Find out how to get from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi by ferry, speedboat, or day tour and the best things to do on the island.
Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular islands in the Krabi province. It’s famous because of two things – Maya Bay and partying.
Despite several visits to Krabi, I’ve always put Koh Phi Phi off but during my recent trip to Thailand, I decided to give it a chance and see what the fuss was all about.
Sure it’s popular and more expensive than the mainland but there’s more to Koh Phi Phi than just Maya Bay and partying (I’ll share more details below).
So whether you’re looking to party or simply explore the beautiful beaches and hidden gems, this guide will show you the best ways to get to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi and what to do on the island.
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Read more about Krabi:
- 7 Best beaches in Koh Phi Phi
- Koh Phi Phi viewpoint hike: Complete guide
- What to do in Krabi
- Where should you stay in Krabi + best hotels
Overview of the best ways to get to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi
If you don’t have time to read the whole post, here’s a quick summary of how to get from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi:
| Price | Duration | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | From 900 baht | 45-60 minutes | Fast |
| Ferry | From 500 baht | 2.5 hours | Cheap, spacious, not too bumpy |
| Full-day tour from Krabi | From 1,500 baht | 7.5 hours | Includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, tour guide, hotel transfers. Great for those having only one day to see the highlights. |
Speedboat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
The best and quickest way to get to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi is to take a speedboat from Ao Nang or Railay.
The Krabi to Koh Phi Phi speedboat departs several times daily and tickets cost about 900 baht per person. You can check the timetable and book your ticket by clicking the link below.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A SPEEDBOAT TO KOH PHI PHI
If you’re staying in Ao Nang, the speedboat will depart from Nopparat Thara pier which is about 3 km from Ao Nang beach. Your speedboat ticket will also include pick-up from your hotel in Ao Nang to the pier which is very convenient.
For those staying in Railay, the speedboat will depart from Railay East pier. There aren’t any taxis on Railay so you’ll have to walk to the pier. Don’t worry as Railay is very small so it won’t take too long to walk.
I personally took the speedboat from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi and luckily the journey was smooth and not too bumpy. Just note that if you’re traveling during the rainy season, the sea might be rough, resulting in a bumpier ride.
The speedboat ride takes about 45-60 minutes from Ao Nang or 30-45 minutes from Railay.
If you’re coming from Krabi Airport, you can also book a Krabi to Koh Phi Phi speedboat ticket directly at the airport. You’ll find several counters inside the arrival hall where you can buy your ticket.
Ferry from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
The cheapest way to get from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi is by taking a ferry from Ao Nang or Railay. Ferries depart twice a day and cost about 500 baht per person. Below is the Krabi to Koh Phi Phi ferry timetable:
Ferry from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi: 09.30 a.m and 3.30 p.m
Ferry from Railay to Koh Phi Phi: 09.45 a.m and 3.45 p.m
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A FERRY TO KOH PHI PHI
The main advantage of traveling by ferry is that it’s almost half the price of a speedboat ride, thus ideal for budget travelers. Plus, the ride isn’t as bumpy as the speedboat which is great if you’re prone to seasickness.
The ferry is also more spacious and has a toilet. If you’re feeling hungry, you can even buy some drinks and snacks on board.
The total journey by ferry should take about 2.5 hours from Ao Nang and slightly less if you’re coming from Railay.
Koh Phi day trip from Krabi
If your time is limited, you can simply take a Koh Phi Phi day trip from Krabi.
Tours are usually conducted by speedboats and include a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, tour guide, and hotel transfers.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DAY TRIP TO KOH PHI PHI
During your day trip, you’ll explore the main sights of Koh Phi Phi like the world-famous Maya Bay with its soft powdery white sand and giant karst cliffs.
Note that entrance to Maya Bay costs 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children. This isn’t always included in the tour price so make sure to have some cash with you. Other highlights of the tour include Bamboo Island, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and Pileh Lagoon.
Getting back from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi
To get from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi, you can take the ferry or speedboat. Note that at the time of writing, there’s only one ferry departing from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi at 3.30 p.m.
