Khao Sok to Koh Phi Phi: Journey to Island Paradise
We were leaving Khao Sok and its beautiful national park for the famous beaches of the Phi Phi islands!
The Long Journey
The combined trip - minivan plus ferry boat - was well organized but took most of the day. From Khao Sok's jungle interior to Thailand's stunning Andaman Sea coast, the journey showcased the country's incredible diversity.
Arriving at Phi Phi Don
We were staying on Phi Phi Don, the main and only inhabited island in the Phi Phi archipelago. Full of luxurious hotels, shopping stalls, taxi boats, tattoo parlors, clubs, and bars, the place was cheerful and buzzing with energy.
We learned that Phi Phi is correctly pronounced as "pee-pee" (not "fee-fee"!), went for a short walk to orient ourselves, then collapsed on our bed after the long travel day.
Have you traveled from Khao Sok to Koh Phi Phi? Which transport company did you use? How long did your journey take? Share your Thailand travel tips below!
Traveling Khao Sok to Koh Phi Phi
- Minivan from Khao Sok: Pickup from hotel around 8-9am. 2-3 hours drive to pier (usually Krabi or Phuket). Book through hotel or tour agency in Khao Sok village.
- Ferry to Phi Phi: 1.5-2 hours from either Krabi or Phuket pier. Multiple daily departures. Can be rough in monsoon season (May-October)!
- Total journey time: 6-8 hours including transfers and waiting. Start early morning, arrive late afternoon/evening. It's a full travel day!
- Combined ticket cost (2017): 600-900 THB (~$18-27 USD) including minivan pickup, ferry, and arrival transfer on Phi Phi. Book ahead for better prices.
- Koh Phi Phi Don: The only inhabited island in Phi Phi archipelago. No cars/motorbikes - only walking or longtail boats. Main village (Tonsai) is compact and walkable.
- Accommodation: Book ahead in high season (Nov-Apr)! Phi Phi gets crowded. Options from budget hostels ($10-20) to luxury resorts ($100-300+). Avoid party hostels if you want sleep!
- Pack light: You'll carry your luggage from ferry pier through crowded village streets. Many hotels send porters, but narrow alleys mean no wheeled transport.
- Pronunciation: 'Phi Phi' is pronounced 'pee-pee' not 'fee-fee'! Named after mangrove trees (Thai: 'ton maprao'), not Greek letters.
Note:
After days in Khao Sok's ancient jungle, the transition to Phi Phi's bustling island atmosphere was dramatic! Tomorrow we'd explore the famous viewpoints and beaches that make this one of Thailand's most iconic destinations.