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The choice really comes down to your travel style—whether you’re aiming for a leisurely trip or a quick hop over to Phuket, the options are there. It’s all about how you’d like to experience the journey!
When you’re in Koh Lanta, buying tickets for your journey is pretty flexible. You can grab them in advance or even on the same day at Saladan Pier. Another option is to book through your hotel—they often have deals, and it’s super convenient. If you prefer online bookings, that’s also a great way to go. Personally, we’ve found that using 12Go Asia during our adventures in Thailand makes the whole process easy and stress-free.
We decided to take the ferry—it was the most affordable option for us, and we love ferry rides, especially the chance to take in the scenery and feel the rhythm of the waves. Honestly, we’re big fans of the sea and any kind of sea transportation.
When we arrived at the pier, everything was well-organized. We quickly exchanged our ticket for a passenger card, which serves as your entry to the boat. In no time, we found ourselves settled on board, ready for the journey ahead.
The ferry ticket was 800 THB per person, and the journey took about 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach Rassada Pier in Phuket. The ride was smooth, giving us plenty of time to relax, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the stunning views along the way.
If you decide to take a van instead, the trip takes around 6 hours and costs about 550 THB. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy beautiful landscapes and scenery, plus you’ll have the opportunity to stop at a few places for lunch and to use the restrooms. It’s a longer journey, but the stops can make it more comfortable and give you a chance to stretch your legs.
If you’re looking for the fastest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket, a speedboat is your best bet. The trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it the quickest option available. However, it’s also the most expensive, with tickets priced at around 1,500 THB per person.
If you take the ferry, there’s a stop at Phi Phi Island. Many travelers choose to stay there, while others continue to Phuket, with new passengers coming aboard. Upon arriving in Phi Phi, we were greeted and directed to the boat transfer area. The process was straightforward but took a little time, as we needed to exchange our old sticker for a new one for the next boat. Everything was well-organized, and the staff were there to guide us through the change smoothly.
Phi Phi Island serves as a connecting hub to many nearby destinations. From here, you can easily travel to Koh Yao Yai, Koh Yao Noi, Krabi, and more. If Krabi is on your list of places to visit, be sure to check out my blog post How to Get from Krabi to Koh Lanta, Thailand, where we share tips and insights about traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta!
Make sure to follow the signs carefully, as we noticed a couple of passengers who mistakenly boarded the wrong boat. Luckily, they realized their error in time, and our captain had to wait for them to come aboard. So, be sure you’re on the correct vessel!
Our boat was surprisingly empty, even during the busy season, giving me plenty of space to lay down and catch some sleep until we arrived in Phuket. Plus, the boat had a well-maintained and clean restroom, so there was no need to search for facilities at the Tonsai Pier.
The ferry also had a spot where you could buy snacks and drinks, plus TVs to keep you entertained. You could choose to sit outside or indoors, and you even had the option to change your mind during the ride. I usually like to go back and forth between the two, but this time, with the rain coming down, sleeping felt like the best option for me.
Rassada Pier in Phuket was our final stop, and it was raining when we arrived. Thankfully, we had a transfer arranged, so we didn’t need to hunt for a taxi or tuk-tuk.
When purchasing your ticket, make sure to double-check if it includes a transfer to your hotel. If it doesn’t, the ticket may be a bit cheaper, but you’ll have to negotiate for a transfer at the pier. We’ve had a few instances where we didn’t have a transfer included and had to bargain for a fair price, as drivers often quote high prices. So, if you don’t have a transfer, it’s wise to research how much a ride to your accommodation should cost.
