Ferries to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta's ferry port lies on Thailand's Andaman coast and is a hub in the island network between Phuket and the Malaysian border. You reach Koh Phi Phi and Koh Ngai in half an hour, Koh Mook in 45 minutes, Railay Beach and Koh Kradan in 1.25 hours, Phuket and Ao Nang in 1.5 hours. Further south lies Koh Lipe, three hours away. In all there are 18 destinations and up to 128 departures a day; the longest is the combined transfer to Phuket airport at 5.25 hours. Six operators call at the port, among them Andaman Wave Master, Bundhaya Speed Boat and Chaokoh Ferry.

Getting there and the terminal

Ferries and speedboats dock at Saladan Pier at the northern tip of Koh Lanta Yai, in the village of Ban Saladan at the mouth of the channel that separates the two main islands. It is the only berth in the north of the island, and because the beaches lie further south, this is where onward travel begins for most people: songthaews, taxis and scooter hire firms wait in front of the pier, and many places to stay collect their guests free of charge if you arrange it beforehand. The pier is open daily from 7:00 to 20:00, and a small port fee is charged on entry. There are toilets, shaded seating and cash machines, but no left luggage.

Check-in

Be at the pier 30 minutes before departure. Between May and October far fewer boats run than in the high season, and some services stop altogether.