How do I Get from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi: Quick and Easy Guide
Travelling between Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi can be an adventure on its own, with the breathtaking scenery of Thailand’s coast offering unforgettable experiences. As a traveller myself, I sought out the best ways to journey between these two stunning destinations while taking in the beauty and culture of the region.
From my personal experience, there are several options for getting from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi, ranging from group speedboat tours to private longtail boats. It’s essential to consider the available options based on your preferences, time constraints, and budget to make sure you have the best experience possible while navigating these magnificent coastal locations.
As we delve into the details of this journey, I’ll share some of my preferred methods, as well as important information you should know before embarking on your Thailand adventure. With some planning and insider tips, your journey between Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi can be smooth, enjoyable, and positively unforgettable.
Understanding The Route
From Railay Beach to Krabi
First, you need to get from Railay Beach to Krabi town. Since Railay Beach is not accessible by road, you’ll have to take a boat. The options are:
- Longtail boats: These traditional boats are readily available and charge around 100-150 baht per person. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
- Speedboats: A faster option, with prices ranging from 300-500 baht per person. The journey is usually around 15-20 minutes.
Once you reach Krabi town, you can explore Krabi’s bustling markets, enjoy some local Thai cuisine, and take a stroll along the scenic river.
Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
Next, you’ll need to travel from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi. There are two main options available:
- Ferry
This is the most common and economical choice. Tickets cost around 450-600 baht per person, and the journey takes about 1.5-2 hours.
The ferry schedule:
| Departure | Arrival |
| 9:00am | 10:30am |
| 1:30pm | 3:00pm |
| 3:00pm | 4:30pm |
- Speedboat:
If you prefer a quicker and more personalised experience, a speedboat is an option. Prices typically range from 8,500-10,000 baht for a private charter. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
With these options in mind, you can choose the best one for your preferences and budget. Moving from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi will be smooth and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy my journey and create lasting memories.
Choosing Your Transport
Speed Boat
I found that speedboats are a popular way to travel between Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi. They’re quick and convenient, usually taking around one hour to complete the journey.
There are multiple speed boat operators offering various departure times, so it’s easy for me to find a time that suits my schedule. The price for a one-way ticket ranges from £20 to £30. Although it’s more expensive than a ferry, I appreciate the speed and flexibility it offers.
Ferry
Another option I considered is taking the ferry between Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi. The journey is more leisurely, usually taking around two hours. It provides an opportunity for me to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the Andaman Sea as I travel between the destinations.
There are fewer departure times available, but the ticket prices are significantly lower, usually around £10 to £15 for a one-way ticket. The ferries are generally larger and offer more seating options, and some even have air conditioning. For those looking to save some money and don’t mind a longer journey, the ferry can be a great choice.
Booking Your Tickets
Online Ticket Booking
I’ve found that booking my tickets online is quite convenient and saves me time. There are several websites and tour agencies that offer services to book tickets from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi. I usually compare prices and look for the best deals.
Some websites even provide options to book combo tickets that include other services, such as transfers and tours, to make my trip more enjoyable.
It’s important to keep in mind that during high season (November to April), it’s better to book my tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. The boat trip usually takes about 2 hours, and I always make sure to check for any additional information regarding departure times and cancellation policies.
On-Site Ticket Booking
If you prefer more flexibility with your travel dates and times, you can choose on-site ticket booking. I’ve discovered that there are several travel agencies and ticket booths located in both Railay Beach and Ao Nang town selling tickets for the longtail boats and speedboats that go to Koh Phi Phi.
These on-site ticket booking counters usually operate during daylight hours and accept walk-in passengers.
Although on-site ticket booking might be easier, it’s essential to note that the availability of boats can become limited during peak season. Therefore, it’s better to secure your ticket at least a day before planned departure.
Here are some tips to consider while booking tickets:
- Comparing prices between different agencies
- Asking about the type of boat (longtail or speedboat)
- Confirming departure and arrival times
- Checking for any additional fees or charges
By considering these tips, you can ensure a smooth journey from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi.
Important Tips For The Journey
Packing light is a handy tip. Travelling without considerable amounts of luggage makes the journey more convenient and comfortable. Shoulder bags or backpacks are advisable, as they’re easy to carry around while hopping on and off boats.
When it comes to departure time, it’s best to check the ferry schedule regularly. The weather and sea conditions can lead to last-minute schedule changes. Ideally, aim to be at the pier roughly 30 minutes before the departure time to smoothen the boarding process.
During the boat ride, don’t forget essential items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. The journey usually takes around two hours, and it’s likely that you’ll be exposed to direct sunlight. Keeping hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle also helps maintain your energy levels.
Based on my experience, it’s a great idea to have some cash in hand, as not all ticket offices or small kiosks accept credit cards. Additionally, ensure that you have all essential travel documents, including your passport, for any identity verification requirements.
That’s about it – these key tips genuinely helped me make the most of my journey from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi. By following these simple recommendations, the trip is bound to be an enjoyable and smooth experience for you, too.
Conclusion
I had an incredible time travelling from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi. The beauty of the Andaman Sea and the limestone cliffs along the way were absolutely captivating.
I hope my tips help make your journey from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi even more fantastic! Safe travels, and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of these destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ferry options from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi?
I recommend two main ferry options to travel from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi. The first option is the standard ferry service, which is large and comfortable, yet slower. The second option is a high-speed catamaran ferry, which is quicker but might be a bit more expensive. Both options are safe and reliable, so you can choose whichever suits your needs and budget.
How long does it take to travel from Railay to Koh Phi Phi?
The travel duration from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi can vary depending on the type of ferry service you choose. The standard ferry takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, while the high-speed catamaran covers the distance in approximately 1 hour. Keep in mind that factors like weather conditions and passenger count can also affect travel time.
What is the cost of a ferry ticket from Railay to Koh Phi Phi?
The cost of a ferry ticket from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi depends on the choice of ferry service. A standard ferry ticket would usually cost around 300 to 450 Thai Baht per person, while a high-speed catamaran ticket can be in the range of 500 to 800 Thai Baht. Prices may vary slightly depending on the season and operator.
Are there any speedboats from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi?
Yes, there are speedboat services available from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi. Speedboats provide a faster and more exhilarating ride compared to ferries, and they usually take around 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, they can be more expensive, with prices starting from 1,000 Thai Baht per person.
Can I book a ferry from Railay to Koh Phi Phi online?
Definitely! Several online platforms offer ferry ticket bookings from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi, allowing you to compare prices, schedules, and types of ferries. Booking your ticket in advance not only guarantees you a seat but also gives you the flexibility to make any changes to your itinerary if necessary.
What is the daily ferry schedule from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi?
Ferry services from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi typically operate daily, with multiple departures throughout the day. The first ferry usually leaves around 8:00-8:30 am, and the last one departs at around 4:00 pm. Please note that these schedules might be subject to change and may vary depending on the season, weather, and operator.
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