Boonsiri Ferry

📍 Location of Boonsiri Ferry 🚘 Directions to Boonsiri Ferry

About Boonsiri Ferry

The journey from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Mak and Koh Kood via a high-speed catamaran is a popular choice for many travelers. The catamaran is air-conditioned, providing a comfortable environment for the journey. Additionally, a taxi service is provided from the pier to the resort in Koh Kood, making the transition from sea to land seamless. There is also a free taxi service between Trat city and the Laem Sok office of BOONSIRI, the company that operates the catamaran. For those traveling from further afield, there is a passenger van/bus service between the BOONSIRI Laem Sok office and Bangkok. Private van rental services are also available from the BOONSIRI Laem Sok office to various locations including Trat Airport, Pattaya, Bangkok, and Aranyaprathet/Poipet.

However, some travelers have reported that the journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang via the high-speed catamaran was not as advertised. Instead of a high-speed catamaran, they were transported by bus for 5.5 hours and then transferred to a regular ferry in Trat. The ferry was described as very old and the overall cost of the trip was reportedly double the price of booking independently.

The management of the check-in counter and ticket selling process has also been criticized. Passengers checking in and those buying tickets are required to wait in the same queue, which can lead to confusion and delays. On some occasions, all the seats on the catamaran were sold, resulting in some passengers having to sit on the deck. This can be particularly uncomfortable in rainy weather. The land transfer process was also described as chaotic, with passengers having to rush to secure a seat on the cart.

The return trip from Koh Kood to Bangkok has been described as a nightmare by some. Despite the outbound journey being comfortable and efficient, the return journey was reportedly much longer than expected. The bus stopped multiple times and the drop-off points were not clearly communicated, leading to confusion and additional costs for some passengers.

On a positive note, some travelers have reported that the service was on time and there were no delays. The Thai Marine Authorities are said to control the pier, ensuring safety and order. Tickets can be purchased from various locations including guest houses and hotels, and are the same price as those sold at the company's office. A free pick-up service is offered around Trat town and drop-off at various locations around the island. On the ferryboat, wearing a life jacket is mandatory.

However, there have been instances where prepaid bookings for the Ferry & Bus service from Bangkok were cancelled at the last minute. This has caused inconvenience for some travelers, who had to make alternative arrangements at short notice and at additional cost.

The journey to Koh Kood from Laem Sok has been described as enjoyable by some. The Boonsiri Check-in area in Laem Sok has a restaurant where passengers can relax while waiting for their departure. The luggage handling process is organized, with marked areas for luggage destined for Koh Mak and Koh Kood. The ferry used for the journey is reportedly in good condition, clean, and fast. The inside seating area is air-conditioned and comfortable, while those who prefer the outdoors can sit on the open deck.

Despite these positive aspects, some travelers have reported negative experiences. For instance, during a transfer from Koh Kood to Bangkok, the bus driver decided to change all the tires in the middle of the trip, resulting in a delay of almost two hours. This incident has led to some travelers advising against purchasing tickets from this company.