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Getting to Koh Lipe

Getting to Koh Lipe

Navigating Your Way to Koh Lipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Koh Lipe, a tropical island in southern Thailand, is accessible by air and sea. The most common route is to fly to Hat Yai International Airport and then take a ferry or speedboat to the island. Alternatively, you can take a direct ferry from Langkawi, Malaysia. For a more scenic journey, consider flying to Krabi and taking a ferry or speedboat from there.

Departing from Malaysia
Travel via Langkawi Island (Recommended Route)​

This is the most common and convenient way to reach Koh Lipe from Malaysia.

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Step 1: Get to Langkawi, Malaysia

You will first need to travel to Langkawi, an island in northern Malaysia. There are several ways to do this:

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  • By Flight: Take a direct flight to Langkawi International Airport (LGK) from major Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Johor Bahru. Airlines like AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly operate frequent flights.

  • By Bus/Ferry: If you are coming from other parts of Malaysia, take a bus to the port town of Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah. From there, ferries operate to Langkawi.

 

Step 2: Take a Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe

Once you're in Langkawi, head to Telaga Harbour or Kuah Jetty (depending on the ferry service) for a direct ferry to Koh Lipe.

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  • Ferry Duration: About 90 minutes.

  • Ferry Schedule: Ferries typically operate from October to May, during high season. It's advisable to check the schedule and book tickets in advance, as ferries may not run daily during the low season.

 

Immigration

Upon boarding the ferry, you'll go through immigration in Langkawi. Similarly, you will pass through Thai immigration upon arriving at Koh Lipe.

Travel via Penang

If you're closer to Penang, there is an alternative route from there.

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Step 1: Get to Penang

You can reach Penang by flight, bus, or train from cities like Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru.

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Step 2: Travel from Penang to Langkawi

Take a ferry from Swettenham Pier in Penang to Langkawi. The ferry ride takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

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Step 3: Take the Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
Follow the same steps as mentioned in the previous route to take a ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe.

Overland via Hat Yai, Thailand

Another option is to travel overland via Hat Yai, Thailand. This method is ideal if you're already in northern Malaysia or prefer a more affordable route.

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Step 1: Travel to Hat Yai, Thailand

  • By Bus: You can take a bus from major Malaysian cities (e.g., Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Alor Setar) to Hat Yai, which is located near the Malaysia-Thailand border.

  • By Train: Trains from Kuala Lumpur or Butterworth (Penang) travel to Padang Besar, the border town between Malaysia and Thailand. From there, you can board a train or bus to Hat Yai.

 

Step 2: Take a Minibus or Private Transfer to Pak Bara Pier

From Hat Yai, take a minibus or private transfer (about 2 hours) to Pak Bara Pier.

 

Step 3: Ferry from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe

At Pak Bara Pier, board a ferry to Koh Lipe. Ferries run several times a day, with a travel time of around 90 minutes to 2 hours.

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Departing from Singapore
Travel via Langkawi Island (Recommended Route)

This is the most convenient and popular way to travel from Singapore to Koh Lipe, involving a combination of flight and ferry.
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Step 1: Fly from Singapore to Langkawi, Malaysia
You’ll first need to fly from Singapore to Langkawi, Malaysia. Several airlines operate daily flights from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Langkawi International Airport (LGK):
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  • Airlines: AirAsia, Scoot, and Malaysia Airlines.

  • Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.


Step 2: Take a Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
Once you arrive in Langkawi, take a taxi or Grab to the ferry terminal, either Telaga Harbour or Kuah Jetty. Ferries to Koh Lipe operate from October to May, with reduced services during the off-season.
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  • Ferry Duration: About 90 minutes.

  • Ferry Schedule: Ferries typically operate between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, but schedules vary depending on the season.


Step 3: Immigration Procedures
Before boarding the ferry, you’ll need to pass through Malaysian immigration in Langkawi. When you arrive on Koh Lipe, you’ll go through Thai immigration on Pattaya Beach, where officials will stamp your passport.

Travel via Penang

For those who prefer to explore Penang, this option involves a flight to Penang followed by a ferry ride.

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Step 1: Fly from Singapore to Penang

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  • Airlines: AirAsia, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines operate flights between Singapore and Penang.

  • Flight Duration: Around 1 hour 30 minutes.


Step 2: Travel from Penang to Langkawi
Take a ferry from Swettenham Pier in Penang to Langkawi. This ferry ride takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

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Step 3: Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
After arriving in Langkawi, follow the same procedure as described in the previous route: take a ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe.

