Koh Phi Phi Travel

Koh Phi Phi Weather Overview

The climate in Phi Phi is similar to that of Phuket or Krabi. The peak tourist season is between November and April and it’s also the ideal time to visit Phi Phi. The weather is comparatively cooler and pleasant with occasional light to heavy showers. Phi Phi experiences its peak summer season between January and April.

Here is the general overview of Koh Phi Phi weather during different periods of year

November to February: This is the coolest season in Phi Phi after the rains are over. With the best weather, naturally, this is also the busiest time with most tourists planning their trips around this period. The temperature varies around 23°C and 30°C. While December is the coolest month in the region, February is the driest. This is the perfect time to spend the day relaxing on one of the gorgeous beaches and enjoying water sports in the calm sea. You can then party it out till the wee hours of the morning.

March to mid-May: These are considered as the hottest months in Phi Phi just before monsoon hits the area. The temperatures vary in the mid-thirties, with humidity levels steadily on the rise.

Mid-May to October: Monsoon season in Phuket lasts from May to October. Average temperature during monsoons is 28 °C-29 °C. While the weather is at its humid best, the prices are at an all-time low, making this one of the cheapest seasons to plan a trip. Apart from being cost effective, it’s also a peaceful time to visit because it’s not as crowded as the high season. The wettest months are May, September and October, but it’s rare that the region would get continuous days of heavy rainfall.

Check the below table for the general idea of Koh Phi Phi weather throughout the year.

Discover the best things to do and to see in Phi Phi Islands; known in Thailand as Koh Phi Phi, they are stunningly beautiful and surely rank as one of the best attractions in southern Thailand. Located 43km west from Krabi coast, this small archipelago consists of six islands: Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai, Koh Phai (Bamboo Island), and Koh Young (Mosquito Island); the only inhabited island – and the largest - of the group is Koh Phi Phi Don.

Our Top 10 Attractions in Phi Phi below features the most popular sites that Phi Phi has to offer to its visitors. The natural beauty of the area is second to none and provides a great choice of tours and activities to vacationers: it seems that there is always something to see or do in Phi Phi Islands.

1. Koh Phi Phi Leh & Maya Bay 

Koh Phi Phi Leh is the second largest island in the small Phi Phi archipelago. Uninhabited apart by a few rangers established in a small camp belonging to the Hat Nopharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, the island hosts only one beach situated in Maya Bay that became world-famous after the release in 2000 of a blockbuster movie with Leonardo Di Caprio: The Beach.

With clear crystal waters, white sand powder, and lush tropical vegetation, Maya Bay gathers all the postcard clichés in one place; all along high season (from November to April), its international fame attracts a myriad of daily visitors. Despite the crowded feeling, Maya Bay remains a place to see. A small terrace has been built at the far backend of the beach, offering a superb view point to Loh Sama, a small bay renowned for snorkelling. Another cool spot on the northeastern side of Koh Phi Phi Leh is the Viking Cave; featuring ‘ancient’ (no trustable source has given a precise date of their making yet) paintings figuring what seems to be drakkars – hence the cave’s name; the cave is still used nowadays to show tourists how to capture bird’s nests (swifts live in the cave), a great source of income for local fishermen. 

2. Phi Phi View Point

Koh Phi Phi Don has an unusual shape – like an ‘H’ – with its main village built on the horizontal bar, a 100m flat strip of sand stuck between Dalum Bay to the north and Tonsai Bay to the south. The two vertical bars of the H are mountainous and covered with jungle. Phi Phi View Point is located to the east of the flat strip of sand and overlooks the village and the two bays. It is a picture-postcard setting sure to impress friends back home!

Situated at an altitude of 186m, it roughly takes between 20 and 40 minutes to get there on a well-trodden and paved path. Photographers should consider climbing up there right before lunch time to benefit from the best lighting (the view point faces sun in the afternoon). There’s a small store selling drinks and snacks at the top.

3. Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island (Koh Phai in Thai) is one of the six islands belonging to the Phi Phi archipelago in the southern Thai province of Krabi. Lying approximately five kilometres northeast off Koh Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island is a tropical dream come true; measuring 600m wide by 700m long, the island is entirely surrounded by a strip of white sand, and its central part is covered with lush vegetation including Bamboo trees that gave its name to the island in its central part.

The perfect spot for a day trip, Bamboo Island hosts great snorkelling opportunities with the presence of superb coral reefs lying at short distance off its shore, mostly on its western side. A small bar serves drinks and snacks. Day and overnight trips (sleeping in tents) are available from Koh Phi Phi Don, or you could visit the island on a Phi Phi day trip by speedboat from Phuket. 

