Thailand Island Ferries: Routes, Prices & Schedules

Thailand's islands are why most backpackers come here in the first place. But getting to them means dealing with a ferry system that ranges from slick high-speed catamarans with air conditioning and assigned seats to creaking wooden boats where chickens share the deck with motorbikes. Understanding how ferries work in Thailand — which operators run where, which piers serve which routes, and when the seas are too rough to bother — will save you money, time, and possibly your lunch.

This guide covers every major island ferry route in Thailand, from the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) to the Andaman Sea (Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe) and the eastern islands (Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak). We include real prices in Thai Baht, operator names, journey times, pier locations, and the seasonal warnings that could wreck your plans if you ignore them.

For a broader overview of all transport in Thailand, see our complete transport guide. If you are arriving by train or bus before catching a ferry, our sleeper train guide and Bangkok to Chiang Mai transport guide cover those legs in detail.

Ferry Types: What You Are Actually Riding

Not all ferries are created equal. The type of vessel matters for speed, comfort, price, and your stomach. Here is what you will encounter:

High-Speed Catamaran

These are the workhorses of Thai island travel. Companies like Lomprayah and Boonsiri run sleek, modern catamarans with air-conditioned cabins, assigned seating, luggage storage below deck, and onboard shops selling snacks and drinks. They are the fastest and most reliable option. The trade-off is they cost two to three times more than slow boats, and in rough seas the catamaran rides can still be nauseating despite the hull design.

Car Ferry / Slow Ferry

Large vehicle ferries operated by Raja Ferry and Seatran serve routes like Donsak to Koh Samui. These are the cheapest option and carry cars, trucks, and motorbikes on the lower decks while passengers sit on upper decks with open-air seating and a basic food stall. The ride is slower but smoother than smaller vessels, and you will not feel seasick unless conditions are extreme. If you are bringing a rented motorbike to the island, this is your only option.

Night Boat

The overnight boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao is a backpacker institution. You board around 11pm, get a mattress on the deck (or a basic cabin if you pay more), and arrive at Koh Tao around 5am. It saves you a night of accommodation, but the conditions are basic. The mattresses are thin, it gets cold from the wind, and the engine noise is constant. Bring a sleeping bag liner or sarong, earplugs, and something warm. Theft is rare but keep valuables close. The boat also stops at Koh Phangan around 3-4am if that is your destination.

Longtail Boat

These are the iconic long-prowed wooden boats you see in every Thailand travel photo. They are used for short beach-to-beach transfers, snorkeling trips, and routes where no large ferry operates. They are loud (the exposed engine roars), wet (spray comes over the sides), and thrilling. Longtails are not scheduled services — you negotiate a price at the pier or beach. Common uses include transfers from Railay Beach to Ao Nang, island tours around Phi Phi, and beach hopping on Koh Lipe.

Gulf of Thailand Routes

The Gulf side is the most popular island-hopping region in Thailand. The big three — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao — form a natural triangle that almost every backpacker travels at some point. The mainland departure point is Surat Thani province, though ferries leave from several different piers spread across the coast.

Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the largest and most developed of the Gulf islands. There are multiple ways to get there from the mainland.

Important pier note: Donsak Pier is about 60km east of Surat Thani town, roughly a one-hour drive. If you arrive at Surat Thani train station or bus terminal, you will need a connecting bus or van to reach the pier. Lomprayah and Seatran both include this bus transfer in their combined tickets. If you book ferry-only, you need to arrange your own transport to Donsak. A taxi from Surat Thani town to Donsak costs around 800-1,000 THB, or you can take a shared minivan for 150-200 THB.

Budget tip: Raja Ferry is the cheapest at 180 THB per passenger. It runs frequently throughout the day, so you do not need to book in advance. The departure pier is also at Donsak. The experience is perfectly fine — open deck seating, a small canteen selling rice dishes and drinks, and a smooth ride. Just allow an extra 30 minutes for the journey compared to the catamarans.

Surat Thani to Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is most famous for the Full Moon Party but has much more to offer. Ferries from the mainland arrive at Thong Sala Pier on the island's south coast.