Overland via Hat Yai, Thailand

This option involves an overland trip via Hat Yai, Thailand, and is ideal for budget travellers who want to explore the mainland before heading to Koh Lipe.

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Step 1: Fly from Singapore to Hat Yai, Thailand

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  • Airlines: AirAsia operates direct flights from Singapore to Hat Yai.

  • Flight Duration: Around 1 hour 40 minutes.

 

Step 2: Travel to Pak Bara Pier

From Hat Yai, take a minivan, bus, or private taxi to Pak Bara Pier, which is the main pier for ferries to Koh Lipe. The journey takes around 2 hours.

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  • Minivan: Shared minivans are the most budget-friendly option, departing frequently from Hat Yai city centre or airport.

  • Private Transfer: You can also book a private transfer for convenience.

 

Step 3: Ferry from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe
At Pak Bara Pier, catch a ferry to Koh Lipe.

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  • Ferry Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • Ferry Schedule: Ferries usually run multiple times a day, especially during the high season.

Via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If you prefer an alternative budget option, you can travel through Kuala Lumpur.

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Step 1: Fly from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
Flight Duration: About 1 hour.


Step 2: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi or Hat Yai
You can choose to either:

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  • Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi (then take a ferry to Koh Lipe).

  • Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai (then take a minivan to Pak Bara Pier and ferry to Koh Lipe).

Departing from Indonesia
Travel via Langkawi Island (Recommended Route)

This is one of the most convenient routes for travellers coming from Indonesia, as Langkawi is the closest major hub to Koh Lipe.

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Step 1: Fly from Indonesia to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The first step is to fly from Indonesia to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Direct flights are available from several major cities in Indonesia:

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  • Jakarta: Direct flights via airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines.

  • Bali (Denpasar): Direct flights are available via AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.

  • Medan: Direct flights with AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.

  • Flight Duration: Approx. 2 to 3 hours, depending on your departure city.

 

Step 2: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi

  • From Kuala Lumpur, take a direct flight to Langkawi.

  • Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly.

  • Flight Duration: Around 1 hour 10 minutes.

 

Step 3: Take a Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
Once you arrive in Langkawi, head to the ferry terminal at Telaga Harbour or Kuah Jetty to board a ferry to Koh Lipe.

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  • Ferry Duration: 90 minutes.

  • Ferry Schedule: Ferries to Koh Lipe operate from October to May, with multiple daily departures during the high season.

 

Step 4: Immigration Procedures
At Langkawi, you’ll go through Malaysian immigration before boarding the ferry. Upon arriving at Pattaya Beach in Koh Lipe, you’ll go through Thai immigration.

Via Hat Yai, Thailand (Overland Route)

This option is ideal for travelers who want to combine their trip with a visit to southern Thailand.

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Step 1: Fly from Indonesia to Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, then Hat Yai
Fly from Indonesia to either Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok and then take a connecting flight to Hat Yai International Airport (HDY), Thailand.

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  • From Kuala Lumpur: AirAsia operates direct flights to Hat Yai, with a flight duration of about 1 hour 20 minutes.

  • From Bangkok: You can fly directly to Hat Yai via Thai Airways, Nok Air, or AirAsia, with a flight time of 1 hour 25 minutes.

 

Step 2: Travel from Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier
Once you arrive in Hat Yai, take a minivan, bus, or taxi to Pak Bara Pier, which is the main departure point for ferries to Koh Lipe.

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  • Travel Time: About 2 hours by road.

 

Step 3: Take a Ferry from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe
At Pak Bara Pier, catch a ferry to Koh Lipe.

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  • Ferry Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • Ferry Schedule: Ferries depart several times a day, particularly during the high season (October to May).

Via Penang Island, Malaysia (Alternative Route)

If you prefer to explore Penang, Malaysia, this option allows you to travel via Penang and Langkawi.

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Step 1: Fly from Indonesia to Penang
Fly from Indonesia to Penang International Airport (PEN), Malaysia. Direct flights to Penang are available from cities like Jakarta or Medan.

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  • Flight Duration: Approx. 1 to 3 hours, depending on your departure city.

 

Step 2: Travel from Penang to Langkawi
Once you arrive in Penang, you can take a ferry from Swettenham Pier to Langkawi.

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  • Ferry Duration: Around 2.5 to 3 hours.

 

Step 3: Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
Once in Langkawi, follow the same steps as the first route: take a ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe.

