Koh Phi Phi Island, Thailand: Day Tours & Transportation

The popular islands of the Andaman Sea have crystal clear sea color same as the Maldives. Phi Phi Islands are named the world's top beautiful islands. There are thousands of tourists from around the world visiting Phi Phi island throughout the year. If you ask what makes Phi Phi Island known to tourists, it's the abundant nature of the underwater world. Also, another reason why Phi Phi island is widely known is because it's where the movie "The Beach" was released in 2000 starring the famous actor Leonardo DiCaprio. This movie was filmed in Maya Bay, one of the best destinations in the Phi Phi islands.

Okay.... Let's get to know more about Phi Phi islands. It is located in Krabi province which can be accessed from both Phuket and Krabi. The original name for the islands was "Pulau Api-Api" ('the fiery isle'). The name refers to the Pokok Api-Api, or fiery tree which is found on the islands. When the time passed, the name was changed to "Phi Phi". 

Travel to Phi Phi island

To travel to Phi Phi island, you must visit Phuket or Krabi first then take a boat to the island. We can either choose to stay overnight or on a day trip from Phuket or Krabi. For the overnight stay, there are boats operated between Phuket - Phi Phi and Krabi - Phi Phi. You can choose to travel by large ferry or faster speedboat. Some operators might also include the hotel transfer in Phuket or Krabi with an additional charge.

A day trip is suitable for those with a limited time and want to cover all important attractions in Phi Phi island. The tour can start from both Phuket and Krabi with hotel transfer included.

🚌  Travel by Bus to Phuket or Krabi

Travel by bus from Bangkok to Krabi takes about 11 hours, and to Phuket takes about 13 hours. From Bangkok, the bus will depart from Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal. For more information, please check the links down below.

- Bangkok – Krabi bus
For more information, contact (+66)81 2559710, (+66)81 2559712

- Bangkok – Krabi/Phuket bus
For more information, contact (+66)2 269-6999

✈️ Travel by Plane to Phuket or Krabi

Travel by plane is the most popular and fastest way to Phuket and Krabi. Phi Phi island doesn't have its own airport, so you should arrive at Phuket or Krabi airport first then take a boat to Phi Phi island. Flight from Bangkok will take about 1 hour (1.15 - 1.30 hours) journey. After arriving, you must take a boat to Phi Phi island for about 45 minutes to 1.30 hours (depending on each type of boat).

Ferry to Phi Phi Island

🛳 Travel by Boat from Phuket or Krabi

Everyone visiting Phi Phi Island must come through the boat. There are 2 ways of traveling to Phi Phi island and it can be departed from both Phuket and Krabi. The most popular way is to travel by ferry as it is convenient and cheaper compared to travel by speedboat. Travel by speedboat is more adventurous and faster than ferry but it comes with the higher ticket price.

Phuket - Phi Phi

Krabi (Khlong Jilad pier) - Phi Phi 

Ao Nang (Krabi) - Phi Phi 

One-Day Trip to Phi Phi Island

For those with limited travel time, we recommend booking a one-day tour package from a reliable tour company with excellent service and a dedicated team. There are many tour operators which operate the trip from Phuket and Krabi. It's a convenient way to visit Phi Phi island due to the tour includes all the major attractions you should not miss, including the tour guide, lunch, and hotel transfer.

You can choose from various transportation options to suit your preferences, such as a speedboat for quick travel, a high-speed catamaran for stability and smooth sailing, a large ferry for maximum safety, or a luxurious yacht for ultimate comfort and style. We have listed 4 packages that you may find useful for your trip planning to Phi Phi island.

Phuket - Phi Phi Island Day Tour by High-Speed Catamaran

Route
Royal Phuket Marina -  Phi Phi Don Island - Maya Bay - Pileh Lagoon - Bamboo Island

Operation
Everyday 7:00-15:30 hrs.

