About the journey from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket
So you've had your fill of Koh Phi Phi, and you're ready for the next stop — the tourist hub island of Phuket. It's understandable.
Luckily, Phuket is a tropical paradise only 39 kilometers (24 miles) away from Koh Phi Phi, so the journey is easy.
There are three options to choose from:
Speedboat ferries get you from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket in about an hour.
A standard ferry takes about 1.5-2 hours.
You can also choose a combination bus or van + ferry ticket for door-to-door service. It'll take a bit longer, but you'll be dropped off at your door in Phuket.
Along the island's west coast, a series of gorgeous beaches kiss the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Lively beach towns provide a ton of food, drink, and fun both day and night.
With a rugged interior and a range of budget to high-end accommodations, the island offers natural beauty and modern comforts no matter where you go.
Phuket is also a diving and snorkeling wonderland. There are sites close to the island, but it also serves as a launchpad for trips to the Similan Islands.
Incredible things to do in Phuket
As an international playground, you'll run out of time in Phuket before you run out of things to do. Here are some of the highlights:
Lay out a towel at Kata, Karon or Patong Beach - With powdery soft sand, aquamarine waters and plenty of amenities, Phuket's most popular beaches offer gorgeous sunsets and endless days in the sun.
What can you expect to see when traveling from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket?
Regardless of how fast or slow your ferry may be, cruising this passage is worth staying on deck for.
Jungle-covered islands jut up along the horizon, forming a landscape that looks right out of a fantasy novel. Watch for schools of flying fish along the way. If you're really fortunate, you might spot the elusive whale shark in the wild between February and April.
How to get from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket
Take a standard ferry.
There is no shortage of options for getting from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, no matter the time of year. More options also mean better prices and more opportunities to stick within your budget.
Though they may be the slowest option, standard ferries from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket depart all day. Additionally, they feature many convenient comforts that allow you to relax and enjoy the ride:
Choose from indoor or outdoor seating. So, whether you prefer sitting outside in the salty air and sea breezes or huddling inside and enjoying the air conditioning, you're covered either way.
Some ferries provide charging ports.
TV screens.
Refreshment stands in case you get hungry.
Onboard restrooms.
Best of all, you'll have the chance to mingle with your fellow passengers to swap stories and advice as you make your way across the water.
Taking a speedboat ferry
Speedboat ferries are the fastest way to travel from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket. They usually arrive less than an hour after leaving port.
The tradeoff is that the boats are often smaller with considerably fewer amenities — don't expect to find a snack bar or restrooms here.
The good news is the short travel time and low price tag (usually under $20) make those types of extras unnecessary.
Taking a bus or van + ferry
For the ultimate peace of mind package, book a bus or van + ferry trip.
If you don't want to navigate from the Phuket pier to your accommodations, buy an all-in-one bus or van + ferry ticket. With it, you'll get a seat on the ferry from Koh Phi Phi Don and transportation in Phuket to your hotel or the airport.
Whether you choose a van or bus, this option is very convenient. For the few extra dollars, it is also a better value than a ferry ride alone.
Where do I get the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket?
The overwhelming majority of ferries from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket depart from Ton Sai Pier in the town of Phi Phi Don. This is the only built-up area on the island, with lots of accommodations and restaurants.
A few operators also depart from Laem Tong Beach Pier, near the island's northern tip. But unless you're staying in a hotel nearby or just visiting on a day trip, Ton Sai Pier is by far the more practical terminal.
Where does the ferry arrive in Phuket?
After Koh Phi Phi's relaxing, non-motorized tempo, arriving at Phuket will be a return to the modern world.
Most ferries from the Phi Phi Islands arrive at Rassada Pier on the less touristy southeastern coast. From there, you'll require a cross-island taxi trip if you're heading to the popular beach towns of Patong, Karon, and Kata that line the western coast. Depending on where you're staying, a bus or van + ferry ticket could take away some of the hassle.
Pro tip: If the airport is your destination, choose a ferry operator who runs trips to Ao Po Grand Marina in the northeastern corner of Phuket Island. It's the closest pier to the airport.
When is the best time of year to visit Phuket?
Phuket's position on the eastern shores of the Andaman Sea results in mild weather for the majority of the year.
The high season, from December through March, is a particularly great time to visit for sunny days at the beach. Temperatures range between a comfortable 24°C and 32°C (75°F to 89°F) with lower than usual humidity.
The worst time to visit Phuket is in the early autumn, specifically September and the first half of October. This is when the monsoon season arrives, bringing wet weather and higher humidity. In most cases, this just means an hour or two daily of passing showers, but multiple overcast days are not uncommon.
You should also note that if you've come to Phuket to go scuba diving in the amazing Similan Islands (and you should!), they are off-limits between May and October, as waves and weather are too rough for most dive boats — and divers!