Full Moon Party warning: In the days before and after the Full Moon Party, ferries to Koh Phangan sell out. Book at least a week in advance during full moon periods, especially the Lomprayah catamaran. Raja Ferry is harder to sell out due to larger capacity, but be prepared for packed boats. After the party ends (usually around 5-7am), the first ferries back to the mainland are also rammed.

Surat Thani to Koh Tao

Koh Tao is the diving capital of Thailand and the furthest island in the Gulf chain from the mainland.

Night boat tip: The night boat to Koh Tao is the classic backpacker move. You save 350 THB on accommodation and arrive at sunrise with the whole day ahead of you. Conditions are basic: a thin mattress on the upper deck (grab one early or you end up on the metal floor), no pillows, and a shared toilet. Bring a warm layer — the sea breeze gets cold. The boat stops briefly at Koh Phangan around 3-4am to drop off passengers, then continues to Koh Tao, arriving between 5-6am.

Inter-Island Routes (Samui, Phangan, Tao)

Hopping between the three Gulf islands is easy. Multiple operators run daily services connecting all three.

Inter-island budget tip: Raja Ferry between Samui and Phangan is only 150 THB — a third of the catamaran price. The ride is 15 minutes longer and slightly less comfortable, but the savings add up when you are island hopping on a budget.

Chumphon to Koh Tao

Many backpackers heading to Koh Tao from Bangkok skip Surat Thani entirely and go via Chumphon instead. It is a shorter sea crossing.

Why Chumphon? Bangkok to Chumphon by train is shorter than Bangkok to Surat Thani (about 7-8 hours vs 10-12 hours). Plus the Chumphon-Koh Tao ferry crossing is shorter than from Donsak. If Koh Tao is your first island stop, this route saves time. The Chumphon night train departing Bangkok at 19:30 arrives around 4am, connecting neatly with the 07:00 Lomprayah departure.

Surat Thani Pier Guide (Critical — Read This)

This is where most confusion happens. Surat Thani province has multiple piers spread across a large area, and your ferry ticket might depart from a completely different location than you expect.

How to avoid pier confusion:

1. When you book, note which pier is on your ticket
2. If you booked a combined bus+ferry ticket, the bus goes directly to the correct pier — just follow the crowd
3. If you booked ferry-only and you are at Surat Thani train station, you need a bus/van to Donsak Pier (about 1 hour, 150-200 THB) unless you are taking the night boat from Ban Don Pier which is near the station
4. Arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure — Lomprayah is strict about check-in times

Andaman Sea Routes

The Andaman coast is Thailand's other island paradise, with dramatically different scenery — towering limestone karsts, crystal-clear water, and some of the best diving and snorkeling in the country. The main departure points are Phuket and Krabi, with some routes also operating from Trang and Satun provinces further south.

Critical seasonal warning: The Andaman Sea gets rough during the southwest monsoon season from late May to October. Many ferry routes reduce service or shut down entirely during this period. The worst months are July and August when waves can exceed 3 meters. Some smaller islands like Koh Lipe close most tourist infrastructure during monsoon season. Always check current conditions before booking Andaman ferries during these months.

Phuket to Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are the most visited in the Andaman Sea, and ferries from Phuket are the most common way to reach them.

Rassada Pier: This is Phuket's main ferry terminal, located on the east side of the island near Phuket Town. From Patong Beach, it is a 45-minute drive. Budget for a taxi or Grab (300-400 THB from Patong). Arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in.

Phuket to Koh Lanta

Getting from Phuket to Koh Lanta requires either a direct ferry (seasonal) or a combination of ferry and land transport via Krabi.

Off-season (May-October): Direct ferries between Phuket and Koh Lanta do not run. You must go overland via Krabi. Take a bus or minivan from Phuket to Krabi Town (3 hours, 200-300 THB), then a van to Koh Lanta (1.5 hours, 300-400 THB including the short car ferry crossing to the island).

Krabi to Phi Phi Islands

Krabi Town is actually closer to Phi Phi than Phuket is, making this a popular departure point.

Pier note: There are two departure points for Krabi-Phi Phi ferries. Klong Jilad Pier (also called Krabi Passenger Port) is in Krabi Town. Nopparat Thara Pier is in Ao Nang, about 20km west. If you are staying in Ao Nang, use the Ao Nang departure to avoid the trip into town. Check which pier your ticket specifies.

