Inter-island moving in Thailand — Samui, Phangan, Phi Phi ferry logistics
An island moving Thailand quote splits by island — Samui and Phangan use large ferries, Phi Phi and Koh Yao use speedboats, and Koh Chang uses car-ferry piers each with different rules.
- Samui and Phangan crews book Raja or Seatran ferry slots 5-7 days ahead.
- Phi Phi and Koh Yao teams use speedboats or long-tail vessels for smaller loads.
- Koh Chang movers coordinate with the Ao Thammachat car-ferry pier.
- Book November to April — monsoon suspensions delay moves 24-48 hours.
- Verify DBD + Tax ID + liability insurance before signing.
Island moving splits by ferry type
Every island move starts with a ferry booking. Ferry types split by island class — car ferries for Samui and Phangan, speedboats for Phi Phi and Koh Yao, RORO ferries for Koh Chang. Each drives different logistics.
Samui and Phangan (Raja and Seatran ferries)
Both islands use large car ferries from Donsak pier. Truck slots need 5-7 days advance booking. Ferry cost per 6-wheel truck runs 2,500-5,500 THB. 10-wheel truck slots cap at one per crossing during peak season.
Phi Phi and Koh Yao (speedboats)
These smaller islands cannot accept car ferries. Movers use speedboats or long-tail vessels for loads under 3 m³. Larger loads split across multiple crossings.
Koh Chang and Koh Kood (car ferry)
The Ao Thammachat and Centrepoint piers run car ferries to Koh Chang. Koh Kood requires additional speedboat coordination from Koh Chang.
The most common island moving Thailand mistake is booking ferry slots after the mover confirms. Truck slots often fill 5-7 days ahead, especially during peak November-April season.
What island moves cost
| Move type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Studio to Samui (from mainland) | 18,000 – 32,000 THB |
| 3-bed villa to Samui | 50,000 – 90,000 THB |
| 1-bed condo to Phi Phi | 25,000 – 45,000 THB |
| 3-bed house to Koh Chang | 35,000 – 65,000 THB |
Ferry costs run 2,500 to 5,500 THB per truck. Peak-season surcharges 15-25 percent. Speedboat volume-based pricing 3,000-8,000 THB per trip.
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Timing and monsoon suspensions
Ferry services suspend during rough weather. Gulf of Thailand islands (Samui, Phangan, Koh Tao) face October to December monsoon disruption. Andaman islands (Phi Phi, Koh Yao) face April to October monsoon. Book November to April for reliable transit.
Insurance and water damage
Standard mover insurance excludes water damage from ferry transit during rough seas. Request written water-damage clause coverage for moves between September and December.
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Truck sizes and ferry constraints
6-wheel Isuzu Elf clears standard ferry ramps at all pier types. 10-wheel trucks fit Raja/Seatran but face daily quotas during peak season. Speedboats accept volumes under 3 m³.
Verify before you sign
Every legitimate island moving Thailand partner should carry DBD registration and specific island-mover experience. Verify at dbd.go.th. Cross-check with Koh Samui movers or Krabi movers for island coverage.
