Bangkok to Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi island is a true wonder of nature and a tropical paradise for anyone who loves to bask in the sun, relax on pristine beaches, and admire stunning turquoise waters. This island, located in southern Thailand, is a true gem that serves as a perfect escape from the hectic pace of everyday life. If you’re traveling from the capital, the question comes to mind – “How do you get from Bangkok to Phi Phi Island?”
Below, we will explore and explain the easiest ways of getting to Koh Phi Phi by flight and ferry, by bus and ferry, or by train, bus, and ferry.
Despite the distance of 695 km, the journey is certainly worth it. With ticket prices ranging from 1,200 THB to 1,800 THB, you can experience the beauty of Thailand’s beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural landscapes firsthand.
Bangkok to Phi Phi Island by Flight and Ferry
The fastest and the most recommended route is to take a flight and then a ferry. The entire journey takes about 3-4.5 hours, and you’ll need to set aside about THB 1,345 for transportation costs. Remember to book your flight and ferry tickets earlier to ensure that you get the best deals available.
Step 1: Fly from Bangkok to Phuket Airport
The first step in getting to Phi Phi Island is taking a direct flight from Bangkok to Phuket Airport. There are several airline options to choose from, and you will take about an hour and fifteen minutes to arrive. It’s advisable to book your flight tickets earlier to get the best deals, and you’ll need to set aside about THB 725 for the flight.
Step 2: Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier, Phuket
Once you arrive at Phuket Airport, the most accessible pier is Rassada Pier. The pier is the main departure point for ferries going to Phi Phi Island, although there are other options like Sea Angel, Yamu, and Bang Rong Piers. To get to Rassada Pier, you can take a bus to Phuket Bus Terminal 1, and then hire a tuk-tuk or grab a taxi. The bus takes approximately one to one and a half hours, and it costs about THB 120. Alternatively, you can take a Grab which takes about 10 minutes and costs THB 95, or a motorbike taxi which costs around THB 80-100.
Step 3: Rassada Pier to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry
After arriving at Rassada Pier, the next step is taking a ferry to Phi Phi Island. A ferry ride from Rassada Pier to Phi Phi takes about 1-2 hours and costs about THB 420. The ferry is the most common and affordable transportation option from the pier. However, there are a couple of ferry operators available, and Seatran joint is the most recommended option, costing about THB 1,150.
Bangkok to Phi Phi Island by Bus and Ferry
The easiest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi is to book a combined bus and ferry ticket through a reputable travel agency. We recommend booking through 12Go, which guarantees all connections on their website. The total travel time is 17.5 hours, and the ticket cost is 1,322 THB for the whole trip. The company you’ll be traveling with is called Montanatip. All passengers are required to check in at the Montanatip office at least one hour before the scheduled departure time.
If you’re an independent traveler and prefer to book your tickets separately, you’ll still find it relatively easy.
The first step is to get from Bangkok to Phuket via bus and van. This leg of the journey takes between 12-14.5 hours and costs approximately 700 THB.
Once you’ve arrived in Phuket, you can take a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. This journey takes between 1-2 hours and costs approximately 400 THB. Be sure to check the ferry schedule beforehand.
Bangkok to Phi Phi Island by Train, Bus, and Ferry
First things first, take the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. Yes, we said train! And while the duration is 13 hours, this is where the real adventure begins. You can use this time to relax, read your favorite book, or take in the picturesque views of Thailand’s landscape. The train ticket falls within the range of 200 to 1,000 THB, depending on your preference of class. As you’re making your way down to Surat Thani, we recommend chatting with fellow travelers or locals on board, too. They might have some excellent recommendations for places to visit once you get to Phi Phi Island.
Click here to book a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
Once you arrive at Surat Thani train station, you will take a bus to Phuket Bus Terminal. This trip can take anywhere between 4.5 to 5.5 hours, but rest assured, you’ll be arriving in style. As you cruise through the streets of Thailand’s bustling cities, make sure to take note of the architecture, landscape, and local’s way of life. From Phuket Bus Terminal, take a taxi to the Rassada Pier. This ride can take anywhere between 1 to 1.5 hours.
Click here to book bus tickets from Surat Thani to Phuket.
Finally, the last leg of your journey involves taking a ferry from Rassada Pier. It can take between 1 to 2 hours to reach Koh Phi Phi, depending on the ferry operator, which can cost between 400-600 THB. Be sure to take in all the gorgeous sights on your way—turquoise blue water, sheer cliffs, and islands that seem to pop up out of nowhere!
Click here to book a ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi.
Tips for Visiting Phi Phi
The best time to visit Phi Phi Island is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so prices are generally higher, and the island can be overcrowded. The wet season, from May to October, is generally quieter, and prices are lower. The downside is that it can be quite rainy, and some beach activities may be canceled.
If you’re considering spending a few days on Phi Phi Island, we recommend staying in Ton Sai Bay. This is the main port and has many options for accommodation, dining, and shopping. You’ll also be right in the heart of the island’s nightlife. For a quieter atmosphere, you can stay in Laem Thong, which is located in the northern part of the island. This area is more secluded and has several high-end resorts.
No visit to Phi Phi Island is complete without a visit to Maya Bay. Made famous by the movie ‘The Beach’, this secluded bay is surrounded by towering cliffs and has stunning azure waters. Access to the beach is now restricted, but you can still take a boat tour around the bay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
