Plan your journey from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta with practical information on ferry and speedboat options, travel times, prices, departure points, seasonal schedules, and essential booking tips.
Traveling from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta is one of the shortest island-to-island journeys in Thailand’s southern Andaman Sea. The two islands are only about 33 km apart, and direct speedboats can make the crossing in around 30 minutes.
The main arrival point on Koh Lanta is Saladan Pier, at the island’s northern end. During the main travel season, travelers can usually choose between direct speedboats and a slower ferry service. Outside the high season, however, services become much more limited and may stop altogether.
Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta at a glance
| Option | Travel time | Typical price | Arrival | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | About 30–40 minutes | Around THB 550–850 | Saladan Pier | Mainly November–May |
| Standard ferry | About 60 minutes | Around THB 550 | Koh Lanta | Mainly November–April |
| Private boat charter | Flexible | Varies | Depending on arrangement | Weather-dependent |
Current published schedules show direct speedboats taking approximately 30 minutes, while a conventional ferry operated on the route has a journey time of about one hour.
Prices vary according to the operator, departure point and date. Recent listings show speedboat fares from around THB 550–850, while the standard ferry has been listed at approximately THB 550 per adult.
Speedboat from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta
For most travelers, the speedboat is the quickest and most convenient option.
The direct crossing takes approximately 30 minutes in normal conditions and arrives at Saladan Pier. Recent schedules have included departures around 11:30, with additional services at around 12:15–12:50 and 14:30 depending on the date and operator.
A current published service lists a Koh Ngai Resort Pier departure at 11:30, arriving at Saladan Pier at 12:00, with a fare from approximately THB 650.
Because schedules change throughout the season, these times should be treated as representative rather than fixed daily departures.
Ferry from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta
A slower conventional ferry is another option during the main season.
One currently published service from Koh Ngai Resort Pier departs at approximately 10:00 and arrives in Koh Lanta around 11:00, taking about one hour. The listed adult fare is THB 550. This service is currently scheduled for November through April.
The standard ferry can be useful for travelers who prefer a slower crossing or want to avoid the more exposed ride of a small speedboat.
However, conventional ferry services are less frequent than speedboats, so check the operating date carefully before planning your itinerary around one.
Where do boats leave from on Koh Ngai?
The exact departure point depends on the operator and your accommodation.
Common pickup points include:
- Koh Ngai Resort Pier
- Koh Ngai Pier
- Beach pickup from individual resorts
- A short longtail-boat transfer from the beach to the main boat
Some services specifically instruct passengers staying at Koh Ngai resorts to check in at the resort pier before departure.
If your hotel is not directly beside the departure pier, confirm whether a longtail transfer or hotel pickup is included in the ticket price.
Where do you arrive on Koh Lanta?
Most direct services arrive at Saladan Pier, the main passenger pier in northern Koh Lanta.
Saladan is a practical arrival point because it has road connections to the island’s main hotel areas, including:
- Klong Dao
- Long Beach
- Klong Khong
- Klong Nin
- Other resorts along the west coast
From Saladan, travelers can continue by taxi, private transfer or local transport to their accommodation.
If you are staying farther south, allow additional road-transfer time after arriving at the pier.
Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta ferry schedule
There is no single year-round timetable for this route. Services are highly seasonal and can change according to demand, weather and sea conditions.
Recent schedules have included departures in the late morning and early afternoon:
| Approximate departure | Approximate arrival | Type |
| 10:00 | 11:00 | Ferry |
| 11:00 | 12:30 | Speedboat/combined service |
| 11:30 | 12:00 | Speedboat |
| 12:15–12:50 | Around 12:45–13:30 | Speedboat |
| 14:30 | 15:00 | Speedboat |
These are examples from current and recent schedules rather than a guaranteed daily timetable.
For a specific travel date, confirm the departure time shortly before booking.
How much does Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta cost?
Expect to pay approximately:
- Standard ferry: around THB 550 per adult
- Speedboat: approximately THB 550–850 per adult
- Private charter: considerably more, depending on boat size, departure point and itinerary
Current published fares include speedboat tickets from THB 650, while other recent listings show fares ranging from approximately THB 550 to THB 850.
Prices can change during peak periods, so use these figures as a planning guide rather than a fixed fare.
