Island-hopping through Thailand’s paradise
Traveling from Koh Lipe (Thailand’s southernmost island) to Koh Tao (a diving hotspot in the Gulf of Thailand) isn’t the quickest trip — but it’s definitely worth it. These two beautiful islands are located in different seas, so getting from one to the other involves a combination of boat and bus or ferry and train. Here’s how to make the journey smoothly.
Best Travel Routes
Option 1: Speedboat + Van + Ferry (Most Common)
Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier
- Take a speedboat (~1.5–2 hours)
- Morning departures from Koh Lipe (usually 9:00–11:30 AM)
Pak Bara to Surat Thani
- Transfer by minivan or bus (~4–5 hours)
Night Boat to Koh Tao
- From Surat thani take a Night Boat ferry
- Final ferry leg to Koh Tao: ~8 hours
Option 2: Koh Lipe → Hat Yai → Surat Thani → Koh Tao
Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier
- Taking a speedboat from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara pier
- Departure at 09:30 a.m.
- Take a speedboat (~1.5)
- Arrival at Pak bara Pier at 11:00 a.m
Pak Bara Pier to Hat Yai Bus station
- Departure at 11:30 a.m.
- Taking a minivan (~2 hours)
- Arrival at 14:00 p.m.
Hat Yai to Surat thani Bus stop
- Departure at 14:30 p.m.
- Taking a bus(~5 hours)
- Arrival at 19:30 p.m.
Surat thani Bus stop to Ban don Pier
- Taking a taxi to Ban don Pier [Night boat pier] 5 minutes
Ferry from Surat thani to Koh Tao
- Taking a night Boat at Ban don Pier at 20:00 p.m.
- Departure Time : at 22:00 p.m.
- Duration: ~4-5 hours
- Arrivat Time : at 05:00 a.m.
- Important ! The night boat company is change everyday. It could not be fixed. Depend on the timetable of ferry.
