How to Travel to Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok and Other Places – 2024 Guide
Koh Phi Phi is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its scenic Maya Bay and lively nightlife.
While it might seem remote, Koh Phi Phi is actually a well-connected spot, not that difficult to reach. In fact, the hardest part for me was deciding which transportation option to choose!
But after spending more time in Thailand, I quickly learned the best routes and hubs for getting to even the most remote islands.
From Bangkok, the fastest way to reach Koh Phi Phi is to fly to Krabi Airport. From there, it’s just a short drive to the pier, where you can catch a direct speedboat to your final destination.
Read on to learn about the best ways to get to Koh Phi Phi in Thailand and ensure a smooth, stress free journey.
Where is Koh Phi Phi Located
First, it needs to be clarified that Koh Phi Phi is not one island but a group of a few bigger and smaller islands belonging to Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
These islands are located in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca in the Andaman Sea. They are also conveniently located between popular islands like Koh Lanta, Krabi Town and Phuket, making travel by sea much easier.
All tourists head to Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest island, where the pier and all hotels are located, and to the uninhabited Koh Phi Phi Leh, home to the famous Maya Bay.
How to travel to Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok
Via Krabi
Fly to Krabi Airport
One of the best and quickest options to get to Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok is to fly to Krabi Airport. The flight takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Once you arrive at the airport you need to travel by land to the closest pier, which is Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi Town. The trip to the pier should take around 30 minutes, but can take longer depending on traffic.
To get to the Klong Jilad Pier, you can get a taxi or shared minivan. A taxi can be a good solution if you’re traveling with more people and want to split costs. You can also check prices and availability of Grab (Asian Uber), as they operate in the Krabi Town area.
It’s also easy to buy a combined ticket for a minivan and a ferry straight to Koh Phi Phi. You can buy those tickets online or at the airport, if you’re not in a rush.
You can even buy a ferry ticket to Koh Phi Phi at the airport, if you decide to go to the pier by taxi.
A ferry will take you to Koh Phi Phi in 1-2 hours, while a speedboat takes 1 hour. Although faster, the speedboat ride can be bumpy, and the ferry is always more comfortable and often cheaper.
Take a bus to Krabi Town
If you don’t want to fly, you can also find night buses going from Bangkok to Krabi Town. The distance between Krabi Town and Bangkok is 490 miles (790 km) and the journey will take around 14-15 hours.
The fastest you can get to Koh Phi Phi by bus will be around 17 hours of bus and ferry journey. You can also find joint tickets online, where you will have guaranteed transport by minivan to the pier and then by ferry to Koh Phi Phi.
Via Phuket
Fly to Phuket Airport
Another very convenient option to travel from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi is to fly to Phuket. The flight is equally fast as to Krabi and takes no more than 1 hour 25 minutes
However, going to the Rassada Pier in Phuket from the airport will take more time than in Krabi, as it takes at least 1 hour 30 minutes.
You can find a public minibus or a taxi, or book a ticket in advance online to have both the minivan transfer and ferry ride secured.
From Phuket, you will also have an option of traveling by speedboat or ferry. The time is the same as for Krabi: 1-2 hours by ferry or 1 hour by speedboat.
Take a bus to Phuket
Similarly to Krabi Town, Phuket also has bus connections with Bangkok. The night bus will take you to Phuket Town in around 15-16 hours, as the distance is 520 miles (835 km) from Bangkok to Phuket.
Luckily, the bus terminal is much closer to the pier than the airport is, and a taxi ride will get you there in 30 minutes. You can try finding public transport, but taking a taxi or Grab will be more convenient and faster.
Can you travel from Bangkok by train?
Traveling by train directly from Bangkok to Krabi or Phuket is unfortunately not an option, as there are no train lines that connect those cities directly.
However, you can take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, which takes about 8-9 hours. Then you will have to change to a bus to Krabi or Phuket and proceed to Koh Phi Phi by ferry or speedboat.
How to Travel to Koh Phi Phi from Thai Southern Islands
Koh Lanta, Phuket, Krabi Town and Ao Nang
If you happen to be visiting other islands in the Andaman Sea and want to visit Koh Phi Phi by making your way from south to north, instead of flying straight from Bangkok, you can find a direct connection from other popular destinations in the area.
You can easily get a direct ferry or speedboat to Koh Phi Phi from Koh Lanta, Phuket, Krabi Town, and Ao Nang.
Some very fast speed boats can get you to these destinations in less than an hour, while slower ferries can take up to 2 hours.
Traveling from Koh Lipe
If you will be staying further south, in Koh Lipe, the southernmost Thai island, you can also get a speedboat to Koh Phi Phi. However, the journey takes about 6 hours, and you will need to change boats in Koh Lanta.
An alternative option is to take a boat to the closest pier and travel to Koh Lanta by land. While this might not be the fastest option, it could be cheaper if you can share the cost of a taxi with more people.
It’s also a great alternative for people who are sensitive to rough sea conditions, as spending a few hours on a bumpy speedboat might be uncomfortable.
Travel to Koh Phi Phi on a Day trip
If you don’t want to stay overnight on Koh Phi Phi, but rather visit it for a day, you can find many organized day trips. There are plenty of options when staying in Koh Lanta, Phuket, or Krabi.
