Thai islands in 2026: how to get between them, boat prices, seasons and what not to miss
Mykyta Dzhus · Updated 2026-11-01 · 10 min read · Where to go
We spent several weeks between Krabi, Railay and Koh Muk and put together everything we wish we had known before the trip: which islands to choose, what the boats between them cost, when some routes simply stop, where to buy tickets without overpaying, and what to do about monkeys, jellyfish and mobile data on the small islands.
Contents
- In short
- Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand: when to go where
- The Andaman islands at a glance
- The Gulf islands at a glance
- Must-see and what you can skip
- Getting between the islands
- When the boats don't run
- Where to buy tickets without overpaying
- National park and pier fees
- Mobile data on the islands: we tested it
- Animals and nature: what to watch for
- The most common scams
- Food on the islands
- Ready-made 10–14 day routes
- Money and ATMs
- Sources
- Mobile data between islands, no Wi-Fi hunting
In short
- Two seas, two seasons. The Andaman Sea (Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Lanta, Trang, Lipe) is best from November to April. The Gulf of Thailand (Samui, Phangan, Tao) is the opposite: wettest from October to December, November above all.
- Ferries, speedboats and longtails link the islands. Most hops cost 350–950 baht; long ones like Lanta → Lipe 1,700–2,300 baht.
- Some routes are seasonal: boats to Lipe from Lanta and Phi Phi only run from mid-October to the end of May, Maya Bay is closed 1 August to 30 September, the Similan Islands 15 May to 15 October.
- Tickets are easiest online on 12Go or at agencies on the islands; at the pier the price is the same or higher and boats can be full.
- Mobile data: 4G and 5G everywhere on the big islands, slower on small ones, almost nothing at sea. On Koh Muk we measured up to 142 Mbps on 5G.
Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand: when to go where
Thailand has two coasts with opposite seasons, so your travel dates decide which islands to pick.
| Months | Andaman Sea | Gulf of Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| November | season begins, showers still possible | wettest, rough seas, boats cancelled |
| December–March | best time: dry, calm sea | dry from late December, good |
| April | hot, sea still calm | very good |
| May–October | rainy season, waves, some routes stop | good, short showers |
Travelling in winter, choose the Andaman Sea. In summer Samui, Phangan and Tao are better. More on regional weather in “Thailand in winter 2026/27: where to go, weather by region, visa and mobile data on the islands”.
The Andaman islands at a glance
- Phuket: the biggest island, with an airport, a bridge to the mainland and dozens of beaches. Good for a first trip and families, but more resort town than dream island.
- Phi Phi: the famous views, the viewpoint, Maya Bay from «The Beach». Downsides: crowds, loud parties on Tonsai, pricey rooms. Many visit for a day from Phuket or Krabi.
- Railay and Krabi: Railay is technically a peninsula but reachable only by boat. Cliffs, Phra Nang beach with its cave, rock climbing. A handy base for Phi Phi and the Krabi islands.
- Koh Lanta: a long, calm island with wide beaches, great for families and longer stays, and a good base for the Trang islands.
- The Trang islands: Koh Muk, Kradan, Ngai, Libong. Quiet, few people, turquoise water. Koh Muk has the famous Emerald Cave, reached by swimming through a dark tunnel. Kradan is often called one of the country's most beautiful beaches. Downsides: fewer cafés, ATMs and things to do.
- Koh Lipe: a small island near the Malaysian border, white sand, snorkelling straight off the beach, a walking street of cafés. Far and costly to reach, mostly November to May.
- The Similan and Surin Islands: the best diving and snorkelling, but no stays, only trips from Phuket or Khao Lak, and only 15 October to 15 May.
The Gulf islands at a glance
- Koh Samui: a big island with an airport, hotels at every level, the Big Buddha and Chaweng and Lamai beaches. Convenient but not cheap.
- Koh Phangan: the monthly Full Moon Party, and the rest of the time quiet beaches in the north and west and yoga retreats.
- Koh Tao: one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive, small bays and snorkelling. Reached from Samui, Phangan or the mainland via Chumphon.
- Koh Chang and Koh Samet in the east, closer to Bangkok: easy for a few days if you don't want to fly south.
Must-see and what you can skip
| Worth it | You can skip |
|---|---|
| Phra Nang beach and the Railay viewpoints | Tonsai parties on Phi Phi, unless that's your thing |
| The Emerald Cave on Koh Muk at low tide | James Bond Island in high season: 10 minutes among dozens of groups |
| Kradan beach and snorkelling off Koh Ngai | Animal shows and tiger photos |
| Sunrise at the Phi Phi viewpoint | Mass «4 islands for 500 baht» from Phuket at peak season: hours on the boat, little time ashore |
| Snorkelling off Sunset Beach on Lipe | Maya Bay at midday: take the first boats in the morning |
Rule of thumb: two or three islands per trip beat six. Every hop takes half a day.
