Koh Lanta Ferries

[huggybear]

Just the other day I spent two hours each way, waiting in the queue for the car ferry to and from Lanta Yai.

The people there I saw said I was lucky, they have heard it's been as bad as SIX HOURS. Each way !

Is the governor there trying to ruin business in Lanta? Do they think tourists that spend three hours in a minivan from Krabi Airport, in a ferry queue are ever going to come back?

I know there is talk of a bridge, but for the time being, open the ferry business up to more operators. Competition will make the system better. Right now the "ferry mafia" running the show are failing miserably.

HELP !!!!!

[Daffy D]

Yes you was lucky “Huggy” sometimes the wait can be WERY long.

You worry about the tourists going to Lanta what about the ones having to catch a plane when they are leaving. Have heard some miss their flights because of the time it takes for the ferry. Apparently the delays also happen in the low season – go figure that one.

Talk of a bridge – just talk

Daffy.

[siamkiwi]

I use those ferries alot and haven't had to wait two hours let alone six. There's usually two ferries running nonstop at each crossing.

I agree wth the duck. I cant see them building any bridges in a hurry. Mind you at the rate the sweeds are taking the place over who knows. Not that I've got anything against sweeds they're some of my best customers.

[huggybear]

I use those ferries alot and haven't had to wait two hours let alone six. There's usually two ferries running nonstop at each crossing.

I agree wth the duck. I cant see them building any bridges in a hurry. Mind you at the rate the sweeds are taking the place over who knows. Not that I've got anything against sweeds they're some of my best customers.

siamkiwi can you share your tip on how to do it without the long wait?

Are you going to and fro at particular times? Is the backup heavier to Lanta at a certain time and off Lanta at a certain time?

As I will be travelling there a little more often, I'd appreciate your insight.

Thanks, HB

[Daffy D]

If you don't really need your car try the passenger ferry. A bit more expensive but much more pleasant trip.

Duck.

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: Krabi authority attempts to ease traffic delays at the ferry service between the mainland and Lanta Island.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=216503

The Krabi authority is now working on resolving the long delay for ferry transport from the main-land to popular Lanta island. At present due to the region’s high season, cars have to queue up for 1 or 2 hours for a ferry service. This is also due to roadworks, pier improvements, and the tidal schedule. Krabi Governor Siwa Sirisaowaluck states that possible solutions will be asking hotel operators to send their boats to pick up guests, seeking lorries cooperation not to use ferry services during rush hours, adding more ferry services to boost competitiveness in services and asking contractors carrying out work at the pier to widen the traffic lanes.

Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) at 8.30am & local Cable TV channel 1 + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Tuesday 18 March 2008 & http://news.prd.go.th

[siamkiwi]

I use those ferries alot and haven't had to wait two hours let alone six. There's usually two ferries running nonstop at each crossing.

I agree wth the duck. I cant see them building any bridges in a hurry. Mind you at the rate the sweeds are taking the place over who knows. Not that I've got anything against sweeds they're some of my best customers.

siamkiwi can you share your tip on how to do it without the long wait?

Are you going to and fro at particular times? Is the backup heavier to Lanta at a certain time and off Lanta at a certain time?

As I will be travelling there a little more often, I'd appreciate your insight.

Thanks, HB

It's pretty random, but I usually travell to Lanta mid after noon and leave mid morning. I think if you avoid early morning and late afternoon the wait wont be so bad. I'd have to agree with the duck again. If you dont need ya own car catch a ferry and hire a motorbike.

Edited March 18, 2008 by siamkiwi

[Captain Chaos]

Only been to Lanta once - arrived 27 Dec 07 - had to wait for a couple of hours to go across from the mainland to Lanta Noi - explanation was that one ferry was out of service (mechanical issues - backed by visual evidence - the bloody thing was tied up to the pier!)

Coming back on 3 Jan 08 was fine - no queues at all

Are these delays a regular thing then? We really liked Lanta and were thinking about going again - but probably not if it takes 5 hours or so each time to get from / to Krabi airport!

CC

[huggybear]

I use those ferries alot and haven't had to wait two hours let alone six. There's usually two ferries running nonstop at each crossing.

I agree wth the duck. I cant see them building any bridges in a hurry. Mind you at the rate the sweeds are taking the place over who knows. Not that I've got anything against sweeds they're some of my best customers.

siamkiwi can you share your tip on how to do it without the long wait?

Are you going to and fro at particular times? Is the backup heavier to Lanta at a certain time and off Lanta at a certain time?

As I will be travelling there a little more often, I'd appreciate your insight.

Thanks, HB

It's pretty random, but I usually travell to Lanta mid after noon and leave mid morning. I think if you avoid early morning and late afternoon the wait wont be so bad. I'd have to agree with the duck again. If you dont need ya own car catch a ferry and hire a motorbike.

Got it, and it sounds logical too. I made my mistake in overnighting in Ao Nang and then getting to the ferry to Lanta at about 10:30AM. Coming back at 4:00, miserable.

Going to Lanta-mid afternoon, I would think the traffic would be coming off the island at that point, and into the evening.

Coming back from Lanta-mid morning, same thing, seems people would be going to Lanta at that time.

Great, siamkiwi, I owe you a beer.

[meme]

I use those ferries alot and haven't had to wait two hours let alone six. There's usually two ferries running nonstop at each crossing.

I agree wth the duck. I cant see them building any bridges in a hurry. Mind you at the rate the sweeds are taking the place over who knows. Not that I've got anything against sweeds they're some of my best customers.

siamkiwi can you share your tip on how to do it without the long wait?

Are you going to and fro at particular times? Is the backup heavier to Lanta at a certain time and off Lanta at a certain time?

As I will be travelling there a little more often, I'd appreciate your insight.

Thanks, HB

It's pretty random, but I usually travell to Lanta mid after noon and leave mid morning. I think if you avoid early morning and late afternoon the wait wont be so bad. I'd have to agree with the duck again. If you dont need ya own car catch a ferry and hire a motorbike.

Got it, and it sounds logical too. I made my mistake in overnighting in Ao Nang and then getting to the ferry to Lanta at about 10:30AM. Coming back at 4:00, miserable.

Going to Lanta-mid afternoon, I would think the traffic would be coming off the island at that point, and into the evening.

Coming back from Lanta-mid morning, same thing, seems people would be going to Lanta at that time.

Great, siamkiwi, I owe you a beer.

We go to Lanta a lot and we always try to leave before noon(from Trang). When we return we also catch the first minibus which leaves at 730am and we never have to wait long. If you take the ferries in the evening you will wait from 2 to 6 hours for sure..It is really crazy this season!

Edited March 21, 2008 by meme