Koh Lipe to Phuket tickets

About the ride from Koh Lipe to Phuket

Switch up your experience of Thai island life by exchanging the smaller island of Koh Lipe for the sprawling island energy of Phuket.

This world-renowned party and beachside destination is just 185 kilometers (114.9 miles) away by ferry. To make your transition to the pier smoother, take a direct speedboat or high-speed ferry with a van transfer.

What is Phuket like?

Although Phuket has become a vastly popular tourist hotspot, it has retained its serene feel and status as one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand. 

Famous for everything from its white-sand beaches and luscious rainforest to its welcoming culture and sumptuous food, visitors to Phuket will struggle to leave again. There is truly something here for everyone's tastes, whether you want to sunbathe, explore the jungle, or party until dawn.

As the largest and best-known island in Thailand, Phuket is a place where visitors can spend months exploring every corner and discovering hidden gems on one of its 40 beaches. 

However you choose to arrive or spend time in this island paradise, you might want to make the transition permanent.

Five outstanding activities in Phuket

The amount of must-visit attractions in Phuket is overwhelming when you Google it, especially if you have limited time on the island. Keep these top ideas in mind when narrowing down your choices:

1. Visit Khao Phra Thaeo National Park: This eco-diverse and prosperous area is so sprawling that visitors could spend days getting lost in it. Book an excursion to avoid that and discover the most prized gems inside its borders.

2. Go swimming at Bang Pae Waterfall: This stunning waterfall is located inside the national park and claims the title of one of Thailand's most famous waterfalls thanks to its size and beauty. Bring your swimsuit for a cool-off after the walk here.

3. Go ethical with a visit to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: This huge site looks after elderly and disabled elephants that are freed from performing for tourists. Visitors are not allowed to touch them or interact unnecessarily, meaning you can trust that they are well taken care of. You will only be allowed to view and feed them for a limited amount of time, but seeing these majestic creatures up close is worthwhile.

4. See the Big Buddha: A giant White Buddha sits atop Nakkerd (meaning snake) Hill overlooking the island. It's a steep drive to the top, but it's worth it for the sweeping vistas of the jungle-rimmed beaches below.

5. Go wild at night: Vibrant bars, chaotic clubs, and delicious restaurants fill every corner of Phuket. Spend at least a night or two discovering what the island has to offer, and look out for the jungle raves.

How do I get from Koh Lipe to Phuket?

You need to take a ferry across the Andaman Sea to get from Koh Lipe to Phuket.

Alongside the ferry, you can add a minivan or bus combo ticket to get from the port to the heart of Phuket. 

By ferry

The ferry journey from Koh Lipe to Phuket is quite straightforward, taking about five hours and thirty minutes. Tickets start around $69.

High-speed boats typically have mostly enclosed seats in one large room below the deck. However, some also have a small top deck for those who want to sunbathe or just watch the views.

Possible ferry amenities include:

Air conditioning

A WC on the ferry

A luggage allowance of at least one big bag and one carry-on per passenger. It varies by operator.

Ships typically depart from Koh Lipe's floating pier and arrive at Rassada Pier in Phuket. However, this may vary according to the operator, so check your booking confirmation carefully before setting off for the pier.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure you catch the correct boat and can load your luggage on board.

Ferries cannot depart in severe weather. If the boat is canceled, the operator will issue a full refund or book your passage on the next available boat.

By van (or bus) + ferry 

Those who want to add an extra drive to the center of Phuket can opt for a ferry and van combination.

You'll take a slower ferry from Koh Lipe's floating pier to Rassada Pier in Phuket, where a minivan (or bus) will pick you up and drive you to the bus terminal in central Phuket.

This option will take 9.5 hours to reach the heart of Phuket, but it costs half as much as the ferry ticket, starting at $30. 

Minivan amenities include:

Air conditioning

Rest stops

A luggage allowance of one large bag and one handbag or small backpacker per passenger

The best things about the ride from Koh Lipe to Phuket

Wave goodbye to Koh Lipe's green-topped land and crystal-clear waters to start your adventure on Thailand's most famous island, Phuket. The journey is stunning, with epic views of the Andaman Sea's sparkling waters and views of Thailand's luscious green coastline. 

On the way, travelers will pass by various smaller islets and islands, enticing you with their white-sand shores. Grab a seat on the top deck or by a window to experience the best views.

After a few hours of zipping across the water, you'll see Phuket's crescent-shaped coastline edge over the horizon, welcoming you with more azure-blue waters and thick jungle forest.

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

It's best to visit between November and April during Phuket's dry season. If you can, time it from November to February when the days are dry and sunny. Temperatures in these months average between 75°F and 90°F (24°C and 32°C).

The wet season arrives in May and ends in October, when the large island experiences high rainfall and intense humidity, so avoid visiting during this period.

How many days should I spend in Phuket?

Backpackers should spend two to three days in Phuket before moving on to discover another Thai wonder. This is enough time to see all the top sites, including the elephant sanctuary, enjoy a full beach day, and party the night away at least twice before departure.

For slow travelers, consider staying up to a week to check out more of Phuket's beaches and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Where should I go after Phuket?

There is no shortage of incredible destinations to explore from Phuket. Maybe you'll be drawn to the sprawling island of Koh Yao Yai to the east or one of the other numerous islands in the Andaman Sea, like Koh Lanta or the Phi Phi Islands.

If you want a change of scenery, consider heading north to the incredible Khao Sok National Park, which boasts natural beauty unmatched anywhere in the world.

However, if you're craving a city atmosphere, hop on a flight to Bangkok or Chiang Mai to experience Thailand's frenetic hubs.