Koh Phangan to Krabi tickets

About the ride from Koh Phangan to Krabi

Keep experiencing the incredible natural beauty of Thailand as you venture from Koh Phangan to Krabi. Krabi is on the western side of the Thai peninsula along the Andaman Sea. This resort city is popular for its jagged limestone karsts, white sand beaches, and caves. 

The 266 km (165 miles) journey takes between five and twelve hours, depending on the mode of transportation.  

The cheapest transportation option is by standard van and ferry. 

Four fascinating things to do in Krabi 

There is a lot to do in this region, but these are the musts: 

1. Go island hopping: There are at least 150 islands and islets off the coast of Krabi province. For that reason, hiring a boat for a day trip is really popular. Usually, these excursions include snorkeling stops and lunch breaks. 

Some of the most famous islands are Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Talabeng is known as Skull Island because the caves resemble a human skull etched into the rock. Koh Rok has two islands joined by a coral channel for incredible snorkeling. Koh Jum has tiny fishing villages and rustic beaches. 

2. Go temple touring: Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) is an incredible temple complex with panoramic views of the jungle-covered mountainous coast. It is a 15-minute drive from the town of Krabi. The 309-meter (1000 ft) ascent to the temple complex requires walking up 1260 steep steps and is not for the faint of heart. Wear comfortable shoes, take frequent breaks, and bring plenty of water. 

Wat Kaew Korawaram is one of the largest temples in Krabi, but it is not as famous as Wat Tham Sua. This stunning building with a peaceful white facade is in the center of Krabi town. 

3. Visit the weekend night market: Krabi town has a bustling night market on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The streets are closed, and vendors set up their wares. You can find cool souvenirs, local handicrafts, and scrumptious snacks and treats. 

4. Seek out the stunning natural beauty: While the islands and beaches are the most well-known part of Krabi, there are other incredible natural sites. For example, the Emerald Pool at the Forest Natural Park and the Klong Thom Hot Springs are great places to soak in the water. Susaan Hoi is a beach with incredible fossils and seashells. Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is a small park with waterfalls, caves and trails where you can see some rare wildlife. 

How to get from Koh Phangan to Krabi

There are several ways to travel from Koh Phangan to Krabi: van + ferry or bus + ferry.

By van + ferry (shared)

The cheapest way to travel from Koh Phangan to Krabi takes around six hours and costs about $19. 

Amenities include A/C, and the luggage allowance is 20 kg (44 pounds) per person. 

The ferry departs multiple times daily from the Raja Ferry Port Office or the Thong Sala Raja Ferry and lands at the Don Sak Pier. From there, a minivan delivers you to various locations like the Krabi Bus Terminal, Aonang Traffic Police Box, Ao Nang, and even Railay Beach. Check the travel times and departure/arrival locations to choose an option that best suits your travel plans. 

By bus + ferry (shared) 

Another option for travel from Koh Phangan to Krabi is by bus + ferry. It’s pretty similar to a van + ferry, except you’re riding in a spacious bus instead of a minivan.

These tickets start at around $20 per person. Departure locations include Thong Sala Koh Phangan and Phantip Travel. Arrival locations include the Krabi Bus Terminal and the Floating Pier East Railay. As you consider which provider works best, pay attention to the location details. 

This trip can be done in as little as six hours. 

What to expect on the journey from Koh Phangan to Krabi

The journey from Koh Phangan to Krabi takes anywhere from 6.5 to 11.6 hours, depending on the transportation type. 

The ferry crossing generally takes about two-ish hours, and the van or bus ride across the peninsula takes about four hours. You’ll go through many small towns and see stunning limestone caves. 

While there can be some occasional unexpected delays and a slow ferry crossing, travelers find the service good and the drivers helpful and considerate. 

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

The best time to visit Krabi is between November and April when the weather is best. The days are sunny, and the waters are calm. 

However, December through February is the high season with loads of tourists and higher costs. Try to visit before December and after February if possible. 

Avoid the monsoon season from May to October.  

The warmest months are March and April, with highs of 32°C (90°F). The coolest month is December, with a high of 28°C (82°F). 

How many days should you spend in Krabi? 

Around three to four days is ample time to spend checking out Krabi. It gives you time to explore and hop to the various islands. 

Where to visit after Krabi? 

After checking out the natural beauty of Krabi, consider a trip to the fascinating island of Penang, Malaysia — known for its street food and mindblowing temples.