Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry, Speedboat - Tickets and Information.
25-04-2025
2025-04-25
1 Adult
Save 63% on average when you buy in advance
25-04-2025
2025-04-25
1 Adult
Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Paradise
Koh Phi Phi, a jewel in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, beckons travellers with its emerald waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and laid-back island vibes. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping a coconut on a pristine beach or diving into a vibrant underwater world, this archipelago is a must-visit. Starting your journey from Phuket? You’re in for a treat! Here’s everything you need to know about getting from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, plus a deep dive into why this destination deserves a spot on your travel list.
How to Travel from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
Getting from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is a breeze, with two main options: ferry or speedboat. Both depart from Phuket’s Rassada Pier, a bustling hub just a short ride from Phuket Town or Patong Beach.
Ferry: The budget-friendly choice, ferries take about 1.5 to 2 hours and cost between 300–700 THB one way, depending on the operator and season. They’re spacious, often air-conditioned, and perfect if you want a relaxed ride with stunning sea views. Ferries dock at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don, the only inhabited island in the archipelago. Booking ahead is wise, especially during peak season (November to April), as seats fill up fast.
Speedboat: For a quicker trip, speedboats zip across the water in about 45 minutes to an hour, priced at 800–1,200 THB one way. They’re ideal if you’re short on time or fancy a bit of adventure - though be warned, the ride can get bumpy in choppy seas! Like ferries, they arrive at Tonsai Pier. If you’re prone to seasickness, pop a tablet 30 minutes before boarding.
Travelling straight from Phuket Airport? Some operators offer combined transfers (shuttle + ferry) for around 600–800 THB, saving you the hassle of getting to the pier yourself. Whichever you choose, pack light—Koh Phi Phi has no cars, so you’ll be lugging your bags on foot or by long-tail boat once you arrive!
Weather and Seasons of Koh Phi Phi All Year Round
Koh Phi Phi’s tropical climate means warm temperatures year-round, averaging 25–32°C, but the seasons play a big role in your experience.
Dry Season (November to April): This is peak season, and for good reason. Expect clear skies, calm seas, and temperatures hovering around 28–30°C. It’s perfect for beach days, snorkelling, and boat trips, though prices soar and crowds flock to hotspots like Maya Bay. December to February is the coolest and driest stretch—ideal if you’re escaping a dreary British winter.
Shoulder Seasons (October and May): These months offer a sweet spot: fewer tourists, lower prices, and decent weather. You might catch occasional showers, but they’re usually brief, leaving plenty of sunshine for exploring.
Wet Season (June to September): Monsoon time brings heavy rain, rough seas, and humidity, with September and October being the wettest. Many boat tours scale back, and some accommodations close, but you’ll snag bargains and enjoy a quieter island. The lush greenery is stunning, and indoor activities like cooking classes can fill rainy days.
For the best balance of weather and value, aim for late October or early May. Check forecasts closer to your trip, as the sea can get choppy during the wet season, affecting ferry schedules.
Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is small but packed with adventures. Here’s what to add to your itinerary:
Snorkelling and Diving: The warm, clear waters teem with coral reefs and marine life, from clownfish to leopard sharks. Snorkelling trips start at 500 THB, while a day of scuba diving costs around 2,500–3,000 THB.
Island Hopping: Rent a long-tail boat (1,500–2,000 THB for a half-day) or join a group tour to explore nearby isles like Bamboo Island or Mosquito Island. The scenery—think turquoise lagoons and towering cliffs—is unreal.
Hiking to Viewpoints: Trek up to Phi Phi Viewpoint on Koh Phi Phi Don for panoramic vistas. It’s a sweaty 30–40-minute climb, but the sunset views are worth it. Entry is 30 THB.
Beach Lounging: Kick back on Long Beach or Loh Dalum Bay with a cold Chang beer. The powdery sand and gentle waves make it hard to leave.
Nightlife: Tonsai Village comes alive after dark with beach bars, fire shows, and thumping music. It’s a backpacker’s paradise - lively but not as chaotic as Phuket’s Patong.
Attractions in Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi’s natural beauty is the star, but these standout spots deserve a visit:
Maya Bay: Made famous by The Beach, this stunning cove on Koh Phi Phi Leh boasts crystal waters and dramatic cliffs. It’s been protected since 2018, so swimming’s off-limits, but you can still admire it from a boat (entry fee: 400 THB via national park tours).