4. Diving in Phi Phi

Diving is one of the prime activities in Phi Phi and the island counts a large number of serious and professional PADI dive centres dispensing courses – from Disvover Scuba Diving to Divemaster – and day trips to the many world-class dive sites available in and around Phi Phi waters.

Amongst the most notable dive sites of the area, Shark Point, Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser Wreck are located to the west between Phi Phi Islands and Phuket; Maya Bay, Koh Bida Nok & Nai are located on and near Koh Phi Phi Leh; all of them can be reached in less than 40 minutes from Koh Phi Phi Don, and offer superb underwater fauna and flora.

5.Captain Bob's Sailing Booze Cruise

Partygoers and groups of friends can enjoy a fun activity and at the same time discover the most beautiful sites of Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Loh Samah, Wang Long Cove, and Pi-Leh Bay – with this rather unhealthy yet exhilarating Captain Bob's Sailing Booze Cruise. Departing at 13:00 from Tonsai Bay, the cruise visits all the places mentioned above and features snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, cliff jumping, and monkey feeding.

Lunch, fruits and snacks are included as well as unlimited beer (hence the cruise’s name). The climax of Captain Bob's Sailing Booze Cruise – at least for those still able to see it – is the sunset view from Wang Long Cove, on the west coast of Koh Phi Phi Don. 

Opening Hours: 13:00 – 19:00

Location: inside Phi Phi Cabana Bookings Office

Tel: 084-84813346970

6. Shark Watching Tours

Amongst all the great snorkelling tours available from Koh Phi Phi Don, the Shark watching tours have gained popularity for obvious reasons; since the release in 1975 of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, sharks have stimulated human imagination – not necessarily in the right way – and aroused curiosity. The waters around Phi Phi Islands host a good number of inoffensive black-tip and leopard sharks.

Phi Phi’s shark watching tours usually start very early – about 06:00 – and last a half-day. The tours are done in small groups with full snorkelling equipment provided and a professional guide; the most renowned site visited for shark watching is the small ‘shark point’ located 800m off Long Beach (there is another Shark Point off Phi Phi Don’s west coast, but it can only be visited by scuba divers due to its depth). Exciting and very educational, a shark watching tour will leave you with unforgettable memories. One of the most experienced companies in this kind of tour is The Adventure Club.

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 12:00

Location: Central Tonsai Village

Tel: 081-8951334

7. Moo Dee Bay

Moo Dee Bay (Loh Moo Dee in Thai) hosts a 500m-long white sand beach bordered by emerald waters. Situated on the east coast of Koh Phi Phi Don, it is the perfect escape from the crowd. The beach offers its visitors pleasant snorkelling opportunities, mostly at both ends of the bay. A Rasta-run shack sells food and drinks. The easiest way to get there is to hire a long-tail boat near Tonsai jetty, which will take you to Moo Dee in about 20mn for a fee of 150/200 baht (you must test your bargaining skill). 

8. Rock climbing

Krabi Province is the Mecca of rock climbing in southern Thailand due to the tall limestone cliffs that are real natural landmarks of the province. Krabi offers world-class sites such as Tonsai Beach and Diamond Cave in Railay, and all along its coast. Phi Phi Don Island may be lying 42km off Krabi coast, but it has the same topography: Tonsai Tower, located at the western end of Tonsai Bay, is the rock climbers’ paradise in Phi Phi; this 200m tall limestone tower hosts 48 different bolted routes featuring all levels of difficulty from beginner to experienced climber.

Professional and serious companies such as Spider Monkey, Ibex Rock Climbing, and Deaf Gecko Rock Climbing, propose courses and half or full day tours; their climbing instructors are trained to the highest safety standards. 

9. Viking Cave

Viking Cave is one of the most notable sites on Koh Phi Phi Leh. Located at the bottom of a tall limestone cliff on the northeastern side of the island, it takes roughly 30 minutes to get there by long-tail boat from Tonsai Bay (the main pier in Phi Phi Islands). Known as Tham Phaya Nak in Thai, Viking Cave owes its name to the paintings found on the eastern southern walls of the cave: they represent various types of boats, including what resembles a Scandinavian drakkar. These paintings are certainly quite recent, and were possibly realised by sailors taking shelter in the cave during a storm. 

