Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) Ferries

The port of Koh Lipe plays a key role in the ferry network of Thailand, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 4 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach), with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Phuket (Rassada Pier) - Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach), Phuket Airport - Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) connecting Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Tigerline Ferry, Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club run regular services from Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach), offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Travelers typically reach Koh Lipe by ferry from mainland ports like Pak Bara (approximately 1.5 hours), Langkawi in Malaysia (about 90 minutes), or as part of island-hopping routes from Koh Lanta or Phuket during high season. The nearest airports are in Hat Yai and Trang, where minivan services connect to the Pak Bara pier for seamless transfers to the island. During peak season (November-May), ferries operate more frequently with multiple daily departures, while off-peak services are more limited. Upon arrival, longtail boats transfer passengers from the ferry to Pattaya Beach, as the island has no deep-water pier.

Nestled in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border, Koh Lipe is a small yet stunning island known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This Thai gem offers a perfect balance of serene tropical atmosphere and just enough development to ensure a comfortable stay. As a ferry destination, Koh Lipe serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Tarutao National Marine Park, promising visitors an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and laid-back island charm.

The prime time to visit Koh Lipe falls between November and April during the dry season, when clear skies, calm seas, and optimal visibility for snorkeling and diving prevail. February and March offer particularly perfect conditions with minimal rainfall and temperatures hovering pleasantly around 28-32°C. The monsoon season (May to October) brings occasional heavy rains and rougher seas, with some ferry services reduced or suspended, especially in June and September. For those seeking a balance between good weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder months of November and April provide excellent value with more accommodation availability and slightly lower prices.

Koh Lipe serves as an excellent hub for exploring the stunning Tarutao National Marine Park archipelago. From here, day trips by ferry or speedboat can take you to Koh Adang (just 15 minutes away), offering jungle hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lipe itself. The remote Koh Rawi, reachable in about 30 minutes, boasts untouched beaches and exceptional snorkeling opportunities. For more adventurous travelers, the larger Koh Tarutao (about 1 hour by boat) presents a fascinating landscape of dense jungle, hidden coves, and a mysterious past as a former prison island. During high season, island-hopping services also connect Lipe to Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, and other Trang Islands for extended exploration.

Koh Lipe may be small, but it packs an impressive array of experiences into its compact shores. Snorkeling directly from the beaches reveals vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life, while certified divers can explore world-class sites like Stonehenge and 8 Mile Rock with local dive operators. Walking Street offers a charming pedestrian thoroughfare lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood, authentic Thai cuisine, and surprising international options from Italian to Israeli specialties. For a perfect day, start with sunrise at Sunrise Beach, spend midday exploring the jungle interior paths, and end watching the spectacular sunset from Sunset Beach on the western shore. Don't miss kayaking around the island's perimeter to discover hidden coves and secluded snorkeling spots.

Despite its development as a tourist destination, Koh Lipe is traditionally home to the Chao Ley (Sea Gypsy) people, whose village on the island's southern side maintains their unique cultural practices and language. The island sits at the intersection of the Andaman Sea and Strait of Malacca, creating unusual currents that bring occasional visits from whale sharks and manta rays to nearby dive sites. During the lowest tides of the month, a natural sandbar emerges between Koh Lipe and Koh Adang, allowing visitors to walk between the two islands for about an hour, a phenomenon locals call the 'heaven bridge.' The island has no cars or motorbikes, with transportation limited to longtail boats and the occasional motorbike taxi on the narrow concrete paths.