Traveling with Kids and Strollers on Thailand Ferries: A Practical Guide for Parents

By Chaokoh Ferry

Taking a ferry between Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta is one of the highlights of an Andaman holiday. With children, it can also feel like a logistics puzzle: tickets, piers, luggage, naps, a stroller and a boat full of strangers.

The good news is that it's very doable with a little planning. This guide walks you through the journey step by step, from choosing a departure time to getting from the pier to your hotel.

Choose the Right Route and Departure Time

Our most popular family routes, with the approximate crossing times from our timetable:

Schedules change by season, so please check the latest timetable on our booking page before you plan.

How to pick a time that works for kids

• Match the nap. For babies and toddlers, a departure close to nap time often means they sleep through part of the ride.
• Avoid very early starts if your child gets cranky. A tired child makes the pier harder than the boat.
• Think about check-in and arrival times. Leave time to reach the pier, and make sure you will arrive at your destination with enough daylight to settle in.
• For the longest route (Lanta to Phuket), consider a break in Phi Phi if you are not in a hurry.

Booking Tickets for Children

We list separate adult and child fares on our site. Before booking, please check:

• The age range that counts as a child for ticket pricing
• Whether infants need a ticket, and any rules for them
• How many tickets you need for everyone in your group, including children who will sit on a lap

If you are unsure, message us before you book. It's much easier than sorting it out at the pier.

Strollers: What to Expect

Strollers are the question we hear most. The honest answer is that it depends on your stroller and your route, so here are some practical points.

• Piers and jetties can include wooden boards, ramps, steps and a gap to step across when boarding. A large stroller can be awkward on these.
• A lightweight, foldable stroller is much easier. Be ready to fold it and carry it at the gangway.
• A baby carrier or sling is a useful backup, and many parents find it easier than a stroller on island paths.
• On Koh Phi Phi, the island is largely car-free and some paths are narrow, crowded or sandy, so a big stroller can be hard to use. A carrier is often more practical there.
• Luggage and stroller together is a lot to manage with small children. Keep one adult's hands free for the kids.

To avoid surprises, ask us about stroller storage on your specific boat before you travel.

At the Pier: A Simple Plan

1. Arrive with time to spare. Rushing with children is when accidents happen. Follow the check-in time on your ticket.
2. Keep a hand on your child on the jetty and at the boarding gangway. Gaps, water and moving boats are the main hazards.
3. Use the toilet before boarding. Facilities on board are limited, and queues can be long.
4. Split the jobs. One adult handles bags and tickets; the other stays with the children.
5. Keep essentials in a small bag that stays with you: water, snacks, wipes, a change of clothes, medication and documents.

On Board: Keeping Children Comfortable

• Pick your seat with care. Seats near the middle of the boat usually feel steadier than the very front or back. Ask the crew where you should sit with small children.
• Dress in layers. Air-conditioned cabins can feel cold, while the deck can be hot and sunny.
• Bring snacks and drinks to keep children occupied and settled.
• Plan for seasickness. Fresh air, a view of the horizon and light snacks can help. If your child needs motion-sickness medicine, check with your doctor beforehand and never try something new on the day of travel.
• Bring quiet entertainment: a tablet with headphones, colouring books, small toys or stickers.
• Follow crew instructions on life jackets and safe seating. Ask them to help you fit a life jacket on your child.

Rainy Season Travel

Sea conditions can change from May to October, and ferry times may be adjusted or cancelled for safety. If you travel in this season:

• Keep your schedule flexible, with a spare day if you have a flight or connecting booking.
• Check the status of your departure on the day.
• Consider a morning departure, when the sea is generally calmer.
• Bring a light rain jacket for the walk from the pier.

From the Pier to Your Hotel

This is where families often get caught out. Before you travel:

• Confirm how far your hotel is from the pier and whether you can reach it on foot with luggage and children.
• Ask the hotel about pickup, especially if you arrive tired or in the rain.
• Keep your hotel address ready in English and, if possible, in Thai.

Our sister property, Chaokoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort, is located on Phi Phi Island close to the jetties and local beaches, which makes arrival simpler for many families.

Family Packing Checklist

• Passports or ID for every traveller, plus your ticket confirmation
• A lightweight stroller or baby carrier
• Diapers, wipes and a changing mat
• A change of clothes for each child, and one for you
• Snacks, water and a spill-proof cup
• Sun hat, sunscreen and a light jacket
• Any medication, including motion-sickness medicine your doctor has approved
• A small toy or book
• Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes
• Cash in baht for porters, snacks and small expenses

Ready to Book?

Travelling as a family is easier when the plan is simple. Check our timetable and book your ferry ticket online, or call us on +66 98 017 2564 if you have questions about children, strollers or luggage.

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