Going from Phuket to Phi Phi

The Phi Phi islands are incredibly famous amongst tourists.

With the islands’ stunning views, tours, wildlife, transparent water, tropical weather, and unforgettable memories, you’ll want to start planning your trip from Phuket to Phi Phi.

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About Koh Phi Phi

The two main islands are Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Lee.

In 2004 a tsunami destroyed the islands and Thailand decided to make Koh Phi Phi even better than it was before; they succeeded and now they are better than ever!

Now it is an incredible tourist destination with tons of activities and amazing food.

There are local restaurants as well as western restaurants. However, expect the food to be a bit pricier than the mainland since they have to import goods.

How to Get Around on the Island

There are no roads on the islands, which means there are no cars/taxis/buses. You can either walk or rent a bike. Everything is pretty close and the islands aren’t too big so it is doable.

Important Things to Note About Phi Phi

There are plenty of stores, restaurants, and vendors. So, if you forgot something, you will have the chance to buy it on the island.

A convenience store will be at every corner and they will carry the necessary items that you may need.

If you didn’t bring enough cash with you, there will be ATMs and banks so you can exchange or take out some money.

There are medical clinics on every corner of the island. I actually knew a girl who spent the night there because she had food poisoning and she was well taken care of.

This brings me to my next point: be careful consuming uncooked vegetables/fruits (like salads) and drinks with ice because tap water in Thailand is not something you want to mess around with.

Keep in mind that the islands, as well as mainland Thailand, are close to the equator. It is going to be extremely hot so make sure you bring that strong sunblock (I use this one from Amazon. And this one is great too), a hat, and sunglasses because you will most definitely need them.

To get to the islands, if you are in the northern part of Thailand, it may be easiest to book a flight from Bangkok to Phuket.

You can also go from Krabi to Phi Phi or Chiang Mai to Phi Phi; the options are limitless.

Here’s a useful website to book transportation.

Luckily, traveling around Thailand is fairly cheap and pretty straightforward.

You can find a flight from Bangkok to Phuket for as cheap as USD 50 roundtrip.

Just take note that Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). They are both international airports but BKK is much bigger. They are also only about a 30-minute drive from each other.

The flight from Bangkok to Phuket is a little less than an hour and a half. If you want to drive, I believe it’s around 12 hours.

How to Get From the Phuket Airport to Phi Phi Pier

Once you land at the Phuket airport (HKT), if you’re looking for a cheap way out, you can take a van to the pier, instead of a taxi. They will have taxis lined up outside the airport.

If you choose to take a van, you will be able to ask someone at the airport where the vans are that go to the pier.

The ride from the airport to the pier is about an hour long, so hopefully, you’ll have AC.

How to Get From Phuket to Phi Phi Islands

If you are staying at a beach resort, they will have tours to Phi Phi island from Phuket so you can make it a day trip.

However, if you have the chance to stay longer on the islands, I cannot recommend it enough.

The most popular way to get to the islands is to take a boat from Phuket to Phi Phi.
You can also take a speed boat to get there quicker.

You can either get docked at Ton Sai Pier or at Laem Tong Beach Pier. If you decided to buy your tickets on the website, you will be able to choose the pier of your liking.

Just keep in mind that Ton Sai Pier is more towards the center of the island so it will be closer to more activities and attractions.

While you are heading from the Rassada Pier to Phi Phi, you can breathe in the fresh ocean water and catch a glimpse of the picturesque views.

Going to Phi Phi From Phuket

If you are a planner, you can book your Phi Phi ferry tickets ahead of time online.

You can also book your roundtrip tickets at Rassada Pier, or wait until you get to Koh Phi Phi Don to buy your return ticket.

Either way, I wouldn’t worry too much; there are plenty of ferries to go around.

How Far Are the Phi Phi Islands From Phuket?

The Phuket to Phi Phi island distance is about 46 kilometers (29 miles).

The ferry from Rassada Pier to Ton Sai Pier typically takes about two and a half to three hours.

Phuket to Phi Phi Ferry Price

Going from Phuket to Phi Phi Island costs THB 500 (USD 15).

Where to Stay on Phi Phi

PP Ingphu Viewpoint is up a bit of a hill on the island. It is close to the entrance to see the Phi Phi Viewpoints, which are very popular amongst tourists.

PP Ingphu Viewpoint is only a 15-minute walk from Ton Sai Pier.

On the walk to the accommodation, you will see countless stores, bars, shows, and even western restaurants.

Of course, you always have the option to stay in a resort or in a hostel.

Things to Do on the Phi Phi Islands

You will have the chance to take a bunch of different tours, kayak, walk (a lot!), and capture the glistening water as the warm sand runs through your toes.

Monkey Beach is a must when visiting Phi Phi.

If you are a hiker or even if you aren’t, you can see the viewpoints on the island.

There are three Phi Phi viewpoints in total but they all have different views of the islands.

You have to pay to see the viewpoints, the first two cost THB 30 (USD 1) in total.

If you are an avid hiker, you will probably be okay with hiking to all of the viewpoints.

Actually, even if you aren’t you might be okay. I survived and I don’t hike too often.

The 3rd viewpoint is actually on someone’s property so you have to pay an additional THB 20 to enter and make sure you take off your shoes.

Dojo Bar is an air-open bar that has friendly staff and is in a great location.

Pirates House Restaurant is another good find. They offer Thai and Indian food and their prices are reasonable for it being on such a touristy island.

Whether you are going to the islands on a solo trip, with a few friends, or with the whole family, there will be hundreds of interests for everyone to enjoy.