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From Koh Lanta to Railay Beach: Ferry, Boat or Minivan

Key facts
  • Crossing time 50m–1h 45m
  • Operators 5
  • Departures a day 4
Sailing season This route sails all year round.

660+ THB

From Koh Lanta to Railay by Ferry, Speedboat or Minivan

Longtail boats moored on turquoise sea beside a towering limestone karst cliff under clear blue sky, Thailand

Island to Paradise: Navigating from Koh Lanta to Railay


Railay, nestled between Ao Nang and Krabi, attracts globetrotters from around the globe. Its dramatic limestone cliffs jutting out of the glistening waters and pristine beaches. Lodging on the peninsula ranges from backpacker-friendly bungalows to luxurious resorts gracing the western shores of Railay.

As you plan your journey from Ko Lanta to Railay Beach, your starting point is Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta. Here, you can secure your ferry tickets. Koh Lanta consists of two main islands. Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, separated by a narrow strait. Koh Lanta Yai is the more developed and frequented one. Koh Lanta Noi offers a quieter and more pristine experience.

Before setting off on your Railay adventure, take some time to explore the vibrant souvenir shops. Indulge in delectable treats at the local food stalls near Saladan Pier. Once your departure time arrives, you'll board the ferry. You will embark on a scenic voyage across the Andaman Sea towards Railay Beach.

The distance between Koh Lanta and Railay Beach is easily covered by ferry. It provides an enjoyable sea journey that allows you to relish the awe-inspiring surroundings. Upon arriving at Railay Beach, the iconic limestone cliffs will greet you, setting the stage for your memorable experience. The expansive long beach stretches out before you, offering a tranquil ambiance for relaxation and exploration.

For those arriving at Krabi Airport, Railay is accessible via ferry from Ao Nang. It ensures a seamless transition from the airport to this enchanting peninsula.


How to get to Railay


The peninsula is accessible by boat only due to the high limestone cliffs that cut off the access to the mainland. The nearest airports are Krabi and Phuket as Railay doesn’t have an airport.

There are no cars on Railay, the main way of transportation is by foot. There are few motorcycles and bicycles on the peninsula. So basically getting to Railay from Koh Lanta will be by boat.



From Saladan Pier to Railay Bay


Railay doesn’t have an actual pier, there is no concrete on the beach, there is only the sea, the boats, and white sand.

There are two different trips available to travel from Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta to Railay Bay.

First, you’ll hop on a ferry from Saladan Pier. From there, you'll reach a nearby place to Railay. Then a local longtail boat will pick you up and drop you off on the bay.

The second one is a joint minivan + longtail boat ticket. from Saladan Pier you’ll get on a minivan to reach Ao Nam Mao Pier in Ao Nang.



Best time to visit


From November to April starts the high season on Railay. The sky is clear and blue, the sea is calm, and you get to enjoy the warm sunny weather. From Mid-December to Mid-February is the peak season. Railay becomes crowded with different people from all around the world and the lodging prices become higher.

Check what our customers are saying about their experience. Don’t hesitate to write here about your own experience with us!

We are always here for our customers! Have any questions? Go to our help page and Leave us a message.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?

You don't need to print your ticket. Your boarding voucher is in your account: open Bookings, then View trip details, and click Download PDF. On the day of travel, show the QR code on it — on your phone is fine — to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket, and they will direct you to your boat.

If you'd prefer paper, print the PDF yourself.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?

We are sorry when weather stops a sailing. Ferries usually run in rain; speedboats are more often stopped by rough seas.

If your trip is cancelled because of weather, your booking in Bookings shows a message once our team has confirmed the cancellation. You can then either move to the next available service with Change this booking, or cancel with Cancel & refund for a full refund.

If the sailing is running but you choose not to travel, the normal cancellation policy applies.

Why is my account locked?

We lock an account for a short time after several failed sign-in attempts in a row. It is an automatic safety measure: it stops someone else guessing your password, and it happens whether or not the person typing was you.

You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?

What is the difference between a locked and a blocked account?

Locked is automatic and temporary. It happens after repeated failed sign-in attempts and it lifts by itself — within a minute in most cases.

Blocked is a decision made by our team, and it does not lift on its own. If your account is blocked you will need to contact us; waiting will not change it, and neither will resetting your password.

If you are not sure which applies to you, get in touch and we will tell you.

How do I unlock my account now?

Wait, and try again. Every lock lifts on its own — a minute the first time, and never more than an hour however many attempts have failed. There is nothing to click and nobody to contact.

If you have forgotten your password, do not keep guessing: each wrong attempt makes the next wait longer. Use Forgot password instead. Resetting your password gets you straight back in.

My account locked but I never tried to sign in

Then someone else was trying to sign in as you, and the lock did its job — it stopped them.

Your account is safe: a lock means the attempts failed. Nobody got in. You do not have to do anything, and the lock will lift on its own.

We would still recommend two things:

  • Change your password, especially if you use the same one on another website.
  • Add an authenticator app in your account security settings, so a password alone is never enough to sign in as you.

If you get these repeatedly, contact us and we will look into it.

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