Phuket
How to Get from Phuket to Phi Phi Island: Ferry, Speedboat & Tours
Writen By: Haya Tariq
Phuket
So the party island near Phuket is calling you. Are you picking up? The allure of Koh Phi Phi Islands has hypnotized you to make the trip from Phuket; get ready for island parties, magnificent beaches with bright blue oceans, island excursions, and a completely different culture to dive into.
Technically Phi Phi’s part of Krabi province, but the party islands can be easily reached from Phuket, as they are just 40-50 km away across the Andaman Sea. The purpose of this post is to break down the different ways to get from Phuket to the Phi Phi archipelago.
First of all, your choice of transport will depend on whether you're planning a day trip or overnight stay.
- Day Trip: A speedboat tour is the fastest way to see top sights like Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and snorkeling spots and return to Phuket on the same day.
- Overnight Stay (Transfer): You can also book a one-way or round-trip Ferry or Speedboat Transfer to Tonsai Pier on the main island, Phi Phi Don, with your luggage. This is easier and simpler for longer stays.
Option 1: Public Ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi (Most Common & Budget-Friendly)
Going by a public ferry is one of the most simple and most common ways to travel to Phi Phi from Phuket.
- Departure Point (Phuket): Ferries usually leave from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town. Grab a taxi or set up a transfer to get to the departure point from your Phuket hotel.
- Arrival at Phi Phi: Usually the ferries land at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don (the main island).
- Journey Time: Around 1.5 - 2 hours.
- Cost: A one-way ticket usually costs between $12 to $20 USD (or around 400 to 700 THB), depending on the company and seat class.
Step by Step How to Take the Ferry:
Step 1. Book Your Ticket:
Book at least a day in advance. You can buy tickets:
- Online
- From a travel agent or tour desk in Phuket.
- At the pier on travel day (not recommended - this is riskier for selling out).
Step 2. Get to the Pier:
Get to Rassada Pier in Phuket Town. If booking with a travel agent, you’ll probably be accommodated with a minivan transfer from them from your hotel to the pier.
Step 3. Check-In:
Be at the pier at least 30 minutes before the departure time. Find the counter for your ferry company, show your ticket/voucher, and get your boarding pass.
Step 4. Board the Ferry:
There will be signs and staff guiding you to get on board the ferry.
Step 5. Enjoy the Ride!
For 1.5-2 hours, you’ll be on sea. Warning: beautiful island views ahead!
Step 6. Arrive and Pay Fee:
When you get to Tonsai Pier, you may need to pay a small island entry fee (~ 20-40 THB / $1-2 USD) that helps keep the island clean.
Pros:
- One of the cheapest ways to travel between islands
- More space for luggage
Cons:
- Longer ride (1.5-2 hrs)
- Frequent crowds
The ferry service below will pick you up from your hotel lobby, drive you to the correct pier, and lets you skip the ticket lines.
From
฿800
Island Hop: Effortless Phi Phi Ferry from Phuket
Phi Phi Island Ferry Ticket: Enjoy hassle-free transfers from your Phuket hotel to the pier via shared minibus or private taxi. Then, relax on a comfortable ferry to the stunning Phi Phi Islands. A convenient and smooth journey to paradise awaits, perfect for exploring iconic beaches and landscapes.
Book NowOption 2: Go By Speedboat
Maybe you’re looking for that VROOM VROOM. Alright, I see you - you’ll fit right into Phi Phi. Take a one-way transfer from Phuket to Phi Phi through a speedboat. The speedboat transfer linked below includes pickup from your hotel & will take you to Royal Phuket Marina, where you’ll hop on board and ride to Tonsai Pier.
Journey Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Pros:
- You’ll get to Phi Phi Islands faster than if you went on a ferry
- The ride is crazy fun: if you enjoy speed, wild bumps, and don’t mind getting a little wet
- Usually more departing times & flexibility
- Awesome views!
- Stress less by prebooking with on time transfer included so you don’t miss your boat
Cons:
- More expensive than ferries
- The ride can get bumpy (may not be the best option for you if you’re prone to seasickness)
- Less luggage space
From
฿28000
Phi Phi Island Speedboat Transfer: Phuket's Paradise Gateway
Phi Phi Island Private Transfer offers a swift speedboat journey from Phuket, whisking you to Tonsai Pier. Enjoy hotel pickup, bottled water, and the expertise of a professional captain for a seamless, one-hour ride. A convenient and efficient way to reach the stunning Phi Phi Islands.
Book NowOption 3: Organized Day Tour (All-in-One Adventure)
This is for those that want to go all-in. Spend all day exploring Phi Phi’s shores: you’ll visit Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Nui Beach, Ko Rang Yai, and end at the Soho Pool Club for lunch.
Key Activities:
- Yacht ride
- Swim in Mother nature made pools
- See monkey troops at Monkey Beach
- Snorkel
- Enjoy a Thai lunch at a luxury pool club
Pros:
- Everything is organized for you!