How long does the journey take?
The distance between Koh Ngai and Saladan Pier is approximately 33 km.
A direct speedboat normally takes about 30 minutes, although rough seas can make the journey longer. A conventional ferry takes approximately 60 minutes on the currently published seasonal service.
It is sensible to allow extra time for:
- Boarding
- Luggage handling
- Beach or longtail transfers
- Weather-related delays
- Transport from Saladan Pier to your hotel
Best time to travel from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta
The most reliable period for direct island-hopping services is generally the November to April/May high season.
During this period, the Andaman Sea typically has more regular tourist boat services between the islands.
From approximately May to October, the southwest monsoon can significantly reduce boat operations. Current route information indicates that the Koh Ngai–Koh Lanta service can have no scheduled weekly crossings from June through September.
This is particularly important when planning an island-hopping itinerary during the low season. Do not assume that a route operating in January will still operate in July.
What happens if there is no direct boat?
If direct services are unavailable on your travel date, an alternative is to travel via the mainland or arrange a private boat transfer.
For travelers visiting during the monsoon season, it is worth checking with the accommodation on Koh Ngai before finalizing a non-refundable itinerary. Weather conditions can affect both scheduled and private boat services.
Booking tips
1. Check the exact departure point
Koh Ngai does not have a conventional road network connecting all resorts. Your accommodation may be several minutes from the actual departure point by foot or longtail boat.
2. Book ahead during high season
Direct boats are limited compared with mainland routes, particularly around Christmas, New Year and other peak holiday periods.
Booking at least a day ahead is advisable. One seasonal ferry service currently recommends booking at least 15 hours before departure.
3. Confirm the arrival pier
For most direct speedboat services, the destination is Saladan Pier. Confirm this before booking if your onward transportation depends on arriving at a particular location.
4. Protect your luggage
Speedboat boarding can involve getting close to or into the water, particularly where beach landings are used. Keep passports, phones, cameras and other valuables in a waterproof or dry bag.
5. Leave flexibility in your itinerary
Boat departures can be affected by weather and sea conditions. Avoid scheduling a tight connection immediately after arriving at Koh Lanta.
Is Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta worth doing directly?
Yes. The direct route is considerably simpler than traveling back to the mainland and continuing to Koh Lanta by road.
During the main season, a direct speedboat can cover the journey in roughly half an hour, making Koh Ngai and Koh Lanta easy to combine in the same Andaman island itinerary.
The main consideration is seasonality. Travelers visiting outside the November-to-April/May period should check availability before building their itinerary around a direct boat.
Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta FAQs
1. How far is Koh Ngai from Koh Lanta?
Koh Ngai is approximately 33 km from Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta.
2. How long is the ferry from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta?
A direct speedboat takes approximately 30 minutes, while a conventional ferry takes around one hour.
3. How much is the ferry from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta?
A standard ferry is currently listed at around THB 550 per adult. Speedboat fares generally range from approximately THB 550–850, depending on the service and date.
4. Where does the boat leave from on Koh Ngai?
Depending on the operator, departures may be from Koh Ngai Resort Pier, Koh Ngai Pier, or a beach pickup point. Check the exact departure location when booking.
5. Where does the boat arrive on Koh Lanta?
Most direct services arrive at Saladan Pier, in northern Koh Lanta.
6. Are there direct speedboats from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta?
Yes. Direct speedboats operate during the main season and can take approximately 30 minutes.
7. Does the Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta ferry operate all year?
No. The route is strongly seasonal. Services can be reduced or suspended during the monsoon season, particularly from June through September.
8. What is the best month to travel from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta?
The November to April period generally offers the most reliable choice of direct island services. Always check the schedule for your exact date.
9. Should I book the ferry in advance?
Yes, particularly during the high season and around major holidays. Advance booking is also recommended because there are relatively few direct services each day.
10. Can I travel from Koh Ngai to Koh Lanta during the rainy season?
Possibly, but direct services may be unavailable or greatly reduced. If traveling between May and October, check the current boat schedule and weather conditions before finalizing your plans.
For a Complete Travel Guide
For more detailed information on transportation options, booking tips, itinerary suggestions, and everything you need to know about planning your trip, visit our full guide:
