Last updated on Nov 23, 2013
All information below is subject to change
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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!
...that the Phi Phi island group is actually six islands:
"Don" means big, and "Ley" means small.
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).
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.
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
Dep. 09.00 - Arr. 10.30
Dep. 10.30 - Arr. 12.00
Dep. 13.30 - Arr. 15.00
Dep. 15.00 - Arr. 16.30
Dep. 08.30 - Arr. 10.30
Dep. 11.00 - Arr. 12.30
Dep. 13.30 - Arr. 15.00
Dep. 14.30 - Arr. 16.00
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.
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