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SmartEnPlus Blog: How Long Does It Take to Get from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe?

How Long Does It Take to Get from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe?

Traveler's Compass
Jun 24, 2025By Traveler's Compass

Here is a 30-word excerpt about traveling from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe:
Travel from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe combines a 2-3 hour land transfer to Pak Bara Pier, then a 1-2 hour ferry or speedboat journey. Total time typically 3.5-6 hours.

Planning a trip to the stunning island of Koh Lipe from Hat Yai, Thailand, involves a journey that typically combines a land transfer to Pak Bara Pier with a subsequent speedboat or ferry ride to the island. The total travel time for this combined transfer generally ranges from 3 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours. Koh Lipe, often referred to as the “Maldives of Thailand,” is celebrated for its pristine white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a highly sought-after destination. However, it is more challenging to reach compared to other popular Thai islands like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Samui, as there is no airport on Koh Lipe, and access is exclusively by ferry or speedboat.

Getting to Hat Yai: Your Gateway to Koh Lipe

Hat Yai serves as the primary transportation hub for travelers heading to Koh Lipe. There are several main ways to reach Hat Yai:

  • By Air: Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) offers direct flights from major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as connections through Bangkok for international travelers. Airlines serving Hat Yai include Thai Airways, AirAsia, Nok Air, and Lion Air. It is advisable to book flights well in advance, especially during peak season (the last week of December to the first week of January).
  • By Train: Hat Yai Railway Station provides good connections to other Thai cities. Overnight sleeper trains are available from Bangkok, with a journey time of 14-16 hours. Daily international service connects Butterworth (Malaysia) to Hat Yai in approximately 2.5 hours.
  • By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Hat Yai with various cities. Overnight VIP buses from Bangkok typically take 12-14 hours. Regular minivan services are available from Penang (Malaysia), with a journey time of approximately 4 hours.

Many travelers consider spending a night in Hat Yai to rest and prepare for the onward journey to Koh Lipe. Accommodation options in Hat Yai range from budget-friendly choices like Hat Yai Youth Hostel to mid-range hotels such as The Bed Hotel Hat Yai and Centara Hotel Hat Yai, and luxury options like Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel, Hansa JB Hotel, and Siam Oriental Hotel.

The Journey from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe: A Two-Stage Process

The trip to Koh Lipe is typically divided into two main stages: a land transfer to Pak Bara Pier, followed by a sea transfer to the island.

Stage 1: Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier (Land Transfer)

This segment of the journey usually takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. The distance by land is 47 miles (75 km).

  • Minivan Services: Minivans are a popular option, with durations ranging from 2-3 hours and costs between 350-450 THB per person. Pickups are available from Hat Yai Airport, the Bus Terminal, or your hotel, with multiple daily departures from early morning to early afternoon. For those arriving at Hat Yai International Airport, VIP vans often pick up around 9:00 AM, departing for Pak Bara Pier around 11:30 AM, with the meeting point typically at Gate 8. Hotel pickups in Hat Yai town are generally between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, arriving at Pak Bara Pier around 11:00 AM. Van tickets from Hat Yai to Pak Bara can cost as low as USD 6.10.
  • Private Taxi: Private taxis offer a direct service with flexibility in departure time and more luggage space. The duration is slightly shorter, 2-2.5 hours, but the cost is higher, ranging from 2,000-3,000 THB per vehicle. Taxi costs from Hat Yai to Pak Bara can range from USD 48.39 to USD 123.44.

Stage 2: Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe (Sea Transfer)

From Pak Bara Pier, the ferry or speedboat ride to Koh Lipe takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. The distance by sea is 104 miles (167 km).

  • Ferry: Ferries typically take 1.5-2 hours and cost around 650 THB per person. They are generally more stable in rough seas.
  • Speedboat: Speedboats offer a faster journey, taking 1-1.5 hours, but are slightly more expensive, costing 700-900 THB per person. It’s important to note that most boats to Koh Lipe are speedboats, which can result in a bumpy ride, especially in rough ocean conditions, and may not have bathrooms or sick bags.

Upon arrival at Pak Bara Pier, travelers typically check in at a counter, such as Jolly Travel, to exchange their voucher for a physical speedboat ticket before boarding. Speedboats usually depart at 11:30 AM, arriving on Koh Lipe around 1:30 PM.

Seasonal Schedules for Boats from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe:

  • High Season (November to April): Multiple daily departures are available. During this period, there are typically 4 daily boats from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe, departing at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 11:45 AM, and 1:30 PM. The 11:45 AM boat often stops at Tarutao Island and Khai Island, while others are usually direct.
  • Low Season (May to October): Services are reduced and can be weather-dependent. During the green season (June 1 to October 15), there are 2 daily boats from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe, departing at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. The 11:30 AM boat may stop at Koh Khai if weather permits.

