If you’re planning a trip to Koh Lipe, one of Thailand’s most stunning island paradises, there are a few things you need to know about how to get there. While the island is incredibly beautiful, getting there can be a bit of an adventure. Let’s walk you through what you need to prepare for your speedboat journey and how to make the trip as comfortable as possible.

Getting to Koh Lipe: The Basics

Koh Lipe is part of the protected Tarutao National Marine Park, which means large ferries aren’t allowed to come too close to the island. This leaves speedboats as the only practical option for getting to Koh Lipe. These boats are infamous for their sometimes bumpy and uncomfortable rides, but with the right preparation, your journey can be smooth sailing.

How to Minimize Travel Time

If you’re starting your journey from the mainland, the best place to catch a speedboat is Pak Bara Pier in Hat Yai. The trip from there takes around 2.5 hours, which is the shortest journey available. If you’re flying into Thailand, you can easily arrange a transfer from the airport to the pier. Just remember that the last boat departs at 3:00 PM, so plan your flight accordingly. If you miss it, consider spending the night in Hat Yai, a city known for its food and authentic atmosphere.

Alternatively, if you’re already visiting islands in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta is another option for catching a speedboat to Koh Lipe, although expect slightly rougher waters. For those traveling from Phuket, although it’s a popular route, we don’t recommend it due to the long 5-hour journey, which can be quite uncomfortable, especially if the weather isn’t ideal.

Sea Sickness: How to Prepare

Regardless of whether you’re prone to sea sickness, it’s wise to take precautions. Speedboats have no bathrooms or sick bags, so you’ll need to be prepared for rough conditions. Here are some tips to help manage any nausea:

• Eat Light: Avoid heavy meals before your journey. A lightly empty stomach will help with motion sickness.
• Follow the Boat’s Movement: Try to move with the boat, rather than against it. This can help reduce the effects of the waves.
• Take Sea Sickness Medication: Even if you’ve never used it before, taking sea sickness tablets can be a lifesaver.
• Sit Near the Back: The back of the boat tends to be less bumpy, making it a better place to sit.
• Distraction is Key: Bring along music with a fast, rhythmic beat to help your body sync with the boat’s movements.

Travel Light

Space on the boat is limited, and large bags are stored at the back of the boat, which can get wet from the sea spray. To avoid this, travel light with a small to medium-sized backpack, where you can keep your valuables and sensitive electronics safe. You’ll appreciate having less to worry about during your trip.

Wear the Right Clothing

Since Koh Lipe doesn’t have dedicated speedboat piers, you’ll likely have to wade through the water to board the boat. The water can reach up to knee height, so it’s a good idea to wear clothing that you don’t mind getting wet, along with quick-to-remove footwear like flip-flops or sandals.

Protect Your Ears from the Noise

Speedboats are notoriously loud, and the engine noise can get tiring over long distances. To make the journey more pleasant, bring noise-cancelling headphones or earphones and load up your phone with your favorite music or podcasts. If you’re using wired earphones, make sure they’re secure—bumpy conditions can easily knock them out of your ears.

Traveling with Small Children

While Koh Lipe is an incredible destination, the speedboat ride might not be suitable for young children, especially if the seas are rough. Some travelers have mentioned that certain carriers don’t provide child-sized life vests, so it’s something to consider before traveling with little ones.

Don’t Let the Weather Fool You

Koh Lipe’s weather can change unexpectedly, so even if the skies are clear when you set out, be prepared for rougher waters. Our experience was a perfect example: while the trip from Pak Bara was calm despite cloudy weather, our return journey was much more challenging due to unexpected strong winds, even though the day was sunny.

Be on Time

Speedboat operators stick to a tight schedule and won’t wait for latecomers, so make sure you arrive at the pier early. Arriving ahead of time also allows you to pick the best seat, making your trip a bit more comfortable. Keep in mind that departure times can be a bit flexible, so it’s best to be there in plenty of time to avoid any last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

Koh Lipe is definitely worth the effort to get there, and while the speedboat ride might not be the most comfortable journey, it’s all part of the adventure. With a bit of preparation, you can make your way to this paradise island without too much trouble. Whether it’s packing light, staying hydrated, or managing sea sickness, these tips will help ensure your journey is as pleasant as possible.

Enjoy your time in Koh Lipe – the beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views await!