How to Get to Phi Phi Islands from Railay Beach: Complete Travel Guide
After spending a few days exploring Railay Beach, we headed to the Phi Phi Islands, and thankfully, getting there was much easier than we expected. We took the ferry directly from Railay Beach to Phi Phi, meaning we didn’t need to worry about travelling back to Krabi or arranging multiple connections.
The whole journey was surprisingly smooth. Our ferry was running late because of the low tide, but other than the delay, everything went really easily. In fact, this was probably our easiest travel day in Thailand so far.
If you’re planning to travel from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands, this guide covers exactly how we made the journey, including the ferry, how long it takes, what to expect and how much it cost.
Our Experience Taking the Ferry from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands
After our time in Railay Beach, it was time to make our way to the Phi Phi Islands. We had been expecting the journey to involve a bit more organisation, but thankfully, it turned out to be incredibly straightforward.
We took the direct ferry from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands, which meant we didn’t need to travel back to Krabi or arrange a separate transfer. We simply made our way to the departure point at Railay Beach and waited for the ferry.
The only issue we had was that the ferry was running late due to the low tide. This meant we had to wait a little longer than expected before we could set off. However, once the ferry arrived, everything went smoothly.
The journey itself was really easy and, compared with some of the other travel days we’ve had during our Thailand trip, this was probably our easiest travel day so far. There were no complicated transfers or long waits between different forms of transport, which made a nice change.
Overall, travelling directly from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands was much simpler than we had anticipated. If you’re planning to visit both destinations during your Thailand trip, I’d definitely consider taking the direct ferry rather than travelling back to the mainland first.
Booking Your Ferry from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands
If you want to compare the different ferry and speedboat options before travelling, we found 12Go Asia useful for checking the available services. There are several direct departures from Railay to Phi Phi, with different operators, departure times and journey lengths, so it’s worth comparing the options to find one that suits your plans. You can check the latest ferry times, prices and availability here:
Check Railay Beach to Phi Phi ferry options on 12Go Asia
We recommend checking the schedule for your specific travel date, as ferry services can change depending on the season and conditions.
What to Expect When Arriving at Phi Phi Islands
After an easy ferry journey from Railay Beach, we arrived at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, the main arrival point on the island.
One thing to be aware of is the island entry fee. Visitors are required to pay a small fee when entering Phi Phi, which helps contribute towards waste management and keeping the islands clean. It’s worth having some cash ready so you can pay the fee when you arrive.
Once you’ve paid, you’re free to head into Tonsai Village, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, bars and tour operators. Depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to walk directly to your accommodation from the pier.
We found the whole arrival process really easy. After the slight delay leaving Railay due to the low tide, it was nice to arrive in Phi Phi without having to deal with any further complicated transfers.
From the pier, we were soon ready to drop our bags off and start exploring the island.
Final Thoughts: Is Railay Beach to Phi Phi an Easy Journey?
Yes! Travelling from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands was one of the easiest travel days we’ve had in Thailand so far.
We took the direct ferry from Railay Beach, so there was no need to travel back to Krabi or arrange multiple transfers. Our ferry was delayed slightly because of the low tide, but once we set off, the journey was smooth and straightforward.
For us, the direct ferry made travelling between the two destinations really easy. If you’re planning to visit both Railay Beach and Phi Phi Islands, I would definitely recommend looking for a direct ferry rather than making the journey more complicated than it needs to be.
Just remember to allow a little extra time for potential tide-related delays and have some cash ready for the Phi Phi island entry fee when you arrive.
Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by how simple the journey was, and it was a great way to finish our time in Railay Beach and start the next part of our Thailand adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands
Is there a direct ferry from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands?
Yes, you can take a direct ferry from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands. This is the option we chose, and it meant we didn’t need to travel back to Krabi or arrange multiple transfers.
How long does it take to travel from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands?
The ferry journey generally takes a few hours, depending on the service and sea conditions. It’s worth allowing extra time in your plans in case of delays caused by tides or weather.
How much does it cost to travel from Railay Beach to Phi Phi Islands?
The price of the ferry can vary depending on the operator and when you book. We recommend checking the latest prices when booking, as fares can change throughout the year.
Where do you catch the ferry from Railay Beach to Phi Phi?
Ferries to Phi Phi leave directly from Railay Beach. Your ticket should confirm the exact departure point and meeting instructions, so make sure you check these before travelling.
Can you book the Railay Beach to Phi Phi ferry in advance?
Yes, you can book ferry tickets in advance. We would recommend doing this if you are travelling during a busy period or have accommodation booked for a specific date.
Is the ferry from Railay Beach to Phi Phi reliable?
Our experience was very positive. Our ferry was delayed because of low tide, but once it arrived, the journey itself was smooth. We found travelling directly from Railay to Phi Phi surprisingly easy.
Do you have to pay an entry fee when arriving in Phi Phi?
Yes, visitors to Phi Phi are required to pay an island entry fee. This contributes towards waste management and helps with keeping the islands clean. It’s a good idea to have some cash available when you arrive.
Is it better to travel from Railay Beach or Krabi to Phi Phi?
If you’re already staying in Railay Beach, taking a direct ferry to Phi Phi is the easiest option. There is no need to travel back to Krabi first if a direct service is available on your chosen date.