Via Bali (Overland via Thailand)

If you prefer a more scenic route and want to explore Thailand, you can also fly via Bangkok, combining air travel with overland transport.

 

Step 1: Fly from Bali to Bangkok, Thailand

Fly from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok.

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  • Airlines: Thai Airways, AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia.

  • Flight Duration: Approx. 4.5 hours.

 

Step 2: Fly or Travel Overland to Hat Yai

From Bangkok, either take a direct flight to Hat Yai or travel by bus or train to Hat Yai (approx. 12-15 hours overland).

 

Step 3: Take a Ferry from Hat Yai to Koh Lipe

Follow the same steps as the Hat Yai route: travel to Pak Bara Pier and take a ferry to Koh Lipe.

Departing from all around the world
Fly to Southeast Asia First

The first step is to fly to a major city in Southeast Asia that offers good connectivity to either Langkawi (Malaysia), Hat Yai (Thailand), or Bangkok (Thailand), which are the nearest travel hubs to Koh Lipe. From these hubs, you’ll take connecting flights, overland transport, and ferries to the island.

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Major Southeast Asian Hubs:

  • Bangkok, Thailand (Suvarnabhumi Airport – BKK / Don Mueang Airport – DMK)

  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur International Airport – KUL)

  • Singapore (Changi International Airport – SIN)

  • Penang, Malaysia (Penang International Airport – PEN)

  • Hat Yai, Thailand (Hat Yai International Airport – HDY)

 

Most international travellers will fly into Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, but Langkawi and Hat Yai are the closest options to Koh Lipe.

Routes to Koh Lipe from Key Regional Hubs

Step 1: Fly to Langkawi
You can fly directly to Langkawi International Airport (LGK) from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang, or other regional cities.

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  • From Kuala Lumpur: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly operate flights (1 hour 10 minutes).

  • From Singapore: Direct flights by AirAsia, Scoot, and Malaysia Airlines (1 hour 30 minutes).

  • From Penang: Short flights are available with AirAsia or Firefly (40 minutes).

 

Step 2: Take a Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
Ferries operate from Telaga Harbour or Kuah Jetty in Langkawi to Koh Lipe. Ferry services are available from October to May.

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  • Ferry Duration: 90 minutes.

  • Ferry Schedule: Typically, ferries run in the morning and early afternoon.

 

Immigration Procedures
You’ll clear Malaysian immigration in Langkawi and go through Thai immigration upon arrival in Koh Lipe.

Via Hat Yai, Thailand (Overland Option)

Step 1: Fly to Hat Yai
Fly into Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) from major regional hubs like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.

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  • From Bangkok: Multiple daily flights are operated by Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Nok Air (1 hour 25 minutes).

  • From Kuala Lumpur: Direct flights are available via AirAsia (1 hour 20 minutes).

 

Step 2: Travel Overland from Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier
From Hat Yai, take a minivan, bus, or private taxi to Pak Bara Pier, which is about a 2-hour drive.

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  • Minivans: Available at Hat Yai airport or city centre.

  • Private Transfers: More comfortable and faster but costlier.

 

Step 3: Take a Ferry from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe
Once at Pak Bara Pier, catch a ferry to Koh Lipe.

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  • Ferry Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • Ferry Schedule: Ferries run several times daily, especially during the high season (October to May).

Via Bangkok, Thailand (Fly and Ferry Combination)

Step 1: Fly to Bangkok
Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s largest international hubs, receiving flights from all over the world. Major airlines like Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), while low-cost airlines like AirAsia and Nok Air serve Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

 

Step 2: Fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai
From Bangkok, take a domestic flight to Hat Yai International Airport (HDY), as mentioned above.

 

Step 3: Travel from Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier and Take a Ferry to Koh Lipe
From Hat Yai, follow the same steps for overland transport and ferry as described in the Hat Yai route.

Via Penang Island, Malaysia (Alternative Route)

Step 1: Fly to Penang
Fly to Penang International Airport (PEN) from regional hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other cities in Southeast Asia.

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  • From Kuala Lumpur: Frequent short flights via AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly (1 hour).

  • From Singapore: Direct flights by AirAsia, Firefly, and Scoot (1 hour 30 minutes).

 

Step 2: Ferry from Penang to Langkawi
Take a ferry from Swettenham Pier in Penang to Langkawi.

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  • Ferry Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours.

 

Step 3: Ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
From Langkawi, take a ferry to Koh Lipe as described in the Langkawi route.

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