Thailand Koh Lipe

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 820 kilometers (510 miles) from Bangkok to Koh Lipe. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel WriterLast updated: June 13, 2024

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Why visit Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea, near the Malaysian border. An ocean lover’s dream, you’ll find colourful coral gardens just a few metres from its shores. The waters surrounding the island are said to be home to 25% of the world’s tropical fish species!

Combine this with Koh Lipe’s pristine beaches and clear blue waters, and you’ll understand why it’s becoming such a famous destination for snorkelling and diving. What we love most is that fewer tourists are travelling to Koh Lipe, making it the perfect place to get away from it all.

What are the 3 ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lipe?

There are 3 ways to travel the 820 kilometers (510 miles) from Bangkok to Koh Lipe. You can choose between the bus + minivan, train + minivan and flight + minivan. The journey takes 5 to 23 hours and the quickest way is by flight + minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train + minivan with tickets starting at 988 THB ($29.50).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train + Minivan

19h - 21h 30m

From 988 THB ($29.50)

Flight + Minivan

5h - 7h 30m

From 1,425 THB ($42.50)

Bus + Minivan

19-23h

From 1,599 THB ($48)

Where to stay in Koh Lipe?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Koh Lipe at the bottom of this page.

Bangkok to Koh Lipe by Train + Minivan

Duration: 19h - 21h 30m

Costs: 988 THB ($29.50)

Duration: 19h - 21h 30m

Costs: 988 THB ($29.50)

Taking the train for this journey is quite a trip. The journey will take 19 hours to 21 hours 30 minutes 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

Duration: 14h 30m - 16h

Costs: 314 THB ($9.40)

Duration: 14h 30m - 16h

Costs: 314 THB ($9.40)

The trains going to Hat Yai from Bangkok depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

For this trip, which takes around 14h 30m - 16h, we recommend booking trains that are 2nd class sleepers with airconditioning so that you will be comfortable 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.

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Hat Yai

15:10

14h 40m

05:50

16:10

14h 25m

06:35

17:30

15h 48m

09:18

Thai Railway

From 314 THB ($9.40)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Hat Yai

15:10

14h 40m

05:50

16:10

14h 25m

06:35

17:30

15h 48m

09:18

Thai Railway

551 THB ($16.50)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper Fan

Hat Yai

15:10

14h 40m

05:50

Thai Railway

734 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Hat Yai

16:10

14h 25m

06:35

Thai Railway

1,098 THB ($33)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Hat Yai

16:50

15h

07:50

Thai Railways

1,342 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

First Class Sleeper

Hat Yai

16:50

15h

07:50

Thai Railways

2,170 THB ($65)

Get Your Tickets

Show 1 more operator(s)

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eying the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Step 2: Hat Yai Railway Station to Koh Lipe by Minivan + Ferry

Duration: 4h 15m - 5h 30m

Costs: 674 THB ($20)

Duration: 4h 15m - 5h 30m

Costs: 674 THB ($20)

Dee Travels Hat Yai, Satun Pakbara, and Jolly Travel are the companies offering minivan + ferry trips from Hat Yai Railway Station. Tickets start at 674 THB ($20).

Finally, after 4h 15m - 5h 30m of travel, you will arrive also at either Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach or Koh Lipe Sunrise Beach.

Hat Yai Railway Station

Standard

Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach

08:00

13:00

10:00

15:00

Marinee Travel

674 THB ($20)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Railway Station

Standard

Satun Pakbara Immigration Point

08:30

13:30

10:30

4h 30m

15:00

Trans Baan Ton

704 THB ($21)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Railway Station

High Speed

Koh Lipe Bundhayah Pier 2

08:00

5h 30m

13:30

10:00

5h 30m

15:30

Jolly Travel

From 714 THB ($21.50)

Hat Yai Railway Station

Standard

Koh Lipe Pier

08:20

4h 55m

13:15

10:20

4h 55m

15:15

Dee Travels Hat Yai

741 THB ($22)

Hat Yai Railway Station

VIP

Koh Lipe Immigration point

08:30

4h 15m

12:45

10:30

4h 15m

14:45

HiLipe

748 THB ($22.50)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Train Station (Haadyai Station)

Standard

Pattaya Beach

08:30

4h 30m

13:00

10:30

4h 30m

15:00

Satun Pakbara Speed Boat

865 THB ($26)

Get Your Tickets

Show 1 more operator(s)

