About the ride from Koh Lanta to Phuket
It's almost impossible to get tired of Thailand's paradise islands. Who can get bored of soft white sand, glorious underwater worlds, and palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze?
Phuket offers all of this and a whole lot extra. Thailand's largest island has become one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, now developed to provide anything a visitor could dream of.
Whether that's partying in insane clubs until 4 a.m. without spending much money or relaxing in a luxury resort where you barely have to lift a finger, Phuket has your back.
Whatever your reason for visiting, you can travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket by ferry, car (car + ferry), van + ferry, and minivan.
You'll barely have to take your swimsuit off — you can get from Koh Lanta to Phuket in as little as 1.5 hours with a high-speed ferry.
If you choose a slower ferry or decide to drive through the mainland to minimize ferry time, the trip can take up to five hours.
With so many options, our guide provides comprehensive information to help you pick the right transport for a smooth journey.
Five unique things to do in Phuket
Phuket may be a touristy destination, but there's a reason why so many people flock here. There's so much to do!
Check out some must-do things in Phuket:
Play at Patong Beach. Renowned for its vibrant energy, Patong Beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and thrilling water activities. It's also the hub of Phuket's nightlife, boasting countless bars, clubs, and restaurants along the bustling Bangla Road.
Discover Phuket Old Town. Stroll through the charming streets of Phuket Old Town and take in the beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture. Explore local markets and unique boutique shops, and enjoy the colorful street art and murals.
Visit the Big Buddha. Standing 45 meters (150 ft) tall on Nakkerd Hill, the iconic Big Buddha offers sweeping views of the island. It's one of Phuket's must-see landmarks.
Relax at a Beach Club. Phuket boasts several chic beach clubs like Catch Beach Club and Café del Mar, which are perfect for unwinding with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and great music by the sea.
Scout out the night markets. Phuket excels in night market culture! The Weekend Market (Naka Market) and Chillva Market are vibrant spots where you can enjoy fantastic food and a lively atmosphere and mingle with locals.
How to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket
Since this is a well-traveled route, you can take a ferry, car (car + ferry), van + ferry, and minivan between Koh Lanta and Phuket.
By ferry
The fastest way to travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket is by ferry, which takes as little as 1.5 hours.
They aren't all this fast, though, so check when booking your ticket. The standard ferries are cheaper, with tickets starting from $20, but they also take longer, around 3-3.5 hours.
The speedboat/highspeed ferries take 1.5 hours, but some tickets are double the price of the standard ferry.
All ferries depart from Saladan Pier Koh Lanta and arrive at Rassada Pier in Phuket. Most departures are in the morning and early afternoon, so you have most of the day in Phuket.
Tickets include 20 kg (44 lbs) of luggage per person.
By car (car + ferry)
Taking a private car from Koh Lanta to Phuket may be a good idea for those who get seasick.
You'll still have to take a ferry from Koh Lanta to the mainland, but it takes only 30 minutes and is a smoother journey.
This option includes pick-up from any hotel in Koh Lanta and drop-off at the Phuket Airport or your hotel. The drive to Phuket takes around four hours once you get off the ferry at Hua Hin Pier.
A private car costs around $150 and can accommodate two to three passengers. Your ferry ticket is not included in the car hire price.
By van + ferry
The van + ferry is another great choice for traveling from Koh Lanta to Phuket.
With the van + ferry, you have a few options:
You can get picked up at your hotel, driven to the ferry and then taken to the Rassada Pier in Phuket. Prices start at $24.
You can get on the ferry in Koh Lanta, get picked up in Phuket, and driven to the airport. Tickets start at $49.
You can hire a private minivan if you're in a group of up to eight people. It will pick you up at your hotel at your chosen time, and then, after your ferry ride to Phuket, you'll be dropped off at the airport or your hotel. Prices for the minivan start at $188.
The journey time is about 5.5 hours.
Minivan
Minivans offer a very similar journey to the van + ferry option.
Both shared and private minivans are available. Tickets for shared minivans start at $15 per person, and you can get dropped off at a bus station or the airport in Phuket.
With a private minivan, you can be picked up and dropped off wherever your little heart desires. Prices start at $152 for the van, which can fit up to nine passengers.
The ferry ticket is not always included in the price; it depends on the operator. If not, foreign passengers must pay an additional 100 THB ($2.77) at the ferry terminal.
The journey time is around 4.5-6.5 hours.
What to expect from the journey from Koh Lanta to Phuket
You'll have to take a ferry to travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket, no matter which way you slice it.
Generally, these journeys are smooth, but during the rainy season, they can get choppy. If weather conditions become too severe, the ferry may be canceled, and you'll be moved onto the next available ferry or provided a refund.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
No one wants rain on an island holiday, right? So you'll want to visit Phuket in the dry season, from November to April.
During these months, you'll enjoy the most favorable weather: abundant sunshine, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. This makes it perfect for beach activities, water sports, and island exploration.
Temperatures in the dry season typically range between 24°C and 32°C (75°F-90°F).
From May to October, Phuket experiences its monsoon season. Expect heavy rainfall, strong winds, and choppy seas — not ideal for a beach vacation. However, this season offers benefits such as lower prices, fewer tourists, and vibrant green landscapes.
How many days should you spend in Phuket?
If you're curious about the hype surrounding Phuket and want to add it to your travel list, consider spending 3-4 days there. This duration allows you to dive into the lively nightlife, recover from late-night fun, hop between beaches, and explore some of the island's cultural attractions.
However, if Phuket is your main holiday destination, staying 1-2 weeks is ideal. This gives you ample time to relax and enjoy the luxurious villas and resorts, using them as a comfortable base to unwind and explore the island's diverse offerings.
Where should you visit after Phuket?
If you're done hopping around the islands in the Andaman Sea near Phuket, consider heading to the crazy capital, Bangkok, or the islands in the Gulf of Thailand — Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan.
