How to get from Khao Lak to Koh Phra Thong

Khao Lak is your relaxed Andaman base, while Koh Phra Thong is a remote savanna island reached by a mix of road and longtail boat via Khura Buri pier—here’s exactly how to get from one to the other step by step.

At A Glance (Khao Lak to Koh Phra Thong)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & most convenient: Choose Option #1 – Private Taxi/Van + Charter Longtail if you have limited time, are arriving from a flight the same day, or are traveling with family and luggage. Your driver and boatman coordinate timings so you roll straight onto the longtail.
• Best balance of price vs. comfort: Option #2 – Shared Minivan/Bus + Resort Boat keeps costs reasonable while still being fairly straightforward, especially if your Koh Phra Thong lodge bundles transfers.
• Cheapest: Option #3 – Public Bus + DIY Transfers can be the lowest-cost route if you use local buses and negotiate your own moto‑taxi or songthaew to the pier, but it takes more time and flexibility.
• Most scenic & flexible: If you like to stop at viewpoints, markets, or Khao Sok/Phang Nga along the way, Option #4 – Self‑Drive + Boat gives you total control of your schedule.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book overland legs online when possible: For fixed‑price buses, vans, and taxis between Khao Lak and Khura Buri, use platforms like 12Go Asia so you can see real schedules and reviews in English.
• Reserve your boat in advance: There is no public ferry or walk‑up longtail service from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong. Arrange the longtail through your resort or via the island’s local transport info page at KohPhraThong.com.
• Coordinate with flight times: If you’re flying into Phuket first, search flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com, then allow at least 4–5 hours between landing and the last boat (~16:30 from Khura Buri).
• Airport → Khao Lak transfers: Pre‑book a car from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak using services like GetYourGuide private transfers, Welcome Pickups, or GetTransfer. In Thailand, ride‑hailing apps like Grab may also cover parts of the route, but they’re less reliable this far north.
• Where to stay before/after: If you’re breaking the journey, browse Khao Lak hotels for an easy beachfront overnight or pick a guesthouse near Khura Buri bus station.
• Lighten your luggage: For big suitcases you don’t need on the island, consider luggage storage around Phuket (for example via Radical Storage) and head to Koh Phra Thong with only a soft bag or backpack.
• Getting around Khao Lak: If you’re spending a few days in Khao Lak before or after, scooters via BikesBooking are popular for short local rides—just avoid tackling the full Khao Lak→Khura Buri highway on a scooter unless you’re very experienced.
• Check sea & weather conditions: Before committing to boat travel, check the Thai Meteorological Department’s marine forecasts and avoid travelling in periods of strong winds, heavy rain, or advisories for small boats.

🚕 Option #1 — Private Taxi/Van + Charter Longtail Boat (Fastest & Most Convenient)

Door-to-door Minimal transfers Higher cost

• Overview: A private car or minivan picks you up at your Khao Lak hotel, drives ~90 km north to Khura Buri (about 1.5 hours), then you board a pre‑booked longtail boat for a scenic 1+ hour ride through mangroves out to Koh Phra Thong.
• Typical timing: Leave Khao Lak between 11:30–13:30 to comfortably catch the last longtail (usually around 16:30). Earlier is better in case of traffic.
• How to book (with price):
  • Private car/van: Expect around THB 1,600–2,500 per car/minivan from Khao Lak to Khura Buri pier. You can compare options on 12Go’s taxi listings or via local operators and hotel desks.
  • Charter longtail boat: Resorts commonly charge THB 1,500–2,000 per boat (up to ~8 passengers) for Khura Buri→Koh Phra Thong. Check current details on the island’s local transport page or directly with your lodge (e.g. Baba Ecolodge, eco‑resorts, etc.).
  • Coming straight from Phuket Airport: If you land early, you can book a private airport transfer to Khao Lak using Klook airport transfers, GetYourGuide, Welcome Pickups, or GetTransfer, then connect onward to Khura Buri.
• Pros: Fastest, most comfortable, and easiest if you’re jet‑lagged or traveling with kids. Door‑to‑door coordination between car and boat minimizes waiting at the pier.
• Cons: Highest overall cost; must still respect the last‑boat cut‑off; limited departure flexibility if seas are rough.

Step-by-step: Private Taxi/Van + Charter Longtail

1. Confirm your resort & boat slot: Before anything else, email your Koh Phra Thong lodge with your intended date/time. Ask them to reserve a private longtail and confirm the latest arrival time at Khura Buri pier.
2. Book your car or van: Reserve a taxi/van for the agreed pick‑up time at your Khao Lak hotel. Use online platforms like 12Go taxis or reputable transfer companies recommended by your accommodation.
3. Departure from Khao Lak: On the day, meet your driver in the hotel lobby with your bags already packed in soft luggage if possible (easier to stow on the boat).
4. Drive to Khura Buri: Enjoy the ~1.5‑hour drive north along Highway 4 through jungle‑covered hills and small villages. You can ask your driver to stop briefly for snacks or an ATM in Khura Buri town if needed.
5. Arrive at Khura Buri pier: Your driver will drop you at the correct pier/meeting point specified by your resort (often Kuraburi Pier or Bang Ben/Bang Thap Lamu‑side jetties). Look for your boatman or the name sign of your resort.
6. Board the longtail: Load bags onto the boat (keep electronics in dry bags), put on lifejackets, and settle in for an hour cruising through mangroves and open sea to Koh Phra Thong.
7. Final transfer on the island: Some resorts use a small village pier and then a pickup or golf cart across the savanna to your bungalow; others drop you directly on the beach in front of the resort—just follow their instructions.

