Koh Ngai Ferries

The port of Koh Ngai plays a key role in the ferry network of Thailand, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Koh Ngai serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Koh Ngai, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) - Koh Ngai connecting Koh Ngai 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 Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club run regular services from Koh Ngai, 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 Ngai offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Accessing Koh Ngai requires a ferry journey from mainland Thailand, with most services departing from Pak Meng Pier near Trang or from neighboring islands like Koh Lanta. From Trang town, a 30-minute taxi or songthaew ride takes you to Pak Meng Pier, where speedboats make the crossing in approximately 1.5 hours. During high season (November-April), ferries operate more frequently, with morning and afternoon departures available. If arriving from Bangkok or Phuket, consider spending a night in Trang before catching your morning ferry, as the last boats typically depart by early afternoon.

Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Koh Ngai offers a pristine escape from Thailand's more developed tourist destinations. This small island boasts powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical forests that create a postcard-perfect setting. As a ferry destination, Koh Ngai provides the ideal balance of accessibility and seclusion, allowing visitors to experience authentic Thai island life without excessive commercialization.

Koh Ngai shines brightest during the dry season from November through April, when clear skies and calm seas create perfect conditions for snorkeling and beach activities. December to February offers the most pleasant temperatures, with cooling breezes tempering the tropical heat. The monsoon season (May-October) brings occasional heavy rainfall and rougher seas, with some resorts and ferry services operating on reduced schedules or closing entirely in June and July. For the ideal balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in November or April during the shoulder season.

Koh Ngai serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Thailand's stunning Andaman archipelago. Koh Mook, just 30 minutes away by longtail boat, is home to the breathtaking Emerald Cave, a hidden lagoon accessed through a sea tunnel. Koh Kradan, reachable in about 40 minutes, boasts some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches and exceptional snorkeling conditions. For more amenities and a livelier atmosphere, Koh Lanta lies about an hour north by speedboat, offering a wider range of dining and accommodation options. The stunning limestone karsts of Koh Muk can also be visited on a scenic day trip from Koh Ngai.

Koh Ngai's main draw is its spectacular underwater world, with vibrant coral reefs just meters from shore making it perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts of all skill levels. The island's eastern beaches offer the best swimming conditions, while a hike through the forested interior might reward you with sightings of hornbills and crab-eating macaques. Kayaking around the island's perimeter reveals hidden coves and dramatic limestone formations that can't be seen from the main beaches. For culinary experiences, fresh seafood is the star attraction, with beachfront restaurants serving the day's catch prepared with traditional Thai flavors. Paradise Beach on the northern tip offers spectacular sunset views across to the mainland mountains.

Koh Ngai is sometimes called Koh Hai by locals, creating occasional confusion for travelers searching for ferry schedules. The island has no indigenous population and was traditionally only visited by sea gypsies and fishermen before tourism developed. Despite its small size (just 4 km²), Koh Ngai is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, including the rare flying lemur that can sometimes be spotted gliding between trees at dusk. The island's electricity was historically provided entirely by generators, though solar power is increasingly common as resorts embrace sustainable practices.