Logistics in Southern Thailand hinge on Phuket airport and on the ferry and bus links between islands and coasts. Although distances look short on a map, journey times between islands and coasts can be long: it pays to plan your movements carefully to avoid losing a whole day in transit.
The Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the main hub of the Andaman coast: direct flights from Paris via Bangkok (Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways or AirAsia connections), and domestic links from Bangkok Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi in 1h30 for €25-80 depending on carrier and booking lead time. The Krabi airport (KBV), smaller but expanding, offers direct flights from Bangkok (AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air) and seasonal charter connections from some European cities. For the Gulf coast, the Koh Samui airport (USM) is served almost exclusively by Bangkok Airways from Bangkok (1h10, fares higher than the low-cost carriers because Bangkok Airways holds an exclusive concession). Surat Thani (airport or train station) on the mainland is the cheaper alternative to reach Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao by combining low-cost flight plus ferry.
Between Phuket and Krabi, the direct ferry (2h30-3h, 350-500 THB) or shared bus (minivan, 3h, 150-200 THB) are the most practical options. Shared minivans also link Phuket to Ao Nang (Krabi, 3h), Koh Lanta (3h30-4h via car ferry) and Hat Yai (5h to the Malaysian border).
Inter-island ferries are the main logistic backbone for exploring the islands. From Phuket (Rassada pier): speedboat to Koh Phi Phi Don (1h30, 350-500 THB), Koh Lanta (2h-2h30). From Krabi (Klong Jirad pier): boat to Koh Phi Phi (1h30, 300-450 THB), Koh Lanta (2h, 300-400 THB). From Ao Nang: long-tails to Railay West (15 min, 100-150 THB) and Koh Hong (day excursion). The Lomprayah company provides reliable and comfortable links between the Gulf islands (Koh Samui – Koh Phangan – Koh Tao) with fast, punctual catamarans. Ferry schedules are significantly reduced in low season (May-October) on the Andaman coast: some links to the smaller islands run only once a day or are suspended — verify availability before finalising your itinerary.
In Phuket, scooter rental (200-300 THB/day) is the most flexible solution for moving between beaches — the island is about 48 km north to south, and Patong traffic can be heavy in high season. Official taxis in Phuket apply fixed fares by zone (posted at the stands at the airport and in hotels); the Grab app works from most tourist areas. In Krabi and Ao Nang, songthaews (converted pickups) operate on fixed routes at fixed fares between town and beaches (30-50 THB). Long-tails (long-tailed boats) handle the essential local crossings: to Railay Beach from Ao Nang Beach (100-150 THB return, 10-15 min), and also for snorkelling trips to nearby islands (full-day private rental: 1,500-2,500 THB for the whole boat). To cross from the Andaman coast to the Gulf coast without going back through Bangkok, the bus Krabi → Surat Thani (3h) plus ferry Surat Thani → Koh Samui (1h30) is the most-used combination, for under 400 THB in total.
Read also
- Phuket, the great southern island — Patong and Kata beaches, nightlife and excursions to the Phi Phi Islands from Thailand's largest island.
- Krabi, cliffs and turquoise sea — Railay Beach, diving and kayaking at the heart of the Andaman's karst formations.
- Thailand — complete country guide — Formalities, budget, when to go and regions of Thailand.
- Northern Thailand — the other Thailand — Temples, night markets and trekking in the hills of the Thai north.