Pileh Lagoon: A hidden gem surrounded by limestone walls, this emerald lagoon is perfect for a swim or kayak. Tours often stop here - expect to pay 800–1,000 THB for a day trip including it.
Viking Cave: A quirky stop on boat tours, this cave on Phi Phi Leh features ancient wall paintings and a swiftlet nest-harvesting operation. You’ll view it from the water, not inside.
Monkey Beach: A short boat ride from Tonsai, this spot is home to cheeky macaques. Bring a camera, not food - they’re bold little thieves!
Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi Don offers something for every budget, from hostels to luxe resorts. Here are top picks:
Budget: PP Charlie Beach Resort has dorms from 300 THB and private rooms around 800 THB. It’s steps from Loh Dalum Bay and the nightlife.
Mid-Range: Phi Phi The Beach Resort offers beachfront bungalows for 2,000–3,000 THB per night. The views and relaxed vibe are spot-on.
Luxury: Zeavola Resort on Laem Tong Beach is a splurge at 6,000–10,000 THB per night. Think eco-chic villas, a private beach, and top-notch service.
Book early, especially in peak season, as options fill up fast. For a quieter stay, avoid Tonsai Village and opt for Long Beach or the northern beaches.
How to Save Money on Travel in Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi can be pricey, but these tips keep costs down:
Travel Off-Peak: Visit in May or October for cheaper ferries (down to 400 THB) and accommodation discounts (sometimes 50% off).
Eat Local: Skip fancy restaurants for street food stalls in Tonsai Village—think pad Thai or mango sticky rice for 50–100 THB.
Group Up: Split long-tail boat hires with fellow travellers to cut costs to 300–500 THB per person.
Stay Simple: Hostels or guesthouses near Tonsai (300–700 THB) beat beachfront resorts in price and still offer easy access.
Bring Snacks: Supplies are pricier on the island, so stock up in Phuket before you board.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Koh Phi Phi?
How long you stay depends on your vibe:
2–3 Days: Perfect for a quick taste - hit Maya Bay, snorkel, and enjoy a night out. Ideal if you’re pairing it with Phuket or Krabi.
4–5 Days: Gives you time to explore at a leisurely pace, adding hikes, lesser-known beaches, and a chill day or two.
A Week: For total immersion - dive courses, multiple island trips, and soaking up the island life without rushing.
Most travellers find 3–4 days strikes the right balance, letting you see the highlights without burning out.
Where to Eat in Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi’s dining scene is a mix of local gems and tourist-friendly spots:
Garlic 1992: A Tonsai fave for affordable Thai classics like green curry (150–200 THB). The garlic prawns are a must-try.
Anna’s Restaurant: Mid-range with a cosy vibe, serving spicy tom yum and fresh seafood for 200–300 THB.
Oasis Bar & Restaurant: Great for a sunset meal on Loh Dalum Bay—expect dishes like massaman curry for 250 THB.
Street Food Stalls: Grab chicken satay or roti from vendors near Tonsai Pier for 50–80 THB. Cheap, quick, and delicious!
For a treat, splurge on fresh seafood at beachfront spots—grilled fish or lobster can run 500–800 THB but feels oh-so-worth-it.
Koh Phi Phi is more than just a stopover from Phuket—it’s a destination that blends raw beauty with a vibrant spirit. Whether you’re ferrying over for a weekend or lingering for a week, this island promises memories you’ll treasure long after the tan fades. Ready to plan your trip? Dive into our for more tips to make your Thai adventure unforgettable!
I would not take Phi Phi Cruiser again. We were told to arrive at 8am for an 8:30 departure. We then proceeded to sit on the boat for an hour and a half before it left at 9:30. So much for making our pre-booked long boat tour at 10:30am.
Then the boat was painfully slow but had the nerve to drive around Phi Phi Le and do a “tour”. I signed up for a transport ferry, not a half baked tour.
Overall poor experience and will never go on Phi Phi Cruiser again. Our ferry ride back to Phuket was so much faster, smoother and enjoyable.