Day trips typically include visit to Maya Bay and other popular spots like Viking Cave, Bamboo Island, and many snorkeling locations. You will also visit Phi Phi Don, usually to have lunch and spend some time walking in the village.
The variety of day trips is huge, especially from Phuket. You can choose from smaller or larger groups and customize your itinerary for your preferences.
How to travel to Koh Phi Phi from Malaysia
From Langkawi
If you are visiting the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi, you can also quite easily get to Koh Phi Phi, although it won’t be fast as Langkawi is located about 150 miles (240 km) from Koh Phi Phi.
You can travel by sea, taking a ferry to Koh Lipe (90 minutes), then switching to a speedboat to Koh Lanta (5 hours), and finally taking another speedboat or ferry to Koh Phi Phi (1-2 hours).
Considering the immigration procedures in Koh Lipe, you will spend the whole day on the boats and need to hurry to catch the last ferry to Koh Phi Phi.
An alternative option is to get a ferry from Langkawi to Tammalang Pier in Satun province in Thailand and then get a taxi or private minivan to Koh Lanta, where you will get on a ferry to Koh Phi Phi.
Although this route also takes a long time, you will spend much less time on bumpy speedboats.
From Kuala Lumpur
Getting from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to Koh Phi Phi is as easy as getting there from Bangkok. You need to fly to Krabi or Phuket and then travel to the closest pier to take a speedboat or ferry to Koh Phi Phi.
A longer and more adventurous journey might be traveling by bus or train. However, this option requires spending a lot of time on the road and planning several changeovers.
Tickets and Prices
Tickets for transportation to Koh Phi Phi can be purchased in various places:
- Online
- At the ticket office by the pier
- At the airport
- In small travel agents’ stands (usually along the main, tourist streets)
- In your hotel
All these options are safe but may vary in price and availability:
- Booking online in advance is often the best way to secure your place and get a cheaper rate.
- When buying a ticket from an agent, you can try negotiating or at least comparing prices at different places. It’s also the best option for getting tickets on short notice
- Booking through a hotel is definitely the easiest and most convenient, but it won’t be the cheapest option.
When is best time to visit Koh Phi Phi
The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi is during the dry season, which starts in October and ends in May. During this period, you can be sure that all the ferry lines and organized tours will be operating.
During the monsoon season, it can be harder to find transport or book a tour, as many places are closed. Additionally, weather conditions drastically change outside the high season, making it dangerous to travel by sea. Therefore, you will need to prepare for potential cancellations.
Essential things you need to know about Koh Phi Phi
Although Koh Phi Phi Leh attracts many tourists, you can stay there only for a few hours. The only way to visit this popular spot, where “The Beach” was filmed, is to book an organized tour or hire a private long-tail boat.
Koh Phi Phi Don is the only island where you can stay overnight and where all the partying happens.
Tonsai Village is the hub of the island’s vibrant nightlife, with restaurants, beach bars, fire shows and live music. It is also very walkable and it truly seems to never sleep.
The island’s popular beaches, like Loh Dalum Bay and Long Beach, are usually crowded with people and boats. However, you can also find more secluded, serene beaches, like Viking Beach or Wang Long Bay.
Koh Phi Phi Don is often criticized for being overdeveloped and commercialized (you will see a McDonald’s after arriving at the pier). It also tends to be a bit more expensive than other popular destinations in the area.
Despite these challenges, Koh Phi Phi remains a breathtaking destination with much to offer.
Best things to do in Koh Phi Phi
- Relax on the Beaches – Enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches. Head to Viking Beach, Loh Lana or Laem Tong Beach, if you’re looking for a quieter place away from the crowds.
- Enjoy Nightlife – The island’s party scene is famous for its liveliness. You’ll find pool parties, beach bars, restaurants, fire shows, massage and tattoo parlors and many more entertainment options.
- Explore Hiking Trails – Koh Phi Phi is not only about partying; it also offers scenic hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and secluded beaches.
- Go Diving and Snorkeling – Koh Phi Phi is home to world-class dive and snorkel sites, making it a haven for underwater life enthusiasts. Many dive centers on the islands offer trips to diverse snorkeling sites with rich marine life.
- Explore the Mangroves – Rent a kayak and explore Koh Phi Phi’s mangrove forests. You can observe wildlife there and enjoy a peaceful escape from the busier side of the island.
Final Thoughts on How to Travel to Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination, and getting there, especially during the high season, won’t be a hassle. Whether you start in Bangkok, another southern Thai island, or even in Malaysia, there are plenty of transportation options to choose from.
Consider your budget and time constraints when planning your trip to this stunning spot. With a bit of planning, you can easily enjoy a smooth journey to Koh Phi Phi.
Read My Other Posts about Visiting Koh Phi Phi:
- How to Trek Jungle Hike to Loh Ba Kao Bay on Koh Phi Phi – Detailed Guide (2024)
- How to Visit Famous Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand? – Detailed Guide and Review (2024)
- 17 Best Beaches on Koh Phi Phi, Thailand – Ultimate Guide (2024)
- 23 Pros and Cons of Visiting Koh Phi Phi, Thailand – 2024 Guide
- How to Travel to Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok and Other Places – 2024 Guide