Getting between the islands
- Big ferries (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Samui): cheaper, slower, less rocking, fine with big suitcases.
- Speedboats: twice as fast, pricier and bumpy on waves. If you get seasick, sit near the stern and take tablets in advance.
- Longtails, wooden boats with a long propeller: for short hops, tours and landing where there is no pier. Agree the price before you set off.
- Combined tickets «van + boat»: for example Krabi to Koh Muk is a van to the pier, then a boat, and a 50-baht longtail to the island itself because there is no pier for big boats. From 910 baht, half a day.
Prices on the most popular routes in the 2026/27 season (baht per person):
| Route | Price, THB (ferry / speedboat) | Time | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket → Phi Phi | 500–700 / 750–850 | 2 h / 1 h | all year |
| Ao Nang (Krabi) → Phi Phi | 650 / ≈900 | 2 h / 50 min | all year |
| Phi Phi → Koh Lanta | ≈700 | 30 min (speedboat) | all year |
| Lanta → Koh Ngai / Muk / Kradan | 650 / 900 / 950 | 30–70 min | November–May |
| Krabi → Koh Muk (van + boat) | від 910 | ≈3–4 h | all year |
| Pak Meng (Trang) → Muk / Kradan / Ngai | ≈600 | 30–45 min | all year, more often in winter |
| Lanta → Koh Lipe | 1 700–2 300 | ≈3 h | mid-October to 20 May |
| Koh Samui → Koh Phangan | ≈350 | 30 min | all year |
| Koh Samui → Koh Tao | 580–750 | 1 h 45 min – 2.5 h | all year |
| Koh Phangan → Koh Tao | 300–350+ | 1–1¾ h | all year |
Prices are a guide: they vary by 10–30% between operators and in low season. Tap a route to see the timetable and current price on 12Go.
When the boats don't run
- Andaman Sea, May–October. Rain and waves. Some speedboats stop altogether: Lanta → Lipe runs roughly mid-October to 20 May, Lipe boats from Phuket and Phi Phi 16 October to 31 May, and boats between the Trang islands run less often. The big Phuket – Phi Phi – Krabi ferries run all year.
- Gulf of Thailand, October–December, worst in November. Ferries run, but storms cancel or delay sailings.
- Maya Bay on Phi Phi closes every year 1 August to 30 September; the Similan Islands 15 May to 15 October.
- Weather. Even in season strong wind can cancel a speedboat. If you fly out after the islands, don't plan the boat for the day of the flight: keep at least half a day spare.
A cancelled boat is usually moved to the next one or refunded if booked online. If it costs you a flight, see “Flight delayed or cancelled: what to do, how much compensation you can get and how to claim it (2026)” and your travel insurance.
Where to buy tickets without overpaying
- Online on 12Go: all sailings, operators and prices in one place, the ticket arrives by email, often with a hotel pickup.
- Agencies on the islands: usually the same price or 100–200 baht more, but you can pay cash. Compare two or three.
- At the pier: fine for big ferries, but speedboats can be full in season.
- Tours such as «4 islands» or a Phi Phi day trip are easy on GetYourGuide or Klook: reviews, what's included and park fees are shown.
Keep the ticket on your phone and take a screenshot: piers often have weak signal.
National park and pier fees
| Where | How much |
|---|---|
| Phi Phi national park (Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh) | 400 baht adults, 200 baht children |
| Phi Phi, rubbish fee at Tonsai pier | 20 baht |
| Koh Lipe, Tarutao national park | 200 baht (valid 5 days) + 20 baht pier |
| Similan Islands | 500 baht adults, 250 baht children |
Park fees are often not included in tour prices, so ask in advance. They are usually paid in cash.
Mobile data on the islands: we tested it
On Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Phi Phi and Lanta 4G and 5G work almost everywhere. Small islands have signal around villages and beaches, weaker in the jungle and on far beaches. At sea, on the boat between islands, there is often no signal at all, so download tickets, maps and bookings beforehand.
We tested our travel eSIM on Koh Muk twice on 5G: 32.9 Mbps on 31 October and 142 Mbps download, 27.5 Mbps upload on 1 November. Plenty for video and calls. Latency is about 200 ms because traffic goes through a hub abroad: noticeable in games, not in messengers or maps. Bungalow Wi-Fi on small islands is usually slow and fades in the evening when everyone is back.
Animals and nature: what to watch for
- Monkeys on Railay and Monkey Beach near Phi Phi look cute but grab food, bags and phones and can bite. Don't feed them, don't hold food, keep your phone away.
- Jellyfish. Dangerous box jellyfish occur in the Gulf, especially in the rainy season. Many beaches have vinegar stations: pour vinegar on a sting and see a doctor.
