wherever possible.
Ferry trips offered by Shanxi Travel Agency can be booked online – in an easy and hassle-free manner, without wasting your time visiting the booking office.
Shanxi Travel Agency Main Piers
Here is a list of some of the main piers you can reach with Shanxi Travel Agency ferries. Check the complete station guide before you go:
Ranong Pier
Koh Phayam Pier Ranong
Koh Phayam
Ranong Airport
Koh Phayam Pier
Ranong Hotel Transfer
Ranong Bus Station
Koh Phayam
Shanxi Travel Agency Popular Destinations
The most popular shipping routes covered by Shanxi Travel Agency include but are not limited to:
High-speed fast ferries always hit the hardest on your pocket. If you need to save money, check whether some slower options are available on your route – usually the rates are much more affordable. It is a rule of thumb to check the length of the trip before booking. On longer routes, the difference in travel time can be huge. Note that not all ticket fares or classes are always available on any route. During peak seasons it is a good idea to make your booking in advance as the availability of more expensive private cabins is often limited. Opting for walk-in tickets on the most popular routes during these periods can result in long waiting queues. Some destinations have more than one pier or different piers for different ferry companies hence goes the recommendation to check the pier you leave from/dock at before your trip. Leave enough time before the departure to find your boat and check in. These procedures may take up to a couple of hours on international routes. Last but not least, some piers impose their own ‘pier fee’ on all arriving passengers. This fee is normally not included in your ticket price – keep this in mind.
Travel by Ferry: Pros & Cons
Pros of Ferry Travel
Taking a ship allows you to get to some of the islands, beaches, or seaside destinations which otherwise cannot be reached. While ferry travels can be time-consuming and sometimes make you suffer from sea sickness, the possibility of visiting the most paradise, secret, off-the-beaten-track destinations they bring you to usually compensates.
Ferry tickets can be booked online. It saves you time and secures your travel itinerary goes as planned. The advanced booking option is especially convenient when travelling during peak season periods, national holidays, or long weekends when there is high demand for tickets and on routes served by a limited number of vessels.
On some routes, you are able to choose the class of the ticket or cabin. There are private compartments or standard cabins with a number of extras included or not. Always check the conditions of your fare to take most of your trip.
Ferry travel is always fun. It allows you to see the places you visit or just pass by from a different angle. The majority of places look terrific – and totally different! – when viewed from the water. Sailing provides a great opportunity to shoot nice and unique pics and videos – do jump at it!
Cons of Ferry Travel
The major concern while travelling by water is motion sickness, which is a very annoying and unpleasant thing. Even if you have never experienced it before, there is no guarantee that the next ferry trip will run smoothly as well. Rough seas and speedboat journeys can make even the strongest stomachs beg for mercy. Follow our recommendations above and take your medicine half an hour prior to your trip. Taking a light meal before travel also helps – more chances to get seasick with an empty stomach.
Delays and cancellations are common for ferry trips as they highly depend on weather and sea conditions. It especially concerns travel during shoulder months or off-season. Rains, mossy seas, and stormy weather may interfere with your travel itinerary – try to keep it flexible and do not plan tight flight connections even during the ‘usually-good-weather’ season.
Ranong PierKoh Phayam PierKoh Phayam Pier RanongRanong Hotel TransferKoh PhayamKoh PhayamRanong AirportRanong Bus Station
Shanxi Travel Agency Company Reviews
V G
Victor G
Overall, everything worked out fine, but the schedule of the actual vehicles and transfers had nothing to do with what was advertised, and what I finally bought on the website. More effort shouldbe put into keeping schedules updated
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), May 19, 2026
M R
maissaa R
Quite on Time and felt safe with them even through a literal storm
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), May 10, 2026
O A
Olga A
The transfer service was very high quality. We were met at the airport and taken to the pier. They offered us a taxi on the island. A very friendly man, spoke excellent English.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), May 9, 2026
S C
Shirley C
So easy and in plenty of time to catch the early flight to Bangkok
The Bus was overbooked and overpacked, barely Place for legs, AC didn‘t work properly, too many stops for Packages, over one Hour delay
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Van, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Mar 27, 2026
B K
Benedikt K
Started an hour later from another pier due to low water. We think there wasn't really a speedboat planned to our time and only one leaving at 18:30.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Mar 20, 2026
G G
Giles G
The driver was particularly helpful, making sure I got to an alternative pier than the one booked due to my change of plan. Thank you to him.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Mar 17, 2026
C V
Charles V
Everything worked out well.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Feb 15, 2026
R R
R R
We had 4 transfers from ferry to van to bus to van for that trip. Everything went really well. It was all perfectly timed, we felt that we were taken care of and made it to our destination without worries. The different staff were also friendly and helpful.
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Bus, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Feb 12, 2026
P D
Paul D
They even waited for us 5 minutes late. So happy
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Feb 11, 2026
S U
Stasiek U
From Koh Phayam to Khao Sok. Speedboat was perferct on time. First bus also but we had to wait extra 2h on the bus station somewhere near Khao Lak. It wasn't a good expirience but the is no other way to travell between these locations by public transport so make sure you accept that you may have to wait...
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Bus, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Feb 8, 2026
R R
R R
Everything went as expected
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Feb 3, 2026
A T
Amy T
The van was new and it was a safe trip. Driver had my name on a sign as soon as I exited the airport. The boat ride was great too!
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 30, 2026
L S
Lena S
Well organized, super helpful & nice employees. We paid almost double to arrive in Koh Samui two hours earlier, but ended up arriving at the same time as the cheaper option anyway.
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 26, 2026
N D
Nadja D
Everything was close to on time, instructions by the guide where super clear, vehicles where good. Good experience!