Krabi to Koh Lanta

The minivan option is the most reliable. Vans run multiple times daily from Krabi Town to Koh Lanta. The route goes south along the coast, crosses one short car ferry (included in the ticket), then continues to Saladan town on Koh Lanta's northern tip. You can book at any travel agent in Krabi, at your hostel, or online via 12go.asia.

Krabi/Phuket to Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is Thailand's southernmost island, near the Malaysian border. Getting there takes more effort but the island is worth it.

Pak Bara Pier is the main gateway to Koh Lipe for most of the year. It is in Satun province, about 4-5 hours south of Krabi by road. You can take a minivan from Krabi, Hat Yai, or Trang to Pak Bara. The Tigerline ferry also stops at several islands en route (Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, Koh Bulon) making an island-hopping itinerary possible.

From Langkawi: If you are coming from Malaysia, the Langkawi-Koh Lipe ferry is a popular border crossing. You clear Thai immigration on arrival at Koh Lipe's floating immigration pontoon. The crossing operates year-round and takes about 1.5 hours.

Phi Phi Inter-Island and Beach Transfers

Once on Phi Phi Don (the main island with accommodation), you will likely want to visit Phi Phi Leh (where Maya Bay is located) and other nearby spots.

Maya Bay access (2026): Since reopening, Maya Bay has strict visitor controls. You must book a time slot in advance through the national park system. The bay is open 10:00-16:00, no swimming is allowed in the bay itself (you swim at a designated area around the corner), and daily visitor numbers are capped at around 3,800. Book your slot through the Queue Q app or at park offices. The 400 THB national park fee applies on top of your boat transfer.

Andaman Island-Hopping Route

A popular backpacker route runs south along the Andaman coast, hopping between islands:

Phuket → Phi Phi → Koh Lanta → Koh Ngai → Koh Mook → Koh Lipe

This can be done using the Tigerline ferry service which connects all these islands in sequence during the high season (November-April). You can buy individual legs or a multi-stop pass.

Total one-way: approximately 2,350 THB if bought as separate legs. Some operators offer combo tickets for around 2,000 THB. The catch is you cannot always stay on the same boat — you might need to overnight on one island and catch the next boat the following day. That is actually a bonus because each island is worth at least one night.

Eastern Thailand Routes (Trat Province)

The eastern islands — Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood — are less touristy than the Gulf or Andaman islands, which is exactly their appeal. They are accessed from piers near Trat, in eastern Thailand near the Cambodian border.

Getting to Trat

Trat to Koh Chang

Koh Chang is Thailand's third-largest island and the most accessible of the eastern group.

How it works: Both piers are located in Laem Ngop district, about 20km from Trat town. Shared songthaews from Trat bus station to the piers cost 50-80 THB per person. The ferries are car ferries, so you can bring a motorbike or car. No advance booking needed — just show up, buy a ticket, and walk on. The ferries arrive at Koh Chang's west coast.

Trat to Koh Mak

Koh Mak is small, flat, and quiet — the anti-Full Moon Party island. It has a fraction of the development of Koh Chang and is perfect for a few days of doing very little. The Boonsiri catamaran is the better option if you want speed and comfort.

Trat to Koh Kood (Koh Kut)

Important: Laem Sok Pier is different from the Koh Chang piers. It is about 30km south of Trat town. Minivans from Trat to Laem Sok run for 100 THB.

Koh Kood is the furthest and least developed of the eastern islands. It feels like Thailand 20 years ago — no 7-Elevens, few cars, waterfalls, and empty beaches. Getting there takes more effort but rewards you with genuine tranquility.

Eastern Islands Hopping Route

A common island-hopping itinerary in the east:

Trat → Koh Chang (3-5 days) → Koh Mak (2-3 days) → Koh Kood (2-4 days) → Trat

Boonsiri runs a connecting service between all three islands during high season (November-May). In low season, you may need to return to the mainland between each island.

Seasonal Warnings: When Not to Go

This section could save you from a very bad day. Thai waters have distinct monsoon seasons, and they affect the Gulf and Andaman coasts at different times.

