Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) Ferry
The port of Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) plays a key role in the ferry network of Thailand, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 9 ferry routes operated by 5 ferry companies, Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.
Ferries depart regularly from Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier), with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.
Popular routes from this port include Phuket (Rassada Pier) - Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier), Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) - Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier), Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) - Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) connecting Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.
Operators such as Tigerline Ferry, Songserm, Andaman Wave Master run regular services from Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier), offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.
Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.
Route Overview
Date Updated: 2025
Reaching Koh Phi Phi's Shores
Koh Phi Phi is accessible exclusively by boat, with regular ferry services operating from Phuket (approximately 2 hours) and Krabi (about 90 minutes). To reach these mainland departure points, travelers can fly into either Phuket International Airport or Krabi Airport, both well-connected to Bangkok and international destinations. From either airport, shuttle services and taxis provide convenient transfers to the respective ferry terminals. If arriving by car to Phuket or Krabi, secure parking facilities are available near the ferry piers, though advance booking is recommended during high season.
Routes
Paradise Found: Welcome to Koh Phi Phi
Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Koh Phi Phi stands as Thailand's jewel of natural beauty with its dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This car-free island paradise offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and lively beachfront culture. As you arrive at Tonsai Pier, the island's main gateway, you'll immediately sense the relaxed atmosphere that makes Phi Phi a favorite among travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Catching Phi Phi's Perfect Seasons
The ideal time to visit Koh Phi Phi falls between November and April during the dry season, when clear skies and calm seas create perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping. December through February offers the most pleasant temperatures, though these months also bring the largest crowds. The shoulder months of November and April provide an excellent balance of good weather and fewer tourists. May through October marks the monsoon season, with occasional heavy rainfall and rougher seas that can affect ferry schedules. However, visiting during this period rewards travelers with significantly lower prices and a more peaceful island experience.
Ferries to Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier)
Island Adventures from Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi serves as an excellent hub for exploring the surrounding Andaman treasures. The iconic Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh (30 minutes by longtail boat) offers breathtaking scenery made famous by the film 'The Beach,' with newly implemented conservation measures ensuring its preservation. Bamboo Island, reachable in about 45 minutes, delights visitors with pristine white beaches and exceptional snorkeling opportunities in shallow, clear waters. The less-visited Mosquito Island, just 30 minutes away, provides excellent diving spots with vibrant coral gardens. For those seeking a longer journey, day trips to Koh Lanta (about 90 minutes) combine ferry travel with the chance to experience a larger, more laid-back island.
Unforgettable Experiences on Koh Phi Phi
Beyond its stunning beaches, Koh Phi Phi offers a wealth of activities for every type of traveler. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, with sites like Shark Point offering chances to swim alongside blacktip reef sharks and colorful tropical fish. Hiking to the Phi Phi Viewpoint rewards visitors with panoramic vistas across the island's unique twin bays, a perfect sunset spot worth the 20-30 minute climb. The island's culinary scene ranges from authentic Thai seafood at beachfront restaurants to international cuisine in Tonsai Village. Don't miss exploring the hidden Loh Dalum Bay on the opposite side from the main pier, where calmer waters and fire shows create a magical evening atmosphere.
Phi Phi's Fascinating Island Tales
Koh Phi Phi completely transformed after the 2004 tsunami, with the rebuilt island incorporating more sustainable practices and building regulations. The name 'Phi Phi' (pronounced 'pee-pee') derives from Malay, referring to the abundant mangrove wood once found on the islands. Despite its small size of just 28 square kilometers, Phi Phi Don hosts a resident population of about 2,000 people who primarily live from tourism and fishing. Interestingly, Tonsai Pier handles over 10,000 visitors daily during peak season, despite the entire island being navigable solely by foot on paths where no cars or motorbikes are permitted.
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