Phi Phi Islands are a cluster of six islands that belong to the Krabi province. It is a tiny, narrow strip filled with emerald waters, limestone cliffs, and lots of cats! The only way to travel from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands is by ferry, as the islands are waterlocked and do not have an airport.
The Phi Phi Islands became famous ever since The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was shot here. It has been 25 years, and people from all over the world come here especially to visit Maya Bay.
Unfortunately, we visited during September and were unable to visit Maya Bay. Every year, from September 1 to 30, Maya Bay remains closed for tourism due to habitat restoration.
Traveling from Krabi to Phi Phi Islands
The distance between Krabi and Phi Phi is approximately 46 kilometers and can be reached in about 2 hours. I am walking you through exactly what we did when we were in Krabi to go from one tropical paradise to another:
Reaching Krabi
First of all, we booked flight tickets from Kolkata to come to Bangkok. It was a 2-hour SpiceJet flight post-midnight, and we had a two-hour wait time before our next flight. Then we flew Thai Smile to go from Bangkok to Krabi and spent a day there.
Reaching Klong Jilad Pier
The following day, we were picked up from our hotel, named Vacation Village, in Ao Nang. We had prebooked our van via Klook. The cost per person was approximately 600 Baht, and the drive was 17 km.
Getting ferry tickets
Our ferry, which left from Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi and reached Ton Sai Pier in the Phi Phi Islands, was also booked via Klook. On the pier, two men were checking reservations and issuing tickets.
Speedboat ride
We had booked a speedboat from Krabi to Phi Phi that cost us around 300 Baht each. It was a 2-hour ride amidst the nothingness of blue waters and occasional sightings of limestone cliffs.
Types of ferries from Krabi to Phi Phi Islands
Three primary boats can get you from Krabi to Phi Phi – a regular ferry, a high-speed ferry, and a speedboat. Here is what each of them entails:
Ferry
If you want to have a laid-back boat ride with a large group of people, a ferry would be the best option for you. If you’re on a budget, this will also save you some money.
You can catch a ferry after reaching Klong Jilad Pier, as they depart based on the number of passengers. These ferries are typically the ones locals use, so you can feel like one of them. Ferries take at least 2 hours or more to go from Krabi to Phi Phi.
High speedboat
The high-speed ferry accommodates a limited number of people (around 30). It features proper seating, making it a popular choice among most tourists. It cuts your travel time in half, and you’d reach your destination within 1 to 1.5 hours.
There are numerous websites where you can prebook your ticket online to reserve your seat. Most ferries offer both AC and non-AC seats, allowing you to choose the level of comfort you need.
Speedboats are perfect for those looking for adventure because they fill the journey with thrill. There is an open space at the entrance of the speedboats, with a few seats available for those who want to sit outside and enjoy the wind.
High-speed ferry
These are upgraded versions of your regular ferry that feature a motor, offering the best of both worlds. These cost less than speedboats but drop you off around the same time.
Other points for ferries around Krabi
While Klong Jilad Pier is the most popular departure point, there are also routes from Ao Nang and Floating Pier East Railay. The reason we chose to leave from Klong Jilad Pier is that the process is more organized and tourist-friendly.
Nopparat Thara Beach in Ao Nang is popular among locals due to its convenience and the ease of access. If you’re staying in Railey, the Floating Pier East Railey would be closer and more accessible to you.
To do prior bookings or not?
When travelling internationally, most of us try to have our itineraries entirely planned. However, if you’re traveling slow in Thailand, you can take your time. You will find numerous transfer shops to assist you with bookings for travel to nearby destinations all year round.
Low seasons have more options, and you can start late in the day. However, it is smart to reserve your seats in advance during high seasons. Even booking a day in advance works as demand increases during this time and there are fixed ferries that leave every day with limited number of people.
Standard ferry timings
To secure the best seats, you should arrive as early as possible. During peak seasons, many tourists scramble for a seat and have their itineraries disrupted when they fail to secure a ticket. Here are standard ferry timings you’d likely expect and want to book:
- Standard ferry: 9 am, 10:30 am, and 1:30 am
- High-speed ferry: 9 am, 1 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm
- Speedboat: 9:15 am, 10 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm
The timings are subject to change depending on season, demand, and environmental factors. However, these are more or less indicative of when you can expect to get a ferry.
More ferry routes
When planning a trip to Thailand, you can choose either Phuket or Krabi before the Phi Phi Islands. There are ferries from both these places to bring you amidst ultimate tranquility!
Suppose you land in Krabi, but you decide to get to Phuket by car before heading to Phi Phi. You can always switch your travel plans accordingly.
Many tourists enjoy partying in Phuket and then spend their time relaxing in Phi Phi thereafter. Another reason why they love coming from Krabi to Phuket is to experience the pass via Phang Nga province. The scenic beauty of the route is worth taking a detour.
Once you’re done exploring Phuket, take a ferry from Rassada Pier to Phi Phi Islands. It is a two-hour ride, and this departure point has way more amenities compared to Klong Jilad Pier.
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