Bangkok to Koh Lipe by Flight + Minivan

Duration: 5h - 7h 30m

Costs: 1,425 THB ($42.50)

Duration: 5h - 7h 30m

Costs: 1,425 THB ($42.50)

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.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: Bangkok to Hat Yai by Flight

Duration: 1.5 hours

Costs: 730 THB ($22)

Duration: 1.5 hours

Costs: 730 THB ($22)

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 ($22) 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.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Step 2: Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe by Minivan + Ferry

Duration: 3h 30m - 6h

Costs: 658 THB ($19.70)

Duration: 3h 30m - 6h

Costs: 658 THB ($19.70)

From Hat Yai Airport, you will still need to travel about 3h 30m - 6h before reaching Koh Lipe. We suggest booking the combined minivan and ferry option.

There are several companies that operate on this route. Be sure to check which schedule matches your flight arrival so you won’t have to wait long at the airport. Tickets start at 658 THB ($19.70).

Below, we give you a list of the more trusted companies operating on this route.

Hat Yai Airport

High Speed

Koh Lipe

09:30

3h 30m

13:00

11:30

3h 30m

15:00

Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club

658 THB ($19.70)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport

Standard

Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach

09:00

4h 10m

13:10

11:00

4h 10m

15:10

Marinee Travel

661 THB ($19.80)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport

Standard

Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe

09:00

4h 30m

13:30

11:00

4h 30m

15:30

Baan Pun Travel

661 THB ($19.80)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport

Standard

Koh Lipe Walking Street

09:00

15:00

09:00

4h 30m

13:30

09:00

3h 30m

12:30

11:00

15:00

Taweesub Speedboat

661 THB ($19.80)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport

Standard

Satun Pakbara Immigration Point

09:30

13:30

11:00

15:00

Trans Baan Ton

704 THB ($21)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport

Standard

Koh Lipe Walking Street

08:45

4h 45m

13:30

09:30

13:30

11:30

3h 30m

15:00

Lipe Ferry

From 714 THB ($21.50)

Hat Yai Airport

Standard

Koh Lipe Kamolrat

08:30

4h 30m

13:00

Kamolrat Travel and Transport

728 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport

Standard

Koh Lipe Pier

09:15

13:15

11:15

15:15

Dee Travels Hat Yai

741 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport

VIP

Koh Lipe Immigration point

09:00

3h 45m

12:45

11:00

3h 45m

14:45

HiLipe

748 THB ($22.50)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai ("airport")

Koh Lipe

09:00

13:00

11:00

3h 30m

14:30

Marinee Travel

760 THB ($23)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport (HDY)

Standard

Pattaya Beach (Bundhaya Resort)

09:00

5h 30m

14:30

11:00

4h 30m

15:30

Jolly Travel

774 THB ($23)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport

Standard

Koh Lipe Pier

09:00

13:00

11:00

15:00

Ploysiam Speedboat

798 THB ($24)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport

VIP

Koh Lipe Walking Street

08:45

4h 45m

13:30

09:30

13:30

Lipe Ferry

824 THB ($24.50)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai ("airport")

Koh Lipe

09:00

4h 30m

13:30

11:00

4h 30m

15:30

Silaphat Transfer

851 THB ($25.50)]

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Airport (HDY)

Standard

Koh Lipe Pier

09:30

13:30

11:30

15:30

Satun Pakbara Speed Boat

865 THB ($26)

Get Your Tickets

Show 10 more operator(s)

Bangkok to Koh Lipe by Bus + Minivan

Duration: 19-23h

Costs: 1,599 THB ($48)

Duration: 19-23h

Costs: 1,599 THB ($48)

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

Duration: 14h - 17h 30m

Costs: 925 THB ($27.50)

Duration: 14h - 17h 30m

Costs: 925 THB ($27.50)

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.

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.