10. Pum's Thai Cooking School

If you would like to cook Thai cuisine by yourself at home after your holiday in Thailand, the best way to learn all the secret techniques and ingredients of Thai cuisine is to join a Thai cooking class. Pum’s Thai Cooking School is one of the most renowned places to do so: its main restaurant/school is located in Patong Beach, and a second branch has opened in Tonsai Village on Koh Phi Phi Don in 2008 (there is a third branch in Chiang Mai).

Located in the central part of Tonsai Village, Pum’s Thai Cooking School dispenses a great choice of cooking classes from quick 30 minute lessons (one or two recipes) up to three hours (including three recipes, learning about essential herbs, vegetables and sauces used in Thai cuisine, and enjoying the meal you just prepared). Educational and fun, learning how to cook Thai cuisine will surely be the best memory of your trip in Thailand – a memory that you can share with your friends and family back at home.

Opening Hours: the restaurant is opened daily from 11:00 – 21:00; classes from 13:00 onward

Location: Central Ton Sai – look for the orange restaurant

Tel: 081-5218904 or 075-601425

Seafood is the star attraction on Phi Phi with many places displaying the day's catch. But Thai and Western options, from quick grab-and-go snacks to candlelit meals, are also easy to find and Tonsai Village is the center of the Phi Phi dining universe. Whether indoors, outdoors, or places that blur the line between the two, there are plenty of restaurants with sumptuous selections. A trek towards Long Beach, down the footpath that more or less follows the sea, will turn up a dozen more eating options. There is something for everyone regarding food in Phi Phi’s buzzing Tonsai Village; from long-established restaurants to new comers you will surely find a venue for your taste and budget.

Grand PP Arcade

If looking for a flavorsome feast, centrally located Grand PP Arcade is an unmissable spot. Open early for breakfast, the batch of banana pancakes here is huge and the spring rolls are crispy, light and delicious. Tasty vegetarian and vegan recipes are available in abundance here too, and although not typical of a Thai restaurant, the variety of cupcakes on offer here are extremely good.

Grand PP Arcade, Phuket, Ratsada pier -Koh Phi Phi, Ao Tonsai pier, Tambon Ao Nang, Chang Wat Krabi, 81000, Thailand, +66 80 538 2608

Unni's Restaurant

Set in the center of all the island’s action, Unni’s Restaurant is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before a night out on the beachfront bars. Arrive early in the evening to increase your chances of securing a table on the patio, the most sought after spot in the restaurant, which offers a great view over the surrounding seascape. Try Unni’s famous avocado smash with feta and tomato on bread for a starter, followed by the peri peri chicken, or the chicken and cashew nut stir-fry. The cocktails here are some of the best on the island. Our two favorites are the espresso martini and, a must try when in Thailand, the mai tai.

Unni's Restaurant, Koh Phi Phi - Koh Lanta, Tambon Ao Nang, Chang Wat Krabi, 81000, Thailand

Tonsai Seafood

Ton Sai Seafood Restaurant is arguably the best beachfront joint on Phi Phi. The portions are generous, the staff are incredibly friendly, and the views are unbeatable. It’s highly recommended to visit in the early evening to enjoy the views of a glorious sunset whilst dining. The steamed fish with lemon and garlic here is delicious, and a top dessert choice is the banana fritter with custard. The restaurant has outdoor seating only, so check the weather forecast before calling in, especially during monsoon season.

Tonsai Seafood, Tonsai Village, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand

Blue Lagune

In a slightly secluded spot, tucked away before the bridge in Phi Phi village, Blue Lagune serves the best prawn pad thai on Phi Phi island. The 4-star restaurant has an extensive menu, a beautiful view, and has inspired a growing number of Instagram followers thanks to the exquisite presentation of its food. Diners are often greeted here with complementary starters and juicy fruit platters.

Blue Lagune, 47/18 Moo 8, Phi Phi Island, Ao Nang, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand +66 82 812 9963

Oasis Bar & Restaurant

Oasis, located a few minutes away from the heart of Phi Phi, attracts diners searching for authentic Thai culture and local food in more of a relaxed environment. The staff is charming and warm, and the garlic shrimp with fried chicken, as well as the chicken paanaag curry, are delicious. The beer here is always served ice cold, and the cheeky monkey drink is great to soothe the spice of the tasty dishes

Oasis Bar & Restaurant, 81000, Phi Phi Island, Ao Nang, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand, +66 828 014 704

Aroy Kaffeine Cafe

Located behind the Phi Phi Village resort, this hidden venue is a top brunch spot. The cafe is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and offers a diverse range of Northern Thai and Western cuisine. Their coffee is first-rate, particularly the cappuccinos and lattes, and the French toast and nutella pancakes with banana are divine. Additionally Ja, the host of both the cafe and adjacent guesthouse, is a kind and amiable local guide.

