Getting to Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

If you want to go to Koh Phi Phi in Thailand then I hope you have your sea legs because there is no airport on the island and the only way you are going to get there is by boat. You can take the slower and cheaper route and take the public ferry or if you are in a hurry you can charter a speedboat. You will cut your travel time in half, but it will cost you more than double.

As I said, the cheaper way to travel to Koh Phi Phi is via the public ferry. Whether you are leaving from Phuket or Krabi, there are ferries that make the crossing to Phi Phi on a daily basis. The ferry from Krabi leaves from the pier in Krabi town 3 times a day (10:30, 14:30 and 16:00) and the trip takes about 90 minutes. The cost is just 250 baht which is less than $10.

Ferries from Phuket also take about 90 minutes, but will cost you almost double or 450 baht. They leave from Rasada pier daily at 8:30 and 13:30. In either case, the ferry will drop you at Tonsai Bay in Koh Phi Phi and if your hotel or resort is located elsewhere on the island you will need to arrange for transport from there to your hotel. This isn't too difficult as there are many longtail boats at Tonsai willing to take you to most any point on the island.

If cost isn't a factor and you just want to get to Phi Phi as quickly as possible then your best bet is to charter a speedboat. This is undoubtedly the quickest way to get to the island as well as the most convenient. Speedboats can make the crossing and have you back on land on Phi Phi in as little as 45 minutes. Even better, many speedboats can drop you on the beach by your hotel so you can shave even more travel time off your trip.

You can expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000 baht per person for this luxury. Costs can be somewhat higher than that during the high season and depending on your ability to barter with the speedboat captain. You can also cut the cost per person quite a bit if you have a larger party. There are speedboats that can accommodate up to 20 passengers and if you can fill one of these your cost might be close to the same as taking the ferry.

If you plan on taking a speedboat then plan on leaving by 16:00 as the speedboat captains prefer to get back before night falls. You can get a speedboat from either Phuket or Krabi.

Getting to Phuket

     Phuket is a large island located in Thailand. In fact, it is Thailand's largest island. It is also a favourite travel destination for visitors from all over the world due to its luxurious resorts, gorgeous idyllic beaches, varied natural attractions, countless shopping opportunities and rich local culture. Whatever you are looking for in a travel destination of choice, just name it and you will be sure to find it in Phuket. It offers a range of attractions that make it ideal for couples, families or even those who are backpacking alone through Southeast Asia.

     By Plane - If you are getting to Phuket by plane, you have two main options, both of which are very popular among tourists. The first option is to fly from your country to Bangkok, where you will find a variety of low-cost domestic carriers that can take you to Phuket. Such carriers include Air Asia, Nok Air and One Two Go. For these carriers, take note that the earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket will be. You can purchase your ticket online with a minimum of fuss. Of course, if you are adverse to the idea of taking a low-cost domestic carrier, you may take Thai Airways. This is the country's national carrier and has been highly rated for the quality of its service.

     Another alternative if you are coming by plane is to fly to Phuket directly. While this involves less hassle, you have to remember that such direct flights are not as widely available nor will they be as cheap. You will land at Phuket International Airport, which is quite a good airport and which is located at the northern part of Phuket. You can usually get such direct flights from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Singapore as well as Germany. You may also be able to get direct flight from countries such as Macao, Seoul, Jakarta or Hong Kong through low-cost budget carriers.

     By Bus - If you are from other parts of Thailand such as Bangkok, Hat Yai or Krabi, you will be able to hop onto a bus that will land you at the BKS terminal. This is located in Phuket Town. Once you have reached the BKS terminal, you can take a taxi, bus or the local tuk-tuk to get to your intended destination.

     Take note that there are many bus services with different services and different prices. Try to purchase from legitimate bus companies. It is usually best to pay a little higher for tickets offered by legitimate bus companies.

     By Boat - There are several luxury cruises that include a stop at Phuket in its itinerary. These are very popular especially for those who want to achieve a balance between hectic shopping and sightseeing as well as simply relaxing.