The total time for a combined bus/van and ferry/speedboat journey from Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe can range from 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes, depending on the operator. Some sources indicate a total travel time between 4 to 6 hours. Ticket prices for a combined journey from Hat Yai Airport or Train Station to Koh Lipe start at 800 THB, with ferry+van options costing between USD 21.04 and USD 30.49.

Essential Preparations and Information

Check-in and Fees

  • Check-in Time: It is recommended to check in at least 30 minutes before the boat departure time at Pak Bara Pier (Counter 2 inside the pier). Numbered check-in cards are exchanged for boat tickets, and boarding follows the order of these cards.
  • Pier Usage Tax: All travelers must pay a 20 baht tax when entering Pak Bara Pier, which is not included in the boat ticket.
  • National Park Entrance Fee: Upon arrival at Koh Lipe, a 200 baht National Marine Park fee per adult (100 baht for children aged 3-14) is required for non-Thai citizens. This fee is valid for seven days and must be paid in cash directly to officials. Thai citizens pay 40 baht per adult and 20 baht for children. Keep the receipt as it may be requested for snorkeling trips or visits to surrounding islands.

Luggage and Comfort

  • Luggage Allowance: The standard luggage allowance for the ferry and speedboat to Koh Lipe is 20kg per person. Excess luggage may incur an additional fee. Larger bags stored at the back of speedboats may be exposed to seawater, so consider a waterproof bag for sensitive electronics and valuables.
  • Seasickness Medication: If prone to motion sickness, bring seasickness tablets, as speedboats travel at high speeds and ocean conditions can be rough.
  • Seating on Speedboats: To avoid getting drenched by water, avoid sitting at the back. While the front can experience more wave impact, sitting further back can reduce shakiness.
  • Footwear and Clothing: Koh Lipe does not have speedboat piers, requiring travelers to wade through water, often knee-high, to get on and off the boat. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get wet, such as flip-flops or sandals.

Factors Influencing Travel Time

Several elements can affect the overall travel time and experience:

  • Seasonality: The high season (November to April) offers ideal weather, clear skies, and calm seas, but also higher prices and more crowds. The low season (June to September) brings occasional rain and rougher seas, potentially leading to reduced boat services and delays, but also offers lower prices and a more tranquil atmosphere.
  • Weather and Sea Conditions: Even during clear weather, strong winds or currents can make the sea rough, impacting journey duration and comfort, and delays can occur due to bad weather. Speedboat operators will inform passengers of the day’s sea conditions at Pak Bara.
  • Booking and Check-in: Arriving early at the ferry terminal is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as terminals can be very busy.
  • Connecting Flights/Buses: Ensure your flight or bus arrival times align with ferry departure times to avoid needing an overnight stay in Hat Yai.

Booking Your Tickets

For convenience and to avoid last-minute issues, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season when ferry times and seats can fill up quickly.

  • Combo Tickets: Many travelers opt for bus/van + ferry combo tickets, which simplify logistics by bundling land and sea transport. These are offered by various operators such as Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, Jolly Travel, and Ploysiam Speedboat.
  • Local Travel Agencies: While prevalent in Southern Thailand, caution is advised as some agencies can be “sketchy” or even scams; researching and reading reviews beforehand is wise.
  • At the Ferry Terminal: Some ferry terminals sell tickets on-site, but not all, especially smaller ones. If purchasing directly, arrive extra early.

Exploring Koh Lipe

Once you arrive, Koh Lipe offers various experiences:

  • Beaches:
    • Pattaya Beach: The busiest and most developed. Arrivals by ferry and speedboat often dock at the Koh Lipe Pier, providing easy access to Pattaya Beach.
    • Sunrise Beach: Great for water sports.
    • Sunset Beach: The quietest, ideal for romantic evenings.
  • Activities: Snorkeling and diving, island hopping to nearby uninhabited islands, kayaking, Thai cooking classes, and yoga and wellness activities are popular.
  • Accommodation: Options range from budget (Bloom Cafe & Hostel, Lipe Camping Zone) to mid-range (Idyllic Concept Resort, Bundhaya Resort) and luxury (Serendipity Beach Resort, Asara Private Beach Resort).
  • Getting Around Koh Lipe: The island is small and primarily navigated on foot. Scooters (around 300 THB/day) and bicycle rentals (around 150 THB/day) are available. Local taxis, known as songthaews or motorcycle taxis/tuk-tuks, are also an option, with fares typically ranging from 50 to 150 THB depending on the distance. Uber does not operate in Koh Lipe.

Returning from Koh Lipe

When planning your departure, remember to book your return boat and land transfer in advance, especially during high season. Allow plenty of time between your boat arrival in Pak Bara and any onward connections from Hat Yai.

Conclusion

While reaching Koh Lipe requires careful planning, involving a combined land and sea journey, the island’s stunning natural beauty and unique atmosphere make the effort entirely worthwhile. By understanding the travel times, booking options, and practical tips, your journey to this hidden gem can be a seamless and exciting start to your unforgettable island adventure.