How to Get to the Paradisiacal Phi Phi Islands

Nestled beautifully on the Andaman Sea in the South of Thailand, Phi Phi Islands is an exotic seaside destination perfect for unwinding and idyllic getaways. Its location on the Andaman Sea means its situated off mainland Thailand and requires some effort to access. If you are planning your next tropical getaway on Phi Phi Islands, it is vital to know how to access the islands. Discover how you can travel to Phi Phi Islands with this valuable guide.

Where is Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands entails a group of 6 tropical islands. The 2 famous islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi is located 45km southeast of Phuket and about the same distance southwest of Krabi. Phi Phi Islands form part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and come under Krabi province. Phi Phi is renowned for its inviting, pearl-white sandy beaches and otherworldly, luminous turquoise-green waters filled with colourful marine life and corals. The area is also famous for its breathtaking limestone cliffs jutting out from the ocean and its plethora of cosy, relaxing bays.

Journeying from Bangkok

Getting to Phi Phi Islands depends firstly on where your journey originates from. Phi Phi Islands is accessed chiefly via Phuket and Krabi, but for first-timers to Thailand, it is vital to know how to get to Phuket or Krabi from other areas in Thailand, including Bangkok. Since Bangkok is typically the primary entry point into Thailand, most travellers set out from here to other parts of the nation. The easiest, shortest option is by air. You can take a flight from Bangkok to either Phuket or Krabi as both cities have airports. Alternatively, you can also travel from Bangkok via train. This is relatively cheaper than direct flights, but the journey is longer. The train from Bangkok will take you to Surat Thani station, and thereafter you will have to take a bus to Krabi to travel to Phi Phi. You can also travel from Bangkok to Krabi via bus.

Travelling to Phi Phi by ferry

The ferry is the most famous method of getting to the Phi Phi Islands. You can catch a public ferry from either Phuket or Krabi. If you fly into Phuket’s airport, you can take a local taxi or bus to Rassada Pier or Sea Angel Pier. This journey takes approximately 60-90 minutes. You can then board a ferry which will take you to Phi Phi in about 2 hours. Conversely, if you fly to Krabi, you can travel via taxi or bus for 30 minutes to the Klong Jilad Pier to catch a ferry to Phi Phi. Alternatively, you can also catch ferries from other piers in Krabi, including Ao Nang (Noppharat Thara Pier) and Koh Lanta Pier (Saladan Pier). The journey from Krabi to Phi Phi takes about 90 minutes. Ferries arrive mostly at Phi Phi’s Ton Sai Pier or Laem Thong Pier.

If you are staying at a Phi Phi Island resort, the likes of SAii Phi Phi Island Village, you may be provided with a private boat transfer directly to your accommodation from Phuket or Krabi. Likewise, some resorts may also offer private long-tail boat or speedboat transfers from the pier in Phi Phi. It is crucial that you research ferry schedules beforehand and time your flight travels accordingly. Ensure that you also book your tickets in advance or arrive early to purchase tickets, particularly during the crowded season from November to April. There are approximately 3 to 4 ferry rides daily from Phuket or Krabi. Public ferries feature sun decks and decks with air-conditioned spaces providing added comfort. Drinks and snacks are also available onboard.

Getting to Phi Phi via speedboat

If the ferry is not your cup of tea or you fancy a less-crowded travel option, then consider chartering a private speedboat to Phi Phi from Phuket or Krabi. This option is also ideal when travelling in private groups. The convenience of travelling via speedboat is that the journey only takes 45 minutes to an hour at most, and there are no fixed departure/drop-off points. Hence, you can even request to be dropped right at your resort’s front door if you so wish. However, it is more expensive than the public ferry, and the ride can be uncomfortable between September and November, which is the monsoon season.