Andaman Sea (West Coast) — Monsoon: May to October

What "suspended" means: When a route is suspended, there is no ferry. You cannot get to or from the island by sea. If you are already on a small Andaman island when conditions worsen, you could be stuck for days. This is especially true for Koh Lipe, Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, and other small islands south of Krabi.

Gulf of Thailand (East Coast) — Monsoon: October to December

Gulf vs Andaman timing: The monsoons hit opposite coasts at opposite times. This means you can almost always find swimmable islands somewhere in Thailand:

• November-April: Andaman coast is perfect, Gulf is acceptable
• May-October: Gulf coast is better, Andaman is rough
• Year-round: Eastern islands (Koh Chang, Koh Kood) are relatively sheltered and accessible most of the year, with roughest conditions in June-August

What Happens When Ferries Cancel

When conditions are too rough, operators cancel sailings. Here is what to expect:

1. You will know the day before or morning of. Operators check conditions at dawn and decide by 6-7am. Your hotel or booking platform will notify you.
2. Refunds are standard. If the operator cancels, you get a refund or rebooking at no charge.
3. You wait or reroute. If conditions last multiple days, you may need to extend your stay on the island or find an alternative route.
4. Do not pressure boat operators. If they say it is too rough, it is too rough. Small boat accidents happen in Thailand when operators are pressured to sail in bad conditions. Your safety matters more than your schedule.
5. Travel insurance helps. A good policy covers additional accommodation and rebooking costs caused by weather delays.

Combined Bus + Ferry Tickets

Combined tickets are the backbone of Thailand's backpacker transport network. One ticket covers the entire journey from your departure city to your island destination, including all bus/van transfers, ferry crossings, and sometimes even a hostel pickup.

How Combined Tickets Work

1. You buy one ticket (e.g., "Bangkok to Koh Tao")
2. A bus or van picks you up from a meeting point in your departure city (or your hostel, depending on the operator)
3. The bus drives to the relevant pier (could be 6-10 hours)
4. At the pier, you transfer to the ferry (your bus ticket includes the ferry)
5. The ferry takes you to the island
6. On some routes, a songthaew meets you at the island pier and drops you at your accommodation

Common Combined Routes and Prices

Pros and Cons of Combined Tickets

Pros:

• Convenient: one booking, one price, no transfers to figure out
• Usually cheaper than buying bus and ferry separately
• Operator handles the connection timing (you will not miss your ferry because the bus was late)
• Hostel pickup available on some routes (50-100 THB extra)
• Luggage goes through to your destination

Cons:

• Long journeys with little flexibility (you are on the operator's schedule)
• Transfer vans can be cramped minivans with reckless drivers
• You arrive exhausted after 12-16 hours of travel
• If the bus is late, the operator puts you on the next ferry — but "next" might mean hours of waiting at the pier
• Night bus options can be uncomfortable (seats that do not fully recline, loud air conditioning)

When to Book Separately Instead

Sometimes booking the bus and ferry as separate legs is better:

• When you want to break the journey. Stopping overnight in Surat Thani, Chumphon, or Krabi lets you rest and explore a mainland town
• When you are coming from the train. If you take the sleeper train to Surat Thani or Chumphon, you only need the ferry portion
• When you want a specific ferry operator. Combined tickets put you on whichever ferry the operator partners with. If you want Raja Ferry (cheapest) specifically, book separately
• When flying. A flight to Surat Thani or Krabi followed by a ferry-only ticket is faster than any bus+ferry combo

Speed Boat vs Slow Ferry vs Catamaran: Which to Choose

This is one of the most common questions backpackers have. Here is a detailed comparison:

Our recommendation: For most routes, the high-speed catamaran is the best balance of speed, comfort, and price. Use slow ferries when budget is the priority or you are bringing a vehicle. Use speed boats only for short routes where no catamaran operates or when you need flexibility on timing.

Booking Platforms Compared

There are three main ways to book Thai ferries: online platforms, direct with the operator, or through travel agents on the ground.

12go.asia — The Go-To Platform

This is the most popular booking platform for ferries, buses, and trains across Southeast Asia. Almost every backpacker in Thailand has used it.

