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Koh Phangan to Koh Lanta: Ferry & Speedboat Guide

Key facts
  • Crossing time 7h–9h
  • Operators 3
  • Departures a day 4
Sailing season This route sails all year round.

1,000+ THB

How to get from Phangan Island to Koh Lanta

Leaning coconut palm over white sand beach with wooden deck, turquoise sea and distant hills under blue sky

From Koh Phangan to Koh Lanta: A Captivating Voyage

Traversing from Koh Phangan Island to Koh Lanta presents a captivating journey filled with scenic beauty and cultural experiences. This guide will explore the best ways to make this transition, whether at the leisurely pace of a ferry or the speed of a speedboat, along with essential information about car ferries, Koh Tao, and ferry routes from Koh Samui, Donsak Pier, and the West Coast of Thailand.

How to Get to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta, in the Andaman Sea, is an idyllic paradise that promises pristine beaches and a peaceful atmosphere. The journey from Koh Phangan offers a chance to witness the landscapes of Thailand’s coast, including connections by ferry from Koh Samui or Koh Tao. There are two possibilities:

By Ferry, Bus, and Shared Minivan

Embark on a captivating journey starting from Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan. As you board the ferry, prepare to be greeted by the vistas of Koh Samui. The voyage then continues to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani Province, where car ferries often arrive. Here, aboard the ferry, you'll witness the mainland's charm begin to reveal itself in splendid detail.

Upon arrival at Donsak Pier, transition seamlessly into a shared minivan. This leg of your journey takes you through Surat Thani's landscapes, then embark on a bus journey to Thunglong, where you'll be treated to the scenic and diverse route leading to Krabi. The final leg of your adventure is a minivan ride to Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta.

By Speed boat

Start your exhilarating adventure with a speedboat ride from Thong Sala Pier, heading straight to Maenam Pier in Koh Samui. This initial leg of your journey promises a great experience, connecting you with the ferry services from Koh Tao or Koh Samui.

After the ride to Maenam Pier, the excitement continues as you hop onto another speedboat destined for Donsak Pier. This part of the journey allows you to soak in more of the stunning marine landscapes, bridging the gap between the islands and the mainland.

From Donsak Pier, the journey takes a familiar turn, following the same route as the first option. You'll transition into a shared minivan, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of Surat Thani's lush countryside. Then, a bus ride will take you toward Krabi town’s Thunglong, showcasing diverse landscapes along the way. The final stretch to Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta is once again in a minivan, bringing you to the doorstep of Koh Lanta’s serene and inviting shores.

Enrich Your Experience with Nearby Attractions


Phi Phi Islands: A must visit for any island hopper.

Koh Tao and Koh Samui: Explore these neighboring islands for diverse experiences, easily accessible by ferries from the West Coast.

Ao Nang: A popular destination for day trips and excursions.

The voyage from Koh Phangan to Koh Lanta by ferry or speedboat is more than a travel route; it's a journey through the heart of Thailand's marine beauty, connecting you with the essence of the Andaman Sea, as well as key transport hubs like Donsak Pier.


Essential Travel FAQ

How many operators offer services on this route? 2 operator(s) offer services on this route.

How many departures are offered each day? 3 departure(s) per day.

At what time does the first trip of the day leave? The first trip leaves at 8:00 AM.

How long is the shortest trip time? The shortest trip time is 7h.

What is the price for this trip? The lowest price per person is 1,595 THB.

LiVa Tips

Early Booking: Especially during high season, book online to ensure a spot.

Explore Surroundings: Consider a day trip to nearby islands like Phi Phi or Koh Tao, accessible by ferry or speedboat.

Stay Informed: Keep updated with ferry schedules and ticket prices.

Embrace Local Culture: Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle at ferry piers and during transit.

Recommendations Matter: Seek out highly recommended routes and services for the best experience.

High Season Travel: Plan ahead as ferries depart frequently but can be busy, especially at key points like Donsak Pier and Maenam Pier.

Comfort Matters: Look for options with air conditioning for a more comfortable journey.


We also welcome you to share here your own experiences with us. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, we encourage you to visit our help page and leave a message. Your feedback is important to us, and we are here to assist you



FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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.

 

 

Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?

You don't need to print your ticket. On the day of travel, simply present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket—they'll give you a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat.

If you'd prefer a printed copy, you can register as a member on our site, which allows you to easily print out your e-tickets and VAT receipts.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?

If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you can choose between receiving a refund or rescheduling your journey.

Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip. Also keep in mind that speedboats are more likely to be cancelled than ferries, as ferries can usually operate in the rain except in extremely bad weather — though journeys may take a little longer during storms or strong winds.

To arrange your refund or new travel date, please click the refund button in your personal Liva account.

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.

Can I change the date of my ticket?

Yes, you can change your trip date as long as you provide notice at least 24, 48, or 72 hours before departure—the exact timeframe depends on the ferry operator you booked with. A small service fee of 200 baht per person applies for a second change.

Please note:

  • Changes must be for the same operator and boat type as your original booking.

  • The change applies to the entire booking; for example, if your booking is for 3 passengers, we cannot change the date or time for just one of them.

To proceed, please click the chat button to connect with one of our customer service agents, or use any of the official channels listed in the footer of our website.

Warning: Please do not send requests by replying directly to the booking confirmation email, as this is not an official support channel.
 

Bali Ferry :

Yes, you can.  The change is required 7 days' notice prior to departure date. There is a small fee of USD $10 applied per time. Please click the chat button to speak with one of our customer service agents who will take you through the simple booking change process.

If I miss my ferry, can I take the next one?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. Tickets will expire for late arrivals and are strictly non-refundable and non-changeable.

To avoid missing your trip, please plan to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.

If you do happen to miss your ferry and wish to travel as soon as possible, contact us right away, and we’ll advise you on the best available options.

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