How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is Thailand's most iconic island paradise - famous for stunning Maya Bay (from "The Beach" movie), dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. This guide covers all routes from Bangkok to this Andaman Sea gem.

Transportation Options Overview

Important: Koh Phi Phi has NO cars or roads! You arrive by ferry only, and everything is walkable or by longtail boat.

✈️ Flight to Phuket + Ferry (Most Popular)

Total Cost: 2,500-4,500 THB
Total Duration: 4-5 hours
Recommended!

Step 1: Bangkok to Phuket Flight

Flight Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
Cost: 1,500-3,500 THB

Airlines:

• Thai AirAsia: 1,200-2,200 THB (Don Mueang, budget)
• Thai Lion Air: 1,500-2,500 THB (Don Mueang)
• NokAir: 1,500-2,500 THB (Don Mueang)
• Bangkok Airways: 3,000-5,000 THB (Suvarnabhumi, more comfortable)
• Thai Airways: 3,500-6,000 THB (Suvarnabhumi, full service)

Flight Schedule:

• Multiple flights daily: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Most frequent: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Peak season (Nov-Apr): Up to 15 flights per day!

Step 2: Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier

Distance: 42 km
Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Cost: 180-250 THB (shared minivan) or 600-800 THB (private taxi)

Minivan Options:

• Pre-booked with ferry package: Usually included, best option
• Airport minivan service: 180-200 THB, frequent departures
• Private taxi: 600-800 THB, direct to pier

Step 3: Ferry from Rassada Pier to Koh Phi Phi

Duration: 2 hours (standard ferry) or 1 hour (speedboat)
Cost: 400-700 THB

Ferry Operators:

• Andaman Wave Master: Most reliable
• Phi Phi Cruiser: Good reputation
• Ao Nang Travel & Tour: Well-established

Schedule (High Season Nov-Apr):

• 8:30 AM (connects with early flights)
• 11:00 AM (most popular)
• 1:30 PM
• 2:30 PM
• Additional departures: During peak season

Schedule (Low Season May-Oct):

• 8:30 AM
• 1:00 PM
• 3:00 PM
• (Fewer departures, weather dependent)

Complete Journey Timeline:

• 7:00 AM: Depart Bangkok (flight)
• 8:25 AM: Arrive Phuket Airport
• 9:00 AM: Minivan to Rassada Pier
• 10:00 AM: Arrive pier
• 11:00 AM: Ferry departs
• 1:00 PM: Arrive Koh Phi Phi Don (Tonsai Pier)
• 1:30 PM: Check into hotel, lunch, explore!

Pros:

✅ Fastest option
✅ Most convenient
✅ Arrive with full afternoon free
✅ Multiple daily flights
✅ Can book as complete package
✅ Most reliable schedule

Cons:

❌ More expensive than bus
❌ Ferry dependent on weather
❌ Need to coordinate timings
❌ Budget airlines charge for luggage

💡 Pro Tip: Book a combined "Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi" package through Klook or 12Go Asia. They coordinate flight + minivan + ferry for 2,500-3,500 THB total, often cheaper than booking separately! The 11 AM ferry is perfect - connects with morning flights.

✈️ Flight to Krabi + Ferry (Alternative Route)

Total Cost: 2,300-4,200 THB
Total Duration: 4-5 hours
Good Alternative!

Why Choose Krabi Route?

• Krabi often has cheaper flights
• Closer pier to airport (30 km vs Phuket's 42 km)
• Slightly shorter ferry ride (1.5 hours)
• Less touristy route

Step 1: Bangkok to Krabi Flight

Flight Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cost: 1,200-3,000 THB

Airlines: (Same carriers as Phuket, often cheaper!)

• Thai AirAsia: 1,000-1,800 THB
• NokAir: 1,200-2,000 THB
• Thai Lion Air: 1,300-2,200 THB

Step 2: Krabi Airport to Klong Jilad Pier

Distance: 30 km
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: 150-200 THB (minivan) or 400-500 THB (taxi)

Step 3: Ferry from Klong Jilad to Koh Phi Phi

Duration: 1.5 hours (slightly shorter than from Phuket!)
Cost: 350-500 THB

Schedule:

• 9:00 AM (earliest)
• 10:30 AM
• 1:30 PM (most popular)
• 3:00 PM
• 4:30 PM (last ferry, seasonal)

Pros:

✅ Often cheaper than Phuket route
✅ Shorter ferry ride
✅ Less crowded piers
✅ Easier airport transfers

Cons:

❌ Fewer flight options than Phuket
❌ Krabi airport smaller (fewer facilities)
❌ Less frequent ferries

💡 Pro Tip: Compare flight prices for both Phuket and Krabi on the same dates. Krabi can be 300-800 THB cheaper, making this route the better value! The 1:30 PM ferry is perfect timing.