Pros:

• Aggregates almost all ferry operators in one place
• Easy comparison of times, prices, and operators
• Combined bus+ferry tickets available
• E-tickets (show on phone)
• Refund/change policies (varies by operator)
• User reviews for each route

Cons:

• Prices are 50-200 THB higher than booking direct at the pier (markup for convenience)
• Some operators are not listed (particularly local boats and car ferries)
• Customer service can be slow during peak season
• Refund processing takes 7-14 business days

When to use 12go: When you want convenience, when booking in advance from overseas, for combined bus+ferry tickets, or when you want to compare multiple operators quickly.

Direct Booking with Operators

The major operators all have their own websites and booking systems:

When to book direct: When you know exactly which operator you want, for the best price, or when booking through the operator's office at the pier.

Travel Agents on the Ground

Every tourist area in Thailand has travel agent shops selling ferry tickets. These are the little shopfronts on the main road with laminated signs showing ferry routes and prices.

Pros:

• Pay in cash (no credit card fees)
• Can often include hotel pickup
• They handle the logistics (tell you where to be and when)
• Useful when you cannot get online

Cons:

• Prices vary wildly between agents (always compare)
• Some agents add 100-300 THB markup
• No written refund policy (if something goes wrong, good luck)
• Some agents book you on the cheapest operator regardless of what they promise
• Quality varies enormously — some are great, some are shady

When to use travel agents: When you are already on location and want to book for the next day, when you need flexible payment, or when you want someone to physically explain the route and timings.

Price Comparison: Same Route, Three Methods

Example: Koh Phangan to Koh Tao (Lomprayah catamaran)

Seasickness: Prevention, Survival, and Which Routes Are Worst

Let us be honest — some of these crossings are rough. If you are prone to motion sickness or have never been on a boat in open sea, take this section seriously.

Roughest Routes (Most Likely to Cause Seasickness)

Calmest Routes (Least Seasickness Risk)

Seasickness Prevention Tips

1. Take medication BEFORE boarding. Dramamine (dimenhydrinate, available at any Thai pharmacy — ask for "ยาแก้เมาเรือ" or just say "Dramamine") works but makes you drowsy. Take it 30-60 minutes before departure.
2. Ginger. Ginger tea, ginger candy, or raw ginger slices genuinely help. Buy ginger candy at 7-Eleven before your trip.
3. Sit outside. Fresh air and seeing the horizon reduce nausea. Sitting inside an air-conditioned cabin with no view makes seasickness worse.
4. Sit mid-ship. The middle of the boat moves least. Avoid the front (most bouncing) and the back (engine fumes).
5. Do not read or look at your phone. This is the fastest way to feel sick.
6. Eat something light before boarding. An empty stomach makes nausea worse, but a full heavy meal is also bad. Toast, rice, or crackers are ideal.
7. Avoid alcohol the night before. A hangover plus rough seas is a genuinely miserable combination.
8. Pressure point wristbands. Sea-Bands press on the Nei Kuan acupressure point. Some people swear by them, others say they do nothing. They are cheap and worth trying if you are desperate.

If You Get Sick on the Boat

• Go outside to the deck and look at the horizon
• Breathe slowly through your nose
• Put cold water on the back of your neck
• If you are going to vomit, go to the back of the boat (downwind)
• The crew has bags and towels — they see this every day and will not judge you
• It will end the moment you step on dry land

Safety on Thai Ferries

Thailand's ferry industry has a mixed safety record. The vast majority of crossings are completely fine, but serious incidents do occur. A few sensible precautions go a long way.

Basic Safety Checklist

• Check for life jackets. When you board, look for life jackets under your seat or in overhead racks. If you cannot see any, ask. On reputable operators like Lomprayah and Seatran, life jackets are always present. On smaller boats, check.
• Note the exits. On large ferries, emergency exits are marked. On speed boats, you are already sitting next to the ocean — that is your exit.
• Do not ride on the roof. Some local boats let passengers sit on the roof. It looks fun for photos but one unexpected wave can throw you off.
• Watch for overcrowding. If a boat looks dangerously overloaded (passengers standing in aisles, no remaining seats, luggage stacked above head height), trust your instinct and wait for the next departure. This is more of an issue on local ferries than major operators.
• Weather cancellations exist for a reason. If your ferry is cancelled due to weather, do not seek out a private speed boat willing to go. They are willing to go because they need the money, not because conditions are safe.