Price
3,000 THB per person

Duration
7 Hours

Inclusion
- Trip to the Phi Phi island by comfortable high-speed catamaran boat from Phuket
- Tour Guide
- Lunch Buffet
- Soft Drink, Water, Snack
- Snorkeling Equipment, Life Jacket
- Insurance
- Roundtrip transfer from hotel in Phuket

Highlight
- Phi Phi Don, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island
- Travel by luxury and more comfortable high-speed catamaran

Book One Day Trip Phuket to Koh Phi Phi and Bamboo Island by High-Speed Catamaran

Route
Royal Phuket Marina -  Phi Phi Don Island - Maya Bay - Pileh Lagoon - Khai Island

Operation
Everyday 7:00-15:30 hrs. (Starts November 2023)

Price
2,800 THB per person

Duration
7 Hours

Inclusion
- Trip to the Phi Phi island by comfortable high-speed catamaran boat from Phuket
- Tour Guide
- Lunch Buffet
- Soft Drink, Water, Snack
- Snorkeling Equipment, Life Jacket
- Insurance
- Roundtrip transfer from hotel in Phuket

Highlight
- Phi Phi Don, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Khai Island
- Travel by luxury and more comfortable high-speed catamaran

Book One Day Trip Phuket to Koh Phi Phi and Khai Island by High-Speed Catamaran

Phuket - Phi Phi Island Day Tour by Ferry

Route
Rassada Pier, Phuket - Tonsai Pier, Phi Phi Don island

Operation
Every Odd day 8:00-17:00 hrs.

Price
Start at 1,200 THB per person

Duration
9 Hours

Inclusion
- Trip to the Phi Phi island by ferry from Phuket
- Tour Guide
- Lunch Buffet
- Fruits
- Snorkeling Equipment, Life Jacket
- Insurance
- Roundtrip transfer from hotel in Phuket (Extra charge)

Exclusion
- Longtail boat rental at Pileh Lagoon

Highlight
- Phi Phi Don, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Loh Sa mah Bay

Book One Day Trip Phuket to Phi Phi Island by Ferry

Phuket - Phi Phi Island Day Tour by Speedboat

Route
Visit Panwa pier, Phuket - Tonsai pier, Phi Phi Don island - Bamboo island

Operation
Daily 8:30-16:00 hrs.

Price
Start at 2,250 THB per person

Duration
7 Hours

Inclusion
- Trip to the Phi Phi island by speedboat
- Tour Guide
- Lunch Buffet
- Fruits
- Snorkeling Equipment, Life Jacket
- Island fee for Thai
- Insurance
- Longtail boat rental at Pileh Lagoon (Extra charge)
- Roundtrip transfer from hotel in Phuket (Extra charge)

Highlight
- Phi Phi Don, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island

Book one day trip Phuket to Phi Phi island by Love Andaman

Route
Laem Nga pier, Phuket - Tonsai pier, Phi Phi Don island - Khai island

Operation
Daily 8:00-17:00 hrs.

Price
Start at 2,100 THB per person

Duration
8 Hours

Inclusion
- Trip to the Phi Phi island and Khai Island by speedboat
- Tour Guide
- Lunch Buffet
- Fruits
- Snorkeling Equipment, Life Jacket
- Island fee
- Insurance
- Roundtrip transfer from hotel in Phuket

Highlight
- Phi Phi Don, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave
- Visit Khai island

Book one day joined trip Phuket to Phi Phi island by speedboat

Book one day Private trip from Phuket to Phi Phi

Krabi - Phi Phi Island Day Tour by Speedboat

Route
Krabi Marina Pier, Krabi-Tonsai Pier, Phi Phi Don island

Operation
Daily 8:30-16:00 hrs.

