UPDATED 2022

Now that the Pandemic is behind us, the tourists are returning steadily but slowly to the Thailand region. With the influx of new visitors, the interest in Phi Phi Island is growing larger by the day. So if you are in the area and wondering how to get to the most incredible of sightseeing locations then here is how…

 From the clear turquoise water, to white sandy topical beaches to the amazing rock formations, there is a lot that Koh Phi Phi has to offer. And tourists from all over the world want a piece of what this island has to offer. This place is breath taking and what you see in lots of movies about it is exactly what you will get in real life.

So, where is Phi Phi island and how does one get there?

Getting to Phi Phi Island

5 boats anchored at maya bay in the Phi Phi Islands

Much as this place is beautiful and breath taking, one would assume that getting there would be straightforward. Well, the island is only accessible by boat. If you are a first-time visitor, it can be quite confusing. Well, this is why we have come up with this guide on How to get to Phi Phi Island so that you can plan your trip well and book your travel tickets in good time. Let’s start with the basics….

Where is Phi Phi Island?

Phi Phi island can be found 740 km south of Bangkok. The island is between the bigger Phuket island and the Straits of Malacca. It is part of Krabi Province. The island can easily be accessed from both Krabi and Phuket. You might have to combine multiple travel options. To make things easier, it is usually better to book these tickets early enough. The best and most convenient way is to get the single ticket (or joint ticket as they call it), which takes care of the entire trip.

In this article, we will detail your options for transportation so that you know how to get in and around the Phi Phi islands.

Getting to Phi Phi Island

When talking about how to get to Phi Phi Island, one thing you have to know is that you cannot stay away from being on the water.  It is the only way you will get there. So, you can either use a ferry or a speedboat. The ferry is more popular with tourists than the boats.

Ferry option

Ferries are the most popular option because they are bigger and more comfortable. For those looking for a good tan, the top deck is perfect for this. Getting to Phi Phi from Phuket takes about 2 hours. From Krabi, it takes 90 minutes. The ferries can get too crowded during high season, so if you want great seats, you need to get there early. There are great air-conditioned rooms on the lower floor and you will get snacks, food and drinks. You can also get a VIP ticket and enjoy a more comfortable ride with better air conditioning on the middle deck.

Speedboat option

The speedboat option is more expensive. You can either do a private one or a scheduled one. They are faster and take like 45 minutes. If you are in a group it can become a bit affordable as you can split the cost. Now if you go the private way, you get dropped at your hotel, saving you much more time. Simba Sea Trips offers both Phi Phi island sunrise tours and private charter boat tours to the region daily, and can be booked directly through the Phuket boat tour page section of the website. 

Getting around Phi Phi Island

While there, the best way to get around the island is by using a boat. This way, you get to explore different parts of the island. Walking is also another way to get by. The cheapest is hiring a kayak. Much as bicycles are not very common, you will still find a few people using them.

The thing is whether you are getting to Phi Phi from Phuket or Krabi, the distance is quite similar. Now that you know how to get to Phi Phi Island, remember to share widely with your friends once you get back home.