🚌 Bus + Ferry from Phuket (Budget Overnight)

Total Cost: 1,000-1,500 THB
Total Duration: 15-17 hours
For: Budget-conscious travelers

Step 1: Bangkok to Phuket Bus

Cost: 600-900 THB
Duration: 12-13 hours
Departure: Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)

Schedule:

• Evening departures: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Arrive Phuket: 5:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Bus Types:

• VIP 24 (lie-flat): 850-900 THB (recommended for overnight!)
• VIP: 700-800 THB
• Standard: 600-700 THB

Step 2: Phuket Bus Terminal to Rassada Pier

Cost: 100-150 THB (songthaew/local bus) or 300-400 THB (taxi)
Duration: 30 minutes

Step 3: Ferry to Koh Phi Phi

Cost: 400-700 THB
Duration: 2 hours

Typical Timeline:

• 6:00 PM: Depart Bangkok (bus)
• 6:00-7:00 AM: Arrive Phuket
• 7:30 AM: Breakfast, transfer to pier
• 8:30 AM: Board ferry
• 10:30 AM: Arrive Koh Phi Phi

Pros:

✅ Cheapest option
✅ Save one night accommodation
✅ Arrive morning with full day ahead

Cons:

❌ Very long journey
❌ Difficult to sleep well on bus
❌ Multiple transfers
❌ Arrive tired
❌ Ferry timing coordination

💡 Pro Tip: If going this route, definitely book the VIP 24 bus with lie-flat seats. The extra 200 THB makes a huge difference for a 13-hour journey. Take the 6 PM or 7 PM bus to arrive in time for the 8:30 AM ferry.

🚌 Bus + Ferry from Krabi (Budget Alternative)

Total Cost: 900-1,400 THB
Total Duration: 14-16 hours
Slightly Better Budget Option!

Why Krabi Route for Bus?

• 1 hour shorter than Phuket route
• Pier closer to bus terminal
• Usually cheaper

Step 1: Bangkok to Krabi Bus

Cost: 550-800 THB
Duration: 11-12 hours
Departure: Southern Bus Terminal

Schedule:

• Evening: 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
• Arrive Krabi: 5:00-7:00 AM

Step 2: Krabi Bus Terminal to Klong Jilad Pier

Cost: 50-100 THB (songthaew) or 200-300 THB (taxi)
Duration: 20 minutes (closer than Phuket!)

Step 3: Ferry to Koh Phi Phi

Cost: 350-500 THB
Duration: 1.5 hours

Timeline:

• 7:00 PM: Depart Bangkok
• 6:00 AM: Arrive Krabi
• 7:00 AM: Breakfast, transfer
• 9:00 AM: Ferry departs
• 10:30 AM: Arrive Koh Phi Phi

Pros:

✅ Cheaper than Phuket route
✅ Shorter total journey
✅ Easier pier transfer
✅ Arrive with full day

Cons:

❌ Still overnight bus
❌ Multiple transfers
❌ Arrive somewhat tired

💡 Pro Tip: This is the best budget option! 100-200 THB cheaper than Phuket route and 1 hour shorter. Take the 7 PM bus, arrive early for 9 AM or 10:30 AM ferry.

🚐 VIP Bus + Ferry All-Inclusive Package

Total Cost: 1,200-1,800 THB
Total Duration: 15-16 hours
Best Budget Option!

What's Included:

• Pickup from Bangkok hotel/Khao San Road
• VIP bus to Phuket or Krabi
• Transfer to pier
• Ferry to Koh Phi Phi
• Drop-off at your Phi Phi hotel

Operators:

• Lomprayah
• Phi Phi Cruiser
• Songserm
• Various Khao San Road agencies

Booking:

• 12Go Asia: Best prices, reliable
• Khao San Road agencies: Walk-in booking
• Online travel sites: Klook, GetYourGuide

Departure Points:

• Khao San Road: 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM
• Victory Monument: 5:30 PM
• Various hotels: 4:30-6:00 PM

Journey Breakdown:

• 6:00 PM: Pickup from Bangkok hotel
• 10:00 PM: Dinner stop (30-40 min)
• 6:00 AM: Arrive Phuket/Krabi area
• 7:00 AM: Breakfast included
• 9:00 AM: Board ferry
• 11:00 AM: Arrive Koh Phi Phi
• 12:00 PM: Drop at hotel

Pros:

✅ Door-to-door service
✅ All logistics handled
✅ Better bus than standard
✅ Breakfast included
✅ Hotel drop-off
✅ Meet other travelers
✅ Good value for money

Cons:

❌ Still overnight journey
❌ Fixed schedule
❌ Multiple passenger pickups

💡 Pro Tip: This is THE best budget option! For 1,200-1,500 THB, you're picked up at your Bangkok hotel and dropped at your Phi Phi hotel with all transport handled. Book through 12Go for best prices and reliability.

