Overview
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Ferry to
Ton Sai
Ferry to
Laem Tong
Questions
To Stay
Koh Phi Phi is a popular island in the south of Thailand. The island became well known to the world after the movie “The Beach” which was filmed at Maya Beach. The iconic Maya Bay just reopened to the public in January 2022 after rehabilitation activities were done to revive and protect its forest, coast and the surrounding sea life.
The distance from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is about 75 km (46 miles). There are two options to travel from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: either to Tonsai Pier or to Laem Tong Pier. The ferry takes between 1-2 hours and the cost of transportation to the island starts at 420 THB ($12).
How to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
For the route from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, there are tens of different ferry operators you can choose from. When you click the booking link we provided above, you will likely be overwhelmed with options.
For that reason, keep reading this article and check the links in the tables to book the ferry that suits you best. We split the options by arrival location:
- Ton Sai Pier – Main harbour in the south, close to most hotels
- Laem Tong Pier – North Koh Phi Phi, only a few hotels nearby
Which ferry to choose?
Most people will choose the ferry from Phuket to Ton Sai Pier, which is the main pier in Koh Phi Phi. This ferry ride takes about 1-2 hours, but that’s excluding the transfer to the harbour.
More conveniently, book a ferry ticket including pick-up from the most popular destinations in Phuket.
Booked your accommodation in the north of Koh Phi Phi? Then we strongly recommend booking a ferry from Phuket to Laem Tong Beach Pier. If you book the ferry to Tonsai Pier, you will have to take another boat from TonSai to the northern part of Koh Phi Phi.
Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry (Ton Sai Pier)
The only way to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is by ferry. If you book a speed boat ferry, the journey from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi will take around 1 hour. Meanwhile, the larger ferries normally take around 2 hours.
When travelling on the monsoon season (July to October), it’s best to take a large ferry for safety. In case the waves are too rough on the day of your trip, smaller speedboats may not be allowed to sail.
Because most travellers stay around Ton Sai Pier – in the south of Koh Phi Phi – we will first focus on ferries arriving at Ton Sai Pier.
The good news is that there are plenty of trips offered by a number of ferry companies departing daily from various piers in Phuket. The not-so-good news is that it doesn’t make it easy to decide which ferry to book. They depart from different ferry ports in Phuket.
Some ferry services include minivan transfer to the port and others don’t.
Where to book your ferry tickets
We suggest buying your ferry ticket from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi in advance online to save some money. Purchasing one at the pier tends to be more expensive. You can also buy a ferry ticket from your hotel or local tour operators.
Upon arriving at Koh Phi Phi, all travellers are required to pay a fee of 20 THB ($0.50) per person. These funds are used to keep the island clean and to cover waste management costs.
Departure ports in Phuket
Ferries departing from Rassada Pier
Most boats heading from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi depart from Rassada Pier. The pier is only a 20-minute drive away from Phuket town centre.
Thanks to its close proximity, you can easily arrange your own transport to Rassada Pier if you stay in Phuket town. You can either go by songthaew, shared minivan, or taxi. Booking a Grab taxi from Phuket town to Rassada pier starts at 310 THB ($8.50).
If you’re not staying in Phuket Town, we recommend booking a ferry ticket that includes pick-up in the area you are staying. We’ve provided a list of pick-up areas for each ferry company below the schedule.
Other piers in Phuket
Aside from Rassada Pier, there are a few ferry companies that depart from Chean Vanich Pier, Bang Rong Pier, and Sea Angel Pier. Some ferries also used to depart from Yamu Pier before the pandemic.
Ferry schedules
Ferry schedules to Tonsai Pier (including pick-up)
Included pick-up areas:
- Phi Phi Cruiser: Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong, Phuket Town or Naiyang Beach
- Chureang Travel and Tour: Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong, Phuket Town or Nakalay Beach, Tri Trang beach, Sirey or Kamala Beach
- P.P. Sabai Marin: Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong or Phuket Town
- Seatran Travel and Tour: Phuket Airport
If you prefer to go with private transportation to the ferry port, you can also book one of the tickets shared below. These tickets don’t include pick-up. Ferry departure is from Rassada Pier.
Ferry schedules to Tonsai Pier (without pick-up service)
All-inclusive tours to Koh Phi Phi
All-Inclusive Tours to Koh Phi Phi
Another option you have is to book an all-inclusive tour. Tours usually include transport (single or round trip), food, island fees, and the use of equipment for water activities.
