Koh Tao to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry and Bus: Ultimate Travel Guide

The magnificent Phi Phi Archipelago is a resplendent constellation of six islands. They are nestled in the embrace of the Andaman Sea. Phi Phi islands are one of the crowning jewels of Thailand's tourist destinations. The ensemble includes the islands of Phi Phi Leh, Brida Nok, the more developed Phi Phi Don, Brida Noi, Koh Phai, and Koh Yung. 

The breathtaking islands are renowned for their untouched and raw beauty. They captured the attention of those who understood the importance of preserving natural splendor. Understanding their unique beauty needed protection, the islands became a national park in 1983. 

This key move has helped keep the islands mostly untouched. Now, their natural appeal continues to attract people from all over the world.

Among these, Phi Phi Don stands out as an epicenter of vibrant activity and scenic splendor. Spanning eight kilometers in length, it offers an oasis of modern amenities amidst a landscape of natural wonders. There are two beautiful beaches near the main town. 

The first is Loh Dalam. The second is Ton Sai. These beaches are close to where most people stay. So, they are easy to get to. 

They offer a quiet place to relax and a quick way to join in on island activities.

Phi Phi Leh stands in stark contrast to its neighboring islands. It boasts a more untamed landscape, with dramatic limestone cliffs that drop straight down into the deep blue sea. 

This island is an intricate tapestry of marvelous bays including Loh Samah, Piley, and the iconic Maya Bay. Maya Bay, in particular, has gained international fame. It was the idyllic backdrop for the movie The Beach. 

It has catapulted this hidden paradise onto the global stage. With Leonardo DiCaprio exploring its treasures. However, to protect the ecosystem from the effects of tourism, Maya Bay has closed its shores to tourists. It entered a period of ecological restoration to rejuvenate its mangrove forests and coral reefs.

While these islands beckon with their beauty, access remains an adventure in itself. Neither Koh Phi Phi nor Koh Tao boasts an airport, and their unmarred landscapes are free from the intrusion of roads. Arrival by sea is a journey through the Gulf of Thailand, an experience that melds travel with the thrill of discovery.

To get to these islands, you can start from Krabi Town or leave from close places like Koh Lanta, Samui, and Koh Phangan. Each place has its own Thai culture and views. 

If you go from Krabi Town for a day trip when the weather is good, you can expect clear blue skies and calm waters. The boat ride is fun, too. You'll ride on long tail boats with bright decorations that move gently on the waves.

The journey from Koh Tao to Koh Phi Phi often routes through Krabi. It could present a perfect opportunity to explore the coastal charm of Ao Nang. Ao Nang stands as a welcoming gateway to the wonders of the Phi Phi Archipelago and its neighboring isles. 

Ao Nang is a busy beach town on the main part of Krabi province. It's surrounded by big rock formations that make it look very different from the quiet islands nearby. 

This town is great because it's easy to go on boat trips to little beaches and secret spots on the islands close by. You can also try lots of different local foods that show the mix of cultures in this area. Ao Nang is a place where you can find both fun things to do and lovely scenery, all in one spot.

Ao Nang is really close to the clear waters of the Andaman Sea and the lush green forests. It's a great place to start if you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway. Every morning, you can hear the buzz of the long tail boats. 

They get ready to take visitors out to the popular spots, especially when it's the busy season for tourists. The town has a beach with soft, golden sand, and there are lots of places to eat and shops right by it. It's always busy with people and has a relaxed vibe. 

Travelers hang out here, enjoying the easy-going mood before they hop on a boat. Just a little way off the shore, they find beautiful underwater worlds full of life, waiting to be discovered.

Here, in Ao Nang, modern amenities nestle alongside natural beauty. It offers tourists a comforting base. From here,  they can venture forth into the stunning seascapes that the region is renowned for. 

It's in this vibrant town that journeys to the Phi Phi islands often begin. With the promise of discovering the unmatched beauty that awaits in the heart of the Gulf of Thailand.

Upon arrival at Koh Phi Phi Don, visitors are greeted with a variety of comforts. Including air conditioning in lodging, stores or restaurants. It is a welcome respite from the tropical heat. 

Explorers can take a short 15 minutes trip to locales like Viking Cave. History whispers from the walls of this cave, Or they can go to Monkey Beach. There, playful primates frolic in their natural habitat.

The marine life in these waters is a kaleidoscope of diversity. Coral reefs offer a vibrant undersea mosaic for snorkelers and divers alike. Sairee Beach, with its relaxed ambiance and crystalline waters, is another hub. Here, aquatic enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the island's underwater tapestry.

While the Phi Phi Archipelago remains isolated from the hum of city life and the roar of aircraft—given the absence of an international airport—this seclusion is precisely what makes it an unparalleled retreat for those seeking to disconnect and rediscover nature's serene beauty. Here, in the Gulf of Thailand, time slows, and the essence of island life can be savored in its purest form.

From Koh Tao to Koh Phi Phi by Bus and Ferry

There is no direct ferry trip from Ko Tao to Ko Phi Phi. On your trip to Phi Phi from Tao island, you’ll have to pass by Surat Thani and Krabi Town.

From Mae Haad Pier to Tonsai Pier

This amazing journey will start by a ferry trip from Mae Haad Pier in Tao to Tapee Pier in Surat Thani.  Then a bus will be waiting for you to take you to Krabi Town. From Krabi Town, you’ll get on another ferry straight to Phi Phi islands’ Tonsai Pier. It’s a joint-ticket trip as it includes different ways of transportation in one ticket!

Best time to visit

The climate is typically tropical and warm on the islands, similar to the weather in Phuket. The high season starts from November till May when the sea settles and there are not too few rainfalls. Summer months can also be a great time to visit the islands although windy days and rain are expected during these months.

Please take a moment to Check the feedback from our valued customers. We also welcome you to share here your own experiences with us.

If you have any questions or need assistance, we encourage you to visit our help page. Please,  kindly leave us a message. Your feedback is important to us, and we are here to assist you.