Gulf Islands (East Coast)

The Gulf side connects through two mainland hubs: Surat Thani (cheap flights from Bangkok) and Chumphon (closer to Koh Tao). Koh Samui has its own airport but flights cost $80-150 more than Surat Thani.

Lomprayah runs the Gulf like a well-oiled machine. High-speed catamarans, two departures daily, AC seating. Seatran Discovery is the budget alternative -- slightly slower, slightly cheaper, perfectly fine. The night boats from Surat Thani are the cheapest option ($8-10) but they're slow ferries that take 6-8 hours and the "beds" are mats on the deck. Bring earplugs and low expectations.

The Chumphon shortcut: If Koh Tao is your first stop, fly to Chumphon instead of Surat Thani. The ferry is only 1.5 hours and you skip 4 hours of bus transfer. Budget airlines serve the route and the total cost is often the same as the Surat Thani combo ticket.

Andaman Coast (West Coast)

The Andaman side is less centralized. Krabi, Phuket, and the small port of Pak Bara each serve different islands, and the connections between islands are handled by a rotating cast of ferry operators.

The Krabi-to-Koh Lanta route isn't a traditional ferry -- it's a minivan that drives onto a short car ferry crossing, then continues on Lanta's roads. Simple, cheap, and it drops you at your hostel's door if you're lucky.

Koh Lipe is the outlier. It's the furthest south, the most expensive to reach, and the most worth it if you want empty beaches. The $25 speedboat from Pak Bara is the only option during high season (Nov-Apr). During low season, services are limited or suspended entirely.

Booking: Where the Money Goes Wrong

Buy your tickets at the pier. Walk up, pay, board. This is the cheapest way, every time.

12go.asia is the reliable online option if you want to book in advance. Small convenience fee, but you get a confirmed ticket with a QR code. Worth it for peak season routes (December-January) when Lomprayah catamarans actually sell out.

Do not book through your hostel. The front desk will happily sell you a "combo ticket" (bus + ferry + transfer) for $18 when the same route costs $12 at the pier. That 30% markup is their commission, and you'll end up on the same boat as everyone else. The only exception is if the combo ticket includes a hotel pickup -- sometimes the convenience is worth $5.

Do not book through taxi drivers or tour agencies on the street. Same markup, less accountability.

Cross-Coast Connections

There is no direct ferry from the Gulf islands to the Andaman coast. To get from Koh Phangan to Koh Phi Phi, for example, you need to ferry back to the mainland (Surat Thani or Chumphon), then bus or fly across to Krabi or Phuket, then ferry out again. Budget a full travel day. The bus from Surat Thani to Krabi runs about 3-4 hours ($8-10).

Some agencies sell "joint tickets" that package the whole cross-coast journey for $25-35. These work, but they involve long waits at transit points and you're at the mercy of the connection timing. If the first ferry is late, you miss the bus, and you're sleeping in Surat Thani. Ask me how I know.

The alternative: fly. AirAsia runs Surat Thani to Phuket and Krabi for $30-50 if you book early. Add the time saved and it's often the smarter move.

For the Krabi and Railay budget breakdown, we cover what to do once you're off the boat. And if Koh Phangan is on the itinerary, the Full Moon Party cost guide will save you from sticker shock.

Ready to connect the dots? Plan your island-hopping route.

FAQ

Should I book ferries in advance? Only during peak season (mid-December through mid-January) on the popular Lomprayah routes. The rest of the year, walk up and buy at the pier. You'll get the same boat and pay less than any online booking with markup.

Are the speedboats safe? Yes, with caveats. The major operators (Lomprayah, Seatran, Tigerline) run well-maintained vessels with life jackets and trained crews. Avoid unmarked speedboats offered by random beach touts, especially during rough weather. If seas are rough and the main operators cancel, take the hint and wait a day.

Can I island-hop from the west coast to the east coast directly? No direct ferry exists. You have to return to the mainland and cross overland or by air. Budget a full travel day for the transit. The fastest option is to fly between Surat Thani and Krabi/Phuket -- often $30-50 on budget airlines if booked in advance.

What about motion sickness? The Gulf crossings (especially Surat Thani to Koh Tao, 6 hours) can get rough from October through December. The Andaman routes are generally calmer. Sit in the middle of the boat, stay on the lower deck, watch the horizon, and take Dramamine 30 minutes before departure. The boats sell seasickness bags for a reason -- no shame in using them.

Prices verified March 2026 and updated weekly.

🗺️ Build your Thailand island route and see total costs before you hit the pier.

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