We were picked up at our patong hotel at 7 am and after a few more stops were driven to a roadside area where we waited for about 35 minutes. Luckily there was a 7/11 nearby. We were picked up by a big bus and driven to the pier. On the way we stopped for brunch at a small joint. When we reached the pier we were given tickets for the ferry. 1 leaves at 1:30 and the other at 2. We hustled and caught the earlier one. The ferry takes about an hour and 25 minutes. Once you reach the pier you can either take a taxi for 650 or shared transfer for about 200 bhat per person. You can negotiate and we talked out open taxi guy to 500. By the time we reached our hotel it was a little past 4. A really long day the alternative is to fly but it's the same price as a one way ticket on a low cost airline to India.
Thank you for sharing such a practical account of your journey. We are glad you felt the transfer was worthwhile, while recognising that the waiting and connections made for a long day. Your comments on the travel time are helpful for setting expectations. Oh-Hoo