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 25, 2026
N A
Nastasia A
We were supposed to take the 12:30 bus form the in between bus stop. However, we were only allowed on the 14:00 and were stuck in a random little town for nearly 2 hours. Also, once we got on the bus there were no seats left so we had to stand. The people at the in between stop were a bit rude.
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Bus, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 18, 2026
R M
Rita M
Everything was well organized.
Only that the bus arrived Bangkok yet at 3:30am (not 5am how it was planned) was crazy...
Ferry Speedboat + Van + VIP32, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 17, 2026
T S
Thomas S
Thank you Shanxi for the excellent service!
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 16, 2026
C B
Celine B
Everything was fluid, I did get my ticket on the pier which all the documents.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 15, 2026
R H
Ruth H
Everything worked smoothly, no waiting times, punctual, ideal!
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 14, 2026
R T
Ralph T
Fast and helpful with the luggage
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 13, 2026
M A
Moritz A
Bus was full, people had to sit on the floor.
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Bus, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 13, 2026
L S
Lina S
The agency was very helpful, even waiting for our delayed flight and making sure everybody got to Koh Phayam safely.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 10, 2026
G S
Gabriele S
Excellent customer service. The manager takes great care of his customers and makes sure that everyone gets into the correct vehicle when transferring from the speedboat to the van. He responds quickly and reliably to any inquiries and made a real effort to accommodate a change in our travel plans. Many thanks for that!
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 10, 2026
N H
Nina H
Everything went well. Thank you
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 1, 2026
D R
Daniel R
Thank you! It was all perfectly organized. Somebody was waiting for us at the airport with our name displayed and as we arrived early we were moved by our kind operator to the earlier speedboat.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 1, 2026
P C
Paulo C
Very well organized and safe, good option for Ranong and Ko Phayam.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Dec 22, 2025
T B
Tim B
Had a great Experience with the Shanxi Travel Agency. Had to change my travel plans quite spontaneously and they helped me rearrange everything. Very smooth and friendly - I can totally recommend!
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Dec 20, 2025
L C
Lukas C
Friendly service, waited for delayed flight arrival
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Dec 15, 2025
K S
Konkanok S
Very good
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Dec 11, 2025
D C
Daniel C
Nobody spoke english or even tried to understand what people wanted, rude attitude, turning lights on and off every hour or so so everyone wakes up, refusing to say how long breaks are, toilet closed to passengers but the staff used it repeatedly, filling the bus with the smell of stinky diarrhea. At least one of them should consider seeing a doctor. 2 stars instead of 1 only because the bus did arrived.
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Nov 29, 2025
J R
Julia R
Hat alles ohne Probleme funktioniert
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Nov 22, 2025
V G
Vebe G
Everything was very well organized. We would recommend it to everyone to use the service of Shanxi Travel agency
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Nov 21, 2025
M H
Meredith H
Great! I’ll choose this service again in the future
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Nov 20, 2025
M O
Matthijs O
Smooth and professional boat transfer. Perfectly on time
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Nov 19, 2025
L F
Louisa F
At first I was a bit curious wether the trip would work out since I did not really have I did about the stops etc but I was taken care of very well, every pick up was organised smoothly. Thanks so much :)
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Ferry, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Nov 10, 2025
J V
Jerome V
Manny things are very old, damage and must be rebuild
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Bus, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Nov 8, 2025
M G
Monique G
No wait Time between transfert..
Unfortunately, drivers were not speaking english.. but we go throught
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Bus, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Oct 28, 2025
R H
Rob H
Excellent service, as always.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), May 11, 2025
T K
Tibor K
First part was fine, but when we needed to transfer busses the company said we did not have paid tickets and did not let us on the minivan for the last part to Khao Sok. After many calls they figured out they made a mistake. They had to get us a private bus for the last part of the journey which was only there after a two and half hour wait.
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Bus, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Mar 4, 2025
M H
Mats H
Excellent service. Journey went very well.
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Feb 11, 2025
A C
Ashlee C
Ensure you confirm your booking at the counter a day before your trip to ensure you’re actually booked on the boat and are given a ticket. And make sure you get to the pier 30 minutes before departure as it’s super busy and you don’t want to find there are not any spaces.
The driver had the booking name written on a board when we arrived at the pier. My advice is to ensure you get your place on the bus and are seated quickly otherwise people thst haven’t booked also come up and are offered seats. I didn’t need to print anything in advance.
Overall we paid more booking this way but I found it useful to have these things booked in advance.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Jan 21, 2025
J N
Janina N
The Check In Point in Koh Phayam was NOT at the ting shop as written on the ticket! At the ting shop nobody knew about the fact that there should be a 12go Check In Point, nobody cared or helped. I had to run to the boat and almost didn’t catch it because of the wrong information provided.
After that first very negative experience, everything went great. The driver who picked me up at Ranong Pier was super nice and helpful and from there on everything was perfect!
Ferry Speedboat + Van + Bus + Bus, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Dec 14, 2024
N L
Nathan L
We were at the pier 2 hours earlier than our departure time. We were able to get a boat 1.5h earlier, which was really nice!!
The boat left on time and we arrived at Koh Phayam exactly 40 minutes later!
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Dec 10, 2024
P A
Patrick A
Did not bing us to the pier but in a restaurant and did not tell us where the boat departs.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Dec 7, 2024
V G
viktor G
Booked Transfer from Ranong Airport to Koh Phayam.
Very good Service. Recommend. Driver waited at airport, took us to ferry, on the way back the same.will book it again.
Ferry Speedboat, Shanxi Travel Agency (ซานซี ทราเวลเอเจนซี่), Nov 19, 2024