Destination guide
Thailand by ferry
From Phi Phi’s twin bays to the dive island of Koh Tao, most of Thailand’s best islands are a boat ride away. Choose a coast to see every crossing, the boats that run it and where to book.
Choose a coast
Each has its own ferries, ports and weather.
Andaman coast
Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta and the Trang islands
Gulf islands
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
Eastern Gulf
Pattaya, Koh Larn, Koh Samet, Koh Chang and Koh Kood
Islands and ports
Thailand ferry questions
What is the best time of year for ferries in Thailand?
It depends on the coast. The Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta) is calmest from November to April. The Gulf islands (Samui, Phangan, Tao) are usually calmest from February to August, with rougher seas from October to December. Short crossings like Pattaya to Koh Larn run all year.
Can I go from the Andaman coast to the Gulf islands by ferry?
Not by sea alone: the two coasts are on opposite sides of the Thai peninsula. Joint tickets combine a bus or van across the peninsula with the ferry, for example Krabi or Ao Nang to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, in a single booking.
Do I need to book Thai ferries in advance?
In high season (December to March, plus Thai and Chinese holidays) book popular crossings at least a day ahead, especially morning boats and tickets with hotel pick-up. Outside those dates you can usually book the day before.