Getting to Phi Phi Island

Getting to Phi Phi Island is very easy thanks to efficient ferries and speedboats that usually come from Phuket and Krabi. The ferry is by far the most popular method of reaching the islands. It takes about 2 hours from Phuket and 90 minutes from Krabi or Koh Lanta.

Phuket's main departure/arrival port is Rassada Pier in Phuket Town, about an hour's drive from Phuket Airport. The main ferry pier in Krabi is Klong Jirad Pier, about 30 minutes from Krabi Airport. You should arrive well in advance in high season and 30 minutes before departure in low season.

If you're travelling from Bangkok, you can choose either one of these piers to get to Phi Phi. A taxi or a local bus can take you to the ferry terminal from either the airport or intercity bus station. It's a good idea to check ferry schedules beforehand, so you can plan your trip accordingly.

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Ferry to Phi Phi
Ferries to Koh Phi Phi are decently comfortable, with a top deck that doubles as a sundeck – excellent for those who want to top up their tan. The lower decks have air-conditioned rooms, as well as drinks and snacks available on board.

You can buy a VIP (green) ticket for a more comfortable air-conditioned space that's located on the middle deck. The ferries can get a little crowded, especially during high season. Free slices of watermelon are usually distributed to passengers on afternoon trips.
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Speedboat to Phi Phi
A private speedboat transfer is a convenient way of getting to Koh Phi Phi. It's basically a private charter of a speedboat, so departure and drop-off points are a little more flexible. You can even reach to the front of your chosen beach resort on Phi Phi Island, which can save a lot of time.

The journey is smooth for most of the year, but it's best to avoid travelling by speedboat during monsoon season (from September to November). Obviously, speedboats are more expensive than ferries but offer better value for money if you're travelling with a large group.
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Phuket - Phi Phi ferry schedule
This schedule displays ferry trips between Rassada Pier in Phuket and Tonsai Pier in Phi Phi, as well as Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi Town and Tonsai Pier in Phi Phi. You can also take the ferry from Sea Angel Pier in Phuket, Laem Thong in Phi Phi, Ao Nang (Nopparat Thara Pier) and Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) in Krabi.

Stephan Audiger | Compulsive Traveller

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