Overview Compare Flight + Minivan Bus + Minivan Train + Minivan To Stay
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe
The picturesque island of Koh Lipe lies in the Andaman Sea, near the Malaysian border. It’s a ocean lover’s dream where you can experience snorkelling and diving in crystal clear, blue waters. You can also spend your days exploring the beaches and enjoy the evenings watching the beautiful sunset.
The distance from Bangkok to Koh Lipe is 820 km (510 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lipe: by flight + minivan (5-7 hours), by bus + minivan (18-20 hours), or by train + minivan (22-24 hours). Ticket prices range from 1,545 THB ($44.50) to 1,650 THB ($47.50).
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe
The flight is normally the fastest and cheapest option when travelling from Bangkok to Koh Lipe. The flight and combined minivan and ferry ride take about 5-7 hours, and the total fare starts at 1,575 THB ($45.50). Keep in mind that prices go up during the busy season.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
When flight prices are too high, you can also opt to take a bus. Combined bus, minivan and ferry prices cost 1,545 THB ($44.50) and the journey takes at least 18 hours.
The train is a more comfortable option for long journeys, but it may take too long for this route. Travelling by train from Bangkok to Koh Lipe takes at least 22 hours.
Itinerary from Bangkok to Koh Lipe
Bangkok to Koh Lipe by Flight + Minivan
We recommend taking a flight because it is the fastest and cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lipe.
First, you have to fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai Airport. From the airport, you can take a combined minivan and ferry ride to Koh Lipe.
Step 1: Bangkok to Hat Yai by Flight
Thai VietJet Air, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Air Asia offer several flights daily to Hat Yai from Bangkok. Airfares start at 730 THB ($21) for a one-way ticket and the flight time is about 1.5 hours.
Flights depart from either Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport. Don’t worry about which airport to choose and just book the flight convenient for you. It will take you almost the same amount of time to go to any of these airports.
All flights will land at Hat Yai Airport. From there, we recommend that you take a combined minivan and ferry transfer from Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe.
We suggest taking an early flight from Bangkok so you can arrive at Koh Lipe mid-day, with time to enjoy the beaches and sights before the sun goes down. An earlier arrival will also ensure you have a prime location picked out to watch the island’s stunning sunset.
Step 2: Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe by Minivan + Ferry
From Hat Yai Airport, you will still need to travel about 3.5 to 5.5 hours before reaching Koh Lipe. We suggest booking the combined minivan and ferry option.
There are several companies that operate in this route to choose from. Be sure to check which schedule matches your flight arrival so you won’t have to wait long at the airport. Tickets start at 845 THB ($24).
Below, we give you a list of the more trusted companies operating on this route.
Minivan + Ferry schedule from Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe
Bangkok to Koh Lipe by Bus + Minivan
Travelling by bus from Bangkok to Koh Lipe takes a lot more time, but it is an alternate option during peak season when the flight prices are too high.
Step 1: Bangkok to Hat Yai by Bus
There are several companies operating buses from Bangkok to Hat Yai. Some of the popular ones are the Transport Co., Piya Rungrueang, and Siam Dern Rod.
Buses either depart from Bangkok Southern Terminal or Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak – Mochit). Transport Co. buses depart from Mochit Terminal while the Piya Rungrueang, and Siam Dern Rod buses leave from Bangkok Southern Terminal.
The two bus stations are just 10 km from the city centre of Bangkok. The Southern Terminal’s advantage is that it is easier to reach because it is connected to Bangkok’s metro system. If you will ride a taxi going to these terminals, it will take you about 20-30 minutes to travel.
Bus schedule from Bangkok to Hat Yai
All buses arrive at Hat Yai Bus Station. From there, you will continue your journey by boarding a minivan and ferry to the island of Koh Lipe.
We recommend that you take an overnight bus so you don’t lose a day travelling. Fares for night buses start at 695 THB ($20) and travel time is at least 13.5 hours.
Step 2: Hat Yai Bus Station to Koh Lipe by Minivan + Ferry
From Hat Yai Bus Station, you can transfer to your combined minivan and ferry ride to Koh Lipe. The earliest minivan leaves at 08:00 in the morning and prices start at 850 THB ($24.50).
Take note that for routes arriving on Koh Lipe, you need to pay 200 THB ($5.50) per person for the national park entry fee. Your journey completes at Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach or Koh Lipe Sunrise Beach which are just 10 minutes away from each other.
You can choose from the operators and schedules below:
Minivan + Ferry schedule from Hat Yai Bus Station to Koh Lipe
Bangkok to Koh Lipe by Train + Minivan
Taking the train for this journey is quite a trip. The journey will take at least 22 hours, and can take longer depending on the train you take.
The good thing about it is that you can travel the largest part by train all the way from Bangkok to Hat Yai. This will be more comfortable than a bus ride if you are willing to allot more time travelling.
Below we want to share the details with you in case you are interested in this option.
Step 1: Bangkok to Hat Yai by Train
The trains going to Hat Yai from Bangkok depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
For this 17-18 hours trip, we recommend booking trains that are 2nd class sleepers with airconditioning so that you will be comfortable all throughout the journey until you arrive at Hat Yai Railway Station. From there, you can buy a combined minivan and ferry tickets going to Koh Lipe.
Train schedule from Bangkok to Hat Yai
Step 2: Hat Yai Railway Station to Koh Lipe by Minivan + Ferry
Dee Travels Hat Yai, Satun Pakbara, and Jolly Travel are the companies offering minivan + ferry trips from Hat Yai Railway Station. Tickets start at 825 THB ($23.50).
Finally, after 5-6 hours of travel, you will arrive also at either Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach or Koh Lipe Sunrise Beach.
Minivan + Ferry schedule from Hat Yai Railway Station to Koh Lipe
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Lipe
Seahorse Lipe
Location, location, location! This hostel is the perfect spot for those travelers who want to explore the island. Less than 400m to 3 different beaches, you can spend your day soaking up the rays at a new spot every day. This hotel offers semi-private, cubicle style, rooms and is very well-known for its friendly staff and cleanliness.
- Excellent location
- Very clean
- Friendly owners
- Walking distance to the beach
Private rooms start at $30 per night
Bloom Cafe & Hostel
This hostel & cafe is situated in a great location within walking distance to plenty of sights and beaches. The hostel is extremely, offers very comfortable beds and clean towels every day. The owners and staff are very friendly, welcoming and will assist in any way possible. The on-site bar that often provides live music is a great place to relax with a cold drink and enjoy the island vibe.
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
- On-site bar
- Friendly staff
Private rooms start at $36 per night
Gecko Lipe Resort
Your own private bungalow! Nestled in the nature of Koh Lipe sits this amazing resort. Just 50m from Walking Street and less than a 5-minute walk from the beach, it’s the perfect location. If you’re looking to enjoy nature and enjoy the peace and quiet but still be close to the action then this is definitely the spot for you! They offer free water, coffee, and tea and there is also a restaurant on-site.
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
- Private bungalows
- Surrounded by nature
Private bungalows start at $53 per night
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About the author(s)
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
