How to get from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier
Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier is a straightforward hop by speedboat. Most travelers take a direct fast boat from the floating pier off Pattaya or Sunrise Beach to Pak Bara (Satun), then continue by minivan or taxi to Hat Yai, Trang, or Krabi if needed. Below are your options, booking links, and precise steps.
At A Glance (Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚤 Speedboat (Koh Lipe → Pak Bara Pier) | ~1.5–2h on water (seasonal timetable) | Most travelers, fastest & simple |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 650–1,100 one-way » compare boats | alt. listings | ||
| 🚤🚌 Boat + Shared Van (Bundled to/from Pak Bara) | ~2–3.5h (route-dependent) | Hassle-free transfers, onward travel |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 900–1,400 pp » boat+van combos | ||
| 🛥️ Private Charter Boat | ~1.5–2h (weather-permitting) | Groups, custom timing |
| 🏷️ Cost: Varies by operator/season; arrange on-site or compare with GetTransfer (land link after landing) | ||
| 🏝️ Speedboat via Islands (Tarutao/Bulon) | ~2–4h (stops & timetable) | Scenic route, flexible schedules |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 700–1,300 one-way » see variants | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Direct speedboat from the floating pier to Pak Bara Pier.
- Cheapest + Easy Logistics: Bundled speedboat + shared van (useful if you’ll continue to Hat Yai/Trang after Pak Bara).
- Most Scenic/Flexible: Island-hopping speedboat that may stop at Koh Tarutao or Koh Bulon.
- Private/Custom Timings: Charter boat (weather-dependent; best for groups or special needs).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Seasonality matters: Schedules are fuller in high season (roughly Nov–Apr). In shoulder/low season, confirm departures a day before.
- Book online or in person: Compare departures on 12Go (Koh Lipe→Pak Bara) or Klook, or buy from walking-street agencies on Lipe.
- Luggage & boarding: Bags go in the boat’s hold. Boarding uses a floating pontoon; wear sandals you can get wet.
- Onward rides from Pak Bara: Shared vans to Hat Yai/Trang/Krabi are frequent; compare on 12Go. For a fixed car with English support, try GetTransfer. Ride-hailing (Grab/inDriver) is more available around Hat Yai than Pak Bara.
- Hotels & storage: Overnight in Pak Bara if you arrive late—browse Pak Bara stays. For city luggage drops (e.g., Hat Yai), check Radical Storage.
🚤 Option #1 — Direct Speedboat (Most Popular, Fastest)
Fast Multiple daily (in season) Sea-state dependent
- Overview: Board at the floating pier off Pattaya or Sunrise Beach on Koh Lipe. Direct boat to Pak Bara Pier (Satun) with a brief check-in at kiosks before departure.
- How to book (with price): ~THB 650–1,100 one-way. Compare operators/times on 12Go or Klook.
- Pros: Straight to the mainland pier; minimal waiting. Cons: Bumpy in windy weather; limited off-season runs.
Step-by-step: Direct Speedboat
- From your hotel, walk or take a sidecar motorbike taxi to the floating pier (usually off Pattaya Beach; some departures use Sunrise Beach).
- Check in at your operator’s beach kiosk (show e-ticket/ID), tag luggage, and receive a boarding sticker.
- Walk the floating pontoon to board; keep valuables in a dry bag and sit toward the stern if you’re motion-sensitive.
- Arrive at Pak Bara Pier; collect bags. If continuing to Hat Yai/Trang, follow signs to shared vans or meet your prebooked transfer.
Getting to the main embarking points (Koh Lipe Floating Pier → Pak Bara Pier)
- Koh Lipe pickup zones: Pattaya Beach (Walking Street end) and Sunrise Beach sometimes host separate departure pontoons—confirm on your ticket or at your hotel.
- Pak Bara arrivals: Boats dock at the main pier building; vans and taxis wait outside.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚤🚌 Option #2 — Speedboat + Shared Van (Bundled, Easiest Logistics)
Hassle-free Timed connections Fixed schedule
- Overview: One ticket covers the speedboat to Pak Bara plus a shared van onward (most commonly to Hat Yai airport/city). You can still disembark at Pak Bara if that’s your destination.
