Surat Thani to Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a beautiful island in the Andaman Sea, surrounded by turquoise waters and pristine beaches. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, and getting there is quite easy. If you are coming from Surat Thani, there are two main options: taking a minivan or a taxi. Below, we’ll explore both options, including travel time, cost, and convenience.
Option 1: Surat Thani to Koh Lanta by Minivan (Phantip 1970)
- Price: 600 THB
- Transport type: minivan
- Companies: Phantip 1970
- Travel time: 5 hours
Click here to book a minivan from Surat Thani to Koh Lanta.
The first option is taking a minivan by Phantip 1970. This is the cheapest way. You can either depart from their main office in Suratthani Branch (in Surat Thani town), or they can do hotel pickups within Surat Thani. The minivan takes you to the Koh Lanta Saladan Pier, and the travel time is around 5 hours from the Phantip office or 6.5 hours with hotel pick-up, as the minivan takes different stops to collect passengers. The tickets cost 600 THB per person, and there are four daily departures from Surat Thani to Koh Lanta, which are available to book online.
One other advantage of taking a minivan is the fact that you can meet other travelers and exchange tips on what to do in Koh Lanta. However, please note that the minivans can be quite cramped, and if you are traveling with a lot of luggage or comfort is a priority, this option might not be the best for you.
Surat Thani to Koh Lanta Schedule
| Surat Thani | Koh Lanta | Company | Departure Station | Arrival Station |
| 9:00 | 14:00 | Phantip 1970 | Surat Thani Main Office | Koh Lanta Saladan Pier |
| 10:30 | 15:30 | Phantip 1970 | Surat Thani Main Office | Koh Lanta Saladan Pier |
| 12:00 | 17:00 | Phantip 1970 | Surat Thani Main Office | Koh Lanta Saladan Pier |
| 13:30 | 18:30 | Phantip 1970 | Surat Thani Main Office | Koh Lanta Saladan Pier |
Option 2: Surat Thani to Koh Lanta by Taxi
- Price: 4,700 THB
- Transport type: comfort, SUV, van
- Companies: Ramon Transport, Andaman Taxis, Mr Toon & others
- Travel time: 3.5-5 hours
The second option is taking a taxi, which is more expensive than the minivan but offers more convenience and comfort. This is the fastest way. There are companies like Ramon Transport, Andaman Taxis, Mr Toon, and others that offer taxi services, and we recommend booking through 12Go to ensure safety and reliability. The travel time is between 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on where you board and disembark. You can order a taxi from the airport or train station directly to your hotel in Koh Lanta, and the cost is around 4700 THB per car. The price might seem steep, but if you are traveling in a group or carrying a lot of luggage, it makes more sense than the minivan. Additionally, the taxi offers more comfort, privacy, and flexibility, and you can stop for a break or photo-op anytime you want.
Things to Consider
When choosing between a minivan and a taxi, there are some things you should consider. First, if you are on a tight budget, the minivan might be the best option. Second, if you are looking for social interaction with other travelers, the minivan offers that while the taxi does not. Third, if you prioritize comfort and convenience, the taxi is the best option, albeit more expensive. Fourth, be aware that the roads to Koh Lanta can be curvy and bumpy, so if you are prone to motion sickness, it might be wise to take some medication beforehand.
