Khao Lak
Khao Lak Bus/Ferry Packages to Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan
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Khao Lak Information
Getting from Khao Lak to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and other destinations has never been easier since FerrySamui.com has linked these amazing destinations together. It's like going from one piece of paradise to another! All trips will involve a Bus/Ferry package. Firstly, an approximate 4:30 hour bus trip to get you from the west to the east of Thailand. All the busses are relatively comfortable and air conditioned with the usual facilities, you'll enjoy the ride. Once you have arrived at Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, you will be simply directed to your ferry by the specific ferry operating staff. All ferries are regularly safety checked by the local Thai Navy and we at FerrySamui.com make periodic random inspections. The ferries are well equipped with the standard onboard safety equipment and life jackets. Once on the ferry, you'll be able to sit up on deck in the fresh air or inside in the comfortable chairs surrounded by air conditioning. It's a nice trip, and the seascape is awesome, and great for pictures and viewing through binoculars. To help you prepare for your trip, feel free to print out our Travel Tips. And enjoy yourself, keep your journal updated and live your dreams in these amazing places you are going to!
Popular Routes
Popular crossings to Khao Lak — pick a route to book.
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Khao Lak Information
Khao Lak at a glance
Khao Lak is a resort destination stretching around 20km up and down the Andaman Sea coast. In the last few years, the area has significantly grown into a delightful place for tourists to come. It's very different to some of the the very busy, nightlife-driven resorts of some other popular destinations, being that it is quieter, predominently upscale, very secluded, and family-friendly.
Added to this, each beach is relatively uncrowded and the design of each resort seems to blend in to the landscape in a beautiful way. Rather than one single town, Khao Lak is a chain of separate beaches and villages linked by the main coastal highway, so distances between your accommodation and the pick-up point can matter when you book.
How to get to Khao Lak
Most travellers arrive overland from the north or south along the Andaman coast, or by sea from the islands offshore. We currently list several routes connections serving Khao Lak, with fares from our online fares.
Because the resort strip runs for roughly 20km, transfers usually stop at several points along the highway rather than at a single central station. When you book, check the exact pick-up or drop-off location shown on your ticket and tell the operator which beach or hotel you need.
Airport connections
The nearest international gateway is Phuket International Airport, which sits south of the resort strip and is the arrival point for most long-haul visitors. Krabi is the alternative gateway to the south-east. Airport transfers are a common way to complete the final leg, and a door-to-door service removes the need to change vehicles with luggage.
Ports and piers
Boat services to the islands run from piers on the coast near the resort area, most notably the Tap Lamu area to the south. Sea crossings on this coast are seasonal and weather-dependent, so availability changes through the year. Check the live results for the sailing dates and departure points offered by our transport partners on the day you want to travel.
Popular routes to and from Khao Lak
The strongest demand is on the north–south corridor along the Andaman coast and on the island hops offshore. Frequently searched connections include:
- Phuket to Khao Lak — the shortest and busiest mainland link, and the usual route for arrivals landing at Phuket airport.
- Krabi and Ao Nang to Khao Lak — an east-coast crossing of the isthmus, useful if you are combining both coasts in one trip.
- Khao Lak to the Similan Islands — the classic day-trip crossing from the nearby piers, subject to the islands' seasonal opening.
- Khao Lak to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Yao — island connections usually made with a change on the way.
- Surat Thani and the Gulf coast — the overland link for travellers heading on to the Gulf islands.
Live availability, journey times and vehicle types are shown on each route page, so compare the options side by side before you commit.
Practical travel information
A few things worth knowing before you travel:
- Allow time for the strip. Getting from one end of the 20km coastline to the other takes longer than the map suggests during busy periods.
- Book ahead in high season. Seats on popular crossings sell out fastest around the peak winter months and public holidays.
- Check the season for boats. Sea conditions on the Andaman coast vary considerably through the year, and some island services do not operate year-round.
- Confirm your pick-up window. Shared services often collect passengers from several hotels, so the stated departure is the start of a window rather than a fixed time.
- Luggage and gear. If you are travelling with dive equipment or oversized bags, check the operator's allowance at the time of booking.
Cancellation and amendment terms differ by operator and are shown with the fare before payment. Read them at checkout rather than assuming a standard policy applies.
What to see and do
The beaches are the main draw, and their relative emptiness is the point — this is a place for slow days rather than late nights. Nang Thong and Bang Niang are the busiest for shops and restaurants; the beaches further north are quieter again.
Offshore, the Similan and Surin island groups are among the best-known diving and snorkelling destinations in the region, and many visitors base themselves on the coast specifically to reach them. Inland, the Khao Lak–Lam Ru and Khao Sok national parks offer waterfalls, jungle walks and lake trips within reach of the resorts. The area also has memorials and a small museum relating to the 2004 tsunami.
Book your trip to Khao Lak
Compare departures, prices and operators for every connection serving Khao Lak in one place, then confirm your seat online. Enter your travel dates to Search availability and book.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the pier that my ferry departing from?
Phuket Ferry :
We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents; we are happy to help.
Ferry Samui :
FWe understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.
Bali Ferry :
We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Departure Point Information page for the most comprehensive information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.
What are the tourist seasons ?
Phuket Ferry :
Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May- September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October - April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.
Ferry Samui :
There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).
Bali Ferry :
Bali actually has a variety of tourist periods, notably around the Balinese New Year, 15 December - 15 January, and 1 June - 30 September. During these high traffic periods, boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options. The quieter periods are between 16 January - 30 April and 1 October - 14 December historically.
Will bad weather affect my travels?
Ferries are large and can usually operate in the rain, except in extremely bad weather. During storms or strong winds, the journey may take a little longer than usual.
Speedboats are more likely to be canceled than ferries. If a trip is canceled due to bad weather, you can choose to receive a refund or reschedule. Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip.
On rough days, we recommend bringing motion sickness medication and taking it about 20 minutes before boarding if you are prone to seasickness. Boat staff may also provide Dramamine upon request, but you will need to remain indoors during rough conditions. On sunny and calm days, the sun deck is open for passengers to enjoy the weather.
What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?
At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.
When will I receive my ticket confirmation?
After completing your online booking, your reservation will remain in “Pending” status until it is processed. Once confirmed, we will send your e-ticket via email. The process is usually very quick.
On the day of travel, please present your e-ticket to the ferry staff at the relevant booking counter. If you do not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, contact us immediately.
What are the baggage allowances?
Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.
To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.
