My first impression at Phi Phi? I guess I was expecting something more. But don’t let me hold you back if you plan to visit Phi Phi Island. Do it to get your feel of it. Here is a complete guide that will help to plan your trip from Bangkok to Phi Phi.
So, how to get from Bangkok to Phi Phi? The most convenient and fastest way to get from Bangkok to Phi Phi island is by taking a plane from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok to Krabi International Airport (KBV). Next by taking a Taxi from Krabi airport to Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi Town. The last step is to take a ferry to Tonsai Pier in Phi Phi island (Ko Phi Phi Don).
It is the way I would choose to travel from Bangkok to Phi Phi island, but there are alternatives to it. You could also fly to Phuket International Airport (HKT), then take a bus into Phuket Town and finally a ferry to Phi Phi island. At first, I will write a detailed description of how to get to Phi Phi through Krabi. Then I will describe the second option that is getting to Phi Phi through Phuket.
How long does it take you to get from Bangkok to Phi Phi island?
Let’s see how long would it take you if you would like to make such a trip in one day:
- A taxi ride from Bangkok city center to Don Muang International Airpot will take you 1 hour;
- Flight from Don Mueang International Airport to Krabi International Airport will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes;
- A taxi ride from the airport to Klong Jirad Pier will take about 30 minutes;
- Ferry from Krabi Town to Phi Phi island will take about 2 hours.
Let’s add two more hours for the flight and maybe one more for the ferry. It leaves us with a total of 8 hours to get from Bangkok to Phi Phi.
I’ve never done this as a one day trip so you will have to check the flight and ferry schedules before deciding either to try to manage to squeeze all of this into one day or not. I will add some useful links to this article that will make your planning easier.
Are there any flights from Bankok to Phi Phi island?
No. You will have to fly from Bangkok to Krabi or Phuket and then take a ferry or a speedboat to Phi Phi island.
You will start your travel at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok.
First, let’s take a look at what airlines fly from Don Muang airport in Bangkok to Krabi International Airport. Inside Thailand, I have flown with Air Asia and Nok Air but there are other options as well. I have heard of Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Orient Thai and others but you will have to do your research on them if you want to.
I am aware that most of these airlines fly to Krabi several times a day and you should not worry about booking a flight for the next day. Of course, it will be cheaper if you will book sooner.
I don’t think Air Asia or Nok Air are considered premium airlines, but every time I have had a flight with Air Asia, the plane felt newer, cleaner and better overall. I don’t remember ticket prices for these two, so I just did a small research and found out that flight ticket price from Bangkok to Krabi at Air Asia start ar USD 21,73 (EUR 18,94) for one person with hand luggage. And USD 22,39 (EUR 19,52) at Nok Air. Either it was another airline or prices had been raised, but I reckon to buy a ticket for EUR 9!?
Be aware that at Don Mueang Airport you have to look for Terminal 2 as it serves domestic and regional flights.
For flight ticket search at Air Asia website click HERE.
For flight ticket search at Nok Air website click HERE.
How to get from Bangkok to Don Muang Airport?
The most convenient way to get from Bangkok to Don Muang airport is by Taxi. The distance from the city center to the airport is about 29 km long. Plan your trip knowing that it might take up to one hour to get there.
How much is a taxi from Bangkok to Don Muang airport? Taxi from Bangkok to Don Muang airport will cost you up to THB 400 (USD 12,50 or EUR 10,89).
Don’t be surprised when taxi driver informs you about taking a highway to the airport and its additional cost of THB 70 (USD 2,20 or EUR 1,90). It is the best choice. In early mornings when there is no traffic, the total cost of getting from Bangkok city center to Don Mueang airport might be around THB 250 (USD 7,80 or EUR 6,80).
To avoid another popular Thai scam, always ask the driver to turn on the meter. If he refuses to do so, no matter what’s the reason, look around for another taxi otherwise you might be charged twice as much or even more.
Are there two airports in Bangkok? Yes. One is Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and second is Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Most domestic flights leave from Don Mueang International Airport, and in most cases, this will be the airport you will need for your flight from Bangkok to Krabi.
How to get from Krabi to Phi Phi island?
So you have arrived at Krabi International Airport (KBV).
Once you go outside, you immediately notice that the air is fresher than in Bangkok, but it is still hot and humid.