Getting to the main embarking points (Khura Buri Pier)

• From Khao Lak beaches (Bang Niang, Nang Thong, etc.) your private taxi/van will usually collect you directly at your hotel lobby and drive straight to Khura Buri pier—no extra steps needed.
• If staying near Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park, confirm exact pick‑up on the main road so the driver doesn’t need to navigate resort side streets in the dark.
• Travelers arriving same‑day from Phuket or Phuket Airport should allow plenty of buffer time; hitting traffic around Phuket can delay you and risk missing the last boat.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Shared Minivan/Bus + Resort-Arranged Boat (Good Value)

Lower cost Pre-booked seats Fixed departure times

• Overview: Take a scheduled bus or shared minivan from Khao Lak to Khura Buri, meet a pickup arranged by your resort at the bus station, then transfer by longtail boat to Koh Phra Thong.
• Typical timing: Buses/minivans take around 1.5–2 hours Khao Lak→Khura Buri. Add ~15–30 minutes to transfer from bus station to pier and about 1+ hour for the boat ride.
• How to book (with price):
  • Buses & vans: Expect fares from about THB 80–250 per person. See current departure times and operators on 12Go Asia (Khao Lak→Khura Buri).
  • Resort transfers: Many eco‑lodges on Koh Phra Thong will include a pickup at Khura Buri bus station and the boat in a fixed transfer fee. Ask for a “bus + boat package” when booking your accommodation on sites like Booking.com or directly via email.
  • Boat cost: Shared boats typically work out at roughly THB 350–700 per person, depending on how many people are on your longtail and your resort’s policy.
• Pros: Cheaper than a full private transfer, still relatively straightforward when everything is arranged through your lodge.
• Cons: You must match your bus arrival to the fixed boat time, and you’ll have less control if buses run late.

Step-by-step: Shared Minivan/Bus + Resort Boat

1. Arrange transfers with your resort: Confirm which bus/minivan departure they recommend from Khao Lak and what time they’ll collect you at Khura Buri station.
2. Book your seat: Reserve tickets on a bus or van that arrives at least 45–60 minutes before the scheduled boat departure, using 12Go Asia or buying locally the day before.
3. Board in Khao Lak: Get on at the agreed pickup point (often along the main Highway 4). Keep your daypack with valuables on your lap.
4. Arrive in Khura Buri: Meet the resort’s representative or follow their instructions to a short songthaew/moto ride to the pier if pickup isn’t included.
5. Boat to Koh Phra Thong: Join the shared longtail to the island, wearing a hat and sunscreen—midday crossings can be hot.

Getting to the main embarking points (Khura Buri Bus Station & Pier)

• Buses and vans from Khao Lak usually drop you at Khura Buri bus station in town, a short ride from the pier.
• Your resort may send a songthaew or pickup truck to collect you there; otherwise, local moto‑taxis can take you to the pier for a small fee.
• Carry the pier name written in Thai (for example, “ท่าเรือคุระบุรี”) to show drivers if there’s a language barrier.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Public Bus + DIY Local Transfers + Longtail (Budget)

Cheapest Adventure style Least predictable

• Overview: Use regular intercity buses between Khao Lak and Khura Buri, then negotiate or arrange your own tuk‑tuk/moto to the pier and board a pre‑booked longtail boat to Koh Phra Thong.
• Typical timing: About 1.5–2 hours by bus, plus 10–20 minutes to reach the pier, and 1+ hour by longtail.
• Costs: Public buses from Khao Lak to Khura Buri are often around THB 85–120. Add ~THB 50–150 for a moto‑taxi or songthaew to the pier and then your share of the longtail (or charter price).
• How to book:
  • Public buses are usually bought on the spot at Highway 4 bus stops or roadside agents. For an idea of operators and frequencies you can preview options on 12Go’s Rungkit Tour page, then pay in cash locally.
  • Boat must still be arranged in advance—contact your Koh Phra Thong accommodation or use the island FAQ for up‑to‑date advice. There is no guaranteed walk‑up service.
• Pros: Lowest possible cost and a very local feel; good if you enjoy flexible, slow travel.
• Cons: More waiting, less English spoken, and more chance of missing the last boat if buses run late. Have a backup plan to overnight in Khura Buri if needed.