- Sea urchins and coral: wear water shoes, don't stand on coral or take it home, that's illegal.
- Sandflies and mosquitoes on evening beaches: repellent is a must, dengue exists in Thailand.
- Dogs on small islands form packs at night. Walk around them, don't run.
- Currents on west-facing beaches in the rainy season: a red flag means no swimming.
The most common scams
- Jet skis on Phuket. After the ride the operator «finds» scratches and demands thousands of baht. Best skip jet skis, or photograph and film everything first.
- «Pier fees» from longtail touts near Rassada on Phuket and at unofficial piers. Book through your hotel, an agency or online with a clear price.
- Scooter rental. Never leave your passport as a deposit and photograph the bike first. Without a motorcycle licence and an International Driving Permit police fine you and insurance won't cover a crash.
- «Tickets sold out» at the pier, with a pricier boat on offer. Check the online timetable.
- Money exchange: use official exchanges (SuperRich, banks), never the street.
Food on the islands
Everything arrives by boat, so prices are 20–50% higher than on the mainland. Phi Phi, Lanta, Samui, Phangan, Tao and Lipe have 7-Elevens for cheap snacks, water and SIM cards. Small islands like Koh Muk or Kradan have only minimarts and hotel cafés.
- Seafood by weight on the evening beaches: pick it yourself and ask the price per kilo before it's cooked.
- Pad thai, tom yum, curry cost 60–150 baht at street stalls, 150–300 baht at seafront restaurants.
- Tap water isn't drinkable; ice in cafés is factory-made and safe.
- Spice: ask for «mai phet» (not spicy) or «phet nit noi» (a little spicy).
Ready-made 10–14 day routes
- Andaman Sea in winter: Phuket (2 nights) → Phi Phi (2) → Lanta (3) → Koh Muk or Kradan (3) → Lipe (3) → ferry to Langkawi in Malaysia, or boat to Pak Bara and bus to Hat Yai airport.
- A calmer option without Phuket: fly to Krabi → Railay (3) → Lanta (3) → Trang islands (4) → Trang airport.
- Gulf of Thailand in summer: Samui (4) → Phangan (4) → Tao (3) → catamaran to Chumphon and the night train to Bangkok.
Money and ATMs
ATMs charge 220–250 baht per withdrawal on foreign cards, so withdraw less often and in larger amounts. Small islands may have no ATM or just one, so bring cash from the mainland or a big island. Hotels and some restaurants take cards; boats, longtails and markets need cash.
Sources
Prices and seasons checked on 1 November 2026. Timetables change every season, so check current sailings before you go.
- Visit Thailand Today: island hopping 2026
- Destination Thailand: how to get to Koh Lipe (2026)
- Visit Thailand Today: Trang islands
- Visit Thailand Today: Samui → Phangan
- Maya Bay: closure 1.08–30.09.2026
- Similan Islands: season and fees
- 12Go: Krabi → Koh Muk
Mobile data between islands, no Wi-Fi hunting
On the Thai islands you are always booking something: boats, bungalows, tours, Grab on the mainland. A travel eSIM installs at home and works as soon as you land, while your own SIM stays in the phone for bank texts. Thailand: 5 GB for 30 days $6.99, a week of unlimited $17.99. How to set it up: see the installation guide.
FAQ
Which Thai islands are best in winter?
The Andaman islands: Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Railay, Koh Lanta, the Trang islands (Koh Muk, Kradan, Ngai) and Koh Lipe. The season runs November to April, best December to March.
How much is the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi?
The big ferry costs 500–700 baht and takes about 2 hours; a speedboat 750–850 baht and about an hour. On Phi Phi you also pay a 400-baht park fee for Maya Bay and a 20-baht pier fee.
Do boats run to Koh Lipe in summer?
Speedboats from Lanta run roughly mid-October to 20 May, from Phuket and Phi Phi 16 October to 31 May. All year round you can only go via Pak Bara on the mainland.
When is Maya Bay closed?
Every year from 1 August to 30 September. The rest of the year it's open, entry 400 baht for adults.
Where do I buy boat tickets between islands?
Most easily online on 12Go: timetable and price shown, ticket by email. On the islands agencies sell tickets; at the pier you can buy big-ferry tickets, but speedboats sell out in season.
Is there mobile data on the small islands?
Around villages and beaches, yes. On Koh Muk we measured 32.9 to 142 Mbps on 5G. At sea between islands there is often no signal.
Are the monkeys on Railay and Phi Phi dangerous?
They steal food, bags and phones and can bite. Don't feed them and keep food out of sight.
How much time should I allow for an island hop?
Usually half a day including the transfer to the pier; a full day for long routes like Lanta → Lipe. Don't plan a hop on the day of your flight.
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