Aroy Kaffeine Café, Ba Keao Bay, Phi Phi Village, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand +66 95 720 3382

Anna’s Restaurant

Anna’s Restaurant offers a great culinary mix. Influenced by its European and Thai owners, Anna’s gives diners a tasty fusion of Western and Thai cuisine. The Thai food here is very flavorful and very spicy, and the Western food is served in generous portions. The Vienna style pork schnitzel is outstanding. The staff are incredibly friendly, and offer helpful tips on where to buy curry paste and other authentic Thai culinary essentials.

Anna’s Restaurant, 111, Moo 7, Koh Phi Phi, Ko Phi Phi Don,Thailand +66 85 923 2596

Pum Thai Cooking School and Restaurant

An essential for any trip to Thailand is to visit a Thai cooking school. There is no better way to experience the culinary legacy of a culture than to learn the methods of its preparation. Pum Thai Cooking School and Restaurant in Phi Phi is a superb place to do this, informing and educating visitors about how to prepare easy, simple and tasty Thai meals. A complementary recipe book is included with all classes which details every recipe covered. The chefs are incredibly helpful, and happily dispense advice on where to purchase various ingredients.

Pum Thai Cooking School and Restaurant, 125 Moo 7, Ao Nang, Ko Phi Phi Don 81000, Thailand +66 (0) 81 521 8904

Le Grand Bleu

Le Grand Bleu offers a delicious fusion of French and Thai cuisine. Enjoy dishes such as scallop and fish fillet in yellow coconut curry, whilst admiring the beautiful wood decor and soaking up the relaxed ambiance of the restaurant. Although one of the more expensive establishments on the island, with creative dishes and flawless presentation, the meals are worth every penny. Diners can indulge in luxury vanilla ice-cream and homemade crepes for dessert. This is one of the island’s most popular restaurants, so advanced bookings are essential.

Le Grand Bleu, 137 Moo 7, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand, +66 81 979 9739

Papaya Restaurant

Papaya is a minimal and intimate restaurant in Phi Phi offering a varied mix of Thai delicacies and Italian pasta dishes. The portions here are generous and the pineapple fried rice is the best found on the island. The papaya salad and Massaman curry here are highly recommended. No alcohol is served on the premises, so take a trip to the cocktail bar next door when finished.

Papaya Restaurant, 139/9 Moo. 7, Muang Krabi, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand +66 (0) 91 157 2007

Of all the dazzling islands in Thailand, Phi Phi Island is one of the most beautiful and most visited of all. Located in the Southern part of Thailand, Koh Phi Phi welcomes guests from around the world and invites them into its mesmerizing blue waters, lush forests, and amazing beaches. But before enjoying it all you need to discover where to stay in Phi Phi Island.

Luxury options

Zeavola Resort

Zeavola Resort is a 10-acre spread of five-star tropical luxury located on the northernmost point of Phi Phi Island. Zeavola is one of the best resorts on the island and favorite among couples looking for luxury accommodation on Phi Phi. Beyond beauty, each suite is equipped with refreshments and entertainment facilities, as well as bathrooms that have indoor and outdoor showers.

Zeavola Resort has a private beach area and access to the crystal sands of Laem Tong Beach where it is situated, as well as an open-air swimming pool, and spa services. Baxil restaurant serves fresh buffet breakfast for residents, and Zann Zanook, the on-site activity center provides equipment for volleyball and frisbee. Zann Zanook also offers PADI diving courses, as well as guided tours for guests who wish to visit the nearby islands.

Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort

Sat on seventy acres of well-tended tropical beauty by the Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is a five-star option for guests who wish to experience a truly luxurious hotel in Koh Phi Phi. Guests to the Village Beach Resort stay in pretty and spacious bungalows with thatched roofs and furnishings made with solid wood as well as amenities for entertainment and refreshment.

Stepping out of the rooms, you will have access to 800 meters of soft sand on the private beach. For those not up for the sands, the resort offers an infinity swimming pool for guests to dive into and a bar right beside it to enjoy well-made drinks. A buffet breakfast is offered daily at one of the four on-site restaurants, and parents will be happy to take advantage of the childcare services while they go explore Phi Phi Island.

Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort

Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort is a four-star hotel with a five-star attitude. It is situated in the Tonsai Bay, just twelve minutes from Loh Dalum Bay and 700m from the Tonsai Pier. This proximity makes it one of the most convenient places to stay in Koh Phi Phi. 

