Planning to travel from the lively beach town of Ao Nang to the peaceful, tropical paradise of Koh Lipe? While there’s no direct route year-round, getting to Koh Lipe in 2025 is easier than ever with several combo options available. This guide will walk you through the best ways to travel from Ao Nang to Koh Lipe smoothly, whether you’re looking for convenience, speed, or scenic adventure.
🛥️ Overview: No Direct Boat, But Easy Connections
Ao Nang is located in Krabi Province, while Koh Lipe is part of Satun Province, close to the Malaysian border. Since the distance is considerable, you’ll need a combination of transport – usually involving a boat, minivan, and speedboat.
🚤 Option 1: Combo Ticket (Join Van + Join Speedboat) – Most Convenient
This is the most popular and straightforward option in 2025, especially during high season (November to May).
🧭 Step-by-Step Journey:
Ao Nang to Pak Bara Pier via minivan (with or without a short boat transfer to Krabi Town)
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Departure Time: Early morning (around 6:00–7:00 AM)
- Included: Hotel pick-up in Ao Nang (if booked in advance)
Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe via speedboat
- Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours
- Speedboat Departure Times: Usually 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM
- Total Duration (Ao Nang → Koh Lipe): ~6.5 to 8 hours
💰 Cost:
- Combo ticket (minivan + speedboat): 1,200–1,400 THB per person
- Available through travel agencies in Ao Nang or online booking platforms
✅ Pros:
- Easy, one-ticket solution
- Hotel pickup in Ao Nang included
- Smooth transfers and support
⚠️ Things to Note:
- Book at least a day in advance during high season
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication — the sea can get bumpy!
🚤 Option 2: Combo Ticket (Private taxi + Speedboat) – Most Convenient
This is the most popular and straightforward option in 2025, especially during high season (November to May).
🧭 Step-by-Step Journey:
Ao Nang to Pak Bara Pier via private minivan
- Duration: ~4.30 hours
- Departure Time: Early morning (around 6:00–7:00 AM)
- Included: Hotel pick-up in Ao Nang , Krabi Town
- Price : 4,500-5,500 THB
Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe via speedboat
- Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours
- Speedboat Departure Times: Usually 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM
- Price : 550-700 THB
- Total Duration (Ao Nang → Koh Lipe): ~6.5 to 8 hours
💰 Cost:
- Combo ticket (minivan + speedboat): 1,200–1,400 THB per person
- Available through travel agencies in Ao Nang or online booking platforms
✅ Pros:
- Easy, one-ticket solution
- Hotel pickup in Ao Nang included
- Smooth transfers and support
⚠️ Things to Note:
If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication — the sea can get bumpy!
Book at least a day in advance
🧳 Travel Tips
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a dry bag — some boarding areas can get splashy
- Allow buffer time in case of weather delays
- Some Koh Lipe arrivals use floating piers – wear sandals or waterproof shoes
📅 Best Time to Travel
- High Season (Nov–May): Smooth seas, daily connections
- Low Season (Jun–Oct): Fewer boats, check for availability in advance
🏝️ Final Thoughts
Getting from Ao Nang to Koh Lipe in 2025 is easier than ever, thanks to well-coordinated transfer services and online booking options. With a little planning, you’ll go from lively Ao Nang to barefoot bliss on Koh Lipe in just a few hours. Pack light, book early, and enjoy the journey to paradise!