Luggage Safety

• Keep your main bag in the designated luggage area (below deck on catamarans, under a tarp on ferries)
• Keep your daypack with you at your seat (passport, phone, money, camera)
• Bags get mixed up — mark yours distinctively (bright luggage strap, unique tag)
• On open-deck ferries, your bag will get wet from spray. Use a waterproof bag or liner
• On night boats, keep valuables in your sleeping bag or under your head

Travel Insurance

Every backpacker in Thailand should have travel insurance that covers:

• Emergency medical evacuation from islands (helicopter or boat evacuation is expensive)
• Trip delay and cancellation due to weather
• Lost or damaged luggage
• At minimum, get a policy with $50,000 USD medical coverage

Recommended providers used by backpackers: SafetyWing (monthly subscription, good for digital nomads), World Nomads (single trip, good coverage), or True Traveller (UK-based, competitive pricing).

Complete Route Reference: Every Major Island

Here is a quick-reference table for every major Thai island, showing the fastest and cheapest way to reach it.

Gulf of Thailand Islands

Andaman Sea Islands

Eastern Islands

Budget Tips: The Cheapest Way to Each Island

If you are watching every Baht, here are the cheapest routes from Bangkok to each major island:

Cheapest Bangkok to Gulf Islands

Bangkok → Koh Samui (from 430 THB)

1. Night train Bangkok → Surat Thani: 250 THB (3rd class seat) or 500 THB (2nd class fan sleeper)
2. Shared van Surat Thani station → Donsak Pier: free (included with Raja Ferry ticket) or 150 THB (separate)
3. Raja Ferry Donsak → Koh Samui: 180 THB
4. Total: 430-830 THB depending on train class

Bangkok → Koh Tao (from 500 THB)

1. Night train Bangkok → Chumphon: 200 THB (3rd class) or 450 THB (2nd class fan sleeper)
2. Songserm ferry Chumphon → Koh Tao: 400 THB
3. Total: 600-850 THB depending on train class
4. Or: Night boat from Surat Thani (450 THB) + train (200-500 THB) = 650-950 THB

Cheapest Bangkok to Andaman Islands

Bangkok → Phi Phi (from 650 THB)

1. Budget bus Bangkok → Krabi: 400-500 THB (Nakhonchai Air VIP bus from Southern Bus Terminal)
2. Ferry Krabi → Phi Phi: 450 THB
3. Total: 850-950 THB

Or fly: AirAsia/Nok Air Bangkok → Krabi can be as low as 800 THB if booked weeks in advance. Add 450 THB ferry = 1,250 THB total. More expensive but saves 10+ hours.

Cheapest Bangkok to Eastern Islands

Bangkok → Koh Chang (from 340 THB)

1. Bus Bangkok (Ekkamai) → Trat: 260 THB
2. Songthaew Trat → pier: 50 THB
3. Ferry to Koh Chang: 80 THB
4. Total: 390 THB — the cheapest island trip from Bangkok

Bangkok → Koh Kood (from 760 THB)

1. Bus Bangkok → Trat: 260 THB
2. Minivan Trat → Laem Sok: 100 THB
3. Koh Kood Express ferry: 500 THB
4. Total: 860 THB

Practical Tips for Ferry Travel in Thailand

Before You Go

• Book popular routes in advance during peak season (December-January, Full Moon Party weeks). Lomprayah sells out. Raja Ferry does not — but the bus transfer fills up.
• Download offline maps. Island cellular coverage can be patchy. Having Google Maps or maps.me offline ensures you can find your pier.
• Bring a waterproof phone case. Open-deck ferries and longtails throw spray. A cheap waterproof pouch from any Thai market (50-100 THB) protects your phone.
• Carry cash. Many pier offices only accept cash. Some online bookings still require cash payment at check-in.

At the Pier

• Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure. Major operators (Lomprayah, Seatran) have check-in counters with queues. Smaller boats just leave when full.
• Label your luggage. Bags go in a pile below deck. Operators use stickers (island name, your name) to sort them. Make sure your bag gets a sticker and grab it promptly on arrival.
• Buy snacks and water before boarding. Pier shops are cheaper than onboard prices. A 7-Eleven near the pier is your best friend.
• Use the toilet at the pier. Onboard toilets on ferries range from adequate to terrifying. The catamaran toilets are fine. Slow boat toilets are a last resort.

