Ferry schedules and luggage tips for Trat islands: complete guide to piers, bookings, and what to pack

Planning a trip to the eastern edge of Thailand? The Trat archipelago, home to stunning gems like Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak, offers some of the most pristine beaches in the country. However, reaching these islands requires a bit of logistical savvy. This guide provides comprehensive ferry schedules and luggage tips for Trat islands, ensuring your journey from the mainland to the turquoise waters is as smooth as possible.

Understanding the Main Piers in Trat

Trat has several key piers, each serving specific islands. Knowing which pier to head to is the first step in your island-hopping adventure.

• Ao Thammachat Pier: The primary gateway for car ferries to Koh Chang. It is the fastest route for vehicles.
• Center Point Pier: Another option for Koh Chang, often slightly slower than Ao Thammachat but useful during peak holidays.
• Laem Ngop Pier (Krom Luang Pier): Mainly serves speedboats and wooden boats heading to Koh Mak.
• Laem Sok Pier: The exclusive departure point for high-speed ferries and catamarans heading to Koh Kood.

Ferry Schedules and Luggage Tips for Trat Islands: What to Expect

Ferry schedules vary by season and operator. Generally, boats to Koh Chang run every 30 to 60 minutes from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. For Koh Kood and Koh Mak, departures are less frequent, typically occurring between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Booking Your Tickets

While you can buy tickets at the pier, booking in advance is highly recommended for Koh Kood and Koh Mak, especially during the high season (November to April). Operators like Boonsiri High Speed Ferries offer online booking platforms that include shuttle services from Trat town or the airport.

Essential Luggage Tips for Island Travelers

Managing your gear is a crucial part of the ferry schedules and luggage tips for Trat islands experience. Unlike large cruise ships, island ferries have specific constraints.

• Pack Light: Speedboats to Koh Mak have limited space. Large, hard-shell suitcases can be difficult to stack and may incur extra fees.
• Waterproof Protection: Sea spray is common. Use dry bags for electronics and important documents.
• Label Everything: At busy piers like Laem Sok, luggage is often handled by staff to speed up boarding. Ensure your name and destination hotel are clearly marked.
• Weight Limits: While most ferries don’t strictly weigh bags, try to keep individual items under 20kg for the safety of the boat crew.

What to Pack for Your Trat Adventure

Beyond the usual beachwear, consider these essentials:

1. Sun Protection: Biodegradable sunscreen to protect the coral reefs.
2. Insect Repellent: Koh Kood and Koh Mak are known for sandflies on certain beaches.
3. Cash: While Koh Chang has many ATMs, Koh Kood and Koh Mak have very few. Many smaller resorts only accept cash.
4. Motion Sickness Pills: The crossing to Koh Kood can be choppy depending on the wind.

คำถามที่พบบ่อย (FAQ)

What is the best time to catch a ferry to Koh Chang?

The car ferries run frequently from early morning until sunset. To avoid long queues, try to arrive before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM, especially on weekends.

Are there direct boats between Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood?

Yes, during the high season (November to April), there are inter-island speedboats that connect the three main islands, allowing you to skip the mainland return trip.

How much luggage am I allowed to bring on the ferry?

Most large ferries allow two standard bags per person. For speedboats, it is best to limit yourself to one backpack or small suitcase due to limited deck space.

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?

For the Koh Chang car ferry, you can usually buy tickets on arrival. For Koh Kood catamarans and Koh Mak speedboats, booking 24-48 hours in advance is recommended.

References

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Boonsiri High Speed Ferry Official Site