Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe is the classic island-hopping route south along Thailand’s Andaman coast. In the dry season, speedboats leave Koh Lanta in the morning and run down the coast, stopping at islands such as Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, Koh Kradan and Koh Bulone before reaching Koh Lipe, near the Malaysian border, in the afternoon. It is a long but beautiful day at sea.
This guide explains when the boats run, what the journey is like, prices shown by 12Go on 13 November 2026, and what to do in the monsoon months when the route usually stops.
In short: take the dry-season speedboat from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe (roughly November to April). It calls at several islands and takes most of a day. 12Go listed the route from about ฿1,599. In the monsoon, go overland via Trang or Pak Bara.
- Season
- Approx. Nov–Apr
- Boat
- Speedboat
- Stops
- Ngai, Mook, Kradan, Bulone (varies)
- From
- About ฿1,599 (12Go)
- Arrive at
- Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach area)
Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe: The Island Route
| Stop | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Koh Lanta (start) | Departure, often with hotel pickup |
| Koh Ngai | Long white beach, resorts |
| Koh Mook | Emerald Cave, fishing village |
| Koh Kradan | Clear shallows, snorkelling |
| Koh Bulone | Quiet island, few visitors |
| Koh Lipe (end) | Arrival in the Tarutao marine park area |
The exact stops on the Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe boat depend on the operator and the day. Some passengers break the journey on one of the islands, which is a great way to see the Trang islands.
What the Journey Is Like
Speedboats are fast but can be bumpy in open water. Expect several hours including stops, with passengers getting on and off by longtail at some islands. Luggage is stored at the front or back; keep valuables and a dry layer with you. Take motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness.
Break the trip
Stopping for a night or two on Koh Ngai, Koh Mook or Koh Kradan turns the Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe trip into a mini island-hopping holiday. Book each leg separately.
When Do Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe Boats Run?
The speedboat route runs in the dry season, roughly from November to April, with exact start and end dates set each year by the operators. In the monsoon months, from about May to October, the sea is often too rough and the service usually stops. Always check the live timetable.
Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe Prices
On 13 November 2026, 12Go listed Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe from about ฿1,599. Some tickets include hotel pickup on Lanta. Koh Lipe also charges a national park fee for foreign visitors, usually collected on arrival.
Check Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe times
See the season timetable and book on 12Go.
Arriving on Koh Lipe
Boats arrive off Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe, where longtails or a floating pier take passengers ashore, sometimes for a small fee. Koh Lipe is walkable, with a central walking street and three main beaches. If you are crossing to Malaysia (Langkawi), immigration formalities are handled on Koh Lipe in season; check current procedures before you travel.
Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe in the Low Season
When the speedboats stop, the overland alternative is a van from Koh Lanta to Trang or to Pak Bara pier, then a boat to Koh Lipe if it is running. Boats to Lipe from Pak Bara also reduce service in the monsoon, and the island itself is quiet, with many places closed.
Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta
The northbound boat follows the same route back to Koh Lanta, usually leaving Koh Lipe in the morning. From Lanta, you can continue to Phi Phi, Krabi or Phuket: see how to get to Koh Lanta.
Koh Lipe in Brief
Koh Lipe is a small island at the edge of Tarutao National Marine Park, known for clear water, reefs close to shore and a relaxed walking street lined with restaurants. The three main beaches are Pattaya Beach (where boats arrive), Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. Most visitors combine beach time with snorkelling trips to nearby islands such as Koh Adang and Koh Rawi.
How to Book Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe
- Check that the season has started and the route is listed for your date.
- Compare departure times and whether hotel pickup on Lanta is included.
- If you plan to stop on an island, book separate tickets for each leg.
- Save the e-ticket and operator contact; pickup times are often confirmed the day before.
- Have cash for the Koh Lipe park fee and the longtail to shore.
Booking Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe a few days ahead is usually enough, but around Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, boats fill up and earlier booking is wise.
Island-Hopping Itinerary South
| Days | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | Koh Lanta beaches and Koh Rok trip |
| 4–5 | Koh Mook or Koh Kradan (Emerald Cave, snorkelling) |
| 6–9 | Koh Lipe, snorkel trips to Adang and Rawi |
| 10 | Boat to Langkawi or back north |
Splitting Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe into stages makes the journey part of the holiday rather than a long day at sea.
What to Pack for the Boat
- Dry bag for electronics and passport
- Light rain jacket for spray
- Motion-sickness tablets
- Water and snacks
- Sunscreen and a hat
Seasickness tips
Sit towards the back of the boat, look at the horizon and avoid a heavy breakfast. The open-sea sections of the Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe route can be choppy even in the dry season.
Islands Worth Stopping At
Koh Ngai has a long white beach backed by forest and a handful of resorts, ideal for a quiet night or two. Koh Mook is home to a fishing village and the Emerald Cave, where you swim through a dark tunnel into a hidden lagoon. Koh Kradan is known for clear, shallow water and coral just off the beach. Koh Bulone is small and very quiet, with simple bungalows.
Each can be a stop on the Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe boat. Check that your operator calls at the island you want and when the next boat south leaves before you book.
Continuing to Malaysia
In season, boats run from Koh Lipe to Langkawi in Malaysia. Immigration is handled on Koh Lipe, so allow time for the formalities. Check the latest entry requirements for Malaysia before you travel.
- Carry your passport on the boat, not in checked luggage.
- Keep the departure card or stamp details safe.
- Confirm the schedule the day before.
Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe with Children
The speedboat is a long day for small children. Break the trip on Koh Mook or Koh Ngai, pack snacks, games and a change of clothes, and choose a calm day. Life jackets are provided; check sizes before departure. On arrival, Koh Lipe is car-free and easy for families, with calm beaches on the south and west sides.
Common Mistakes
- Planning the trip in May–October when boats usually do not run.
- Forgetting cash for the Lipe park fee and the longtail to shore.
- Booking a tight onward connection the same day.
- Packing a heavy suitcase for several boat transfers.
Where to Stay on Koh Lipe
Pattaya Beach is the most convenient for arrivals and restaurants, Sunrise Beach is popular for its views and snorkelling, and Sunset Beach is the quietest. Book ahead in peak season; rooms on the small island fill quickly.
Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe: FAQ
How long is the boat from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe?
Most of a day, including island stops; check the duration on each listing.
Is there a ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe all year?
No. Speedboats run mainly in the dry season, roughly November to April.
How much is Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe?
12Go listed fares from about ฿1,599 on 13 November 2026.
Can I stop at islands on the way?
Yes. Many travellers break the trip on Koh Ngai, Koh Mook or Koh Kradan.
Sources: route and fare data from 12Go Asia; Ko Lipe (Wikipedia). Checked on 13 November 2026.
Photos: Tuya70 (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons); Khunkay (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons); Nik Cyclist from Bangkok, Thailand (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons); Marcin Konsek (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons).
Disclosure: InsideSamui may earn a commission when you book through some of the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and timetables quoted here were checked on 13 November 2026; they change by season and operator, so confirm when you book.