Southern Terminal Bangkok

Standard

Hat Yai Bus Terminal

17:00

14h

07:00

Siam Lane Tour

925 THB ($27.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Hat Yai Bus terminal

19:00

17h 30m

12:30

Montanatip Tour & Travel

1,051 THB ($31.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

Express

Hat Yai Bus Terminal

15:30

14h

05:30

18:30

14h

08:30

Siam Lane Tour

1,078 THB ($32.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

Express

Songkhla

17:30

14h

07:30

Siam Lane Tour

1,135 THB ($34)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Nara Travel

Express

Hat Yai Bus Terminal

19:00

16h 30m

11:30

Raja Ferry

1,218 THB ($36.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

VIP

Hat Yai Bus terminal

19:00

17h 30m

12:30

Montanatip Tour & Travel

1,422 THB ($42.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 24 Seats

Hat Yai Bus Terminal

17:50

14h

07:50

Siam Lane Tour

1,439 THB ($43)

Get Your Tickets

Show 2 more operator(s)

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 925 THB ($27.50) and travel time is around 14h - 17h 30m.

Step 2: Hat Yai Bus Station to Koh Lipe by Minivan + Ferry

Duration: 5h - 5h 30m

Costs: 674 THB ($20)

Duration: 5h - 5h 30m

Costs: 674 THB ($20)

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 674 THB ($20).

Take note that for routes arriving on Koh Lipe, you need to pay 200 THB ($6) 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:

Hat Yai Bus Station

Standard

Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach

08:10

13:10

10:10

15:10

Marinee Travel

674 THB ($20)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Bus Terminal 1

Standard

Bu Nga Resort Beach

08:00

5h 30m

13:30

10:00

5h 30m

15:30

Thubthim Siam Travel

801 THB ($24)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Bus Station

Koh Lipe Bundhayah Pier 2

08:30

13:30

Smart En Plus

1,001 THB ($30)

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Koh Lipe

Being much smaller than many of the popular Thai islands, the number of accommodations is also smaller. This means that prices are higher on Koh Lipe, and a lot of the accommodations are luxury resorts that come with a price tag. Places tend to start around $30 for a room, a lot higher than the rest of Thailand, but also cheaper than most of the world.

Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Lipe, for all budgets:

Nest Hostel - Budget Friendly

Nest Hostel isn’t the kind of place that you shout from the rooftops about, but it is one of the cheapest and best-rated places to stay on Koh Lipe. The rooms are clean, comfortable and peaceful. Dorm rooms are also available if you want to save even more money.

Here you’re only 300m from Pattaya Beach and within walking distance of the other main beaches on Koh Lipe. The staff are amazing and make you feel instantly at home.

Clean and comfortable rooms
Close to the beach
Amazing staff
Dorm and private rooms available

Dorm rooms start from $13 per night.

Lipe Garden Beach Resort - Treating Yourself

When visiting a tropical island like Koh Lipe, the dream is to stay seconds from the beach right? Lipe Garden Beach Resort helps you to make that dream come true. You can hear the gentle sound of waves crashing from your bungalow.

The rooms are simple, but comfortable, each coming with their own private balcony with a seating area and hammock. As well as the perfect beach location, you’re also close to the Walking Street and pier.

Directly on the beach
Bungalow style rooms
Private terrace
Great location

Bungalows start from $55 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Ananya Lipe Resort - Treating Yourself

The best way to describe this place is with one word — WOW! Ananya Lipe is the kind of resort most of us can only dream of. The beautiful rooms have swim-up pools or you can go for a swim in the huge lagoon-style pool and grab a drink from the bar while you’re still in the water!

Tired of the pool? Don’t worry, the beach is only steps away. And that’s if you can be persuaded to leave your stunning oasis of a room and huge bathrooms. If you opt for a room with a jacuzzi, you’re probably never going to want to leave. This place is amazing!

Huge swimming pools
Beautiful and comfortable rooms
Right on the beach
Delicious free breakfast

Rooms start from $161 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Koh Lipe

What is the distance from Bangkok to Koh Lipe?

The distance from Bangkok to Koh Lipe is 820 kilometers (510 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe?

The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe is by flight + minivan and takes 5 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe?

The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe is by train + minivan with ticket costs starting from 988 THB ($29.50).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

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About the author(s)

Maarten

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.

Abegail

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.