Phi Phi Day Trip

[travellife]

I am going to take a day trip from Krabi to Phi Phi Island. I read that the ferry is around 500 baht one-way, so round trip will cost about 1,000 baht. It will cost about 150 baht to get to the Ao Nang pier from my hotel in Klong Muang. So the total will be around 1,300 baht for doing my own trip.

I read that booking a trip from a booth in Krabi town or Ao Nang might provide similar rates (or even cheaper), and I believe it may be a chartered boat or private boat. Has anyone booked a day trip from Krabi to Phi Phi recently? Any feedback will be helpful.

[daveh]

A few years ago, my wife and I did a snorkeling trip that included Phi Phi Island. However, this is not the same as a day trip to Phi Phi. The boat went to various spots for snorkeling around Phi Phi Lei and even stopped on Phi Phi Don for lunch. However, it didn't stop on the main part of Phi Phi, instead, lunch was at the Holiday Inn Resort. So while technically we did go to Phi Phi on that trip, we didn't have the opportunity to explore Phi Phi. Since that wasn't really our intention, we were happy with the trip. The nice thing was the trip was on a speed boat and it makes the journey to Phi Phi so much faster than the ferry.

[tonititan]

I can't remember the exact schedule for the ferry, but I think it would be very difficult to do a day trip by ferry. It really wouldn't leave you a lot of time at Phi Phi. If you just want to walk around and shop, eat, and explore the village at Phi Phi Don (the big island), it might be ok. But if you'd want to take a longtail to Phi Phi Ley (Maya Bay, etc.), you'll be pushing for time. I have done the speedboat tours a few times. Yes, you don't have as much freedom or flexibility, but they make sure that you get to see all of the main sights.

[travellife]

A few years ago, my wife and I did a snorkeling trip that included Phi Phi Island. However, this is not the same as a day trip to Phi Phi. The boat went to various spots for snorkeling around Phi Phi Lei and even stopped on Phi Phi Don for lunch. However, it didn't stop on the main part of Phi Phi, instead, lunch was at the Holiday Inn Resort. So while technically we did go to Phi Phi on that trip, we didn't have the opportunity to explore Phi Phi. Since that wasn't really our intention, we were happy with the trip. The nice thing was the trip was on a speed boat and it makes the journey to Phi Phi so much faster than the ferry.

I took a speedboat tour also and it was very nice. The boat stopped off at a few locations. The worst location was actually where 'The Beach' was filmed. There were way too many people on that beach and a lot of boats.

Phi Phi Don is part of Phi Phi Island. I was expected just a beach and a few guesthouses, but the island actually had a large network of small shops along the main walkway which was very interesting. It would have been nice to stay a day or two on the island.

The speedboat tour wasn't that expensive (1,300 baht). The taxi driver made the arrangement for us, else you probably have to roam around Ao Nang. Speedboat tours might average around 1,800 baht, but even that is worth it. So I would recommend it over the ferry if you are just doing a day tour. The ferry can hold 200 people, vs. the speedboat which will hold about 24 people (with adequate room).