Fast boat & ferry tips for Southeast Asia

Fast boat, slow ferry or speedboat?

• Large car or passenger ferries are slower but more stable in rough water, and usually cheaper.
• Fast boats (catamarans and high-speed boats with indoor seating) are quicker and most common on tourist routes such as Bali–Gili or Phuket–Phi Phi.
• Small speedboats are the fastest and the bumpiest. In big swell they are uncomfortable and more affected by weather.

If you get seasick easily or are travelling with children, a bigger boat is often worth the extra time.

How to choose an operator

• Compare departure piers, scheduled crossing time, number of stops and whether hotel transfers are included.
• Read the reviews and ratings shown on 12Go. They are collected by 12Go from its customers, not by Lyxvo, so read several recent ones rather than relying on the score alone.
• At the pier, look at the boat: life jackets should be visible and accessible, and the boat should not be overloaded. If it does not feel right, you can refuse to board.

Sea seasons by region

Region	Usually calmer	Often rougher
Thailand – Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta)	About November–April	About May–October (southwest monsoon)
Thailand – Gulf (Samui, Phangan, Tao)	Much of the year	About October/November–December
Bali, Nusa Penida, Lombok & Gilis	Varies day to day	Big ocean swells can occur in the dry season (around June–August); storms in the wet season (around December–February)
Philippines	About December–May	Typhoon season, roughly June–November
Central Vietnam coast	About February–August	Storm season, roughly September–November

These are general patterns, not forecasts. Check a marine weather forecast a day or two before you travel.

Weather cancellations

Port authorities and operators cancel or delay crossings when the sea is unsafe — this is for your protection. If your boat is cancelled, the operator may move you to another departure; refunds and changes follow the operator's rules and are handled through 12Go support. Travel insurance that covers delays can help with extra hotel nights.

Always keep a buffer day before flights

Never plan a boat on the same day as an international flight if you can avoid it. Delays, rough seas and slow road transfers after the boat add up. Spend your last night near the airport. This matters especially on routes like Gili Trawangan → Bali or Koh Phi Phi → Phuket.

Seasickness

• Take seasickness tablets about 30–60 minutes before departure (follow the packet or ask a pharmacist).
• Sit in the middle or at the back of the boat, low down, and look at the horizon.
• Eat something light beforehand; avoid alcohol the night before.
• Fresh air helps — but stay seated when the crew asks.

Luggage

Bags usually travel on deck or in a hold where they can get splashed. Pack electronics and documents in a dry bag or waterproof cover, and keep your passport, phone, cash and medicine in a small bag on you. Large suitcases are hard to handle on beach landings; a backpack or soft bag is easier. Check the luggage allowance in your booking.

Wet landings

Some islands have no proper jetty, or the tide is too low to use it. Then you step off into knee-deep water — this is normal at places like the Gili Islands, parts of Nusa Penida and many beaches in Thailand and the Philippines. Wear sandals or shoes that can get wet, roll up your trousers and let the crew pass your luggage.

Safety checklist

• Know where the life jackets are; put one on if conditions are rough or you are not a confident swimmer.
• Do not sit on the roof or bow unless the crew allows it.
• Keep the booking confirmation and operator phone number handy.
• Use sun protection — open decks get strong sun.
• Arrive at the pier early and confirm the right boat with staff before boarding.

Route guides with boat details

• Bali to Gili Trawangan
• Sanur to Nusa Penida
• Phuket & Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
• Bangkok to Koh Samui

Before you book, read how to book on 12Go.