A beautiful view from within central Koh Lipe-mobile

How to get from
Hat Yai to Koh Lipe

Hat Yai to Koh Lipe Trip Overview

Distance130 km (81.3 miles)
Price range$17-$30
Ride Duration Range3h-5h 30m
Earliest Departure01:00
Latest Departure04:00

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe



























































































Taking a minivan from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

The fastest: 3h 30m

The cheapest: $23

Pros

Free cancellations

Transfer schedules of bus and ferry are aligned

Ample luggage allowance

Refunds provided if cancellation occurs (due to inclement weather)

Cons

No pets allowed

No bikes, scooters, kayaks allowed

Boat transfer service must be paid (50 Baht)

Cancellations may occur with no prior notice

Ferry: Not whole boat may be air conditioned

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

The fastest: 3h

The cheapest: $19

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

A beautiful view from within central Koh Lipe

About the ride from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe

It can feel overwhelming when choosing which islands to visit when you’re exploring Thailand, but Koh Lipe should definitely be on your radar. This charming little island is located in the Andaman Sea, close to the Malaysian island of Langkawi, making it the perfect transition point between Thailand and Malaysia. Even if country hopping isn’t on your agenda, Koh Lipe is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy all that the Thai islands have to offer.

The journey from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe isn’t the most exciting. There isn’t much to see along the way from the city to the pier, but the views of the Andaman Sea from the ferry are always gorgeous. However, once you land at Koh Lipe pier you’ll know why you made the trek out to the island. 

 

What to know about Koh Lipe

After you’ve had time to explore Hat Yai, affectionately called “mini Bangkok” you may be ready to spend a few days detoxing from the city and recharging by the sea. Koh Lipe is the perfect place to do so. From watching some of the most epic sunrises and sunsets in all of Thailand, to sipping delicious (and cheap!) mojitos on the beach, Koh Lipe is paradise found.

One of the best things to do on the island is to simply enjoy being on one of the most beautiful islands on earth. You can enjoy the crystal clear waters, powder white sand, and warm sunshine for maximum relaxation. Sunrise Beach is the perfect spot if you’re an early bird to catch the most beautiful sunrises. Kayaking is another great activity to see Koh Lipe from another perspective. 

You can also check out Koh Adang, a short longtail boat ride away. There you’ll find more stunning beaches, great hikes with fantastic lookout points, and even some good snorkeling. 

Walking Street cannot be missed while you are staying on Koh Lipe. There are plenty of restaurants selling the catch of the day paired with cheap Thai beers or tasty cocktails. This is also where you can find some karaoke bars if you’re looking for a place to go out off the beach. 

 

How to get from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe

By bus + ferry

The best, and really only, option to get from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe is to take a bus + ferry combination. You can organize to be picked up in an air-conditioned minivan at your hotel in Hat Yai or at the airport, and then drive the 125km (~78 miles) to Pakbara pier. The drive is fairly comfortable and takes about two hours. Once at the pier, you’ll take the ferry over to the island.

The actual boat ride is about an hour and a half, so make sure you are prepared if you get seasick. The ride itself can be bumpy if you are on a speedboat, but the Andaman Sea is usually pretty calm. If you are prone to seasickness it is best to bring some dramamine or other medicine since it is always better to be over prepared, just in case. Once you arrive in Koh Lipe, the ferry will drop you at the main pier on Pattaya Beach, where you will then be able to walk to your hotel. In total the journey takes about four and a half hours to get from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe, including the few stops along the way.

While this is the only feasible way to get from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe, there are a few choices when booking your ticket. 

 

Standard bus + ferry (speedboat)

The standard bus + speedboat option means you would ride in a minivan from your hotel in Hat Yai and be taken to Pakbara pier and then a speedboat the rest of the way. All minivans are equipped with AC and most of the  options allow each passenger to have 20kg of luggage + a personal item, but double check with each individual company to avoid paying for an extra seat if your luggage is too big.

Many of the speedboats have long, bench seats that can feel a little cramped if the boat is full. The boat does provide life jackets and is covered, but you may want to try to sit towards the front of the boat to avoid being splashed. While there is no AC on the boat, the sides or back are relatively open so a nice breeze does help keep you cool. Check with each individual company for departure times, but they are all similar in price.

 

High speed bus + ferry

Another option is to take the Tigerline Ferry bus from the Hat Yai airport to Pakbara pier. This is a much bigger bus, but there is a toilet onboard. Once you arrive at the pier you will transfer over to a ferry, which you will ride for the remainder of your journey. There is a toilet on the ferry and it is generally a much calmer journey than riding in a speedboat. 

You are also allowed two large bags and a personal item, which may be helpful if you are traveling for longer periods of time or with more luggage. The ferry will not run in inclimate weather so make sure to have a backup plan if storms are predicted or if you are traveling during the rainy season. *Note that this route is currently not operational but will be during peak season.

 

Additional information to know before you go

It is important to note that while you can book your bus/minivan and ferry ticket ahead of time, you will also be charged a 20 Baht government tax fee before getting on the boat and a 200 Baht National Park Fee for all foreigners entering Koh Lipe (40 Baht for Thai Nationals).  You should have cash for these additional fees. It is also important to remember that some of these routes are seasonal and only operate from October-April, so double check to make sure that this fits with your travel plans.

No matter which option you choose, once you arrive on Koh Lipe and settle in, you will instantly feel the calm and relaxed vibes of the island loosen you up. Get ready for some of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen!

Companies Operating from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe

Average time

5h 30m

Average price

$29 - $30

(6)

Average time

3h - 4h 30m

Average price

$24

(237)

Average time

3h 30m - 4h

Average price

$23

(44)

Average time

4h

Average price

$29

(9)

Popular stations and stops in Hat Yai and Koh Lipe

Departure stations in Hat Yai

Hat Yai Airport (HDY)

Hat Yai Bus Station

Hat Yai - Any hotel

Hat Yai Train Station (Haadyai Station)

Hat Yai Train Station (Haadyai Station)

View more

Arrival stations in Koh Lipe

Bundhaya Beach Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe Beach (Ferry Station + Immigration Office)

Floating Platform @Lipe

Pattaya Beach (Bundhaya Resort)

Pattaya Beach (in front of The Steak House)

View more

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