Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) Pakbara ferry

Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) Guide

Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) Ferry Port

Koh Lanta Port is situated on the tip of the most southern island of Koh Lanta, laying just off the southwest coast of Thailand. Koh Lanta is comprised of several smaller islands, only connected via the ferry routes operating between them. Ditching its previous tag as a quintessential party destination for backpackers and travellers, Koh Lanta is now regarded as a haven for the European middle class. Offering visitors the chance to dine in fine restaurants and reside in luxurious resorts, the atmosphere is much more serene than many of Thailand’s neighbouring islands and is generally a significantly older crowd than other tourist areas. The island is one of the largest in the group, stretching for 30 km in length and 6 km in width. It is covered by lush greenery, extravagant restaurants and nine stunning beaches, making it easy to see why it’s considered such an idyllic holiday location. The port is fairly easy to access, though it is sitting 6.5 km away from the nearest major town, meaning the best way to get there is by taxi. There are public minivans operating; they don’t stop at the port itself but can provide a cheap option to get in close proximity. For transport to and from the island, the ferry routes are the only option available. The crossing to Phuket is the most common, lasting for around two hours and typically running a couple of times a day. It is advised to check for live updates due to the erratic weather conditions; sometimes the crossing times can run less frequently in the rainy seasons.

Pakbara Guide

Pakbara Ferry Port

Pakbara is a tiny, remote village on the south coast of Thailand, located around 60km northwest of Satun. The only ferry route departing the port is to the relatively popular tourist resort of Koh Lipe, with Bundhaya Speed Boat providing seven hour long crossings per week.

What is there to do in Pakbara?

Famed for its wonderfully delicious seafood, Pakbara is gradually growing into a more tourist focussed resort, though currently it is primarily used as a transportation hub between other popular resorts. Most of the action resides around the pier, where visitors will find restaurants, travel agencies and ambitious locals trying to sell authentic clothing or souvenirs. Due to the extremely transient nature of a visit to Pakbara, there is limited accommodation around the village; budget motels and guesthouses are the only places to sleep, and most of the time they aren’t worth staying in for more than a day.

How do visitors get around Pakbara?

Other than walking, the main form of transportation is a motorbike taxi; ask locals for a ‘Win taxi’ and they will point you in the right direction. It is worthwhile working out a fair price and negotiating a price before setting off.