If you’re planning a trip to Thailand’s famed Phi Phi Islands, chances are you’ll be considering the ferry or speedboat options from Krabi. While no journey is entirely without its quirks, this ferry service from Trip Store Krabi offers a straightforward way to reach Koh Phi Phi Don, with some notable benefits and a few considerations to keep in mind. It’s a popular choice for travelers looking for value, convenience, and a scenic ride across the Andaman Sea.
What we love about this experience is its ease of access—with hotel pickup included, it minimizes the stress of coordinating transfers, especially if you’re arriving from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. Plus, the comfortable ferry environment—offering air conditioning and deck views—makes the roughly two-hour trip more enjoyable than you might expect. A potential downside? The trip is comparatively slower than a speedboat, which can be a consideration if you’re pressed for time or seeking the thrill of a faster ride.
This tour is best suited for travelers who prioritize comfort, reliability, and straightforward logistics over speed. It’s ideal if you prefer a relaxing, no-hassle journey with all taxes and fees covered in the price, and if you’re okay with slightly longer travel time in exchange for added comfort and simplicity.
Key Points
- Cost-effective: At just over $17 per person, this ferry offers good value for a scenic ride.
- Convenience: Hotel pickup from Ao Nang, Ao Nam Mao, or Krabi Town makes the start seamless.
- Comfort options: Choose between air-conditioned inside seats or deck for views and fresh air.
- All-inclusive: Taxes, fees, fuel surcharge, and service fees are included, preventing surprises.
- Relaxed pace: The slower, 2-hour journey is perfect for enjoying the sea views and taking it easy.
- Limited on-board amenities: No food or drink service is provided, but the ride’s short length makes this manageable.
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Contents
- Key Points
- The Journey from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi: What to Expect
- Pre-departure and Pickup
- Boarding and Seating Choices
- The Actual Ride
- Arrival at Koh Phi Phi
- Why This Ferry Service Offers Good Value
- How Does It Compare?
- The Authentic Experience and Traveler Feedback
- Practical Tips for Your Journey
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Krabi
- More Tour Reviews in Krabi
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Krabi we have recnetly reviewed
The Journey from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi: What to Expect
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Krabi.
Pre-departure and Pickup
Travel begins with the convenience of hotel pickup—from Ao Nang, Ao Nam Mao, or Krabi Town. If you opt for the included pickup service, you’ll be greeted by a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus that ensures a smooth transfer to the Krabi Passenger Port. This can be a major time-saver, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local transport logistics or are trying to avoid last-minute confusion.
Most travelers are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, giving time for check-in and boarding. The pickup times are scheduled once you’ve completed your booking, but reviews suggest punctuality is generally reliable—”Staff are great. All baggage stored safely inside and loaded and unloaded for us,” one traveler notes.
Boarding and Seating Choices
Once at the port, you’ll check in and board your ferry—operated by the trustworthy Andaman Wave vessel. You can choose to sit inside in the air-conditioned cabin or on the upper deck to enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze. Many reviews mention the comfort of the air-conditioned interior, with some passengers appreciating the opportunity to relax and even take a quick nap. “Beautiful ride. Definitely worth paying extra for premium class to lounge comfortably and nap,” says one reviewer.
The deck offers unobstructed views of the sea, which many travelers find especially scenic when crossing the calm waters of the Andaman Sea. Just keep in mind that the deck might be windy or a bit more exposed, so dress accordingly if you plan to spend time outside.
The Actual Ride
The journey takes approximately 2 hours, a duration that some find perfect for unwinding or catching up on sleep. The sea conditions can influence the ride’s comfort; some reviews mention that the ferry can be a little rough during low season or bad weather, though the operator generally cancels or reschedules if conditions are unsafe.
Travelers frequently remark on the clean, spacious environment. The ferry’s facilities are basic, with no food or drink service, but the short trip length makes this less of an issue.
Arrival at Koh Phi Phi
Your ferry will drop you off at Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don—an ideal location within walking distance of many hotels and accommodations. From here, you can stroll or grab a longtail boat to your lodging, which makes your arrival straightforward.
Many reviews highlight the ease of this process—”You can easily walk or grab a longtail boat to your hotel,” as one traveler observed. It’s a relaxed way to start your island experience without the hassle of complicated transfers.
Why This Ferry Service Offers Good Value
When we analyze the price—about $17.21 per person—it’s clear this is a budget-friendly option, especially considering all taxes, fees, and surcharges are included. Compared to booking a speedboat or private transfer, it’s a sensible choice for those who value reliability and comfort over speed.
