Are you looking for the best way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe? Our guide will help you choose the safest and most direct way possible.
One of the most visited cities in the world, Bangkok is a melting pot of culture, contrasts, history and Thai hospitality.
Koh Lipe, on the other hand, is a small island jutting out of the Thai Andaman Sea, adorned with crystal waters and stretches of soft white beaches.
Each within their own unique setting, and offering vastly different activities and sightseeing opportunities, both are worthy of a visit, or two!
Whether you are darting between the two locales, or are making a one way trip from Bangkok (where you most likely have landed), there is a multitude of ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe, and a return from Koh Lipe to Bangkok.
How to Get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok
Time is most likely the key factor in deciding how to get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok, and depending on whether you are travelling solo, or with kids, these are your best options when it comes to the modes of transport on offer.
Option 1: Getting to Koh Lipe by Train
If you aren’t in too much of a rush, you may actually enjoy seeing more of Thailand by train.
Your itinerary will look something like this:
- Bangkok to Hat Yai by train (14-15 hours)
- Hat Yai to Pak Bara by road (2-3 hours)
- Pak Bara to Koh Lipe by speedboat or ferry (2 hours)
Perfect For: Solo or slow travel
Total Journey Time: 18-20 hours
The cost: from $23.14 for the train, US $ 205 for the private transfer, US $ 23.51 for a speed boat
Option 2: Getting to Koh Lipe by Plane
Unmatched for travel time, the fastest way to reach your final destination is by catching a flight.
Your itinerary is much the same as transport by train, and will look something like this:
- Bangkok to Hat Yai by plane (1+ hours)
- Hat Yai to Pak Bara by road (2-3 hours)
- Pak Bara to Koh Lipe by speedboat or ferry (2 hours)
Total Journey Time: 5-6 hours
Perfect For: Traveling with kids, those with limited time
The cost: from $49.44 for the plane, US $ 205 for the private transfer, US $ 23.51 for a speed boat
If you decide to catch a plane, consider pre-arranging a Hat Yai Airport transfer to Koh Lipe, with a brief check-in at Pak Bara to switch from road transit to speedboat.
This way you are ensured the swiftest, stress-free journey possible.
Once you reach the beautiful, tropical paradise of Koh Lipe, make the most of your Thai retreat and check out some of these great Koh Lipe day trips and scuba diving adventures in Koh Lipe!
Need to know before you go from Bangkok to Koh Lipe
Here are some of the things you might want to know before you go to Koh Lipe from Bangkok:
How far is Bangkok from Koh Lipe
The travelling distance between Bangkok and Koh Lipe is approximately 818 kilometres, a distance best traversed by plane.
Hat Yai is the nearest town to Koh Lipe which is equipped with an airport, and it also has a train station.
Travelling from Bangkok to Koh Lipe by train will take you around 15 hours, while a local flight will see you spend just 1 hour in transit.
Tip: If you are staying in Bangkok for a few days, you might be interested in what to do around Bangkok for a day.
Getting to Koh Lipe from Bangkok
Set about 60 kilometres from the Thai Mainland, Koh Lipe is Thailand’s Southernmost island.
Koh Lipe is the only inhabited island of the Adang Archipelago, of which there are approximately 10. Day trips to these islands are highly encouraged.
Pak Bara is the pivotal point from which to reach Koh Lipe and the only way to get there year round.
This transport hub can be accessed from Bangkok by catching a short flight to Hat Yai, then a two-hour trip by road to Pak Bara, where a ferry or speedboat can zip you off to Koh Lipe in no time.
Final Words:
Thailand is a vibrant, exciting place to visit, but it is also easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle. We would love to hear about your experience in getting from Bangkok to Koh Lipe, what did you find was the best way?
Over to you:
- Which of the above choices of how to get from Bangkok to Koh Lipe will you choose?
- Please share your experiences with us in the comments below. This will help our fellow travellers to choose the most popular of the two.
