Speedboat vs Ferry in Thailand: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between a speedboat and a slow ferry is one of the most frequent transport decisions in island Thailand. Both have their place — here is how to make the right call for each route and situation. Speedboats: advantages: fast (Krabi to Phi Phi in 45 minutes vs 90 minutes by ferry), direct to more destinations, flexible departure times. Disadvantages: more expensive (1.5–3x the ferry price), rough in choppy seas (very common on the Andaman coast May–October), prone to overcrowding, historically more accident-prone. Safety record: Thai speedboats have been involved in a disproportionate number of serious accidents, often due to overloading, excessive speed in poor conditions, inadequate life jackets, and engine fires. This does not mean they are dangerous in all conditions — but in rough weather, a ferry is substantially safer. Ferries (slow boat): advantages: significantly cheaper, more stable in swells, often more scenic, car and motorbike transport possible. Disadvantages: slower, fewer routes, can be delayed or cancelled in bad weather. On the Andaman coast (Krabi, Phuket, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi): Phuket–Phi Phi: both available. Lomprayah speedboat is comfortable, about 90 minutes, ฿800–1,000. Ferry: ฿450–550, 90 minutes but with vehicle capacity. In rough seas (May–October), ferries and speedboats are both reduced — the ferry Raja is better in a swell. Krabi–Koh Lanta: there is no direct ferry; the standard route involves a speedboat or shared boat from Krabi Town pier to Koh Lanta, or a longer overland/bridge combination. On the Gulf coast (Samui, Phangan, Tao): Seatran and Lomprayah both run fast catamarans that are the dominant option — a middle ground between speed and stability. Koh Tao is accessed only by this type of service; no traditional slow ferry operates. Car/motorbike transport: only possible on Raja Ferry (Phuket–Koh Samui) or local car ferries. Renting a motorbike on an island and taking it by car ferry to the next island saves rental costs on each island. Night ferries: the overnight ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan/Samui (slow boat) is a classic budget option — bring a sleeping bag or thin mat, sleep on deck, arrive at dawn. Costs approximately ฿200–350.