Ferries in Thailand
The Complete Guide to Booking a Ferry in Thailand
Traveling by ferry is the primary transport method for reaching Thailand's famous coastal islands. The country's marine transport network is highly developed, connecting mainland transport hubs to popular destinations across both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Navigating this network requires understanding the different vessel types, seasonal schedules, and regional operators that service these routes.
How to Choose and Travel
Ferries in Thailand fall into two main categories: high-speed passenger vessels and large car ferries. High-speed catamarans and speedboats offer the fastest transit times and primarily carry foot passengers. Traditional roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferries take longer but offer more stability and the ability to transport vehicles.
Your choice of vessel depends on your route, budget, and tolerance for motion sickness. Large traditional ferries handle rough seas better than speedboats. When planning your trip, consider booking joint tickets. A joint ticket combines a bus or minivan ride from an airport or major city directly with your ferry crossing, guaranteeing your connection if the overland leg runs late.
Travelers note that traveling by ferry is substantially more affordable than flying direct for reaching premium islands like Koh Samui, where flight monopolies keep airfares high.
Safety is an important consideration when booking marine transport. Travelers occasionally report overcrowding on smaller tourist boats during peak holiday seasons. Always choose established operators that enforce posted passenger capacity limits, and avoid vessels that appear visibly overloaded.
Destination Hubs and Piers
Thailand's island networks are divided into three major regions: the Gulf of Thailand, the Andaman Coast, and the Eastern Gulf. Each region utilizes specific mainland departure points and island arrival piers.
In the Gulf of Thailand, Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani serves as the primary mainland departure point. Ferries from here travel to Nathon Pier and Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) on Koh Samui. Further north in the archipelago, vessels arrive at Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier).
On the Andaman Coast, Phuket (Rassada Pier) is the central hub for vessels heading east to the Phi Phi archipelago and Krabi. Krabi Klong Jilad Pier serves as the mainland anchor for this region. Island arrival points include Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier), the quieter Laemtong Pier, East Railay, and Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta.
If you are beginning your journey in the capital city, you will not find inter-island ferries. However, you will encounter the Chao Phraya Express Boat network. Travelers often rely on these local commuter ferries—frequently recognized by their green or orange boats—for urban transit along the river.
Community travelers note that a combined boat and bus journey from Phuket to Koh Phangan typically takes 7 to 8 hours and arrives at Thong Sala Pier.
Leading Ferry Operators and Companies
Dozens of marine transport companies operate in Thailand, ranging from premium high-speed fleets to budget-friendly commuter ships. Knowing which operator serves your destination helps narrow down your booking options.
Lomprayah High Speed Ferries is the premier operator in the Gulf of Thailand, utilizing a modern fleet of fast catamarans. Seatran Discovery offers similar high-speed passenger services across the Gulf. If you need to transport a car or prefer a slower, more stable ride, Raja Ferry operates a large fleet of traditional vehicle ferries from the mainland to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Songserm provides budget-focused passenger transport across these same routes.
The Andaman Coast features a wider mix of regional specialists. Andaman Wave Master and Tigerline Travel manage extensive routes connecting Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. Bundhaya Speed Boat focuses on rapid transit down to the southern Andaman islands, including Koh Lipe. Travelers heading to specific resort areas also utilize localized operators like Ao Nang Travel and Tours, Phi Phi Paradise, and Southern Ferry Services & Tours.
In the Eastern Gulf near the Cambodian border, Boonsiri High Speed Ferries connects the mainland city of Trat to Koh Kood and Koh Mak. Trat Ferry and Koh Kood Princess provide alternative passenger and vehicle transport to the Koh Chang archipelago.
Prices and Fares
Ferry travel in Thailand is generally very cheap, making island hopping highly accessible. Short crossings on traditional ferries cost as little as 150 to 300 THB ($4 to $8 USD). Longer journeys on high-speed catamarans range from 600 to 1,500 THB ($17 to $42 USD) depending on the distance.