- Optimized for efficient use of time
- See the top highlights
- Less crowded (18 person limit)
- You’ll be ahead of big tourist crowds
- National Park fees are included in this package
- Hotel pickup and drop off is included
Cons:
- Less flexibility - you have to follow the plan laid out
From
฿5195
Unforgettable Sunrise: Luxury Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour from Phuket
Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise tour offers an exclusive speedboat adventure from Phuket. Enjoy Maya Bay (or Bamboo Island in Aug/Sept), Pileh Lagoon, snorkeling, and a private island visit. With small groups and expert guides, discover Thailand's beauty, avoiding crowds and ensuring a personalized experience with breakfast included.
Book NowPhi Phi is all about that nightlife. Specifically, beach parties - who woulda guessed? It’s definitely not like it’s an island full of stunning beaches.. No, that can’t be it. Jokes aside, let's dive into top things to do in Phi Phi Islands.
1. The Main Party Hub: Loh Dalum Bay
Calm beach by day, a gigantic open air party by night.
- Beach Bars: Bars like Slinky Beach Bar, Blanco Beach Bar, Banana Bar, and Ibiza Beach Club are lined up everywhere on the sand.
- Fire Shows: Skillful performers do fire limbo, fire rope skipping, and fire spinning on the sand.
- Vibes: Crowded, barefoot, dance-in-the-sand vibe. You'll probably see lots of tourists with neon body paint.
- Drinks: Recommendation? The "Buckets". They’re small buckets filled with ice, local liquor (like Thai whiskey or rum), and an energy drink or mixer.
2. Pool Parties
Ibiza Beach Club (Ibiza House, Loh Dalum Bay): The GOAT of beach parties in Phi Phi. Ibiza’s everyone’s first recommendation for a good ol’ wild time at the pool. Let loose at electrifying pool parties, drinks, DJ’s, and a lit crowd.
Princess Pool Party (Phi Phi Princess Resort): A little less crazy than Ibiza, this spot’s got an awesome venue with a good mix of tourists. Enjoy peer pong and pool parties every week.
3. Long Beach
The KING of Phi Phi Island’s beaches for swimming, relaxation, and classic beach activities. Step onto nice, soft sand, jump into clear blue waters, check out the few small resorts and beach bars.
- With a good distance from the main village, the vibes are quiet and relaxed
- Shark Point is a popular snorkeling area near Long Beach
- You can get to the beach through a longtail boat ride from Tonsai Pier/Village, or make your way through a 30-40 minute jungle path.
4. Maya Bay
This is from the movie The Beach (starring Leonardo DiCaprio). Closed for many years because of too much tourism, the beach has reopened with stricter regulations, for example, you don’t swim on the beach. However, you can take in the world famous views with its huge stone cliffs, perfect white sandy beach, and emerald lagoon.
- There is a required National Park entrance fee
- Phi Phi Leh is an uninhabited island, which is where Maya Beach is located, so you can only visit the beach through a boat tour from Phi Phi Don
5. Bamboo Island
A classic, completely flat, ring tropical island without the huge limestone cliffs. With super clear waters, this is a prime snorkel/swimming spot.
- You can only access this area from a longtail or speedboat tour, as well as longer island-hopping packages.
- There is a required National Park entrance fee
6. Live Music & Chiller Bars
Kong Siam Live Music Bar and other venues have live bands that play rock and acoustic music if you want a break from EDM club beats. Some other bars like Carlito's are more relaxing with lounges by the sea where you can also watch the fire shows from a distance.
7. Reggae Bar’s Muay Thai Fights
Ready, get set, fight! This bar’s popular for its live Muay Thai (Thai boxing) ring. Tourists will sometimes be invited to get in the ring and fight each other (usually for a free bucket). It's loud, rowdy, and very unique entertainment.
The Overall Vibes
- Focus on Backpackers and Young Travelers: The crowd is mostly young & international, with people who love to socialize and party.
- Big Crowds: Phi Phi Don is really small, so all the hot spots are close to each other.
- It's Loud: If you stay near Tonsai Pier or Loh Dalum Bay, don’t be surprised if it’s noisy until way past midnight, (music legally shuts down around 2:00 AM)
- Boat Parties: Hop on a boat party! They cruise around the islands during day and evening time. They’re really popular amongst party people, and are a chance to sightsee, swim, and drink!
- Safety Note: Always be mindful of your belongings and surroundings, especially in crowded party areas. If drinking, please do so responsibly, be aware of what is in your drink, and never leave your drink unattended.
Ready for Phi Phi?
If not, we hope this guide helped! Whether you're taking a ferry or day tour, you’re guaranteed to get awesome island views, cultural experiences, and have lots of fun on your journey.
Other than Phi Phi, there’s lots of unique things to do in Phuket, from ethical elephant sanctuaries to island tours, snorkeling, and Thai cooking classes. That’s just the beginning. Find it all on Dyvarcity, your go to source for the best things to do around the world!