- How to book (with price): ~THB 900–1,400 for boat+van bundles. Compare departure windows on 12Go or check Klook.
- Pros: Guaranteed seat on the connecting van; minimal waiting. Cons: Less flexible timing than buying legs separately.
Step-by-step: Boat + Van Bundle
- Book a “Koh Lipe → Pak Bara + van” combo on 12Go (choose your onward stop, e.g., Hat Yai).
- On Koh Lipe, check in at the operator’s beach kiosk; board the speedboat via the floating pier.
- At Pak Bara Pier, follow staff to the van bay; show your sticker/voucher for boarding.
- If you only need Pak Bara, simply exit the pier after bag collection; ignore the van lane.
Getting to the main embarking points (Koh Lipe Pier & Pak Bara Van Bays)
- Koh Lipe: Use the same floating pier process; motorbike taxis can shuttle you from uphill resorts.
- Pak Bara: Van counters are inside the pier complex; drivers call out “Hat Yai/Trang.” For a private car, compare GetTransfer.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛥️ Option #3 — Private Charter Boat (Custom Timing, Group-Friendly)
Private Flexible Weather-dependent
- Overview: Charter a speedboat for your group from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara. Good for tight flight connections or lots of luggage. Pricing varies with boat size and sea conditions.
- How to book (with price): Enquire with island tour desks/hotels a day or two in advance. For the mainland leg after arrival, secure a car/van ahead via GetTransfer.
- Pros: You pick the time; direct handling of bags. Cons: Highest cost; may be canceled in rough seas.
Step-by-step: Charter Boat
- Ask your hotel or a reputable desk on Walking Street for charter quotes; confirm departure beach (Pattaya or Sunrise) and final drop at Pak Bara Pier.
- Exchange WhatsApp numbers for weather updates and departure confirmation; settle deposit as requested.
- Meet at the agreed beach kiosk; board via the floating pontoon and cruise direct to Pak Bara.
- On arrival, meet your prebooked driver or use the pier taxi stand.
Getting to the main embarking points (Charter kiosks & Pak Bara Pier)
- Koh Lipe: Charter operators will specify the exact beach kiosk and time; some can arrange a luggage porter to the pier.
- Pak Bara: You’ll disembark at the main pier building; vans/cars wait curbside.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🏝️ Option #4 — Speedboat via Islands (Tarutao/Bulon; Scenic/Flexible)
Scenic Photo stops* Fewer runs off-season
- Overview: Some services route via Koh Tarutao or Koh Bulon, offering quick island calls or changes of boat. Great if you’re flexible and want a mini-island-hop while getting to the mainland.
- How to book (with price): ~THB 700–1,300. Check routing notes when comparing on 12Go or browse Klook.
- Pros: More departure windows, potential island glimpses. Cons: Longer overall; not all stops allow time ashore.
Step-by-step: Island-Hopping Speedboat
- Pick a sailing that lists “via Tarutao/Bulon” when comparing boats on 12Go.
- Check in at the Koh Lipe floating pier as usual; clarify if you stay on the same boat or change boats at the stop.
- Enjoy island views; follow crew instructions if a change is needed.
- Disembark at Pak Bara Pier and continue to your hotel/van.
Getting to the main embarking points (Koh Lipe Pier & Pak Bara)
- Koh Lipe: Same floating pier process; arrive 30–45 minutes early in high season.
- Pak Bara: Follow signage to van counters for onward connections.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier)
How long is the boat ride?
Typically 1.5–2 hours depending on sea conditions and whether the boat stops at intermediate islands.
Which beach do boats leave from on Koh Lipe?
Most operators use a floating pier off Pattaya Beach; some use Sunrise Beach. Your ticket or hotel will confirm on the day.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Often yes in high season, but popular departures sell out—book a day ahead via 12Go or Klook.
Is the ride rough?
It can be choppy in windy weather. Sit near the back if prone to seasickness and bring medication/dry bag.
What’s at Pak Bara Pier?
Ticket counters, snack shops, ATMs, restrooms, plus shared vans to Hat Yai/Trang/Krabi. For a private car, compare GetTransfer.
Where should I stay if I miss the last van?
Look for simple guesthouses in Pak Bara or head to Hat Yai the next morning; browse options on Booking.com.