Getting to Koh Lipe — What Salisa Guests Should Know
Most guests reach Koh Lipe by boat. The island has no airport, so a ferry or speedboat from Pak Bara on the mainland is the standard route — about 1.5 hours. Departures run daily from October through May, and our team suggests arriving at Pak Bara by early afternoon. This gives you buffer time for the crossing and lets you land before sunset. Once you step off at Pattaya Beach, it’s a short walk or tricycle ride to Sunrise Beach, where our resort is waiting.
From Pak Bara to Koh Lipe — Step by Step
The main departure point is Pak Bara Pier in Satun Province. Ferries typically leave between 11:00 and 14:00, with speedboats heading out slightly earlier around 10:30. During high season, there may be additional afternoon departures.
Most guests make their way to Pak Bara from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or elsewhere in southern Thailand. Many fly into Hat Yai or Trang and arrange a land transfer to the pier. Our resort can help coordinate combined tickets that include the bus or van from these airports directly to Pak Bara — this often works out cheaper than booking each leg separately.
At the pier, you’ll board a large ferry or a faster longtail-style speedboat depending on the operator. The crossing takes roughly 90 minutes. Keep your camera ready during the ride — you’ll pass limestone islands and open ocean.
You arrive at Koh Lipe on Pattaya Beach, the island’s west side. From there, guests without hotel pickup walk uphill to the main walking street and continue along the coast to Sunrise Beach — about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Our team meets guests at the beach during reception hours and can arrange a golf cart transfer if you contact us ahead of time.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival
Travel light where possible. Koh Lipe’s walking streets are sandy, and some guesthouses require navigating uneven paths. A waterproof bag for electronics and a small daypack make the transition from boat to shore much easier.
Book your ferry in advance during peak season. From December through February, especially around Christmas and Chinese New Year, ferries fill up quickly. Our front desk team can reserve your ticket and confirm your arrival time so nothing is left to chance when you land.
Bring Thai baht in small denominations. While some shops accept cards, many vendors on Koh Lipe still prefer cash. Ferry tickets purchased at the pier, tricycle rides, and meals at local restaurants are typically cash-only.
Check weather conditions before departure. Monsoon season — roughly May through October — can occasionally disrupt ferry schedules. If you’re traveling during these months, build a buffer day into your itinerary. Our team at Salisa Resort will help you adjust your booking if needed.
Booking Your Transfer
Guests have two main options for the journey from mainland Thailand to Koh Lipe. Shared ferries are the budget-friendly choice, with tickets ranging from THB 600 to THB 1,000 per person depending on the operator and vessel type. These depart on a fixed schedule and may stop at other islands en route. Speedboat transfers are faster and more direct, typically priced between THB 900 and THB 1,500 per person.
If you prefer everything organized before you leave home, combined transfer packages — including airport pickup, ground transport to Pak Bara, and the ferry crossing — are available through local tour operators and can be arranged through our resort. This removes the stress of navigating ticket booths and language barriers at the pier.
| Transfer Option | Duration | Approximate Cost (THB) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared ferry from Pak Bara | 1.5–2 hours | 600–1,000 per person | Budget travelers, relaxed arrival |
| Speedboat from Pak Bara | 1–1.5 hours | 900–1,500 per person | Faster crossing, direct route |
| Combined package (land + sea) | Varies by departure point | 1,500–3,000 per person | Peace of mind, full journey organized |
For guests arriving from the Malaysia border, Hat Bai Jetty in Satun also offers connections to Koh Lipe, though Pak Bara remains the most frequently served departure point.
> Insider Tip: If you arrive on a later ferry and reach Koh Lipe close to sunset, head straight to Sunrise Beach on the east side of the island. The view as the sun drops below the horizon is genuinely one of the best moments of the day — and it’s right on our doorstep.
Once you’ve settled into Salisa Resort and recovered from the journey, island-hopping tours are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore the surrounding waters. Day trips typically run from around 09:00 to 15:00, visiting four to seven nearby islands with snorkeling stops, a Thai lunch, and equipment included. Whether you choose a shared group tour for around THB 1,000 to THB 1,500 per person or charter a private longtail boat for up to THB 4,500, you’ll find the marine park waters around Koh Lipe are unlike anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe? A: The ferry crossing takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on sea conditions and the vessel type. Speedboats complete the journey in about 60 to 90 minutes.
Q: Can I fly directly to Koh Lipe? A: No — Koh Lipe does not have an airport. The closest options are Hat Yai International Airport or Trang Airport, both requiring a land transfer to Pak Bara Pier followed by a boat crossing.
Q: What should I do if my ferry is cancelled due to bad weather? A: During the low season months (May through October), ferry services can be suspended if conditions are rough. Our resort team will help you rebook accommodation, arrange an alternative crossing, or adjust your travel plans. We recommend keeping one flexible day in your itinerary during these months.
Q: Is there a jetty fee or national park fee upon arrival? A: Yes, visitors entering Tarutao National Marine Park are required to pay a small national park fee (around THB 40–200 depending on the season). Your ferry ticket or transfer package may or may not include this — confirm with your operator before departure.
Q: How far is Salisa Resort from the main arrival beach? A: Our resort sits on Sunrise Beach, on the eastern side of Koh Lipe. From Pattaya Beach where most ferries arrive, it’s roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk along the walking street or a short tricycle ride.
Our team at Salisa Resort is always happy to walk you through the logistics before you arrive — reach out with your travel dates and we’ll help you plan the smoothest possible journey to Sunrise Beach.
For more details, see this Koh Lipe travel guide from SmartEnPlus.