Step-by-step: Public Bus + DIY Transfers

1. Check bus windows: Ask your Khao Lak guesthouse or a local travel agency what time northbound buses toward Ranong/Khura Buri usually pass and how long they take.
2. Arrange boat ahead of time: Confirm a boat slot with your resort for a specific time (for example 14:00). Work backwards so you catch a bus that should arrive at least 60–90 minutes before that.
3. Catch the bus in Khao Lak: Stand at the main road bus stop (often near 7‑Eleven clusters); wave down buses heading north and confirm they stop in Khura Buri before boarding.
4. Arrive in Khura Buri: Get off in town or at the bus station and immediately find a moto‑taxi or songthaew. Show them the pier location and your resort name.
5. Boat crossing: Meet your chartered longtail, pay agreed fares, and cross to Koh Phra Thong.

Getting to the main embarking points (On a Budget)

• Khao Lak’s northbound buses normally run along the main highway; you may need to walk from the beach area to the road (10–20 minutes) or ask your accommodation for the nearest bus stop.
• In Khura Buri, moto‑taxis often wait near the bus stop; agree the fare to the pier before hopping on.
• Carry small notes (THB 20/50/100) for bus and moto‑taxi payments; change can be limited.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive Rental Car + Longtail (Most Flexible)

Flexible stops Great for groups Experienced drivers only

• Overview: Rent a car (usually from Phuket Airport or Khao Lak), drive yourself to Khura Buri, park near the pier, then take a pre‑booked longtail boat to Koh Phra Thong.
• Typical timing: From central Khao Lak it’s roughly 1.5–2 hours to Khura Buri by car; from Phuket Airport allow 2.5–3 hours. Add the usual 1+ hour for the boat crossing.
• How to book (with price):
  • Car rental: Expect THB 1,200–1,800 per day for a small car from major brands. Compare deals for Thailand on Booking.com Car Rental and collect the vehicle at Phuket Airport or in Khao Lak.
  • Boat: Same pricing as other options (roughly THB 1,500–2,000 per longtail per way). Coordinate with your resort to park safely and meet the boatman.
• Pros: Lets you add stops at Khao Sok National Park, Phang Nga viewpoints, or markets; cost‑effective if you’re a group planning a wider road trip.
• Cons: Driving in Thailand means left‑hand traffic, variable road conditions, and sharing the highway with trucks and buses; not ideal for nervous drivers.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive + Longtail

1. Book your rental car: Reserve a car at Phuket Airport or Khao Lak through Booking.com Car Rental. Make sure your license, insurance, and deposit requirements are clear.
2. Plan your overnight stays: Consider a night in a Khao Lak hotel if your flight arrives late, then continue to Khura Buri the next morning.
3. Coordinate with your Koh Phra Thong resort: Ask where to park (many guests leave cars at a trusted spot near the pier) and at what time to meet the longtail.
4. Drive to Khura Buri: Follow Highway 4 north; fuel and snacks are available at PTT and other petrol stations along the way.
5. Park & transfer to the pier: Park where your resort suggests, then walk or take a short lift to the boat dock.
6. Boat to the island: Join your longtail and enjoy the mangrove scenery as you head out to Koh Phra Thong.

Getting to the main embarking points (Driving Yourself)

• Set your navigation to “Khura Buri Pier” or the exact coordinates/name your resort provides to avoid confusion with other small jetties.
• Carry some cash for toll‑free parking lots or informal guarded parking near the pier—fees are usually modest.
• If you’re not confident driving on highways, consider using a mix of buses/vans and private transfers instead.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Khao Lak to Koh Phra Thong)

How long does it actually take to get from Khao Lak to Koh Phra Thong?
Most travelers should plan on around 3–4 hours door‑to‑door. That usually breaks down as 1.5–2 hours by road from Khao Lak to Khura Buri and just over 1 hour by longtail boat, plus some buffer time for transfers and loading.

Do I really need to book the boat in advance?
Yes. There is no regular public ferry and usually no spare longtail boats just waiting at Khura Buri pier. Your accommodation will help you pre‑book a boat and coordinate the exact departure time based on tides and weather.

Can I visit Koh Phra Thong as a day trip from Khao Lak?
It’s technically possible on a private speedboat or very early private longtail, but most visitors stay at least 2–3 nights. Travel time, sea conditions, and the remote vibe mean Koh Phra Thong works far better as an overnight eco‑escape than a quick day outing.

What’s the best time of year to travel this route?
The island is most easily accessed in the dry season (roughly December–March), when seas are calmer and skies are clearer. In the wet season (roughly May–October), heavy rain and bigger waves can make the crossing rough and occasionally disrupt boats; always follow your resort’s safety advice.

Are there ATMs or big shops on Koh Phra Thong?
Services are very limited. There may be small village shops for basic snacks and drinks, but you should bring enough cash for your stay, activities, and any extras. Withdraw money in Khao Lak, Khura Buri, or Phuket before heading to the island.

Is this trip suitable for children?
Many families make the journey without issues. Choose a comfortable transfer (often Option #1), travel in the morning when seas are usually calmer, bring lifejackets that fit small kids if you have them, and pack sun protection, snacks, and water for the boat ride.

• useful references:
• https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/ko-phra-thong
• https://www.tourismthailand.org/Destinations/Provinces/Phang-Nga/348
• https://www.tmd.go.th/en/forecast/shipping
• https://www.kohphrathong.com/transport_local_thailand.html

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on June 30, 2026. 0 people found this post useful.

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