Phi Phi might be a typical tropical island paradise but you still
have to get there to enjoy it.
Basically, there are three different options: ferry, speedboat
and seaplane...
Ferry to Phi Phi
The ferry is by far the most popular method of reaching the islands.
Ferries take about two hours from Phuket and 90 minutes from Krabi
or Koh Lanta. The top deck of the ferry doubles as a sundeck, which
is great for those who want to tan. The lower decks feature air-conditioned
rooms and drinks and snacks are available onboard. The ferry terminal
is a one-hour drive from Phuket Airport and Krabi's is 30 minutes
from Krabi Airport.
To get good seats you should arrive well in advance in high season
or half an hour before departure in low season. Sometimes the ferries
can get a little crowded. Toilets are usually clean (flushed by
seawater) and ferries are generally on time. In low season the ride
can at times be a little rough but generally the traverse is smooth
enough. All ferries go to Tonsai Pier. Depending on which part of
Phi Phi you're going to there may be an additional longtail ride
of up to 45 minutes (Holiday
Inn Phi Phi Resort, Zeavola
Resort, Phi
Phi Island Village).
There are two ferries each day to/from Phuket and Krabi Town. The
times can change but boats usually leave around 8.30-10.00am and
1.30-2.30pm. In high season (November to April) there are also services
to/from Koh Lanta; times are similar to those above. You can book
online transfers
to Phi Phi from our sister site phuket-travel.com.
Speedboat to Phi Phi
Private speedboat transfer is the next most popular way of getting
to Phi Phi. Basically, it's a private charter of a speedboat so
departure and drop-off points are a little more flexible and you
can go right up to the front of your chosen resort which can save
a lot of time.
Again, most of the year the ride is flat but it's advisable to
avoid speedboats in September and October as things can get a little
bumpy.
Obviously, speedboats are more expensive than the ferry but for
larger groups they can represent excellent value as the cost of
the boat hire is divided.
Seaplane to Phi Phi
The Rolls-Royce method of transport to Phi Phi is going by seaplane.
This service began in 2007 and is growing more and more popular.
You can fly direct from Phuket Airport or Patong to Phi Phi, taking
in wonderful views along the way. It costs less than you'd think
and can be well worth the extra money (especially if you're staying
at one of these hotels, Holiday
Inn Phi Phi Resort, Zeavola
Resort, Phi
Phi Island Village), compared to the journey to Phi Phi from
Phuket Airport by ferry, eg one hour from airport to ferry terminal,
two hours ferry ride, then a 45 minute's longtail ride plus additional
time between connections. This journey could be 30 minutes by seaplane
instead of 3/4 of a day.
Here's a review of a Phuket
seaplane trip, you can also book transport to Phi
Phi by seaplane online here. |