We had a late departure from Rassada Pier as the sea was rough we reached late to Phi Phi where we had just 40mins to come back as our trip was fpr 2hrs.
We had no problems at all with this company and will definitely use them again in our travels. I am glad that you do NOT need to print out the ticket as that would have been difficult so you can safely ignore that specification. It was the only concern we had.
Thank you
I had booked boat tickets and the transfer from my hotel to the boat and nobody came... So I had to pay a new transfer with another taxi. I’m still waiting the refund of 300 THB...
30 minutes pick up delay but still possible to get on the ship
They told us to wait for the pick up between 12:45 and 13:00, but the driver showed up at 13:36. The contact person was nice and friendly and tried to help. They ensured us that we will get on the ship which should leave the harbour at 13:30. In the end the ship left at 14:05. So time schedule is very relative.
Everything ran smoothly. Printed out the ticket before we left the hotel, jumped on the boat, which was quite big and went over to phi phi as planned. No problems.
You could get drinks and snacks, all in all a good journey without any issues.
All went well, pick up was arranged even though I just booked about 12 hours before departure no issues! Boat was hopelessly overcrowded I’m glad I didn’t have to fight for one of the surely not plenty lifewests...
It was ok. We bought this ticket and paid more because it was supposed to take us from Phuket to Ko Phi Phi in 1h 45 min. But it actually took 3 hours and 15 minutes
What rude people , screamed and holleted at everyone with a scowl on their faces, one employee grabbed my prescription glasses from in front of me and put the on his slime ball greasy head. I had to ask for them back after like three minutes. We generally find the Thai people very nice but this lot of people needs to learn some customer service, but when they are the only choice it appears they cop that terrible attitude.
Sitting inside the vibrations and noise coming from the engines was awful and the ride itself was not particularly smooth. Also the ferry left 15 minutes late.
The taxi transfer was fine. The boat was very old though and really stunk. The air con did not work properly and many of the windows were jammed shut and were not able to be opened. Pay a bit more for a different boat.
The booking process felt a little sketchy at first but once I booked the trip and read other reviews I was less skeptical. The booking process was easy and I emailed the company after to confirm taxi and they replied quite promptly. We printed our tickets at the hotel got the taxi to the pier we were greeted with passes to get on the boat and off we went. I would recommend this company for sure.
Everything went perfectly, we had to exchange our tickets for the next day because my companion was sick, the staff was very helpful and did it freely! We will definitely book with them again for the next trip.
Billete barato, fácil de comprar por internet con posibilidad de añadir transfer desde el hotel que se hallaba en Patong mientras que el muelle está en Phuket city. Todo muy claro y eficiente. Barco cómodo con servicio de bar, se puede fumar en la zona exterior, ponen película. Viaje agradable rodeado de turistas jóvenes. Muy recomendable
Sold us ticket with incorrect time and trip info - was huge fight to get on the boat!
We bought a speedboat tickets that shall take 1 hour to get to the island. However on the ticket was written departure 8.30, arrival 9.30 but boat type "standard". We had to fight and argue for more than 30 minutes and it was a miracle we were able to get on the boat finally. There is something wrong with the booking process / issuing tickets / or the way they handle these reservations in the dock. Very unpleasant experience.
online ferry booking not a bad deal includes hotel transfer
There are so many ferry groups going across. I would definitely book in advance if you know when you are going, as it includes the hotel transfer and overall saves you money on taxi. however, don't book your return ticket until you are at the pier, as the cost is essentially the same and it does not lock you into one company. I made that mistake as we were rushing, and I had to pay extra to take another ferry back. Also if you plan to go to the airport right after, the transfer is only 200 baht and there are many vans waiting to take you, so don't sweat about that part. Get there a bit early to get a seat as the ride is long and being outside is not recommended.
Claimed it was from 8:30 to 10:15, 1 hour 45 minutes.
Bullshit.
Finally arrived at 11:30.
Ferry was late leaving, then travelled around Phi Phi Island on a sightseeing tour, Maya Bay, and other scenic points before arriving at Koh Phi Phi after 3 hours....
I suggest you put the reality on your booking site, and stop misleading people. This operator is not a ferry service, it is a day tour operator....
Ferry cheapest ticket
Speedboat cheapest ticket
Minibus ,
