What to expect when visiting Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
3 ways to get from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 695 kilometers (432 miles) from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok by bus (12 hours to 16 hours 30 minutes), train (8 hours 25 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes) and flight (4 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 4 hours 30 minutes to 16 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €30 for the train.Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok by Train
The route from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok via train takes almost a full day and requires several transfers.
We would only recommend this option if you want to visit one of the gorgeous islands – Koh Tao, Koh Phangan or Koh Samui – on the way back. Surat Thani is the main access port to these stunning islands.
Step 1: Koh Phi Phi to Surat Thani Train Station by Ferry + Bus
The easiest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Surat Thani Train Station is to take a combined ferry and bus ride with Phantip Travel.
Phantip Travel offers 1 trip that departs at 10:30 from Tonsai Pier daily. Travel time is about 5h - 7h and a combined ferry and bus ticket costs €23. You can easily book online through the link below.
Just in case their tickets are sold out or their schedules don’t match your itinerary, you can also divide the ride into several transfers. However, this will be more tiring.
First, you need to take the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket for 1-2 hours. You can book your ferry ticket for as low as 420 THB (€11.40). Then, take a 20-minute taxi ride from Rassada Pier to Phuket Bus Terminal 2 for about 300 THB (€8.20).
From the terminal, you will have to take the bus bound for Surat Thani, this ride will take about 3-4 hours and a ticket costs around 330 THB (€9). If you will book this entire trip separately, is at least 1,050 THB (€29) and the travel time is 4.5-6.5 hours.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
From Surat Thani, you will have to take the train bound for Hua Lamphong Train Station in Bangkok. Travel time is around 8h 25m - 11h 30m, so we recommend that you take the night train so you don’t lose a day travelling.
Tickets start at €6.70. You can also get a more comfortable 1st class sleeper for €41.
Read our guide on how to go from Surat Thani to Bangkok for more info.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok by Bus
If you decide to travel by bus, we recommend booking a combined bus and ferry ticket from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok.
First, you will be brought from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by ferry and then transfer to a bus heading to Bangkok. With this option, you won’t have to worry about transfers.
We recommend taking a night bus so you won’t lose your entire day travelling and at the same time save a night on accommodation. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be well-rested and ready to explore the capital city of Thailand.
Option 1: Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok by Combined Bus + Ferry
The most straightforward way to travel this route from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is by booking a combined bus and ferry ticket. Several operators offer this combined trip from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok.
Bus options from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Booking a combined bus and ferry ticket takes all the worries of doing several transfers.
However, if you want to do things on your own, you can refer to the step-by-step guide below.
Option 2: Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok by Separate Bus and Ferry Tickets
If you book tickets separately, you can customize your trip more.
Step 1: Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Ferry
The majority of the ferries leave from Ton Sai Pier and some depart from Laem Tong Pier. After 50m - 3h, ferries finally dock at Rassada Pier. Although there are some ferries that dock at Sea Angel Cruise Pier and Ao Po Grand Marina.
The ferry tickets from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket start at €11.40.
Once you arrive at Rassada pier, simply take a taxi to Phuket Bus Terminal 2. The cost of the taxi from Rassada Pier to the bus station is around 185 THB (€5).
For more details and schedule check our article for Koh Phi Phi to Phuket.
Step 2: Phuket to Bangkok by Bus
The bus journey from Phuket to Bangkok is quite long and it is suggested to travel through the night so you can get some rest. The ticket price starts at €22.
Be sure to plan your ferry trip to coordinate with the night bus departures from Phuket. Buses depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, located 15 km east of Phuket’s tourist district.
The last stop for most buses is at the Southern Bus Terminal or the Mochit Terminal in Bangkok.
We suggest reading our article on how to go from Phuket to Bangkok for more details and for more schedules.
Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok by Flight
The quickest way to travel from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is by flight. There is no airport on Koh Phi Phi so you will first need to travel to Phuket.
Here’s how to make the journey:
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Ferry + Bus
We recommend booking a combined ferry and minivan ride when travelling from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket Airport. Transfers from Tonsai Pier straight to Phuket Airport (HKT) are as low as 1,145 THB (€31).
Seatran Phuket offers only one trip per day. Chaokoh Travel and Tigerline Travel used to offer ferry trips on this route, but they haven’t resumed their operations yet since the pandemic.
This ferry heading from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket departs from Tonsai Pier. The ferry will arrive at Rassada Pier and from there, an arranged bus will take you directly to the Phuket International Airport.
If you want to book your tickets separately, you can check out our article on how to go from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket for more ferry schedules and details.
Ferry prices already start from 420 THB (€11.40), but the taxi ride from the port to the airport costs about 885 THB (€24).
Alternative option: Travel via Phuket Town
A cheaper way to get to the airport would be to take a taxi from Rassada Pier to the Phuket Bus Terminal 1 using Grab App for around 100 THB (€2.70). Then hop on the airport bus, which costs 120 THB (€3.30). Total costs of the journey will then start from 640 THB (€17.40).
You will need some extra time for this schedule to make sure you will have enough time to catch your flight.
For more info about the airport bus, read our article on how to get to Phuket Airport.
Step 2: Phuket to Bangkok by Flight
There are numerous airlines offering daily flights between Phuket and Bangkok. Flight prices start at 700 THB (€19.10) and the travel time is about 1.5 hours.
See our page on how to go from Phuket to Bangkok for more details.
Best places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok
What is the distance from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok?
The distance from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is 695 kilometers (432 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is by flight and takes 4 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is by train with ticket costs starting from €30.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
