Getting to Ko Phi Phi
Islands in Thailand


View of Ko Phi Phi in Thailand, ©iStockphoto.com/holgs

Last updated on Nov 23, 2013

All information below is subject to change


Ever seen "The Beach" (2000) with Leonardo DiCaprio?

I believe that the popularity of Phi Phi Islands grew after this movie!

So, why are the Phi Phi islands popular?

Well, Phi Phi's white sand beaches are known worldwide because the islands are surrounded by clear, turquoise water and a vast variety of marine life.

This makes the islands excellent for snorkelling and diving, and have attracted backpackers and tourists from all over the world!

The islands are spectacular as well, because of its limestone cliffs, beautiful bays and delicious sea food.

But Phi Phi has gone through a lot! Most of us remember the Indian Ocean tsunami that hit Phi Phi Don back in December 2004.

When I walked around in the streets of Ko Phi Phi in 2007, I saw locals building houses, heaps of rocks and blue signs of tsunami evacuation routes located at many restaurants, cafes and roads.

It was hard to imagine that this beautiful island was hit hard by the tsunami!

... But despite the catastrophe, the island has maintained its true beauty!

Did you know...

...that the Phi Phi island group is actually six islands:

  • Phi Phi Don
  • Phi Phi Ley
  • Yung Island (Mosquito Island)
  • Bamboo Island
  • Bida Nok
  • Bida Nai

"Don" means big, and "Ley" means small.

How to get to
Ko Phi Phi

There's no airport in Ko Phi Phi. The nearest airports are located in Krabi and Phuket. At Krabi airport, grab a taxi (500 B, about 30 minutes) to Klong Jirad pier from where the ferries depart for the big Phi Phi island. A ferry ticket cost 400 B.

Ferries from Phuket for Phi Phi leave Rassada Pier, and it takes 1 hour to get there from Phuket International airport (400 B).

Search for cheap flights:

By bus from Bangkok to Krabi:

Take the government bus from Bangkok's Southern bus terminal to Krabi. The trip should take you around 12 hours.

You don't need to book a bus ticket in advance when it comes to government buses. Exceptions are during Thai holidays.

My experience is that I always get a bus ticket, even in the high season.

You can take private buses from Khao san road as well. But frankly, I prefer government buses rather than private buses because of its reliability, comfort and a lot smaller chances of getting scammed.

To survive such a long bus ride I would suggest to invest your money on government VIP-buses. You can usually choose between 2nd class air-con and 1st class air-con (VIP-buses) to Krabi.

On 24-seats VIP-buses you get a blanket, snacks and water, more leg room and fewer loud Asian movies. They even have reclining seats ;-)

From Krabi bus station, take a songthaew to Klong Jirad pier.

Ferries from Krabi/Phuket:

From Krabi Pier (Klong Jirad Pier), take the ferry to Ko Phi Phi (Tonsay Bay). If you have bought your ferry ticket through your guesthouse/booking office in Krabi, the taxi transfer from your guesthouse/office to the pier should be included in the price.

This should apply whether you're taking the ferry to Phi Phi Island or to Koh Lanta.

For example: In 2007 I bought my ferry ticket to Koh Lanta through KR Mansion Hotel in Krabi. There was a free taxi transfer from the hotel to the pier.

Time - from Krabi to Phi Phi: 90 minutes

Schedule from Krabi to Phi Phi Island:

Dep. 09.00 - Arr. 10.30

Dep. 10.30 - Arr. 12.00

Dep. 13.30 - Arr. 15.00

Dep. 15.00 - Arr. 16.30

Schedule from Phuket to Phi Phi Island:

Dep. 08.30 - Arr. 10.30

Dep. 11.00 - Arr. 12.30

Dep. 13.30 - Arr. 15.00

Dep. 14.30 - Arr. 16.00

By train from Bangkok:

You can take the train from Bangkok (Hualamphong train station) to Surat Thani (8,5 hours) - 3rd class seat cost approximately 200 B. To catch the morning ferry, you need to take the night train which leaves Bangkok at 17.35 and arrives in Surat Thani at 06.03.

Then take the bus (3 hours) or a minibus (2,5 hours) from Surat Thani to Krabi.

Important places to know about:

  • Tourist Police located near the pier in Ton Sai Village
  • There's one hospital on Phi Phi where they only treat small injuries. It's located between Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel and the Beach Club. Otherwise, larger injuries should be treated in Phuket where you can find international facilities. 
  • Several pharmacies inside Ton Sai Village
  • Immigration office in Phuket. Address: 482 Phuket Road. Opening hours: 08:30 am - 04:30 pm. Closed in the weekends and holidays.
  • Many ATMs and banks can be found around Ton Sai Village
  • Post office behind PP Princess Resort, 150 meters from the main pier in Phi Phi Don (parcels and letters)
  • You can get internet access everywhere in the village, if not at your guesthouse/resort

Further reading:

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