Island hopping from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi across the Andaman Sea
Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi are only about 25 to 30 km apart. That makes them one of the easiest island hops in the Andaman Sea. Boats leave from Saladan Pier in northern Koh Lanta and arrive at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. The fastest speedboats take about 30 minutes. The slower ferry takes about an hour.
This guide covers the operators, departure times, seller prices, how to book and what to expect on the day.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Departure pier | Saladan Pier, northern Koh Lanta |
| Arrival pier | Tonsai Pier, Koh Phi Phi Don |
| Distance | About 25 to 30 km |
| Speedboat time | About 30 to 45 minutes |
| Ferry time | About 1 hour |
| First departure | About 08:00 |
| Last departure | About 15:30 to 16:00 |
| Ferry price (Smarten Plus) | About ฿500 to ฿600 |
| Speedboat price (Smarten Plus) | About ฿700 to ฿750 |
| Phi Phi entry fee | About ฿20, cash |
| Best season | November to April |
Saladan Pier, Koh Lanta: where boats to Koh Phi Phi depart
Here's the timetable 12Go showed when I checked, with its USD prices.
| Operator | Type | Depart | Arrive | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildan Travel | Taxi + ferry | 07:00 | 09:00 | $13.38 | View trip |
| Chaokoh Travel Center | Ferry | 08:00 | 09:00 | $8.03 (see note) | View trip |
| Thrive Travel | Speedboat | 08:45 | 10:30 | $19.33 | View trip |
| Bundhaya Speed Boat | Speedboat | 09:45 | 10:30 | $13.00 | View trip |
| Thrive Travel | Speedboat | 11:00 | 12:45 | $19.33 | View trip |
| Thrive Travel | Speedboat | 12:00 | 13:45 | $19.33 | View trip |
| Tigerline Travel | Speedboat | 12:45 | 13:15 | $13.38 | View trip |
| Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club | Speedboat | 14:30 | 15:00 | $14.87 | View trip |
| Tigerline Travel | Speedboat | 15:00 | 16:00 | $19.33 | View trip |
| Bundhaya Speed Boat | Speedboat | 15:30 | 16:00 | $13.68 | View trip |
Highest rated on 12Go: Bundhaya Speed Boat at 09:45 (5.0) and Chaokoh (4.6). Tigerline's 15:00 boat had the lowest rating (3.5).
| Seller | Operator | Sailings/week | Duration | Price from | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Ferries (AU) | Chaokoh Ferry | 7 | 1 hr | A$25 | View trip |
| Direct Ferries (AU) | Bundhaya Speed Boat | 19 | 30 min | A$29 | View trip |
| Direct Ferries (AU) | Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club | 20 | 30 min | A$29 | View trip |
| Direct Ferries (AU) | Andaman Wave Master | 7 | 30 min | A$31 | View trip |
| Direct Ferries (AU) | Tigerline Ferry | 14 | 30 min | A$35 | View trip |
| Ferryhopper | Andaman Wave Master | 4 to 7 days | 30 min | €18.26 | View trip |
| Smarten Plus | Ferry (unnamed) | Daily in season | 1 hr | About ฿500 to ฿600 | View trip |
| Smarten Plus | Bundhaya speedboat | Daily in season | 30 to 40 min | About ฿700 | View trip |
The slower ferry between Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi is steadier for those who get seasick
Take the ferry (Chaokoh) if:
A speedboat can cross from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi in about 30 minutes
Take the speedboat if:
Smarten Plus suggests booking one to two days ahead in busy periods. Ferryhopper suggests one to two months ahead for peak season.
Saladan Pier is in the far north of Koh Lanta. From Klong Dao it's only 5 to 10 minutes away. From Long Beach allow 10 to 15 minutes. From Kantiang Bay in the south it's about 35 minutes by car.
Some operators include a shared minivan pickup from Klong Dao or Long Beach. One 12Go reviewer said their pickup came late, but the boat waited for them. Be ready in your hotel lobby early.
Tonsai Pier, Koh Phi Phi: pay the island entry fee in cash on arrival
Boats arrive at Tonsai Pier, right next to Tonsai Village. Most hotels in the village are within walking distance. Have about ฿20 in cash ready for the entry fee.
Ferryhopper says each passenger can usually bring one large bag and one hand bag, up to 25 kg in total, at no extra cost. Limits vary by operator, so check before you book. Keep your passport, cash and phone in a small bag on your lap. Big bags often go on the deck or at the front of the boat, where they may get splashed.
The same operators run the return route from Tonsai Pier to Saladan Pier. Ferryhopper lists Chaokoh from €18.70 and Andaman Wave Master from €18.98 for this direction. Check timetables separately, since departure times differ from the outbound route.
Sourced from 12Go Ferries from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi, 12Go Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi, Direct Ferries Australia, Ferryhopper, Smarten Plus, Openferry and GoAsia. Prices checked in October 2026 and may change.