My first island-hopping trip in Thailand started with a mistake. I bought a “VIP ferry and minivan package” from a friendly man with a clipboard near my hostel in Phuket. The VIP minivan turned out to be a pickup truck with a bench in the back, and the ferry left an hour later than promised. I paid almost double what my new friends on the boat had paid online. Lesson learned.
I have been back to Thailand’s islands three times since, on both the Andaman Sea side (Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta) and the Gulf of Thailand side (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao). Here is how I plan island hopping in Thailand now, from booking ferries to choosing tour packages that are actually worth it.
First, choose your coast
Thailand’s islands sit on two different coasts, and their weather patterns are almost opposite. This is the most important thing to understand before you book anything.
| Coast | Main islands | Best months (roughly) |
|---|---|---|
| Andaman Sea (west) | Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe | November to April |
| Gulf of Thailand (east) | Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao | January to August |
During the Andaman monsoon season, some ferry routes run less often or stop completely, and speedboat tours get cancelled when the sea is rough. The Gulf islands have their heaviest rain later in the year, around October to December.
Before you fly: the arrival card
Thailand now uses an online arrival card for foreign visitors, which you fill in before you land. Do it on the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card website only, and avoid third-party sites that charge a fee for something that is free. Visa rules depend on your passport, so double-check before you travel.
How to book ferries between the islands
Ferries and speedboats connect all the popular islands, and you have three ways to book them:
- Directly with the ferry company: Usually the cheapest option. Larger operators have their own websites.
- Through an online booking platform: Convenient for comparing routes and times, and you get an e-ticket. You pay a small booking fee.
- Through your hotel or a local travel agent: Handy for combined minivan and ferry transfers, but compare prices first.
In high season, I book the popular routes, like Phuket to Phi Phi or Koh Samui to Koh Tao, at least a few days ahead. In low season, I often buy tickets the day before.
Wendy’s tip: Big car ferries are slower but much more stable than speedboats. If you get seasick, choose the big ferry, sit on the lower deck near the middle of the boat and look at the horizon. Trust me on this one.
My favorite Andaman route
For a first trip of about ten days, this is the route I recommend to friends:
- Phuket (2 nights) to recover from the flight
- Ferry to Koh Phi Phi (2 nights) for snorkeling and viewpoints
- Ferry to Ao Nang, Krabi (3 nights) as a base for day trips
- Longtail boat to Railay (2 nights) for the cliffs and beaches
- Fly home from Krabi
Each hop is short, usually one to two hours, so you never lose a whole day in transit.
Are tour packages worth it?
Day tours are where Thailand really shines, and they are also where you can overpay the most. Here are the ones I think are worth booking:
- Phi Phi Islands day trip: Includes Maya Bay (swimming is not allowed there anymore, to protect the reef), Pileh Lagoon and snorkeling stops.
- Krabi 4 Islands tour: A fun, affordable longtail boat trip from Ao Nang with beaches and snorkeling.
- Hong Islands: Quieter than Phi Phi, with a beautiful lagoon.
- Ang Thong Marine Park from Koh Samui: Kayaking and a steep but rewarding viewpoint hike.
Many islands and marine areas are part of national parks, and foreign visitors pay an entrance fee, sometimes separately from the tour price. Always ask if the national park fee is included. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has official information about the parks and seasonal closures.
Speedboat or longtail?
Speedboat tours cover more ground and reach far-off spots like Maya Bay in a single day. Longtails are slower, cheaper, more traditional and perfect for nearby islands. On a calm day, I love the longtails because you get the wind in your hair and a proper sense of the scenery. On a long trip, the speedboat saves hours.
How to avoid getting ripped off
- Compare at least three prices before booking a tour. Walk a few shops down the street and you will see prices vary.
- Ask exactly what is included: hotel pickup, lunch, snorkel gear, national park fees, drinking water and insurance.
- Check the boat. Life jackets should be on board and in good condition. If they are not, walk away.
- Pay a deposit, not the full amount, when booking with small local agencies, and get a written receipt.
- Be wary of overnight “VIP” bus-and-boat combos sold very cheaply. They are often slow and uncomfortable.
What to pack for island hopping in Thailand
- A small backpack instead of a big suitcase, as you will often climb on and off boats
- A dry bag for your phone and passport
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- Water shoes
- Motion sickness tablets
- A light rain jacket, even in dry season
Final thoughts
Island hopping in Thailand is so much easier than it looks once you understand the seasons and the ferry system. Book your key routes ahead in high season, compare tour prices, ask what is included and leave room for a lazy beach day between hops. You will come home with a sun-kissed nose and a camera roll full of turquoise water.
Want to compare it with the Philippines? Read my guide to El Nido island hopping tours. Honestly, you should visit both.
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