Rates start from 1,600 THB ($46) when you book a day tour from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi with Klook.
Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry (Laem Tong Pier)
If you are staying in the north of Koh Phi Phi, you are better off booking a ferry to Laem Tong Pier.
There are two ferry operators which go from Phuket to Laem Tong Beach Pier: Andaman Wave and Phi Phi Logistic and Tour. They also depart from Rassada Pier, but they don’t include hotel pick-up.
The speedboats of Phi Phi Logistic and Tour and Andaman Wave can get you to the island in 1.5 hours. The larger Andaman Wave ferry takes a bit longer, but it provides a calmer ferry crossing compared to the speedboats.
If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend booking the Andaman Wave ferry and having motion-sickness pills ready in case you need them.
Ferry schedules
Ferry schedules from Rassada Pier to Laem Tong Beach Pier
Phi Phi Logistic offers only one type of seating, which is a quite luxurious one. The Andaman Wave ferry, on the other hand, offers different seatings with varying costs.
Andaman Wave ferry
Different seating for Andaman Wave Ferry
Tickets come in different classes depending on the floor location inside the ferry:
- Standard (2nd) class: Bottom level of the ferry – 660 THB ($19)
- First Class: 2nd level of the ferry – 900 THB ($26)
- VIP Class: Top level of the ferry and passengers have access to the deck – 1,140 THB ($32.50)
Itinerary from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket
Should I visit Koh Phi Phi or Krabi?
Both destinations are popular choices for travellers looking for sun and sand. Koh Phi Phi is an island group in the Andaman Sea with lots of gorgeous islands and fine beaches surrounded by clear blue water.
At night, the central area of Koh Phi Phi Don turns into a party haven for backpackers with parties going on till sunrise. The northern part of Koh Phi Phi Don (around Laem Tong Pier) is more secluded and lets you enjoy the more tranquil side of Koh Phi Phi.
Krabi is a perfect balance of the two. Along the coastline, you’ll find stunning beaches bordered by high limestone cliffs. You can visit several of these beaches without having to leave the mainland, but you can also book a boat trip to explore nearby islands or more remote beaches. For more stunning views, you can hike up a mountain or a hill and see Krabi in all its beauty.
What are the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi?
Boat tour: Koh Phi Phi is not just one island, but an archipelago of six islands. Therefore, a boat tour is recommended to explore them all — most especially the breathtaking Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh. This white beach backdropped by a lush jungle is a sight to behold.
Diving and snorkelling: You’ll find here beautiful coral reefs and different kinds of fish. Some of the most popular diving sites are Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok.
Rock climbing: There are plenty of cliff options available on Koh Phi Phi — all of which will reward you with amazing views of nature.
Party at the beach: Koh Phi Phi is known for its vibrant nightlife. Head to the beach at Koh Phi Phi Don for live music and fire shows.
For more information, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide for Koh Phi Phi.
When is the best time to visit Koh Phi Phi?
For the best experience, visit Koh Phi Phi between November and April. This the dry and temperate season with temperatures averaging at 28ºC. It will be sunny, but also cool enough to enjoy your activities on the island.
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi Sunset Bay Resort
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life, then book a room at Phi Phi Sunset Bay. Situated away from the main town, surrounded by forest, this hotel truly allows you to relax. And when you want to go back to the action, it's only a short walk away. Plus they offer a longboat service to and from Ton Sai Pier, so no need to worry about your baggage. The staff here will do anything they can to make your stay unforgettable!
- Surrounded by nature
- Private balcony
- On-site Thai restaurant
- Free longboat service
Private bungalows start from $33 per night
P2 Wood Loft
Staying at P2 Wood Loft, you get all of the perks of staying on a paradise island, without having to compromise on comfort. After relaxing at the beach all day, you'll only have to walk 200 metres to get back to your air-conditioned and luxurious room. The hotel boasts a super modern design, with everything feeling brand new. The beds are exceptionally comfortable, and huge! P2 Wood Loft is a luxury hotel, without the price tag.
- 200 metres from the beach
- Modern and clean rooms
- Air conditioning
- Friendly staff
Private rooms start from $64 per night
Most popular routes in Thailand
About the author(s)
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.
