Wondering how to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi? Then this post is 100% for you.
Located in Krabi Province, the Phi Phi archipelago is home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands and a huge must on any Phuket itinerary. Floating in the Andaman Sea, the cluster of islands with Ko Phi Phi Don as its main hub is a hot spot for beachgoers, island hoppers, and scuba and snorkeling fans.
Whether you are visiting Phi Phi Island for a day or plan on soaking up the vibes over a longer period, one of the first things you’re probably trying to figure out is how to get there. While it can be a mission to get to some of Krabi’s dreamy islands, getting from Phuket to Phi Phi is actually surprisingly easy. And in this guide, I’ll share exactly how to get to Koh Phi Phi so that you can choose the best transport option for you.
Read along to find your best transport options from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi!
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Table of Contents
Before You Go to Phi Phi
Before heading out to the Phi Phi Islands, here are a few tips to help you plan a seamless trip.
- Read my guide on the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi and this Thailand Packing List if you’re unsure what to bring along on your trip. You’ll want to travel as light as possible as one can only access most hotels on foot or by long-tail boat. It’s also a good idea to check your boat operator’s luggage allowances in advance.
- If you suffer from seasickness, I strongly suggest taking some medication at least 30 minutes before your boat ride. At Rassada Pier, our operator had motion sickness tablets on the counter, which were free to take.
- While Koh Phi Phi is not particularly huge, it’s one of the most famous places in Thailand. As a result, rooms fill up quickly. Book your dreamy island accommodation at least a few weeks in advance, and check out my top hotel picks below.
- You’ll need to pay a 20 Baht (p/p) fee upon arrival at Koh Phi Phi, so make sure you have change handy. The money goes towards waste management and aids efforts to keep the island clean.
- If you’ve just arrived in Phuket and want to head straight to Koh Phi Phi, you can book a transfer & ferry directly from Phuket Airport. There are several tour operator booths near the baggage claim area selling tickets, but you can also book tickets or check schedules online via 12GoAsia.
Getting from Phuket to Phi Phi
The distance from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is only about 46km, and dozens of speedboat and ferry operators offer smooth transport between the two islands. Here’s what you need to know about each transport option.
Taking a Speedboat from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
The fastest and easiest way to get to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket is by speedboat. The speedboat takes just under 1 hour and the ride is comfortable.
The most popular port to sail from in Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is Rassada Pier on the southeast coast of Phuket Island. The harbor is roughly a 15-minute drive from Phuket Old Town and less than 45 minutes from other popular areas like Kata, Karon, and Patong.
Several speedboat operators sail between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi daily, with Andaman Wave Master and Bundhaya being popular options. Prices are fixed, so it doesn’t matter which speedboat company you use. The first speed boat to Koh Phi Phi departs at 8:30 am, and you’ll need to be at the port at least 30 minutes in advance.
Booking the Speedboat
Unless you want the added stress of getting to the pier by yourself, it’s important to book a fast boat that includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off in Phuket. It will save you a lot of hassle as all the logistics will be sorted for you. Generally, a one-way ticket to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket costs 750 Baht, and a return ticket costs 1500 Baht.
It will be wise to book a return ticket as the boats back to Phuket fill up quickly. If you’re not sure of your return date, you can also buy an open ticket, meaning you can return whenever you like. Just go to the Koh Phi Phi pier a bit earlier on the day you want to leave to ensure the staff gets your name on the departure list.
Another thing to know is that even though the boats sail at a specific time, it’s best to mentally prep yourself for a much earlier pick-up time as the van will be filled with other passengers from different locations and hotels. Pick-up usually starts at least 1-1.5 hours before the boat leaves.
Before you book your tickets though, it’s important to know which pier you need to sail to in Koh Phi Phi. There are two piers on Ko Phi Phi Don; Tonsai and Laem Tong Beach Pier. Tonsai is the main pier in Koh Phi Phi, and it’s close to all the shops and tons of hotels, whereas Laem Tong Pier is located in the north of the island away from all the hustle and bustle.
Alternative Sailing Ports in Phuket
Bang Rong Pier
If you’re staying in the north of Phuket, you could consider taking a boat from Bang Rong Pier. However, the journey takes considerably longer (about 3 hours), and there’s only one boat daily at 9:30 am. Check ferry tickets.
Taking the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi
If you’re trying to save a few bucks and don’t mind a slightly longer journey, an alternative way to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is by ferry.
The ferry leaves every day from Rassada Pier and takes 2 hours to Tonsai Pier and 3 hours to Laem Tong Beach Pier.
Similar to the speedboat, there are a couple of different companies, like Andaman Wave Master and Phi Phi Cruiser. The ferries have varying time schedules, so the easiest way to find the right time slot for you is to check on the 12GoAsia website. It’s super easy to browse the site and you can easily book tickets online to guarantee your seat.
Of course, if you prefer not to book online, you can also buy tickets directly through any tour company in Phuket. Phuket is littered with tourist info booths, so you won’t have trouble finding one.
A one-way ferry ticket (std class) with hotel transfer from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi costs 600 Baht per person and 500 Baht without a pick-up.
Joining a Day Tour to Koh Phi Phi
If you’re pressed for time, another great way to visit Koh Phi Phi is on an organized day tour from Phuket.
There are oodles of different packages, but most of them include stops at must-visit sights like Maya Bay, Pi Leh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Monkey Bay, where you can snorkel, relax on the beach, or just enjoy the views. Some options include visiting Khai Islands, and some tours even go as far as Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island (Ko Yung).
Here are some popular day tours from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi:
If you opt for a day trip, check if the price includes a hotel pick-up and the Phi Phi National Park (200 Baht per person).
Note: Maya Bay is closed for rehabilitation from August through September 2022.
Where to Stay on Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island has a whole host of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers – from cheap hostels to beautiful hotels and luxe resorts.
The most convenient place to stay is in or near Tonsai Village. That way, you’ll be within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, bars, and the main pier. Also, you won’t need to charter a water taxi (long-tail boat) if you want to go to “town.” Here are my top picks:
- Chaokoh Phi Phi is a great mid-range resort, mere steps from Tonsai Pier, the beach, shops, and eateries. With spacious rooms and a lovely pool, it’s the perfect base for travelers looking to be close to all the action but not in the thick of the party crowd. Book a room with a balcony so you can watch the sunrise with a cuppa every morning in your PJs! Check rates and availability here on Agoda.
- If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, book one of PP Princess Resort‘s dreamy villas overlooking Loh Dalum Beach. This gorgeous 4-star resort is only 230m from Tonsai Pier and offers everything from standard rooms to private pool villas. Check rates and availability here on Agoda.
Still need more choice? Search for the best hotel deals in Koh Phi Phi on Agoda.
Traveling from Phuket to Phi Phi in Conclusion
So there you have it – the best ways to get to Phi Phi from Phuket! Each option has its perks, but after reading this guide, I hope you’ve found the right transport option for you!
If you found this guide on how to get to Phi Phi Island useful, please pin it to your favorite Thailand travel board!
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