Next, you want to look for a taxi that would bring you from the airport to Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi Town. It will cost you about THB 350 (USD 10,90 or EUR 9,52) to get there.
How much is the ferry from Krabi to Phi Phi? Prices start at THB 450 (USD 14 or EUR 12). There might be some discounts during the low season that lasts from July to October.
How far is it from Krabi to Phi Phi? Distance from Krabi to Phi Phi is about 40 km. The ferry ride from Krabi to Phi Phi will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Congratulations! You have successfully arrived at Phi Phi island (Ko Phi Phi Don).
How much does it cost to get from Bankok to Phi Phi?
The total costs for getting from Bangkok to Phi Phi will be around THB 1645 (USD 51 or EUR 45). Keep in mind that late ticket booking may increase these costs. As well as a taxi ride may be longer in rush hour and therefore more expensive.
Let’s see what makes the costs in more detail:
- Taxi from Bankok city center to Don Muang International Airport should cost you a maximum of THB 400 (USD 12,50 or EUR 10,89);
- Cup of coffee at the airport will cost you about THB 150 (USD 4,60 or EUR 4,10);
- Flight to Krabi International Airport will cost you about THB 700 (22 USD or EUR 19);
- Taxi from Krabi airport to Klong Jilad Pier will cost you about THB 350 (USD 10,90 or EUR 9,52);
- And finally, ferry from Krabi to Phi Phi will cost about THB 450 (USD 14 or EUR 12).
Please make sure that you book an early flight from Bangkok to Krabi, so you are not late for the last ferry from Krabi to Phi Phi.
Where to buy ferry tickets from Krabi to Phi Phi? There are several options:
- Buy tickets online;
- Buy tickets at the pier;
- There might be a possibility to buy ferry tickets from your hotel;
- Look for a travel agency. There are plenty of small travel agencies in each city.
As there is always a risk of a plane being delayed maybe the best option to buy a ferry ticket is at the pier.
By doing a quick search on Google, I found this website. It seems like they compare prices of all ferry companies that provide ferry rides from Krabi to Phi Phi and other destinations. To see the site click HERE.
How to get to Phi Phi from Phuket?
So this is the second option. The first part of the trip will be the same as for the journey from Bangkok to Phi Phi through Krabi:
- Take a taxi from Bangkok to Don Muang International Airpot;
- Fly from Bangkok to Phuket International Airport. The same airlines that I’ve mentioned above fly to Phuket as well;
- Take a bus from the airport to Phuket Town;
- Take a taxi from Phuket bus station to Rassada Pier;
- Take a ferry from Rassada Pier to Ao Tonsai Pier in Phi Phi island.
If you have read about route Bankok – Krabi – Phi Phi then this option might seem like a more time consuming and expensive option. It is true. See the details below.
How to get from Phuket airport to Phuket Town?
The airport is quite small, and you should be able to find the bus quickly. The bus stop is located right in front of the airport. If you don’t see it ask someone. You pay the driver, and off you go.
Don’t be surprised if together with your ticket you will receive a card (looks like a credit card in gold color). This card will have the change from your ticket price on it. For example, I was buying a ticket to Rawai Beach that cost THB 270 (USD 8,40 or EUR 7,30). I gave driver THB 300, and he gave me this card as a ticket and with THB 30 on it that can be spent in various cafes, etc.
The ride with bus from Phuket airport to Phuket Town will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This bus is much better than buses in Bangkok. Phuket airport bus is new. It has windows, comfortable seats and an air conditioner. It is okay to ask the driver to stop wherever you need.
A taxi ride from Phuket airport to Phuket Town would take about 45 minutes and cost you around THB 600 (USD 19 or EUR 16).
How much is the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi? It will cost you about THB 350 (USD 11 or EUR 9,50) one way. If there is a discount, you could get it even for THB 250 (USD 7,80 or EUR 6,80). Otherwise, there are only more expensive options available.
Related Questions
Is there a train from Bangkok to Krabi? No. The closest you can get by train from Bangkok to Krabi is Surat Thani train station. This kind of train ride would take you around 9 hours and cost you around THB 700 (USD 22 or EUR 19). Next step would be approximately 3 hours long bus ride to Krabi but let’s leave that for another article.
Is ferry to Phuket safe? Well. They have life jackets on the ferries 🙂 I mean all the ferries over there doesn’t look that new, but I also wasn’t scared to drive them. You’ll see.
