How to get from
Koh Lipe to Pak Bara

About the ride from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara 

Koh Lipe is quieter than many of Thailand's larger islands, further north, and less developed than what you'll experience across the Malaysian border to the south. This makes it a great option for getting away from it all and enjoying the island's laid back, natural vibe. If you're traveling to Pak Bara from Koh Lipe it will mean that you've just enjoyed lazy days soaking up sunshine, swinging in hammocks and snorkeling in warm shallows.

There's only one way to depart from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara and that's by ferry. It's a 62 kilometer (38 mile) ride which takes from an hour and 30 minutes to two hours to arrive. There are numerous service providers that are willing and able to take you back to mainland Thailand and most ferry ticket prices start from around US$20. 

All ferries will have air conditioning or open sides for fresh air as well as an onboard bathroom and a small kiosk to purchase food and drink. It's not generally acceptable to take your own food on board however, bottles of water are usually allowed. Life jackets are also provided for all passengers. 

The ride itself is pretty functional and most travelers choose to spend their time looking out over the waves either from an outside seating area or from an enclosed air-conditioned area. High-speed ferries, including speedboats, are small in comparison to many of the other vessels shuttling passengers between Thailand's islands.

The best advice is to arrive at Koh Lipe pier as early as possible to ensure you get a window seat and to avoid a last minute scrum with your luggage. 

Once you arrive at Pak Bara from Koh Lipe it's a good idea to have somewhere to go from the pier. Pak Bara is basically a bouncing off point for travelers heading back north along the Andaman coast. Not many will choose to stay here and catching a connecting overnight bus will transport you, and your fellow ferry passengers, back to civilization. Often, transport operators will include a minibus from the pier to the bus station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Pak Bara bus station and catch a ride yourself.

 

What to see when traveling from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara

The ferry ride from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara is relatively speedy as the distance between the island and the mainland is only 62 kilometers (38 miles). This means you'll find just enough time to watch the waves whiz by or chat to fellow passengers about where they plan to go when they reach Pak Bara pier.

Whilst on board you should see plenty of blue skies and Andaman waves as well as one or two tiny uninhabited islands on the horizon. 

However, sometimes, as you'll find with most boat rides, what makes the most sense is to simply go to sleep. Departing Koh Lipe can be quite an emotional experience as it signals the end of your time on the island. But if you've still got lots of traveling to do, it's a time to get excited and ready to explore in southern Thailand.

Chat to other passengers and find out more about where they're heading to next or just leaf through a well-thumbed travel guide book and begin to plot your next course.

 

How to get from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara

Taking a ferry

There's only one way to get from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara, and that's by boat. The most popular ferry ride is a speed boat that takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. It's safe, affordable (usually no more than US$20) and comfortable. As there are usually around 26 departures leaving Koh Lipe to Pak Bara every day, it's not that hard to book your spot.

The best advice is always to arrive early to ensure you get a good seat on board the boat. It's also a good idea to have on-going transport options organized in advance. Not many people hang about in Pak Bara for too long and you'll want to join them on an overnight ride heading north so just make sure you've booked your place on a bus.

Although the ferries from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara are quite small they still feature onboard bathrooms, air-conditioned seating and a small place to buy snacks and drinks. You can also bring your own water on board but bringing your own food is not always acceptable.

Use the time on board to chat to fellow passengers, watch the waves whiz by or catch up on some rest after partying all night on Sunset Beach. This might be your last time on Koh Lipe but there's a whole lot more adventures waiting for you in Thailand, and beyond.