On the Boat

• Sit where you want to sit. On catamarans with assigned seats, you can usually move to an empty seat if you prefer outside or a window. On open ferries, grab a seat on the shaded side.
• Do not swim. Some ferries make stops where swimming looks tempting. Unless the crew explicitly says it is safe and the boat is anchored, stay on board. Currents around piers are dangerous.
• Protect electronics. Salt spray corrodes electronics. Keep your camera and phone in a sealed bag when on deck.
• Watch your belongings. Theft is uncommon on Thai ferries but not zero. Keep your daypack between your feet or on your lap, not on an empty seat across the aisle.

On Arrival

• Songthaews meet ferries. On most islands, shared songthaews or tuk-tuks wait at the pier and will take you to your accommodation for 50-200 THB depending on distance.
• Do not accept the first price. Pier-side transport drivers quote tourist prices. Ask other travelers what they paid, or open Grab if the island supports it (Koh Samui does, most smaller islands do not).
• Walk if you can. If your accommodation is within 1km of the pier, walking is free and gives you your first taste of the island on foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy ferry tickets at the pier without booking online?

Yes, for most routes. Walk up to the operator's counter at the pier and buy a ticket. This works well for car ferries (Raja Ferry, Koh Chang ferries) which run frequently and rarely sell out. For Lomprayah catamarans, walk-up tickets are available but can sell out during peak season. If you are traveling December-January or around Full Moon Party dates, book online.

Are there ferries between the Gulf islands and Andaman islands?

No direct ferries cross from the Gulf to the Andaman side. To go from Koh Samui/Phangan/Tao to Phi Phi/Lanta/Lipe, you must return to the mainland and cross overland. The fastest option is a flight from Koh Samui to Phuket or Krabi (1 hour, 1,500-3,000 THB), then ferry to your Andaman destination. The cheapest is bus/van across the peninsula (6-10 hours depending on route).

How far in advance should I book?

For most of the year, 1-3 days in advance is fine. During peak season (mid-December through mid-January) and around Full Moon Party dates, book 1-2 weeks ahead for Lomprayah and Seatran. Car ferries and slow boats rarely need advance booking.

Can I bring a motorbike on the ferry?

Only on car ferries (Raja Ferry for Gulf routes, Koh Chang ferries, Koh Lanta car ferry). The cost is typically 100-200 THB extra on top of your passenger ticket. High-speed catamarans and speed boats do not carry vehicles.

What happens to my luggage on the ferry?

On catamarans and large ferries, luggage goes in a designated area below deck or in a luggage hold. Staff tag your bags with the destination island. On arrival, bags are unloaded onto the pier and you collect yours. Keep valuables in your daypack with you. On speed boats, bags go in a waterproof-ish compartment at the back — wrap important items in a plastic bag just in case.

Is it safe to take the night boat?

The night boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan has been running for decades and has a decent safety record. The boat is large and stable. The main discomforts are noise, cold wind, and thin mattresses rather than safety concerns. Keep your valuables secure (money belt or under your head) and you will be fine. Thousands of backpackers take this boat every month.

Can I island-hop on one ticket?

Some operators offer island-hopping passes. Tigerline in the Andaman offers multi-island tickets. In the Gulf, you can book Lomprayah segments individually (Samui → Phangan, Phangan → Tao). 12go.asia also lets you build multi-segment trips. There is no unlimited island-hopping pass like a Eurail for Thai ferries — you book each leg.

What if I miss my ferry?

If you booked online: contact the operator or platform immediately. Some offer free rebooking to the next departure, others charge a fee, and some offer no flexibility. Check the terms before booking. If you booked at the pier: your ticket is usually valid for the next departure of the same operator if space is available. Ask at the counter.

Are there any ferry apps?

Lomprayah has its own app for booking and tracking. 12go.asia has a mobile-friendly website (no app needed). For Grab rides to the pier, use the Grab app. There is no universal Thai ferry tracking app, but you can check Lomprayah and Seatran websites for real-time departure status on the day of travel.