Tickets cost about 500 baht for the ferry or 900 baht for the speedboat. I’ve noticed that some tour operators on Koh Phi Phi will charge more so make sure to shop around or simply book your ferry or speedboat ticket online.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRANSFER FROM KOH PHI PHI TO KRABI
I personally took the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi which included a shared transfer to my hotel in Ao Nang.
Both the ferry and speedboat will make a stop in Railay before arriving in Ao Nang. As mentioned above the ferry takes about 2.5 hours while the speedboat to Krabi from Koh Phi Phi takes about 1 hour.
Best Things to do in Koh Phi Phi
Maya Bay
Visiting Maya Bay is no doubt the most popular thing to do in Koh Phi Phi. It’s the main reason why people choose to visit the island in the first place.
Although you’re not allowed to swim in Maya Bay, it’s still worth visiting for its spectacular scenery. If you’re lucky enough you might even spot some Blacktip reef sharks.
The national park fee for Maya Bay is 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children.
If you’re staying in Koh Phi Phi, you can book a half-day tour by longtail boat or speed boat. For those who prefer going on a private tour instead, you can hire a longtail boat for about 1,500 baht for 3 hours.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A BOAT TRIP TO MAYA BAY
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
Another must-see attraction is Koh Phi Phi viewpoint which provides the perfect vantage point over the karst cliffs and turquoise lagoon below.
There are 3 viewpoints in total – entrance to both viewpoint 1 and viewpoint 2 costs 30 baht while you have to pay an extra 20 baht to visit the third one.
In my opinion, viewpoint 2 is the best as you can clearly see the land separating Ton Sai and Loh Dalum beach.
You can read my guide to visiting Koh Phi Phi viewpoint for more details but essentially, you’ll see signs all over Koh Phi Phi showing the way to the viewpoint so it shouldn’t be too hard to find.
The stairs leading to the top are quite steep and challenging especially in the heat but well worth the effort for the stunning panoramic view.
Related post: How to hike to the viewpoints in Koh Phi Phi?
Explore the beaches
The best beaches in Koh Phi Phi include Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalum beach, both of which are located within walking distance of most hotels. Since they are easily accessible, they can be quite crowded, especially with day trippers.
If you’re seeking some peace and quiet, I recommend checking out Long beach. You can easily get there from Phi Phi Bayview Resort by walking along a short coastal trail.
Other beaches to see include Loh Ba Kao Bay, Loh Lana Bay, Viking beach, and Nui beach.
Related post: Best beaches in Phi Phi Islands
Snorkeling
Snorkeling tours in Koh Phi Phi are very popular thanks to the crystal clear water and diverse marine life. You’ll see snorkeling tours advertised almost everywhere on the island or you can book online.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A SNORKELING TOUR
Kayaking
Another fun way to explore the island is to rent a kayak. You can rent a kayak from Loh Dalum beach and paddle to Monkey beach or Nui beach. It costs 100 baht per hour for 1 person or 200 baht per hour for 2 persons.
Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi?
Koh Phi Phi is a party island so if you want a good night’s sleep, I recommend staying away from the main tourist area. There are a few quiet hotels located near the viewpoint but be warned that you’ll have to walk up several stairs to get to them.
Below are some of the best places to stay in Koh Phi Phi:
Luxury: SAii Phi Phi Island Village is a great option for families and is located along a private beach on the north coast.
Mid-Range: PP Blue Sky Resort is a beachfront property located on Long beach, on the east coast. Rooms are well equipped with air-con, mini-fridge, TV, and private bathroom.
Budget: Blue View House is a cheap and quiet hotel located near the viewpoint and has a private balcony overlooking Tonsai and Loh Dalum beach.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN KOH PHI PHI
I hope you found this Krabi to Koh Phi Phi transport guide helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Read more about Krabi:
- The best 4 day Krabi itinerary for first-timers
- 11 most beautiful islands in Krabi Thailand
- Krabi beach guide
- Top 8 day trips from Krabi
