How to Get to Koh Phayam: Ranong Pier Ferry Schedules & Flight Routes

Figuring out how to get to koh phayam takes three steps. Fly to Ranong, get to the pier, and take a boat. It sounds simple until you board a speedboat without ear plugs and spend the next hour regretting it. I did exactly that. This guide covers every route, every fare, and the transport details that make or break your first day on the island.

Quick Info

Getting to Ranong: Flight Options from Bangkok vs Land Transfers

Flying from Bangkok

Thai AirAsia operates daily flights from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Ranong Airport (UNN). The flight takes about one hour and twenty minutes. Afternoon departures are typical, landing around 14:50. This gives you enough time to reach the pier and catch an afternoon speedboat.

Ranong Airport is small. One terminal, one baggage belt. A taxi from the airport to Ranong Pier takes about 20 minutes and costs 200 to 300 THB. Book this through your hotel or arrange it at the airport exit.

Overnight Bus from Bangkok

Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) runs overnight buses to Ranong. The journey takes eight to nine hours. You arrive early morning and catch the first speedboat at 06:30. This route saves money and a night of accommodation. The trade-off is comfort. Check bus schedules and book on 12go to compare options.

Speedboat vs Slow Wooden Boat from Ranong Pier to Koh Phayam

The ranong to koh phayam ferry route operates from Ranong Municipality Pier, also called Tai Kak Pier. Multiple operators run throughout the day during high season. In low season, departures reduce significantly and sea conditions determine availability.

If you are driving to the pier, secure parking is available right at the dock for 100 THB per day. Leave your car and take the boat without worrying.

Speedboats

Five operators run speedboats between Ranong Pier and Koh Phayam Pier. The crossing takes 35 to 45 minutes. Fares range from 350 to 550 THB depending on the operator and season. Departures run from 06:30 to 17:30 during high season.

I boarded the speedboat without thinking twice about noise. The first five minutes felt normal. Then we hit open water and the twin engines roared at full power. For 35 minutes straight, the noise was relentless. When I stepped off at Koh Phayam pier, my ears buzzed for a solid hour. I am not exaggerating. Buy ear plugs before you board. The shops right at the pier sell them. This is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

During high season, buy your ticket at least 30 minutes before departure. Walk to the pier office and confirm your booking in person. Online reservations through 12go work well but physical confirmation at the counter avoids last-minute surprises. Book your ranong to koh phayam ferry on 12go to lock in your seat.

One more detail. During extreme low tides, the departure jetty can shift. Operators sometimes use a different dock when water levels drop. Ask at the ticket counter which jetty your boat leaves from.

Ticket Prices, Departure Times, and Luggage Rules

Here is the current ranong to koh phayam ferry schedule for 2026.

Check to prices and Book your boat

Speedboats run from 06:30 to 17:30 in high season. Slow wooden boats make two to three daily crossings, typically at 10:30, 14:00, and 15:00. Low season reduces all schedules based on weather and demand.

Most speedboats allow one large bag and one daypack per person. Oversized luggage may incur a small surcharge. The slow boat has more generous luggage space since the deck is open.

Slow Wooden Boat

The traditional slow boat costs 200 THB and takes about two hours. It runs two to three times daily. The ride is calm, scenic, and quiet. You sit on wooden benches with the sea breeze in your face. If you are not in a rush and prefer to arrive relaxed, this is the better option. Your ears will thank you.

Island Transportation: Motorbike Rentals & Sidecar Taxis (Saleng)

Koh Phayam is a car-free island without ride-hailing apps or metered taxis. Getting around means a scooter or a saleng.

Scooter Rental

Shops near the pier and at both main beaches rent 125cc scooters for 250 to 300 THB per day. There is no gas station on the island. You buy petrol in glass bottles from roadside shops at 40 to 50 THB per litre. Budget about 100 THB per day for fuel.

The main roads are narrow concrete paths. Most routes are flat and manageable. The exception is the road to Aow Kwang Peep, where the concrete ends and a steep dirt trail begins. Inexperienced riders crash here regularly. If you are not confident on loose dirt, walk or take a saleng.

Saleng (Sidecar Taxis)

Salengs are three-wheeled motorbikes with a passenger sidecar. They wait at the pier when boats arrive and take you directly to your hotel. Fixed fares apply.

From the pier to Aow Yai costs 150 to 200 THB. The pier to Aow Kao Kwai runs the same, 150 to 200 THB. Reaching Aow Kwang Peep at the northern tip costs 200 to 250 THB. Always confirm the fare before getting in.

For the full island activity guide, read The Complete Koh Phayam Travel Guide.

Practical Tips

Book Ferries Early. High season fills boats fast, especially morning departures. Book your ferry through 12go at least a few days ahead. Confirm physically at the pier counter before boarding.

Ear Plugs Are Essential. Speedboat engines produce extreme noise for 35 to 45 minutes straight. Buy ear plugs at the pier shops before boarding. This is not optional.

Cash Before Boarding. The island has no ATMs. Withdraw enough Thai baht at the Ranong airport or town ATMs before heading to the pier. Thai ATMs charge a flat 220 THB fee for foreign cards. Decline the dynamic currency conversion option.

Pier Parking. If you drive to Ranong Pier, secure parking costs 100 THB per day at the dock area.

Stay Connected. Download a Thailand eSIM before your trip so you have data from the moment you land. Signal drops on parts of the island, so save offline maps at the airport.

Where to Sleep. For the full hotel breakdown by beach and budget, read Where to Stay in Koh Phayam

FAQ

How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Koh Phayam? The fastest route is a flight from Bangkok DMK to Ranong UNN (one hour twenty minutes), then a speedboat (35 to 45 minutes). Total travel time is about three hours including transfers. The overnight bus from Sai Tai Mai takes eight to nine hours and connects to the first morning speedboat.

How much does the ferry from Ranong to Koh Phayam cost? Speedboats cost 350 to 550 THB per person for a 35 to 45 minute crossing. The traditional slow wooden boat costs 200 THB and takes two hours. High season runs more frequent departures than low season.

Can I book the Koh Phayam ferry online? Yes. Booking through 12go secures your seat and shows available departure times. However, walk to the pier ticket office before boarding to confirm your reservation in person. Physical confirmation avoids last-minute changes.

Is there public transport on Koh Phayam? No buses, no taxis, no ride-hailing apps. The island relies on scooter rentals (250 to 300 THB per day) and saleng sidecar taxis (150 to 250 THB per trip). There is no gas station. Petrol is sold in glass bottles at roadside shops.

Do I need ear plugs for the speedboat? Strongly recommended. The engine noise is extreme and lasts the entire 35 to 45 minute crossing. Ear plugs are sold at the small shops right at Ranong Pier. Buy them before you board.

Where should I withdraw cash before going to Koh Phayam? Use the ATMs at Ranong Airport or in Ranong town. The island has zero ATMs. Everything runs on cash except a few luxury resorts that accept cards with a surcharge. Withdraw enough to cover your entire stay.