Phuket to Koh Lanta by Ao Nang Princess Ferry via Ao Nang

Experience the Beauty of Thailand’s Andaman Coast with the Phuket to Koh Lanta Ferry

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand’s southern islands, the Phuket to Koh Lanta ferry offers a practical and scenic transfer option. Priced at around $36.90 per person, this journey lasts roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, including a couple of boat stops. The journey begins with a hotel pickup in Phuket—covering popular areas like Patong, Kata, and Chalong—and ends at Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta, ready for your island adventure.

What we love most about this experience is the ease of planning—booking in advance guarantees your spot and spares the hassle of last-minute arrangements. Plus, the stunning views of the Andaman Sea make every minute on deck worthwhile. The ferry ride also includes a stopover at Railay Beach and Ao Nang, giving a taste of the scenic coastline.

One thing to keep in mind is that the service operates only during high season, from November to May. Some travelers have noted that the boat changes can be confusing, and there’s the potential for delays—reviewers have mentioned arrivals being late by up to an hour and a half. This is worth considering if you’re on a tight schedule or connecting to other transport. However, for those seeking a relaxed, scenic crossing with the convenience of hotel pickup, this trip often suits first-time visitors and leisure travelers best.

If you appreciate easy, straightforward transfers coupled with beautiful sea vistas, this ferry is likely a good fit. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want a stress-free start or end to their island stay, rather than navigating taxis or crowded buses.

Key Points

• Pre-booking guarantees your spot and simplifies your travel plans.
• Hotel pickup is included (for most popular areas), saving you from hauling bags across Phuket.
• The scenic views of the Andaman Sea are a highlight, offering a relaxing way to travel.
• Boat changes and delays have been noted, so patience is beneficial.
• The service operates only during high season (November to May).
• The end point at Saladan Pier makes it easy to reach your accommodation on Koh Lanta.

A Detailed Look at the Phuket to Koh Lanta Ferry Experience

Traveling between Phuket and Koh Lanta by ferry can feel like a simple choice, but the experience carries nuances that can turn a routine transfer into a memorable part of your trip—if you know what to expect.

Booking and Planning

The ferry is priced at $36.90 per person and is often booked 13 days in advance. Booking early is a smart move, especially during high season, to secure your preferred departure time. When you book, you’ll receive confirmation and an email detailing your pickup time—usually around 8:30 am—and the pickup points include Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, Karon, and Chalong. If you stay in less common areas like Nai Harn or Surin Beach, you’ll need to select a different pickup option or coordinate a private transfer.

The included hotel pickup is a significant advantage, removing the stress of navigating public transport or arranging separate taxis. We appreciate that the pickup times are confirmed via email, allowing you to plan your morning accordingly. For those staying outside covered areas, you have the option to meet at the Ao Nang Travel & Tour office at Rassada Port, about 30 minutes before departure.

The Departure: Rassada Port

The journey begins at Rassada Port, located in southern Phuket. This port handles a good volume of travelers, and the departure process is generally smooth, with most staff speaking enough English to assist. The ferry itself, the Ao Nang Princess, is a high-speed vessel designed for comfort and quick transit.

The Ferry Ride: Views and Surprises

Once aboard, you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery of the coastline and the vast expanse of the Andaman Sea. The ferry provides an opportunity for some excellent photo moments, especially during the stopover at Railay Beach and Ao Nang. These stops serve both as pickups and drop-offs for other guests and add a scenic touch to your journey.

The reviews reveal mixed feelings—while some travelers praise the ride as “smooth and pleasant,” others describe it as “eventful” or “confusing.” For instance, Giselle noted, “We knew there was a stop before arriving, but we didn’t realize we had to change ferry halfway.” The boat change is an aspect travelers should be aware of; it’s not just a transfer but a brief switch at Ao Nang, which can involve navigating luggage and waiting.

The Not-So-Perfect Moments

One of the common complaints is the delays. SissiWallgren shared that her group arrived 1.5 hours late after two boat changes, with no prior notice about the switch. This can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule or connecting to a tour or transfer on Koh Lanta.

Plus, the upgraded VIP seating might not always deliver the expected comfort, especially if the boat switch results in being placed on a smaller vessel or different seating arrangement. Still, the overall consensus is that the experience is worth the views and convenience.

Arrival at Koh Lanta

The ferry concludes at Saladan Pier, which is conveniently located in the northern part of Koh Lanta Yai. From here, taxis or local transport are easy to find, allowing quick access to your hotel or accommodation. The reviews indicate that disembarking is straightforward, and staff generally assist with baggage transfer during the stopover.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This ferry transfer is best suited for travelers prioritizing convenience and scenic value. If you’re traveling light and want to avoid the hassle of multiple transport arrangements, the included hotel pickup and drop-off make this a smart choice. However, if you’re concerned about potential delays or boat changes, it’s worth weighing this against other options like speedboats or private transfers.

Final Thoughts: Is the Phuket to Koh Lanta Ferry Right for You?

This ferry service offers an easy, scenic, and generally comfortable way to connect Phuket and Koh Lanta during high season. The stunning sea views and the convenience of hotel pickup make it appealing for leisure travelers who want to relax rather than worry about logistics.

The experience’s main drawback is that boat changes and occasional delays can chip away at the smooth sailing—literally—especially if your schedule is tight. However, for those with flexible plans, this journey combines comfort with picturesque moments, making it a worthwhile part of your island-hopping itinerary.

This ferry service suits travelers looking for a stress-free way to enjoy Thailand’s beautiful coastline—with the caveat that patience and an open mind about the boat changes are part of the package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this ferry transfer?
Yes, hotel pickup is provided for most major areas in Phuket, including Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, Karon, and Chalong. If your hotel isn’t covered, you can meet at Rassada Port or arrange a private transfer.

What is the duration of the ferry ride?
The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including stops and boat changes.

Are there any stops during the trip?
Yes, there is a short stopover at Railay Beach and Ao Nang for boarding and disembarking other guests. The final stop is Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta.

Can I cancel this booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before departure are non-refundable.

Is this service available year-round?
No, it operates only during the high season, from November to April.

Will I need to change boats during the trip?
Yes, there is a boat change at Ao Nang. Some reviews mention this as a confusing or frustrating part of the trip.

Is the ferry ride comfortable?
Most travelers find the ride smooth and scenic, but some have experienced delays or boat changes that can affect comfort levels.

What happens if the ferry is canceled due to weather?
In case of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do I get from Saladan Pier to my hotel?
Once you arrive, taxis and local transport are readily available to take you to your accommodation.

To sum it up, this ferry service offers a relaxed, scenic journey with the convenience of advanced booking and hotel pickup. While boat changes and occasional delays are part of the experience, many travelers find the stunning views and ease of transfer make it well worth considering. It’s perfect for those who value comfort and want a hassle-free start or end to their time in Thailand’s beautiful islands.