Route Planner: Common Multi-Island Itineraries

Here are three popular island-hopping routes with ferry connections:

The Gulf Triangle (2-3 Weeks)

Bangkok → Koh Tao (4-5 days) → Koh Phangan (3-5 days) → Koh Samui (2-3 days) → Bangkok

The Andaman Explorer (2-3 Weeks)

Krabi → Phi Phi (3-4 days) → Koh Lanta (3-4 days) → Koh Ngai (2 days) → Koh Lipe (3-5 days) → Hat Yai/Bangkok

The Eastern Escape (10-14 Days)

Bangkok → Koh Chang (4-5 days) → Koh Mak (2-3 days) → Koh Kood (3-4 days) → Bangkok

Essential Thai for Ferry Travel

You do not need to speak Thai to navigate the ferry system, but a few phrases help:

Ferry Booking Timeline: When to Book What

Timing your ferry bookings correctly can save you stress and money. Here is a month-by-month breakdown of what to book in advance and what you can leave until the last minute.

Peak Season (December-January)

This is the busiest period for Thai island ferries. Christmas, New Year, and the European winter holiday season bring massive demand.

Shoulder Season (February-April, November)

Demand is moderate. Most routes are bookable 1-3 days in advance without issues.

Low Season (May-October)

Many routes have reduced schedules. Booking in advance is less about availability and more about confirming the service is actually running.

Full Moon Party Dates (Monthly)

In the days surrounding each Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, ferry demand spikes dramatically.

• 3 days before: Ferries TO Koh Phangan fill up fast
• Day after: Ferries FROM Koh Phangan are packed
• Book Lomprayah and Seatran at least 1 week in advance during full moon periods
• Raja Ferry is your backup — it rarely sells out

Songkran (April 13-15) and Loy Krathong (November Full Moon)

Thai holidays bring domestic travelers to the islands in addition to tourists. Expect higher demand on all routes, especially Gulf islands (popular with Thai vacationers). Book 1-2 weeks ahead.

What to Pack for Ferry Travel

A few items make ferry travel significantly more comfortable. Add these to your daypack before heading to the pier:

For a complete packing list, see our Thailand packing list guide.

Traveling with Diving Gear on Ferries

Many backpackers heading to Koh Tao, Phi Phi, or Koh Lipe are planning to dive. If you are bringing your own gear:

• Regulators and BCDs go in the luggage hold (pack in a protective bag)
• Dive computers keep in your daypack (fragile, expensive)
• Wetsuits can go in the hold — they are durable
• Weight belts are heavy — some operators may charge extra for oversized luggage (over 20kg)
• Tanks cannot be brought on ferries. Rent at your dive shop on the island.

Most dive operators on Koh Tao include a full set of rental gear in course prices. Unless you are an experienced diver with your own kit, there is no need to bring anything.

Related Guides

Planning your island trip? These guides will help:

• Thailand Transport Guide — Complete overview of every transport option in Thailand
• Getting Around Thailand — Practical tips for navigating the country
• Thailand Budget Breakdown — How much you will actually spend per day
• Thailand First-Time Guide — Everything first-timers need to know
• Thailand Scams Guide — Scams to watch out for, including transport-related ones
• Sleeper Train Guide — Getting to the ferry piers by overnight train
• Thailand Packing List — What to bring, including ferry essentials

Final Thoughts

Thailand's ferry network looks complicated on paper, but in practice it runs smoothly for millions of travelers every year. The main things to remember: book popular catamarans in advance during peak season, check monsoon conditions before booking Andaman routes, use 12go.asia for convenience but pier offices for the cheapest prices, and take seasickness medication if there is any chance you need it.

The islands are the highlight of most Thailand trips. A little planning around ferry logistics means you spend less time stressing at piers and more time on the beach. Budget travelers should note that the eastern islands (Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood) are the cheapest to reach from Bangkok, while the Gulf islands offer the best value for island hopping once you are there.

Whatever route you choose, the journey is part of the experience. Watching Thailand's coastline slide by from the deck of a ferry, salt spray in your hair, headed for an island you have been dreaming about — that is what backpacking is about.