🗺️ Understanding Koh Phi Phi

The Islands:

1. Koh Phi Phi Don (Main Island)

• Where you stay
• Tonsai Village (main town)
• Hotels, restaurants, bars
• Beautiful beaches both sides

2. Koh Phi Phi Leh (Uninhabited)

• Maya Bay (famous from "The Beach")
• No accommodation
• Day trips only
• 400-600 THB per tour

Arriving at Tonsai Pier:

What to Expect:

• Ferries dock at central Tonsai Pier
• Immediately surrounded by hotel touts
• Small island - everything is walkable!
• No cars, no scooters, just walking
• Porters available (100-200 THB to carry bags)

Getting to Your Hotel:

Tonsai Village (Most Hotels):

• 2-10 minute walk from pier
• Flat, easy with luggage
• Free (just walk!)

Long Beach:

• 20-minute hike over hill OR
• Longtail boat: 100-150 THB

Loh Dalum Bay (North Side):

• 5-minute walk through village
• Over the narrow isthmus

Laem Tong (Far North):

• Longtail boat: 300-400 THB
• Or included hotel transfer

Island Layout:

Koh Phi Phi Don is shaped like a dumbbell - two larger areas connected by a narrow strip (Tonsai Village area).

East Side (Tonsai Bay):

• Main pier
• Most hotels
• Restaurants
• Tour booking offices

West Side (Loh Dalum Bay):

• Beach bars
• Nightlife
• Fire shows
• Sunset beach

North: Long Beach, Loh Bakao, Laem Tong (quieter resorts)
South: No development, viewpoint trails

🎯 Recommended Options by Traveler Type

First-Time Visitors

Flight + Ferry Package (2,500-3,500 THB)
Arrive refreshed, full afternoon to explore, most convenient.

Budget Solo Travelers

VIP Bus + Ferry Package (1,200-1,500 THB)
Door-to-door, all logistics handled, good value.

Couples

Flight + Ferry (Split package 2,500-3,000 THB)
Worth the cost to arrive refreshed and enjoy the island.

Party Groups

VIP Bus + Ferry Overnight (1,200-1,500 THB)
Arrive ready to party, save accommodation cost, meet other travelers.

Families with Kids

Flight + Ferry (Must!)
Don't put kids through 15-hour bus journey. Fly!

Time-Conscious

Early Flight + First Ferry (2,500-3,000 THB)
Arrive by lunch, full afternoon of beach time.

Ultra Budget Backpackers

Krabi Bus + Ferry (900-1,100 THB)
Cheapest route, 1 hour shorter than Phuket option.

📅 Sample Itineraries

Fast Track (Flight Route):

Day 1:

• 7:00 AM: Depart Bangkok
• 1:00 PM: Arrive Koh Phi Phi, check in
• 2:00 PM: Lunch at beachfront restaurant
• 3:00 PM: Swim at Loh Dalum Bay
• 5:00 PM: Climb to Viewpoint for sunset
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at Tonsai Village
• 9:00 PM: Beach bars and fire shows

Budget Route (Overnight Bus):

Day 1:

• 6:00 PM: Depart Bangkok (VIP bus)
• Overnight on bus

Day 2:

• 11:00 AM: Arrive Koh Phi Phi
• 12:00 PM: Check in, lunch
• 1:00 PM: Relax/swim
• 4:00 PM: Book tomorrow's Maya Bay tour
• 6:00 PM: Sunset at beach bar
• 8:00 PM: Dinner
• 10:00 PM: Nightlife (if not too tired!)

💡 Essential Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• High Season (Nov-Apr): Perfect weather, calm seas, all ferries running
• Peak (Dec-Feb): Busiest, book everything ahead
• Shoulder (Apr, Oct): Good weather, fewer crowds, better prices
• Low Season (May-Sep): Monsoon, rough seas, some ferries cancelled, much cheaper

Maya Bay Closure:

• Closed June-September annually for environmental recovery
• Check current status before booking

Booking Timeline:

• Flights: 1-2 months ahead for best prices
• Ferry: Can book 2-3 days ahead (high season) or day-before (low season)
• Package deals: 1-2 weeks ahead for guaranteed coordination
• Accommodation: Book ahead during peak season (Dec-Jan)

What to Bring:

