Transportation and ferries Phi Phi
Ferries are the only way to get to Phi Phi island, departing from Krabi, Phuket and Koh Lanta several times a day. Many more private speed boats make the journey as day trips, taking about one hour. A helicopter transfer used to be laid on for the well-heeled but it was discontinued after the Tsunami.
It’s unrealistic to make a day trip to Phi Phi by regular ferry since they take several hours and their arrival and departure times are mid-morning and mid-afternoon. All ferries arrive at the Ton Sai pier on Phi Phi Don, and if you wish to visit Phi Phi Ley you would need to hire a longtail boat locally, which could turn out to be quite expensive if you are travelling alone or as a couple.
Day trips depart from Krabi, Phuket and even Lanta before 9am and do a thorough job of visiting the various popular sites of the archipelago, including Maya Bay and the rest of Phi Phi Ley, Phi Phi Don and sometimes small islands on the way. Specific dive trips visit the other smaller islands which are no more than ‘rocks’ but have good reefs. Given the shortage of accomodation on Phi Phi Don in the high season following the Tsunami, it’s a better idea to take one of these tours. Even the half day tour (about 1300-1500 baht) gives you a great impression of the islands.
You can also opt for several speed boat departures from Phuket early morning which are more comfortable and quicker than the conventional ferry, but considerably more expensive.
Ferries from Phuket to Phi Phi
There are usually two regular ferries a day to and from Phuket. These depart from the ferry terminal in Koh Siray (east of Phuket Town) at 08:30 and 13:30, and take roughly 90 minutes. The ferries are fairly large but do full up in the busy season so arrive early or arrange tickets in advance. Travel agents might also suggest further speed boat options which are more pratical.
Ferries from Phi Phi to Phuket
The return journey leaves from Ton Sai pier at 09:00 and 14:30 daily, also taking 90 minutes and arriving at the ferry terminal in Koh Siray on Phuket. Tickets are purchased from a small booth on the lesser pier in front of the Ton Sai village. Tickets cost 350 baht (adult) and 250 baht (child), or 650/500 baht for a round trip.
Ferries from Krabi to Phi Phi
There are two ferries departing from the ferry pier near Ao Nang beach at 09:00 and arriving 1.5 and 2 hours later at Phi Phi. Another ferry leaves at 13:30, taking 1.5 hours. Tickets cost 350 baht (adult) and 250 baht (child), or 650/500 baht for a round trip, and are available from numerous tour agents, or at the departure point.
Ferries from Phi Phi to Krabi
Three ferries a day leave from Phi Phi to Krabi, at 09:00, 10:00 and 14:30, arriving at the pier near Ao Nang Beach (where you will catch a 10-minute minibus transfer to the resorts). The 10am departure takes 90 minutes, the others take two hours.
Ferries from Phi Phi to Lanta and back
A daily service leaves at 15:00 for Koh Lanta (Saladin pier) and takes just over one hour. The return ferry leaves Koh Lanta for Phi Phi at 08:00, and the journey costs 300 baht either way.
WARNING!
In recent years there have been regular incidents of overloaded boats sinking, resulting in fatalities, with an incident in September 2007. This is a common problem during the high season when boats are overcrowded and captains are irresponsible. Evidently the authorities have done little to clamp down on operators and hold them responsible. Boats should have ‘maximum passengers allowed’ clearly marked, otherwise judge by the number of safety jackets available. Unfortunately, with lots of people wanting to leave the island over peak periods you have little option and complaining is unlikely to help. Catch one of the safer private tour speed boats if you are unsure.
