Traveling from Bangkok to Phi Phi Island, a distance of approximately 830 kilometers (516 miles), requires careful planning due to the lack of a direct airport on Phi Phi. You have several transport options, each with different durations and costs.
Transport Options:
- Bus and Ferry Combo: This is often highlighted as the easiest and cheapest way to travel between Bangkok and Phi Phi Island.
- Combined tickets are available from Khao San Road or the Southern Bus Station in Bangkok.
- Buses typically leave around 19:00 and arrive at the pier for Phi Phi around 12:30 the next day.
- The total journey takes approximately 16-17.5 hours.
- Booking through tickets ensures guaranteed connections. You can book these via platforms like SmartEnPlus.
- Separate bus and ferry tickets can also be booked if combined tickets are unavailable, requiring a bus to Krabi or Phuket followed by a ferry.
- Flight and Ferry: This is the fastest way to reach Phi Phi Island, taking as little as 6 hours if connections are right.
- There are no direct flights to Phi Phi; you need to fly to either Phuket (HKT) or Krabi (KBV).
- From Phuket Airport, you’ll need to transfer to a pier (mainly Rassada Pier) for a ferry to Phi Phi, which takes about 2 hours (or less by speedboat). You can book combined transfer and ferry tickets from Phuket Airport to Phi Phi.
- From Krabi Airport, you’ll need to take a taxi to Klong Jilad Pier for a ferry to Phi Phi, which takes about 2 hours. Transfers and ferries from Krabi Airport need to be booked separately from the flight.
- Airlines like AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Airways operate flights from Bangkok (DMK and BKK airports) to Phuket and Krabi.
- Train, Bus, and Ferry: This option is considered less ideal and takes a long time.
- It involves a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, followed by a bus or van to Krabi (and potentially a taxi to the pier), and then a ferry to Phi Phi.
- It is generally not recommended as it is exhausting and doesn’t save money.
Arriving on Koh Phi Phi:
- There are no cars on Phi Phi Island, and only a few motorbikes, so you will need to walk to your hotel from the pier.
- Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest and only populated island of the Phi Phi group.
- The main pier is Tonsai Pier, located in Tonsai Village and Tonsai Bay.
- Upon arrival, you will need to pay a Green Tax of 20 THB per person in cash before being allowed onto the island.
Best Time to Travel:
- The best time to visit Phi Phi Island is from November to February, which offers dry, sunny weather and calm seas, ideal for water activities.
- The shoulder season (March-April) can be hot but less crowded.
- The rainy season (May-October) sees more unpredictable weather and potential disruptions to boat tours. September is generally advised against due to heavy rains and potential flooding.
Important Considerations:
- Luggage: For bus and ferry routes, standard allowances are usually one large suitcase (up to 20-30 kg) and one carry-on bag. Excess fees may apply. It’s always best to check with the specific operator. Packing light is recommended due to walking on the island and potential ferry luggage restrictions.
- Booking: Booking accommodations and transport in advance is recommended.
- Ferry Reliability: Ferries from Phuket to Phi Phi are generally reliable but can be affected by weather, especially during the rainy season. Reputable operators like Andaman Wave Master and Phi Phi Cruiser are recommended. Booking online with verified operators is advised to avoid scams.
- Crowds: Phi Phi can get crowded, especially Maya Bay. Consider early morning tours to avoid the peak crowds. The island tends to be quieter in the evenings after day-trippers leave.
Ultimately, the best way to travel depends on your priorities. For ease and cost-effectiveness, the combined bus and ferry ticket is often recommended. For speed, the flight to Krabi or Phuket followed by a ferryis the best option. Remember that flights and ferries often need to be booked separately.