Koh Phi Phi to Krabi tickets

About the Ride from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi 

You may not want to leave the idyllic island of Koh Phi Phi, but if it is your time to depart, Krabi is one of the best places to fill that island-sized hole in your heart. 

Situated on the shores of the Andaman Sea, you don’t have to bid farewell to all the heavenly beaches as Krabi is home to Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach — two places that will leave you in awe. 

You can also get a bird’s-eye view of the white sand and turquoise waters by scaling some of Krabi’s famous limestone karsts. 

It’s also the type of place where you can have a lot of fun, especially at night!

To get from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi, you’ll need to cover 33km (20.6 miles) of sea. You have three ways to do this: ferry, bus + ferry, van + ferry.

The journey can take as little as 40 minutes and up to three hours, depending on the transport you choose. Speedboat ferries are the fastest. 

Boats depart from several ports on Koh Phi Phi, including Ton Sai Pier and Laem Tong Beach Pier, so make sure to pick the one closest to your accommodation. 

When arriving in Krabi, there are multiple piers, too, such as the floating Pier East Railay, Krabi River Marina Pier, Klong Jilad Pier, and Kong Ka Pier. The last two are the closest to Krabi Town. 

Consider going for a combined journey, which includes a ferry with a bus or minivan that will drop you off at your hotel in Krabi or take you to Krabi Airport.

Book your ticket, hop onboard and enjoy the ride!

Five unforgettable things to do in Krabi

Krabi is a popular destination in Thailand for a reason. It’s bursting with adventure but, at the same time, is the perfect place to relax after you’ve got the adrenaline pumping. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Krabi:

• Railay Beach — Accessible only by boat due to the limestone cliffs that cut it off from the mainland, it feels a bit like a secluded paradise. Since it’s split into four beaches, you’ll no doubt be able to find your slice of heaven under a palm tree. 

Pro tip: Out of the four beaches – Railay East, Railay West, Phra Nang Beach and Tonsai Beach, the latter is the emptiest as it’s the hardest to reach. 

• Krabi Town night market — When in doubt about what to do at night in Southeast Asia, the night market is always the answer. Wander the endless stalls sampling delicious Thai street food, or shop til you drop, collecting unique pieces of art, clothes, and souvenirs. 

• Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) — Climb the 1,237 steps to reach the summit of the temple to be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Andaman Sea. The golden pagoda and Buddha are almost as breathtaking as the hike up.

• Emerald Pool — Head to the Thung Teao Forest National Park to explore the lush tropical rainforest and cool down in a pool so vibrant it gets its name from a gemstone. 

• Rock climbing — Krabi is world-renowned for its limestone cliffs, which make it the perfect playground for novice and expert climbers. Challenge your fears and scale the limestone rocks. Trust us, the view is worth it!

How to get from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi

There are three ways to get from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi. All of which involve a ferry, of course!

By ferry

The quickest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi is to take a direct ferry. 

If speed is what you’re after, make sure to book a speedboat ferry. These speed machines can get you to the mainland in 40 minutes. Standard ferries usually take between 2-3 hours. 

For the time you save, you’ll have to spend more money. The speedboats are more expensive, starting at $20.

Another thing you need to double-check is the departure and arrival ports since there are a handful to choose from. Be sure to pick the ones most convenient to your accommodation. 

Ferries leave from Ton Sai and Laem Tong Piers on Koh Phi Phi and typically arrive at these piers in Krabi: 

• Klong Jilad Pier 

• Kong Ka Pier (closest to Krabi Town)

• Floating Pier East Railay 

• Ao Nam Mao Pier

Pro tip: During peak season, ferries are regularly fully booked. Try to book your tickets a few days in advance. 

By bus/van + ferry

Haggling with tuk-tuk drivers and trying to find a taxi isn’t much fun in Thailand’s scorching sun, so save yourself the trouble and hop straight onto a bus or minivan after arriving on the mainland. 

This combined journey includes the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi plus onward transportation to either Krabi Airport or your hotel in the city. 

If you want to save time, make sure you choose a combined journey with a speedboat, which can take as little as 1.5 hours. With slower ferries, expect it to take around 2-3 hours. 

What to expect from the journey from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi

Getting from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi is in no way a boring travel day. 

Many of the ferries have top decks so travelers can continue to catch a few rays and read their books. 

Think of it more as a fun boat trip instead of simply getting from A to B. 

While the speedboats are predominantly open-air, the larger ferries have plenty of seating inside where you can cool down thanks to the marvelous air conditioning. There are also toilets onboard the larger ferries.

If you’re traveling during the wet season (June to October), the journey could be a bit choppy as the waves and currents are sometimes rougher. 

If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication to be on the safe side. 

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

Weatherwise, the best time to visit Krabi is from November to February when the temperatures are cooler, humidity is lower (less sweat dripping down your back), and your fun plans shouldn’t be ruined by rain. 

All of that sounds great, doesn’t it? But you won’t be the only person who thinks that. It’s also the busiest time, so prepare to share this stunning place with plenty of other tourists. 

Temperatures begin to get hotter in March and April, averaging 35°C (95°F), fending off some tourists. Consider visiting during this time to avoid some of the crowds. 

May to October marks the rainy season. The landscape becomes lush and green, and hotel rates may be lower. But your sunbathing session could be interrupted by a sudden burst of rainfall. 

How many days should you spend in Krabi? 

There’s a lot to do in Krabi, especially if you’re using it as a base to explore some of the islands off the Andaman Coast. 

We recommend a minimum of three days, but if you have the time, five days would be better. 

That gives you time to fully relax on its beaches, recover from climbing 1,237 steps and spend a day on a boat island hopping. 

Where should you visit after Krabi?

After Krabi, it might be time for some people to head home, which leads them to Bangkok. The adventure continues in the capital city with its fascinating temples, Grand Palace and endless markets. 

If your adventure in Thailand isn’t over and you want to explore another island, consider hopping over to Koh Lanta. Said to be one of the country’s best islands, you’ll be spoiled with white-sand beaches and incredible snorkeling.