In a previous article we saw which are the best areas for a stay in Langkawi, the main island of the homonymous archipelago which is located in the north of Malaysia just 40 km from Koh Lipe.
In this article we see how to reach the island of Koh Lipe from Langkawi.
The best and most convenient way to get to Koh Lipe from Langkawi is by ferry, which takes around 90 minutes.
It is necessary to know however that the direct connection from Langkawi to Koh Lipe it is active only in high season and is suspended from June 16 to October 12
So let's see this and other solutions to reach Koh Lipe from Langkawi.
Ferry From Langkawi to Koh Lipe
Ferries from Langkawi to Koh Lipe depart from two different locations: from Telaga and Kuah.
- Kuah Pier is the main terminal of the island and is open all year round, as it is from here that ferries depart for other locations: Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah e Penang e Satun (Thailand).
- The port of Telaga is located on the other side of the island from Kuah, near the airport.
From November 1st to May 1st, there are two daily ferries from both ports, departing at 9,30am and 14,30pm. Arrival in Koh Lipe is expected at 10,00 and 15,00 respectively. Remember that Koh Lipe is one hour behind Langkawi.
From 2 May to 15 June and from 13 October to 31 October only the 9,30 am ferry is active.
Important: Check the dates and times as they can change.
Langkawi can also be reached by plane from the main cities of Asia, for example if you arrive from Kuala Lumpur you can decide to move directly to Koh Lipe (in this case it is better to choose the port of Telaga), or stop a few days on the Malay island and discover this beautiful place. We came from Koh Lanta and we decided to stop 4 days in Langkawi to visit it.
From Telaga Terminal to Koh Lipe
To go to Koh Lipe we started from Terminal Lake, we bought the tickets directly from the hotel where we were staying in Langkawi, including transfer to the port by mini van.
Alternatively, there is the official website of the Telaga Terminal, where you can buy tickets online: www.telaga-terminal.com
At the port of Telaga you will first have to fill in the coupon with the data relating to your stay in Thailand, after which the port staff will check that you have the regular ferry ticket.
You will then have to wait for the ferry to arrive from Koh Lipe and once all the passengers have exited, you will hand over the passport to the captain of the ship, which will be returned to you in Koh Lipe. Don't worry, it's all very simple and you'll have your documents back!
The journey takes about 1 hour and a half, the crossing was not particularly annoying, but it also depends on the days. In any case, if you suffer from seasickness, you should take the necessary precautions.
Arrival in Koh Lipe
Once on Koh Lipe, the speed boat will stop a few hundred meters before the shore. You will then have to leave your luggage on the ferry and transfer to a long tail boat that will take you to Pattaya beach, where the immigration office is and where you will find your luggage.
Here listen to all the information that immigration officers will give you and do not go away.
Basically you have to wait for them to call you to return your passport and have it stamped.
They usually divide passengers into two groups: those who have to return to Langkawi and those who will remain in Thailand until the visa expires. So notice which group they call.
Once all the visa procedures have been completed, you will pay the 200 bath fee per person for entry into the national park; only after that you can collect your luggage and go to your hotel.
If you have chosen a hotel near Pattaya, one of the recommended areas to stay in Koh Lipe, you can also reach it on foot, if you don't have too much luggage. Otherwise I recommend that you ask your hotel in advance if it offers a transfer, or rely on the tuk tuk taxis.
Alternative to Direct Ferry
As we said, direct ferries from Langkawi to Koh Lipe only travel in high season. Outside this period the alternative is to take the ferry from Kuah to Satun and then take a mini van to Pak Bara (Thailand). From here ferries leave to Koh Lipe all year round.
Important news: until recently, entering Thailand by land or sea was entitled only to 15 days of stay. Now you can stay 30 days even if you don't arrive by plane.
Conclusions
In this article we have seen in detail how to get to Koh Lipe starting from Langkawi. If you need more information on both islands please leave a comment or write me privately.
