After traveling extensively for over 8 months in Thailand and almost two months between the southern destinations of Krabi and Phuket, we have an excellent idea of how to travel there best.
The only real way to get from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands is a 30-minute speedboat or a 1-hour ferry journey.
The best way to secure tickets is on 12go, our preferred platform for booking buses, trains, ferries, and more in Thailand. Click here to check tickets.
IMPORTANT: When arriving in Phi Phi Islands, there is a charge of 20 THB ($0.6) for the maintenance of the pier and Phi Phi Infrastructure. We recommend having exact cash.
The best way to book transport from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi
The easiest and most hassle-free way to get from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands is to book the combo transfer ticket, which includes a pickup from your Koh Lanta hotel and then a speedboat or ferry ride to the islands.
This way, in case your hotel is not within walking distance of Saladan Pier, you don’t need to book a taxi yourself. And from our experience, taxis are actually quite expensive in Koh Lanta (with high fixed prices).
No matter the company you choose, getting from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands will involve driving or walking to the departure point (Saladan Pier) and then a ferry or speedboat ride to the islands. How fast you get there depends on the company you book with.
Our recommended ferry company
From Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands, we highly recommend the Pichamon ferry from Chaokoh Travel Center. It’s super comfortable and, in our opinion, safer than a speedboat.
You can book the exact trip here.
We prefer the ferry over the speedboat also because there’s more space, not only for us but also for our bags. They usually stack the bags and suitcases in front of the seating area inside the ferry so they’re well protected from splashing water from waves or potential rain.
The speedboat from Koh Lanta is only 30 minutes faster. But since we prefer traveling by ferry and the time difference is minimal, we recommend the ferry.
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Getting to your hotel in Phi Phi Islands
The main pier in Ton Sai is where you will arrive, and from there, you must walk to your hotel in Phi Phi Islands.
In case your hotel is along one of the other beaches, which are accessible by boat, you will want to arrange for a boat transfer with your hotel. This way, they can have someone waiting for you on arrival.
Good to know: You can not disembark at Laem Tong Beach, unlike with the boats departing from Krabi and Phuket.
- Best Phi Phi hotels?
Budget-friendly: Viking Nature Resort and PP Princess Resort
Luxury: Outrigger Resort and SAii Phi Phi Island Village
Not sure which is the best place and beach to stay at in Phi Phi?
- Read our Phi Phi Islands Beaches & Hotels Guide to learn all about that.
Not planning to stay overnight? You can take a tour from Koh Lanta to explore the Phi Phi Islands in a day. You can visit places like the famous Maya Bay, among others. We recommend the Phi Phi Day Trip by Speedboat.
Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands Travel Tips
- Take a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for bus and ferry journeys from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands. The air conditioning can be pretty strong.
- We always recommend to book your transport in advance, and we always do it ourselves. It’s essential, especially if you want a specific type of transport that gets booked out in the high season.
- Bring some snacks on board for the ferry ride.
To book transport in Asia, we always use this platform, the top transport booking platform in the region for flights, trains, buses, private transfers, and taxis. Their user-friendly platform makes booking a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
The speedboat takes just 30 minutes and the ferry 1 hour from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands.
Beaches in Phi Phi Islands are absolutely better than in Koh Lanta, as the water color is much more beautiful. Plus, going swimming and snorkeling is easier, with lots more to see underwater.
While it depends on where you are, it’s definitely easier to get to Phi Phi Islands from Koh Lanta than from Phuket or Krabi, as the journey is much shorter.
There is no airport in Phi Phi Islands, so the only option to get there from Krabi is by boat (speedboat/ferry).
The closest airport to Phi Phi Islands is Krabi Airport (KBV), and from there it’s about a three-hour journey to the islands. Book the airport transfer here.
The fastest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands is by speedboat in just 30 minutes. Check the departures.
Yes, going on a one-day trip to Phi Phi Islands from Koh Lanta can be a great way to see more in less time. You can get the earliest boat in and the latest boat out, which gives you about 6 hours to hit the beaches, check out the viewpoint, and even have lunch.
We did a similar trip from Krabi, and once also extended our day trip and stayed in Phi Phi overnight, and it was perfect. We left most of our stuff in our Ao Nang hotel in Krabi, and only carried a light bag.
We were positively surprised by Phi Phi Islands and can say that they are definitely worth visiting. Phi Phi Islands have mixed reviews from tourists, but their beauty is undeniable. Just make sure to set your expectations before visiting, and don’t stay too long if you’re not a fan of crowds. However, you can completely avoid crowds on a vacation in one of the more remote areas. We personally liked Phi Phi Islands and will happily visit again.
Learn about the best places to stay in Phi Phi to avoid crowds.
Our thoughts on getting to Phi Phi Islands from Koh Lanta
Getting from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands is hassle-free, especially if you book a combo ticket and organize a hotel drop-off in advance. That way, there’s little to go wrong, and door to door, it should be a 1.5 to 2-hour journey at most.
We recommend staying at least 2 or 3 nights in Phi Phi Islands to make the most of your stay. But you can also do a day trip or stay overnight, while leaving your big luggage in your Koh Lanta hotel. This is a great way to not miss out on Phi Phi while maximizing time.
- Best activities in Phi Phi Islands?
1. Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay (with snorkeling)
2. Maya Bay Sunrise Trip
3. Beat The Crowds Island Hopping
Ready to book your transport? Check the prices and timings below.
Don’t know what to visit in Phi Phi Islands?
Read: Phi Phi Islands Travel Guide
| Ferry Koh Lanta - Koh Phi Phi $ 22.25 30m – 2h 30m | |
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