Price
Start at 1,450 THB per person

Duration
7 Hours

Inclusion
- Trip to the Phi Phi island by speedboat
- Tour Guide
- Lunch Buffet
- Fruits
- Snorkeling Equipment, Life Jacket
- Island fee
- Insurance
- Roundtrip transfer from hotel in Krabi (Extra charge)

Highlight
- Phi Phi Don, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Loh Samah Bay, Bamboo Island

Book One Day Trip Krabi to Phi Phi island by Speed Boat

Attractions in Phi Phi Island

1. Maya Bay

One of the most important check-in spots in the heart of Phi Phi Islands is no other than Maya Bay. Those who have seen the Hollywood movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio will recognize the world-class beach and its crescent-shaped bay. A top-rated thing to do in Maya Bay for anyone wanting to capture their having-been to Maya Bay would be to hire a longtail boat and pose with the turquoise water as your backdrop. The Maya Bay is under natural conservation and is closed yearly from August - to September. So if you want to visit The Beach, we recommend planning your trip accordingly.

2. Pileh Lagoon

Located not too far from Maya Bay is Ao Pileh Lagoon which is a renowned paradise island to some. The lagoon is comparable to a nature-made pool of emerald-green water in the middle of the sea. The contrast between the limestone walls and the green water makes the Pileh Lagoon a sight you don't want to miss. A jump into the crystal clear water is high on visitors' list to Phi Phi Islands.

3. Viking Cave

Just 10 minutes from Ao Pileh Lagoon, you will come across Viking Cave, which has a long history dating back to the Ayutthaya period. The tale of Viking Cave tells the story of some fishermen who came to this cave to take refuge from a shipwreck. Hidden in the cave, there is a cave painting of ships resembling those of Viking ships, consequently giving the cave its name. In addition, the Viking Cave is considered a treasure trove for the seafarers here. This is because the cave is home to plenty of swifts and their nests that support plenty of families.

4. Loh Samah Bay

Loh Samah Bay, nestled on the southern coast of Phi Phi Leh, is a secluded paradise known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. This picturesque bay is a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, offering an underwater spectacle of colorful coral reefs and exotic fish. The dramatic limestone cliffs surrounding the bay add to its enchanting beauty, making it a perfect spot for those seeking tranquility and natural splendor. Whether you're exploring the underwater world or simply relaxing on a boat, Loh Samah Bay promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Phi Phi Islands.

5. Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island or Koh Phai, renowned for its stunning, long stretch of white sand beach, is a paradise for beach lovers and photographers alike. The island offers a chic photo corner, perfect for capturing memories to cherish forever. Enjoy leisurely walks or sunbathe on the soft, white sands. Find unique and stylish spots ideal for taking picturesque photos. Bamboo Island is only a short trip away, a serene escape adorned with lush sea pine trees. This natural haven provides ample shade, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure activities. The island is abundant with sea pine trees, offering cool shade and a picturesque backdrop. Spread out a mat or cloth under the trees, perfect for sunbathing, unwinding, or simply gazing at the breathtaking sea view.

Whether you’re looking to capture stunning photos, soak up the sun, or relax in the shade, Koh Phai and Bamboo Island offer a perfect blend of beauty and tranquility.

6. Phi Phi Don Island

Phi Phi Don Island, the perfect destination for an overnight stay, is brimming with hotels, shops, and amenities. From budget-friendly hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels, there are accommodations to suit every budget. The island also boasts bars, restaurants, full facilities, and even a hospital, making it as convenient as Krabi town. A wide range of accommodations, from hostels to 5-star hotels. Bars, restaurants, shops, and a hospital ensure a comfortable stay. The island is bustling with activity both day and night, offering a lively atmosphere. To fully experience the island's unique charm, an overnight stay is highly recommended.

For those with ample vacation time, staying overnight on Phi Phi Don Island is a must. The island transforms from day to night, offering different experiences and unforgettable memories.

7. Night Party at Phi Phi Don

A highlight that is popular with both Thai and foreign travelers staying overnight at Phi Phi Don Island is the party scene on the island, promising to light your nights ablaze, like literally. Fire shows are a common art and you will find them at beach bars on the island. On the topic of bars, there is a diverse range of bars with delicious food options on the island. You will find Irish bars, sports bars, reggae bars, and even one with a boxing ring in the middle.

Last update: Nov 2024