Pak Bara is a small fishing town in La-ngu district, Satun province, and the main mainland gateway to Tarutao National Marine Park. Its long pier and passenger terminal are where speedboats leave for Koh Lipe and Koh Tarutao, and the national park headquarters and visitor centre sit close by.
Most travellers pass through in an hour, arriving by minivan from Hat Yai or Trang and going straight onto a boat. But if your flight lands late or you want the first boat of the morning, an overnight stop is easy: there are guesthouses, simple seafood restaurants and a long, quiet beach.
Top things to do at Pak Bara
Visit the park visitor centre
Near the pier, the national park office has information on the islands, opening dates and park accommodation.
Eat fresh seafood
Local restaurants along the road to the pier serve southern Thai seafood at mainland prices — a lot cheaper than on Lipe.
How to get to Pak Bara
- From Hat Yai: around 2 hours by minivan or taxi (roughly 100 km). Combined van-and-boat tickets like our recommended transfers take care of the whole journey.
- From Trang: around 2.5–3 hours by minivan.
- From Satun town: about an hour by road.
Insider tips
- Buy boat tickets from the official counters at the pier or book in advance; ignore anyone offering “last seats” outside.
- Parking is available near the pier if you arrive by car, for a daily fee.
- The park entry fee is often collected at the pier — keep the ticket.
Best tours & tickets for Pak Bara
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Pak Bara from Koh Lipe:
Transfer from €34 One-Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe
The simplest way to reach Lipe if you fly into Hat Yai: a van meets you at the airport and drops you at Pak Bara in time for the speedboat. More than eighty reviews and a 4.6 rating. Check the last van departure against your flight time before you book.
- Minivan from the airport to Pak Bara pier
- Speedboat from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe
- One ticket, one booking, connections timed
Transfer from €26 One-Way Speedboat Ticket from Pakbara Pier to Koh Lipe
Just the boat: the standard way across if you are already in Pak Bara, or arriving there by your own car, bus or taxi. Departures are fewer in the low season, and the national park entry fee is usually collected separately.
- Speedboat from the mainland pier to Lipe
- Some sailings stop at Koh Tarutao on the way
- Fixed daily departures
Transfer from €34 One-Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai City to Koh Lipe
The same combined ticket as the airport version, for those who spent the night in Hat Yai. Handy if your flight lands too late to reach the last boat the same day.
- Pickup in Hat Yai city
- Van to Pak Bara, speedboat to Lipe
- Rated 4.8 by travellers
Transfer from €34 One-Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport
The return leg of the most popular route off the island. Morning speedboats connect with vans to Hat Yai Airport; choose one that leaves you several hours before your flight, because sea conditions can delay the boat.
- Speedboat to Pak Bara, then minivan to the airport
- Rated 4.9 by travellers
- Allow a buffer before an evening flight
