How to Travel Between Thai Islands: Ferries, Routes & Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Thailand is one of those destinations I keep coming back to, not just once, but year after year. I’ve travelled across more than 13 Thai islands, from the busy hubs like Phuket to quieter, harder-to-reach places like Koh Lipe and Koh Kood, and every trip has involved figuring out how to get from one island to the next.
I’ve always planned and booked everything myself (in advance!), from ferries and speedboats to long, slightly chaotic transfer days that don’t always go quite to plan. Over time, you start to understand what works, what doesn’t, and which routes are genuinely easy versus the ones that look simple but end up taking all day.
This guide is based on that experience, not just how to travel between Thai islands in theory, but how it actually works in practice, and what I’d personally recommend if you’re planning your own trip.
Is it easy to travel between Thai islands?
Yesm getting between different Thai islands i pretty easy, but it’s not always as seamless as it looks on a map.
In most cases, travelling between the islands is relatively straightforward, with a well-established network of ferries, speedboats and transfers connecting the main hubs. Islands like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui act as key gateways, making it easy to move between popular destinations.
That said, distances can be deceiving. What looks like a short hop between islands can easily turn into a half-day journey once you factor in hotel transfers, waiting times and boat schedules.
In my experience, island hopping in Thailand is easy to plan, but you do need to be realistic with timings and avoid overpacking your itinerary.
I always advise using websites such as 12Go Asia because you can book everything in one package - hotel pick ups, boat transfers, and even hotel drop offs.
The main ways to travel between Thai islands
Ferries and speedboats (the most common option)
Ferries and speedboats are the backbone of transport between Thai islands.
Ferries tend to be larger, slower and more comfortable. They’re usually the better option if you’re travelling with luggage, want a smoother journey, or are prone to seasickness. Many have indoor seating, toilets and even small cafés onboard, most importantly, they're air conditioned.
Speedboats, on the other hand, are much faster and are often used for longer routes or where ferries don’t operate. They’re great if you’re short on time, but they can be rough, especially outside of peak season or on windy days.
If I had to choose, I’d say:
- Ferries = comfort and reliability
- Speedboats = speed and convenience
For most travellers, I’d recommend choosing ferries wherever possible unless the time saving is significant.
Longtail boats (for short distances and tours)
Longtail boats are more traditional and are usually used for short distances or island-hopping tours rather than longer transfers.
You’ll often use them for:
- Reaching beaches
- Visiting nearby islands
- Short crossings (e.g. Ao Nang to Railay Beach)
They’re a great experience, but not something you’ll rely on for major travel days.
Flights (when they make sense)
Flights are useful when you’re covering longer distances, particularly between the Andaman Coast (Phuket/Krabi) and the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui/Koh Tao/Koh Phangan).
For example:
- Phuket → Koh Samui (via flight) can save a full day of travel
- Krabi → Koh Samui is much easier by air than by land + ferry
If you’re short on time, flying is often worth it, sometimes you may have to fly via Phuket, especially if you are doing a Koh Chang, Koh Mak or Koh Kood island hopping itinerary that you want to combine with other areas of Thailand.
Minivans and transfers (often combined with ferries)
A lot of journeys in Thailand are actually combined tickets, which include:
- Hotel pickup
- Minivan transfer
- Ferry or speedboat
These are extremely common and make things much easier logistically.
You won’t always see it clearly online, but most routes (especially from Krabi or Phuket) are designed this way. The easiest way to package transport like this is via 12Go Asia.
The main island routes in Thailand
Andaman Islands: Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Noi
This is one of the easiest and most popular island-hopping regions in Thailand.
Typical routes:
- Phuket → Koh Phi Phi (1–2 hours)
- Krabi → Koh Phi Phi (1.5–2 hours)
- Krabi → Koh Lanta (2–3 hours including transfers)
- Koh Phi Phi → Koh Lanta (1–1.5 hours)
This whole area is very well connected, and in my experience, it’s one of the easiest places to island hop.
Check out my Krabi, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Lanta island hopping itinerary here.
Koh Lipe and the southern islands
Koh Lipe is more remote, which means getting there takes a bit more effort.
Typical routes:
- Phuket → Koh Lipe (4–5 hours by speedboat)
- Krabi → Koh Lipe (4–5 hours)
- Koh Lanta → Koh Lipe (3–4 hours)
This is where things start to feel more “travel heavy”.
If I’m being honest, this is one of the routes that can feel like a bit of a mission. It’s worth it, but I wouldn’t try to squeeze it into a short itinerary. I would also recommend starting or finishing your trip in Koh Lipe and flying home or to Bangkok via Hat Yai or Langkawi.
Here is my full guide on how to get to Koh Lipe.
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao (Gulf side)
These islands are extremely well connected and very easy to travel between.
Typical routes:
- Koh Samui → Koh Phangan (30–45 mins)
- Koh Phangan → Koh Tao (1–2 hours)
- Koh Samui → Koh Tao (1.5–2 hours)
This is probably the easiest region in Thailand for island hopping. Sometimes the sea to Koh Tao can get a little rough, when I did it last time, I was the only one that didn't have my head in a sick bag! Don't let that put you off though (sorry!), Koh Tao is well worth a visit.