The award-winning hotel provides residents with luxury double rooms and twin rooms, with some that have views of the sea and direct access to the outdoor swimming pool. The rooms are outfitted with lavish supplies, excellent entertainment facilities, free toiletries, and perfect air conditioning. After a good night of sleep, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast by the in-house restaurant. Other services include guided tours and airport shuttle services.

Mid-range options

Phi Phi The Beach Resort

This three-star hotel is rated much higher by couples who have found it to be excellent for two-person trips. Set up on the warm sand of Koh Phi Phi’s Long Beach (considered one of the best beaches in Phi Phi) the resort is well designed and furnished with a tropical style. It has an outdoor pool and its rooms have private balconies with breathtaking views of the ocean as well as satellite-equipped TV screens and refreshment facilities.

The coffee shop serves a daily buffet breakfast, American style, and the restaurant offers Thai and international dishes. Other services include laundry and guided tours.

Phi Phi Banyan Villa

Phi Phi Banyan Villa is located in a prime location; just a few steps away from Tonsai Bay and a 3-minute walk from the pier. The hotel is close to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint and just 1 km away from Long Beach. Each one of the Villa’s 62 rooms is kept perfectly air-conditioned and have private bathrooms and balconies. Guests are free to enjoy the open-air swimming pool and can also exercise in the fitness center. The hotel’s restaurant is fully functional and for a fee, serves an English breakfast from 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM daily.

Ibiza House Phi Phi

Ibiza House Phi Phi is an all-inclusive residence that is located on the Loh Dalum Bay’s beachfront. It offers multiple air-conditioned accommodation options from dormitories to private rooms and villas. Being a guest of one of the private rooms gives access to the Rawinanda Pool and all other guests can use the Ibiza Pool. The hotel provides other activities like boat trips, kayaking, deep-water diving, and more. Ibiza House Phi Phi also organizes the Ibiza Pool Party every week, and guests are granted free access to the party.

Budget options

Panmanee Hotel

Panmanee Hotel is claimed to be the best place to stay in Phi Phi for those on a budget and it is only three minutes away from Tonsai Beach and its famed climber boulders. Its rooms are colorful but casual and feature cable TVs, refreshments, comfortable chairs, refrigerators, and air-conditioners. All rooms have their bathrooms and the hotel lounge is shared among the guests. The hotel offers free wifi, and meals can be purchased from the surrounding restaurants.

ChongKhao Resort

ChongKhao Resort is highly lauded as one of the cheap hotels in Phi Phi Island that provides value for money for travelers on a budget. Situated ten minutes from Tonsai Pier and nestled in a lush, tropical garden, ChongKhao offers its guests superior suites, deluxe suites, deluxe bungalows, as well as bungalows for families. All suites have their bathrooms and some of them have satellite TV. Guests searching for nourishment can visit any of the surrounding restaurants which offer local Thai dishes as well as international fare. The hotel also offers guided tours and laundry services.

PP Insula

PP Insula is an adult-only guest house that is situated on Phi Phi Don, within a short distance from the pier. It is also close to Tonsai Beach and Laem Hin Beach, as well as the activity center – Pirate Island Adventures. Its air-conditioned rooms are perfect for non-smokers and come equipped with flat-screen TVs and safety deposit boxes. They also have private bathrooms and balconies. The hotel is kept clean by friendly staff who are always available to help guests out.

By Boat

Tonsai Pier, situated in the center of Tonsai Bay, north of of Phi Phi Don. It's the island's main pier and the busiest. You can purchase tickets online as well. Their prices are pretty much the same as what you will get directly at the pier. Definitely cheaper than most tour agencies as there is no commission involved.

To/From Phuket: Ferries leave from Phuket daily at 08:30, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:00 via Rassada Pier or Sea Angel Pier. 1.5-2 hrs. 250-800 baht. Possible to get 300-350 baht one-way tickets as part of a deal with a guest house stay. Official price at Rassada pier is 600 for one way or 1000 for return, so buy in advance or be prepared for some negotiating. Note that one-way tickets from Phi Phi to Phuket are 300-350 baht at Tonsai Pier or 200-250 from quest houses at island. You can get from the Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier by meter taxi for around 500 baht. It's about a 30 km drive and takes 45 minutes depending on traffic and weather.

From Ao Nang: Ferry leave from Ao Nang once daily at 09:30 via Nopparat Thara Pier. 2 hrs.

