How to get from Langkawi to Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a laidback archipelago on Thailand’s southwest coast. It’s comprised of 52 islands, but you’ll probably spend most of your time on the 2 main islands of Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi.
Here, you can enjoy mostly empty beaches, visit different islands every day, chase waterfalls, and just be in awe of the beauty of unspoiled nature. We think Koh Lanta is a great next stop after the touristy yet beautiful island of Langkawi!
Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lanta*
The distance from Langkawi to Koh Lanta is 160 km (100 miles). In this post, we discuss the only option to travel from Langkawi to Koh Lanta: by ferry (8 hours). Ticket costs start 400 MYR ($91).
Don’t be intimidated by the almost 8-hour journey, you won’t be really spending all that time at sea. As Koh Lanta does not have its own immigration office, you’ll have to make a short but sweet stop at Koh Lipe.
Customs and immigration procedures in Koh Lipe normally take 1 to 2 hours, during which you can enjoy its beautiful beach before continuing on to Koh Lanta.
Note that it is also possible to make an alternative route from Langkawi to Koh Lanta via land. However, this requires 4 transfers, which will take more than 10 hours and it will be very stressful trying to make it on time for the only afternoon ferry from Satun to Langkawi.
As you can’t even make this journey on the same day, we decided to save you from further details.
Itinerary from Langkawi to Koh Lanta
Langkawi to Koh Lanta by Ferry
*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (June 2022), the cross-border ferry route from Langkawi to Thailand has not yet resumed. There is no update yet about the ferries from Langkawi to Thailand.
Tigerline used to be the only ferry company offering daily trips from Langkawi to Koh Lanta via Telaga Harbour. Total travel time is 8 hours, but that includes a couple of hours in beautiful Koh Lipe for customs and immigration.
Departure and arrival station
Ferries operating from Langkawi to Koh Lanta depart from Telaga Harbour. If you’re staying at the tourist hub of Pantai Cenang, Telaga is located some 15 km north. You can reach it via a 20-minute taxi with fares from 30 MYR ($6.50).
Finally, ferries dock at Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta.
PRO TIP: Keep in mind that Langkawi is 1 hour ahead of Koh Lanta!
Since there is only 1 trip daily, we highly recommend booking your ticket online beforehand. A ticket from Langkawi to Koh Lanta costs 400 MYR ($91) on BookAway.
Customs & Immigration
Since you’re crossing the border from Malaysia to Thailand, you’ll have to arrive at Telaga Harbour at least 90 minutes before your ferry’s departure time. This is to allow enough time for customs and immigration, much like when you’re taking a plane.
At Telaga Harbour, your passport will be stamped out of Malaysia and your luggage will be checked. In most cases, you have to surrender your passport to the captain as you board the ferry.
When you arrive in Koh Lipe after around 2 hours, the ferry attendants will bring your passports straight to the immigration “office” by the beach. At this point, they will let you know what time you can get your passport back.
You’ll have maybe a couple of hours to have lunch and enjoy the beautiful view from Pattaya Beach. Just make sure you are back at your meeting point at the designated time.
Once back at the ferry, you can relax for 2.5-3 hours until it docks at Koh Lanta’s Saladan Pier.
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