Koh Chang, Koh Mak & Koh Kood (Trat islands)
These islands are much quieter and less developed than the more popular parts of southern Thailand, and getting between them feels a bit more off-the-beaten-path, but it’s still very doable and it's much easier than it looks on paper.
Typical routes:
Koh Chang → Koh Mak (45 mins by speedboat)
Koh Mak → Koh Kood (30–60 mins)
Koh Chang → Koh Kood (1–1.5 hours)
Unlike places like Phuket or Koh Samui, there are fewer daily departures, and most routes rely on speedboats rather than large ferries.
In my experience, this region takes a bit more planning, but once you’re there, island hopping is relatively straightforward. The distances are short, the boats are quick, and everything feels much more relaxed and less crowded.
If anything, the main effort is actually getting to the region in the first place. but once you’ve arrived, moving between Koh Chang, Koh Mak and Koh Kood is one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) parts of the trip.
To reach these islands you must first travel to Trat which is near the Cambodian border. You can reach Trat from Bangkok by a 5-6 hour road transfer or a 1 hour flight with Bangkok Airways.
Here is my full guide on how to get to Koh Kood.
How to book transport in Thailand
There are a few main ways to book transport:
Online platforms (like 12Go)
These are the easiest and most reliable way to compare routes and timings in advance. I use 12Go every time!
Hotels and local travel agents
Very common across Thailand and often just as easy. Your hotel can usually arrange everything for you. Alternatively, if you are booking whilst in Thailand, there are many tour booths dotted around that will book boat tickets for you.
At the pier
Possible, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on this during busy periods as the boat crossings sell out.
In most cases, I book in advance for peace of mind (around 2 weeks ahead), especially during high season.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Booking connections too tightly
Delays are common. Give yourself buffer time, especially in rainy season.
2. Underestimating travel time
A “2 hour journey” can easily become 3 hours door-to-door.
3. Ignoring weather and seasons
Sea conditions can change everything, especially for speedboats. Cancellations are common in low season.
4. Trying to do too much
This is the biggest one. Thailand looks easy to hop around, but travel days do add up quickly. I advise sticking to one island group unless you have more than 2 weeks to fill.
FAQs About Travelling Between Thai Islands
1. What is the best island hopping route in Thailand?
In my experience, the easiest and most popular route is along the Andaman Coast, Phuket or Krabi → Koh Phi Phi → Koh Lanta → Koh Yao Noi. It’s well connected, relatively easy to navigate, and gives you a great mix of scenery, beaches and experiences without long travel days.
2. What is the cheapest island to get to from Bangkok?
Koh Samet and Koh Chang are usually the cheapest and easiest islands to reach from Bangkok. Both can be accessed by a combination of bus or private transfer and a short ferry, without needing to fly.
3. Which Thai island is less touristy?
Koh Lanta, Koh Kood and Koh Mak are all much quieter than places like Phuket or Phi Phi. They feel more relaxed, less commercialised and are ideal if you’re looking to avoid crowds.
4. Is island hopping in Thailand expensive?
Not necessarily. Ferries and shared transfers are generally quite affordable, but costs can add up if you choose speedboats, private transfers or flights. In my experience, it’s easy to keep costs reasonable if you plan your route well.
5. How do you get from one island to another in Thailand?
Most journeys are done by ferry or speedboat, often combined with a minivan transfer from your hotel to the pier.
6. What is the best way to travel between Thai islands?
Ferries are usually the most comfortable and reliable option, while speedboats are faster but can be more intense depending on sea conditions.
7. Is island hopping in Thailand easy?
Yes, island hopping in Thailand is straightfoward, especially in well-connected areas like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. The main thing is allowing enough time between journeys, as travel days can take longer than expected.
8. Can you travel between Thai islands without flying?
Yes, most island hopping routes are done entirely by boat. Flights are only needed if you’re travelling between regions, like from Phuket to Koh Samui. However, to reach most Thai islands you will first need to fly into a local hub eg Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Trat
9. How long does it take to travel between Thai islands?
It varies a lot. Some Thai island routes take 30–60 minutes, while others (like Phuket to Koh Lipe) can take 4–5 hours.
10. Do you need to book ferries in advance in Thailand?
I usually recommend booking Thai ferries at least a few days in advance, especially during peak season. Routes can fill up quickly, and having everything organised makes travel days much smoother. I try and book atleast 2 weeks in advance.
11. Is it better to stay in one place or island hop in Thailand?
A mix of both works best. I’d recommend visiting 2–3 islands rather than trying to see too many, so you can actually enjoy each place without spending your whole trip travelling.
12. Are ferries or speedboats better in Thailand?
Ferries are better for comfort and stability, especially with luggage. Speedboats are quicker, but can be rough, I tend to choose ferries unless I’m short on time.
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