Sometimes Lipe seems to be trying to hold onto you. Consider this - especially if you have a flight to catch.
There are quite a few travel agencies on the island, all offering you to book the speedboat/ferry and train/bus tickets, that can get you literally anywhere in Thailand. They operate in collaboration with mainland agencies in Hat Yai or Trang, two usual places to take the bus or train from. The mainland agencies are buying the tickets right on the railway stations, and those close at 6PM. It's best to come to travel agency at the island before that time, since they won't be able to book your ticket later. If you reserve the ticket afterwards, they will try to buy it the other day, but the train may be fully booked. It's better to insist on them reserving the ticket as you are at the agency, as they happen to postpone it at times, which may result in not getting the ticket again.
For the trains it's better to book at least 3 days in advance, for most buses one day ahead is enough. Buses are less comfy and more expensive though comparing to the 2nd AC sleeper class trains.
Feel free to bargain - travel agencies can't do anything about the train/bus price, but they are able to lower the ferry/speedboat price as well as the minibus transfer from port to the city.
Pakbara
Ko Lanta
Ko Muk
Ko Phi Phi
Ko Tarutao
Langkawi
Phuket
