With so many beautiful islands lining the entire coast of Thailand, picking just a couple for a vacation is no easy task. But the list cannot miss the Phi Phi Islands with a landscape that we can only describe as impressive. Unspoilt beaches, karst landscapes, nightlife and quiet places to relax, if that’s what you’re looking for. There is nothing missing on these islands. Getting to Koh Phi Phi is much easier than before with regular ferries arriving from Ao Nang on the mainland. In Ao Nang, it is also worth spending a few days on the beach. From there, boats leave for a few islands, but this small seaside town has restaurants, bars and shops for a few days of entertainment and relaxation. Read on to find out the best way to travel from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi.
Travel options from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi
In a straight line from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi is about 34 kilometers, so it’s pretty close. But since there is no airport in Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi, flying is out of the question. You already know that Koh Phi Phi is an island, so you can only get there by boat. There are several different ferry companies that operate from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi, so you will always have a choice when trying to find a ferry. Since there is competition between different operators, prices remain quite low. Most departures are from the Ao Nang area, not from Ao Nang city itself. You will have to look carefully at all the options available and take into account where you are staying in Ao Nang to go from one place or another.
From Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi by ferry
You can book your ferry tickets from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi with major ferry companies through the travel website 12Go.asia. The advantage of booking on this site is that you will be able to see all the ferries available for your chosen dates and easily compare the results. You will see several options for different types of ferries. Not all boats are the same, so check carefully what type of ferry it is if that’s something you consider important. A little later we will tell you what differences you can find. You can also compare timetables and ticket prices. In most cases, you will be able to book and receive instant travel confirmation with complete peace of mind. Ferry tickets are cheaper than fast boat tickets. Prices may vary depending on whether you want to be picked up from your hotel or from a specific location in Ao Nang. You will also see several options for this type of combined trip. When making a reservation, check which places they depart from. There are more departures from the Krabi area than from Ao Nang, so make sure you book the right ferry.
Andaman Wave Master Ferry © Wor_K_Simkul / Shutterstock.com
If you want to go from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi directly from Ao Nang, you need to take the ferry at Noppharat Thara pier. There is daily Ao Nang Princess Ferry which takes about 2 hours. This service includes a short stop near Railay Beach to pick up passengers.
If you are closer to Krabi than Ao Nang, there are ferries from Klong Jilad Pier to Koh Phi Phi with Andaman Wave Master, Songserm and Chaokoh Travel Centre. In these cases, the duration of the journey is between 1.5 and 2 hours. Songserm operates a fast ferry while Andaman Wave Master operates a standard ferry and Chaokoh uses a local ferry.
Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi by ferry with bus or taxi
Songserm Ferry
If you’re staying somewhere downtown Ao Nang and want to be picked up from your hotel, this arrangement is a good way to avoid the hassle of getting to the pier, and it can also save you some money. You might think that hotel pick-up raises the price of your trip, but the truth is that ticket prices are usually exactly the same. This is because the ferry company operates buses that pick up passengers at hotels and offers this as an extra service for tourists traveling with them. In short, it is a free add-on service that makes traveling easier.
Songserm offers pickup from several different locations, including Ao Nang, Krabi Town and Noppharat Thara Beach.
Although ferries from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi are usually available all year round, they are subject to weather and sea conditions. If the sea is rough, the ferry trip is likely to take longer as they will have to travel at a slower speed. If the sea condition is very complicated, some services may be cancelled. It’s also important to know that vertigo is relatively common in choppy water, which is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re traveling off-season. The rainiest season in this region is from May to November, with maximum rainfall between August and October. These months are considered low season. If you are going to Thailand during this time, please plan your trip in advance in case of cancellation.