From Rai Leh: Ferry leaves from Rai Leh once daily at 09:45 via Railay Bay. 1.45 hrs. There's no actual pier, you will transfer by longtail boats to ferry. Same ferry from Ao Nang.

From Krabi Town: Ferries leave from Krabi Town daily at 09:00, 10:30, 13:30, 15:00 and 16:00 via Klong Jilad Pier. 1.3-1.45 hrs. 300-500 baht. 400 baht in December 2014 from PP Family, office right by the pier in town, incl. songthaew to the pier outside town. The normal passenger ferry does not leave from the centre of town anymore, but from a new passenger port (Klong Jilard Pier Tel. 0 7562 0052) about 3 km outside Krabi Town. Free taxi transfer to the pier should be included in the price of your ticket. Many times they'll take you to a travel agent near the Chao Fah Pier and sell you additional accommodations or services. Only ever buy the ticket you need. They add additional ferries during peak season.

From Ko Lanta: Ferries leave from Ko Lanta daily at 08:00 and 13:00 via Saladan Pier. 1 hrs. 200-350 baht as of January 2015.

There is a 20 baht per person fee required on the pier for "keeping Ko Phi Phi clean". Unfortunately, there is still plenty of rubbish on the beaches. Tickets can be purchased on-line or on the dock, from tourist offices, most local guest houses and hotels. Prices vary depending on how far into town you walk before buying. Also, not all ferries are of equal quality.

• Andaman Wave Master is the only company that will take you for free to the north of Phi Phi after the stop at TonSai Pier. In April 2007, a ferry operated by Andaman Wave Master caught fire and sank, and all aboard were forced to jump into the sea. Fortunately, nearby vessels were quickly able to rescue all the passengers, and no casualties occurred.
• The Sea Angel ferries are quite nice with big flat screen TVs and refreshments. These are sold on-line as first-class ferries.
• The ferries run by Chao Koh group, particularly the smallest "Pichamon IV" are often overcrowded and appear to be very poorly maintained, which does not inspire confidence, however they are launching a new mega boat beginning of 2010.
• The ferries run by PP Family are larger and seem more suited to the task.
• The ferries run by Phi Phi Cruiser take just over two hours and do not depart on time until packed to the brim, but they include complimentary cookies and instant coffee (if taking the morning crossing). For an additional fee, you can purchase a "VIP ticket" which also includes snorkeling and a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don.

Other tour vessels visit the island from several Phuket-based resorts, usually on day trips, the price for a speedboat from Rawai Beach was quoted at 15,000 baht return(or one way) for up to 6 people (Dec 6 2007). There are many speedboats operating directly from the beach but it may be best to book the day before as most seem to be on away on trips during the day. Speedboats can also be chartered from other nearby locations, but at a very high price.

By Flight

Krabi International Airport (KBV) is about 10 km from the city limits, 15 km from the city centre, 40 km from Ao Nang and 23 km from Had Yao. Thai Airways operates daily direct flights to/from Bangkok, likewise Air Asia from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Bangkok Airways flies direct to/from Krabi and Ko Samui nearly every day of the week and to/from. Nok Air operates daily flights to Krabi from Bangkok (Don Muang).

National Car Rental and Budget Car Rental have a branch at the airport; motorcycle taxi rides are available outside the terminal.

Krabi Limousine (tel. +66-75692073) has a desk inside the terminal and provides "limousine taxi" (using large air-conditioned sedans) transport to Krabi for 500 baht; Phuket for 2500 baht. Krabi.com offers taxi and minibus (mini-vans) for less however travellers have to make deposit payment of 200 baht on-line via credit card.

An air-conditioned Airport Bus service started in 2007, fares are 90 baht to Krabi. The bus service meets all incoming flights and serves most outgoing flights (note: it is not possible to catch the first 1-2-go plane in the morning with the new airport bus service) A songthaew to Krabi town is 40 baht from the road outside. Going to the airport they will drop you right at the departure terminal.

By Bus

Buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (tel. +66 2 4351199) to Krabi take about 12 hours and depart as follows:

• VIP bus - 07:20 - 1,055 baht
  • Note: there is also a VIP overnight bus from Bangkok leaving in the evening. Prices are 1,300-1,400 when booked via an agency.
• First class bus - 19:00 - 680 baht
• Second class bus - 07:30, 19:00, 19:30, 21:00 - 378 baht

Shuttle buses run between Krabi airport and Phuket airport several times a day. There are also regular buses that make the 2 hour run. There are buses to Krabi from every provincial town in the south.