Journey to: Ko Lipe

Flight Connections

Main Airports

Ko Lipe does not have its own airport. Air travelers must fly to a nearby mainland airport and then continue by land and sea.

Airport Options

Hat Yai International Airport (HDY): Main gateway in Thailand with frequent connections.
Langkawi International Airport (LGK): Alternative entry from Malaysia (direct ferries in high season).
Phuket (HKT) and Krabi (KBV) require longer travel via multiple transfers.

Airlines & Routes

Domestic Thai airlines mainly serve Hat Yai from Bangkok. Malaysian airlines serve Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur.

Connecting Flights

No direct global flights; connect via Bangkok (BKK/DMK) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are options.
Combined minivan and ferry tickets are available at Hat Yai Airport.
Seasonal variations impact flight frequency and prices (higher in peak season).

Train Connections

Hat Yai Junction is the closest major train station. It offers connections to Bangkok. From there, minivan transfers to Pak Bara Pier.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses connect Hat Yai to various cities throughout Thailand. From Hat Yai Bus Terminal, travelers arrange minivan transfers to Pak Bara Pier.

Self-Drive to Pier

Self-driving to Pak Bara Pier is feasible. Car rental agencies operate at Hat Yai Airport. Paid, secure parking is available at the pier.

Sea Journey

Ferry & Speedboat Services

Speedboats and larger ferries from Pak Bara Pier on the Thai mainland serve as the main transportation to Ko Lipe.
High-speed ferries offer direct connections between Ko Lipe and Langkawi, Malaysia (high season).
Direct speedboat connections are also available to other popular Andaman islands like Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi.
Consider DiscoverCars.com for mainland rentals.

Arrival Process

When traveling between Ko Lipe and Langkawi, passengers undergo immigration clearance at the piers.
On Ko Lipe, the immigration checkpoint is near Pattaya Beach.
Longtail boats act as taxis, transferring passengers from larger ferries to the beach due to shallow waters.
This unique transfer is part of the Ko Lipe experience.

Departure Information

Fees & Taxes

No general exit fees or taxes specifically for departing Thailand or Ko Lipe apply. Airport taxes are typically included in flight tickets.

Procedures & Timing

Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before scheduled ferry departure from Ko Lipe. Allow 3 hours for international flights from Bangkok, 1.5-2 hours for Hat Yai domestic flights.

Facilities

Hat Yai Airport offers check-in, security, shops, and food. Pak Bara Pier features waiting areas and ticket counters.

Mainland to Ko Lipe Travel Options

Transportation Comparison

Method	Travel Time (approx.)	Cost (approx. THB)
Flight (BKK-HDY) + Joint Ticket	4-5 hours total (1.5hr flight, 2hr van, 1.5hr ferry)	1,500 - 3,000+ (flight + combined ticket)
Bus (BKK-HDY) + Joint Ticket	15-20 hours total (12-14hr bus, 2hr van, 1.5hr ferry)	1,000 - 2,000+ (bus + combined ticket)
Train (BKK-HDY) + Joint Ticket	18-24 hours total (15-18hr train, 2hr van, 1.5hr ferry)	1,200 - 2,500+ (train + combined ticket)

International Ferry

Method:Langkawi-Lipe Ferry
Travel Time:1.5-2 hours (direct)
Cost:1,000 - 1,500 THB
Availability:High season only

Pros & Cons

Pros (Flight/Ferry):Convenient, efficient, direct from Malaysia
Cons (Bus/Train):Longer journeys, less comfort
Cons (Ferry):Seasonal, passport control required

Booking Channels

Flights:Airline websites, airport kiosks
Joint Tickets:Local travel agents, airport kiosks

General Information

Roads (Mainland):Well-maintained, good condition
Driving Side:Left-hand side
Local Habits:Varying driving habits, use caution

Airport Facilities

Hat Yai (HDY):Basic facilities, food, SIM cards

Langkawi (LGK):Duty-free, currency exchange, food

Pak Bara Pier:Waiting areas, ticket counters

Ko Lipe:Floating pontoons for ferry departures

Motorbike Accident Risk:Only if renting on mainland

Departure Timing:30-60 mins for ferries, 3 hrs for international flights

Seasonal Schedule Check

Always check ferry schedules, especially during the low season (May-October), as they may be suspended or have reduced frequency.
This applies specifically to routes from Pak Bara on the mainland due to rougher sea conditions.
Consider purchasing combined minivan and ferry tickets for smoother transfers.
Always carry your passport and any required visa documents ready for inspection at immigration checkpoints.
Awareness of tsunami evacuation routes (uphill to higher ground) is advisable.

Journey to Ko Lipe