The table below outlines typical 2025 schedules and price estimates for popular routes.
| Route | Operator | Vessel Type | Est. Duration | Est. Price (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Sak to Koh Samui | Raja Ferry | Car Ferry | 1.5 hours | 170 - 200 |
| Don Sak to Koh Samui | Seatran Discovery | High-Speed Ferry | 1.5 hours | 180 - 250 |
| Chumphon to Koh Tao | Lomprayah | Catamaran | 1.5 hours | 650 - 750 |
| Phuket to Koh Phi Phi | Andaman Wave Master | Passenger Ferry | 2.0 hours | 450 - 600 |
| Trat to Koh Kood | Boonsiri | Catamaran | 1.0 hours | 600 - 700 |
Schedules and Departure Times
Marine transport schedules in Thailand fluctuate based on the tourist season and local weather conditions. Most major routes operate year-round, with operators running between two and six daily departures. First ferries typically leave mainland piers between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, while the last crossings depart before sunset, usually between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Seasoned travelers report that sea conditions for Thailand ferries are typically worst from November to January, particularly in the Gulf of Thailand.
During the monsoon season, high-speed catamaran and speedboat services are occasionally suspended due to large swells. Traditional, heavier ferries usually continue to operate through rough weather, though journeys may take longer than the posted schedule. Always check local weather advisories if traveling during the rainy season.
How to Book Tickets
Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak travel months of December through April. While you can buy tickets directly at the pier, high-speed vessels and popular morning departures frequently sell out days ahead of time. Advance booking also secures joint bus-and-ferry tickets, which handle the logistics of moving from the airport to the pier. You can easily compare schedules, verify operator amenities, and book your comprehensive transport tickets directly on 12Go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a ferry or speedboat from Koh Lanta to Ko Yao Noi?
You can book a direct speedboat transfer from Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta to Koh Yao Noi. Operators like Tigerline Travel service this Andaman route during the high season, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can you get a boat directly from Pattaya to Koh Samui?
No, there is no direct passenger ferry crossing the Gulf of Thailand from Pattaya to Koh Samui. You must travel overland from Pattaya to a southern mainland transport hub like Chumphon or Surat Thani, and then board a Gulf ferry to reach the island.
Can you travel to Thai islands from Singapore by ferry?
There are no direct passenger ferries connecting Singapore to Thailand's islands. You must first fly or take an overland bus into Malaysia or southern Thailand, and then connect to domestic marine transport to reach islands like Koh Lipe or Phuket.
How much does a round-trip ferry ticket cost in Thailand?
A standard round-trip passenger ticket ranges from 300 THB ($8 USD) for short, traditional ferry crossings to roughly 3,000 THB ($85 USD) for long-distance, high-speed catamaran journeys. Joint bus-and-ferry tickets are generally sold as a single bundled fare, meaning overland transfers from the airport are built into the total ticket price rather than added as separate surcharges.
What is the ferry schedule from Pattaya?
Ferries departing from Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier primarily service the nearby island of Koh Larn rather than distant southern destinations. These commuter vessels operate on a fixed schedule with irregular intervals throughout the day—such as 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:00 PM—rather than departing every hour.
How do you catch a ferry to Koh Tao?
You can reach Koh Tao by departing from the mainland piers in Chumphon or Surat Thani, or by transferring from the neighboring islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery operate daily high-speed routes to Koh Tao's Mae Haad Pier.
How long does it take to travel to the Thai islands by boat?
Most standard island crossings from mainland piers take between 1 and 2.5 hours. Journey times increase to 4 or 5 hours if you are hopping between distant islands within an archipelago or using slower, vehicle-carrying RoRo ships.
Can you get a boat from Bangkok to Phuket?
No, you cannot travel by boat from Bangkok to Phuket. You must first take a flight, overnight bus, or train from the capital down to the southern Andaman coast, where you can then board local marine transport to reach Phuket and its surrounding islands.
