There is soon a new ferry service linking Kedah's resort island, Langkawi, and southern Thai's Krabi province, which will help to boost both countries' tourism.
Currently, there is only a Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry service that has been in operation for many years, and the departure point is from Telaga Harbour and now from Kuah Jetty.
Langkawi to Koh Lanta Ferry Service
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib said the Langkawi-Koh Lanta ferry service is the latest initiative to boost tourism in both island destinations.
This initiation was discussed during a working visit of Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who led a delegation of 28 officials on 6 January.
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| The Koh Lanta Marine Park is one of the places to visit. |
During the visit, the Tourism Thailand delegates visited several tourist attractions in Langkawi, namely the MAHA Tower, SkyCab, Mahsuri Tomb and Lang Square.
"They mooted the idea of initiating a Langkawi-Koh Lanta ferry service," Nasaruddin told reporters after an engagement session with Langkawi tourism players at his office in Kuah. Koh Lanta is a famous tourist island for domestic and international travellers in the Krabi province.
Nasaruddin also said the ferry operator, Langkawi Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd, has agreed to operate the new route. But there has yet to be a confirmation on when this service will launch.
He added that strategic collaboration between Langkawi and Koh Lanta will be further enhanced through official discussions involving the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Tourism Malaysia and Lada.
Malaysia and Thailand Immigration Procedures
- Malaysia Immigration - The counter is inside Telaga Harbour Marina or Kuah Jetty, where you will receive your Malaysian exit and entry stamp before boarding the ferry.
- Thailand Immigration - When entering Thailand, there is a brief stop on Koh Lipe Island for Thailand Immigration purposes. After receiving your Thailand entry stamp, you continue the journey to Koh Lanta.
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| One of the ferries from Langkawi Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd. |
In terms of tourism numbers, Langkawi has also received a total of 2.5 million visitors throughout the year 2022 and expects a rise to 3.2 million in 2023. LADA targets 78 per cent of domestic tourists, and the rest are international tourists.
Conclusion to Langkawi to Koh Lanta Ferry Service
I have been visiting Koh Lipe since 2007 and have seen the massive changes done because of tourism. Koh Lanta is still a lesser-developed destination and will suit those who prefer something quiet.
Until this very day, getting to Koh Lipe is still done via boats as there is no airport or roads connecting this beautiful island in the southwest of Thailand.
For those planning to visit this part of Southern Thailand, soon you will be able to take the Langkawi to Koh Lanta ferry service.