• ✅ Reef-safe sunscreen (coral protection mandatory!)
• ✅ Waterproof phone case
• ✅ Beach clothes and swimwear
• ✅ Snorkel gear (or rent there for 100-200 THB/day)
• ✅ Light rain jacket
• ✅ Cash (ATMs charge high fees, sometimes run out!)
• ✅ Seasickness pills (ferries can be rocky!)
• ✅ Party clothes if you're into nightlife

Money:

• ATMs: Available but charge 200-250 THB fee + poor rates
• Bring cash from Bangkok! Exchange before you go
• Budget: 1,500-2,500 THB per day (mid-range)
• Many places accept cards but cash is king

Ferry Booking:

• Best: Book online 2-3 days ahead (12Go, Klook)
• Walk-up: Possible but might wait for next departure
• High season: Can sell out, book ahead!
• Package deals: Usually cheaper than separate bookings

🏖️ What to Do in Koh Phi Phi

Must-Do Activities:

1. Maya Bay Tour (Half-Day)

• Visit the famous beach from "The Beach" movie
• Pileh Lagoon (swimming in emerald waters)
• Viking Cave
• Monkey Beach
• Snorkeling spots
• Cost: 400-800 THB depending on boat type

2. Viewpoint Hike

• 20-30 minute climb
• 3 viewpoints at different heights
• Stunning panoramic views
• Best at sunset!
• Cost: Free!

3. Snorkeling/Diving

• Snorkeling trips: 400-600 THB
• Discover Scuba: 3,000-4,000 THB
• Fun Dives: 1,200-1,500 THB per dive
• PADI courses: Available

4. Kayaking

• Explore around the island
• Hidden beaches and caves
• Cost: 200-400 THB per hour

5. Long Beach

• Quieter beach, beautiful
• 20-min hike or 100 THB boat
• Great for swimming
• Beach bars and restaurants

6. Nightlife

• Beach bars with fire shows
• Reggae bars
• Beach clubs
• Party until sunrise!

Best Beaches:

• Maya Bay: Iconic, beautiful (when open)
• Long Beach: Best for swimming, less crowded
• Loh Dalum Bay: Sunset, nightlife
• Tonsai Bay: Main beach, busy
• Laem Tong: Far north, luxury resorts

⚠️ Important Notes

Environmental Awareness:

• Reef-safe sunscreen ONLY - regular sunscreen damages coral
• Don't touch coral when snorkeling
• No single-use plastics on island
• Respect Maya Bay restrictions (when open)

Safety:

• Ferries are generally very safe
• Weather can cancel ferries (good - means they're being safe!)
• Life jackets always provided
• Sit in middle of boat if prone to seasickness

Accommodation Booking:

• Peak season: Book 2-4 weeks ahead
• Shoulder season: 1 week ahead fine
• Low season: Walk-in okay
• NYE/Chinese NY: Book 1-2 months ahead!

No Vehicles:

• Entire island is car-free
• Everything is walking distance in Tonsai Village
• Longtail boats for beach hopping
• Embrace the car-free life!

🎁 Final Recommendation

Best Overall Option: Flight + Ferry Package (2,500-3,500 THB)

Book through 12Go or Klook:

• Morning flight Bangkok → Phuket/Krabi
• Airport transfer included
• Minivan to pier
• Ferry to Koh Phi Phi
• Arrive by early afternoon

Why this is best: ✅ Arrive same day refreshed
✅ Full afternoon to enjoy the island
✅ All logistics coordinated
✅ Most reliable
✅ Only 1,200-1,500 THB more than bus but saves 12 hours

Budget Alternative: VIP Bus + Ferry All-Inclusive (1,200-1,500 THB)
Door-to-door overnight service. Can't beat it for budget travel!

Money-Saving Tip: Compare Phuket vs Krabi flight prices! Krabi route can save 300-800 THB and has shorter ferry ride.

Koh Phi Phi is pure paradise - dramatic limestone cliffs rising from turquoise waters, white sand beaches, incredible snorkeling, and legendary nightlife. Yes, it's touristy (especially Maya Bay), but there's a reason it's one of Thailand's most famous islands. The stunning natural beauty is absolutely real, and if you head to Long Beach or the northern beaches, you'll find quieter spots away from the crowds!

Pro tip: Don't just do Maya Bay tour and leave! Stay at least 3-4 nights. Hike the viewpoint at sunrise, explore Long Beach, snorkel at different spots, enjoy both the party scene and quiet beaches. Phi Phi rewards those who slow down and explore beyond the main tourist trail. And please, please use reef-safe sunscreen - this paradise needs protecting!

Questions about ferries, where to stay, or what to do? Happy to help!