The service’s affordability also invites travelers who are traveling on a tighter budget or those who prefer to spend their savings on exploring rather than on transportation. Reviews suggest that many find this fare reasonable given the ease of booking, the comfort of the ride, and the smooth coordination of pickup and drop-off.
How Does It Compare?
Some travelers mention that a speedboat might be more exciting or quicker, but they also note that this ferry is more relaxed and offers a more comfortable environment. “This is a slower travel than speed boat, the experience was faultless,” says one reviewer, emphasizing the reliability and comfort.
While a speedboat might shave some minutes off the journey, the trade-off often involves less stability, fewer amenities, and sometimes higher costs. For many, the gentle crossing on a well-maintained ferry is worth the slightly longer ride.
The Authentic Experience and Traveler Feedback
The reviews paint a picture of a generally positive experience, though with some room for improvement. Passengers appreciate the reliable pickup, comfortable seating options, and scenic views. One reviewer highlights the value: “Trip was as advertised on the website. The minibus arrived on time and was comfortable.”
A few passengers note minor drawbacks—like the ferry being old or toilets not being pristine—but these don’t seem to overshadow the overall satisfaction. The absence of onboard food is a common point, but given the short duration, most travelers don’t expect amenities beyond the basic.
Positive comments from travelers also reflect the ease of the process: “The check-in was easy, the trip good, with air conditioning at the bottom,” and “Staff are great. All baggage stored safely.”
Some even mention that the trip allowed for a bit of relaxation and napping, turning what could be a routine transfer into a restful part of their holiday. “Definitely worth paying extra for premium class to lounge comfortably and nap,” an appreciation echoed by many.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
- Arrive early—at least 30 minutes prior to departure—for smooth check-in.
- Consider choosing the air-conditioned inside seats if you prefer comfort, or the deck if you want to enjoy the breeze and views.
- Dress for the weather; if you plan to sit outdoors, bring a hat and sunscreen.
- The ferry doesn’t serve food or drinks, so bring water or snacks if you’re hungry.
- Your arrival at Ton Sai Pier puts you within easy reach of your accommodations; just walk or hop onto a longtail boat.
- The service is subject to weather conditions; delays or cancellations are possible if seas are rough or weather turns foul.
- The maximum group size is around 200 travelers, so expect a shared experience that’s usually well-organized.
The Sum Up
This ferry service from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi by Trip Store Krabi offers a dependable, comfortable, and budget-conscious way to reach the islands. Its all-inclusive price and hotel pickup simplify your travel plans, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize reliability and ease over speed. The option to choose between air-conditioned interiors or outdoor decks makes it versatile and suitable for various preferences.
If your goal is to arrive relaxed and ready to explore, and you’re okay with a slightly longer ride, this ferry is hard to beat for value. Travelers emphasizing comfort, straightforward logistics, and scenic views will find it particularly appealing. However, if speed and a more adrenaline-filled trip are your priorities, a speedboat might be worth considering.
This transfer maximizes convenience and comfort, ensuring that your journey from Krabi to the stunning Phi Phi Islands is a pleasant part of your holiday adventure.
Travel from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry/Speedboat
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup from Ao Nang, Ao Nam Mao, or Krabi Town, making the start of your trip hassle-free.
How long does the ferry ride take?
The journey lasts approximately 2 hours, which many travelers find to be a relaxed and scenic crossing.
Can I choose where to sit on the ferry?
Yes, you can select between an inside seat with air conditioning or an outdoor deck for views and fresh air.
What should I do if I arrive early or late?
It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The pickup times are scheduled once booked; punctuality is generally reliable, but always confirm.
Are there amenities onboard?
There are no food or drink services onboard. The ride’s short length makes it easy to bring your own water or snacks.
What happens in bad weather?
The trip can be delayed, postponed, or canceled in bad weather conditions, with a full refund offered if canceled due to safety.
Is the transfer suitable for travelers with luggage?
Yes, baggage is stored safely onboard or during pickup and drop-off, making it suitable for luggage travelers.
What’s the best way to get from Ton Sai Pier to my hotel?
From Ton Sai Pier, you can walk to many accommodations or hop onto a longtail boat for further transfers.
Choosing this ferry from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi offers a practical mix of comfort, reliability, and value, making it an excellent choice whether you’re traveling on a budget or simply want a stress-free start to your island adventure.
