Getting to Koh Lipe — What Salisa Guests Should Know
If you’re heading to Salisa Resort on Sunrise Beach, getting here from Koh Lanta is straightforward once you know your options. Most of our guests travel from the mainland or nearby islands, and this is one of the most common routes we help with. Direct speedboats run reliably during high season, taking about three hours from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe. In low season, you’ll need to go through Pak Bara — a combined speedboat and land transfer that takes longer but works well when the sea isn’t cooperating.
Direct Speedboat and Ferry — The Fastest Route
The quickest option is a direct speedboat from Koh Lipe’s Pattaya Beach to Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta. The crossing takes about three hours, and the views over the Andaman Sea are genuinely good — this is something guests mention often.
Boats typically leave around 9:00 AM, so most guests spend the night on Koh Lipe first. Adult tickets usually cost THB 1,700–1,750. Several operators run this route: Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, Bundhaya Speed Boat, Tigerline, and Ploysiam. We’ve worked with all of them for years and can help arrange bookings.
Seating is comfortable and there’s open deck space if you want fresh air. The morning departure usually means smoother seas. Book ahead during November through April — this route fills up. Give yourself at least 30 minutes at Pattaya Beach before departure for check-in.
Speedboat and Land Transfer — The Alternative Route
During low season (roughly May through October), direct boats may not run consistently. When that happens, the alternative is a speedboat from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier, followed by a van or minivan to Koh Lanta, usually via Trang or Krabi.
This combined route takes six to eight hours depending on connections and road traffic. It’s a longer day, no getting around that. Costs tend to be lower than the direct boat, though prices vary by operator. The tricky part is coordinating between legs — miss a connection and you could wait several hours for the next van. If you’re considering this option, we can help you work out the timing before you commit.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival
A few things we tell every guest before they travel between islands in southern Thailand. Pack a small day bag with essentials — passport, phone, sunscreen, a light layer — rather than digging through large suitcases on the boat. The open deck can get breezy, and sunscreen is easy to forget until it’s too late.
If you’re sensitive to motion, take medication before boarding. Even if the morning looks calm, conditions can shift quickly in the Andaman Sea, and three hours on choppy water isn’t how anyone wants to start a holiday.
Confirm your return transfer with your operator at least 24 hours in advance. During high season especially, schedules can change and boats sometimes consolidate. Our front desk team is happy to call ahead and confirm your pickup time for you.
Booking Your Transfer
You can book speedboat tickets directly through operators like Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club or Bundhaya Speed Boat, or through local travel agencies on Koh Lipe. Many guests find it easier to arrange everything through their accommodation — we work closely with trusted operators and can often get better timing for our guests than booking independently.
When you stay with us at Salisa Resort, our team will coordinate your arrival transfer so everything lines up from the moment you step off the boat at Sunrise Beach. We know the practical side of island travel, and we’re here to make sure the only thing you need to worry about is enjoying the view.
Insider Tip: If you’re arriving on a direct speedboat, ask your operator about a private longtail pickup from Saladan Pier. It’s a small splurge but skips the shared longtail queues and gets you to Sunrise Beach much faster and more comfortably.
| Direct Speedboat / Ferry | Speedboat + Land Transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~3 hours | 6–8 hours |
| Departure point | Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach | Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach |
| Arrival point | Saladan Pier, Koh Lanta | Pak Bara Pier + Van to Koh Lanta |
| Cost (adult) | THB 1,700–1,750 | Generally lower, varies by operator |
| Best for | High season, smooth sea conditions | Low season or when direct boats aren’t running |
Q: How long does it take to travel from Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta? A: A direct speedboat takes approximately three hours. During low season, when a combined sea-and-land route via Pak Bara is necessary, plan for six to eight hours depending on connections.
Q: How much does the speedboat cost? A: Adult tickets for the direct route typically range from THB 1,700 to THB 1,750. Prices for the combined speedboat and land transfer route vary by operator.
Q: Which operators run this route? A: Several operators serve this route, including Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, Bundhaya Speed Boat, Tigerline, and Ploysiam. Our team has good working relationships with most of these companies and can help arrange bookings for our guests.
Q: Is it safe to travel during the low season? A: Yes, but the route changes. Direct speedboats may not operate due to sea conditions, so you’ll need to plan for a combined speedboat and land transfer via Pak Bara. This is longer but reliable, and our team can walk you through the logistics.
Q: Should I book my transfer in advance? A: We recommend it, particularly during high season from November through April when boats fill up quickly. Our front desk team can help you arrange tickets and confirm timing before you arrive on Koh Lipe.
When you’re ready to make the journey, our team at Salisa Resort on Sunrise Beach will be waiting to welcome you. We’ve helped hundreds of guests navigate this route, and we’re always just a phone call away if you need advice on which option suits your travel plans best.
For more details, see this complete guide to traveling to Koh Lipe from Options from SmartEnPlus.
