Koh Lanta, a long island in the south of Krabi province with beaches along its west coast, connects with Koh Phi Phi Don, the main inhabited island of the Phi Phi group, by ferry and speedboat. All boats leave from Sala Dan Pier, in the harbour village on the northern tip of Koh Lanta, and arrive at Tonsai Pier, in the car-free village at the centre of Phi Phi Don. The crossing takes about 1 hour by ferry and about 30 minutes by speedboat. Some speedboat tickets continue to Laem Tong Beach on the north east of Phi Phi, with a change of boat at Tonsai Pier. The route suits island hoppers travelling between Krabi's islands, from backpackers to families, with a choice between a faster speedboat and a ferry with more space for luggage.
Ferry Timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Phi Phi Island - Tonsai Pier | 0h 30m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Phi Phi Island - Tonsai Pier | 0h 30m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Phi Phi Island - Tonsai Pier | 0h 30m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Phi Phi Island - Tonsai Pier | 0h 30m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Phi Phi Island - Tonsai Pier | 0h 30m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Phi Phi Island - Tonsai Pier | 0h 30m |
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
Phi Phi Island - Tonsai Pier | 0h 30m |
Route Map
Companies on This Route
Koh Lanta to Phi Phi route overview
Frequency: ferries and speedboats run daily in the high season, from around November to April. From around May to October, there are fewer departures, and some services run only once a day or stop completely. Check the timetable above for current departure times.
Crossing time:
Ferry, Sala Dan Pier to Tonsai Pier: about 1 hour
Speedboat, Sala Dan Pier to Tonsai Pier: about 30 minutes
Speedboat, Sala Dan Pier to Laem Tong Beach: about 2 hours in total, including a 45-minute connection and a change of boat at Tonsai Pier
Vessel types:
Ferry: slower, with more space for luggage and a gentler ride in choppy water. A good choice for travellers with large bags, young children or motion sickness.
Speedboat: faster, but carries fewer passengers and less luggage. The ride can be bumpy, especially from May to October.
Going to Laem Tong Beach: Laem Tong has no road connection to Tonsai Village, so a ticket that continues to Laem Tong saves you arranging your own boat transfer on Phi Phi. The speedboat stops at Tonsai Pier, where you wait about 45 minutes and change to a second boat for Laem Tong.
On board: both ferries and speedboats have covered seating. Ferries have more room to move around and store luggage. Speedboats have life jackets on board and store luggage at the front or back of the boat. Facilities vary by vessel.
Arrival: you arrive at Tonsai Pier, the main pier on Phi Phi. There are no vehicles on Phi Phi Don: from the pier you walk to your hotel or continue by longtail boat. A 20 baht island fee is collected in cash on arrival.
Koh Lanta to Phi Phi transfers
Sala Dan Pier, Koh Lanta
Sala Dan Pier is in Ban Sala Dan, the main harbour village on the northern tip of Koh Lanta Yai. It is the only departure point on Koh Lanta for ferries and speedboats to Phi Phi.
By taxi or tuk-tuk: available from all main beach areas on the island. Agree on the price before you set off.
Hotel shuttle: many resorts offer a shuttle to the pier. Ask your hotel in advance.
Facilities: toilets, shaded seating, ATMs and seafood restaurants on stilts over the water. The village has cafés, convenience stores and souvenir shops. There is no luggage storage at the pier.
The pier is busiest between 10:00 and 16:00. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Tonsai Pier, Koh Phi Phi
Tonsai Pier is in the centre of Tonsai Bay, on Phi Phi Don. It is the island's main pier and the busiest one.
Island fee: a 20 baht fee is collected in cash when you arrive, for pier maintenance and cleaning. Have small change ready.
To your hotel: Tonsai Village has no cars. Most hotels in the village are within walking distance. Staff may help with luggage, but expect to carry some of it yourself through narrow lanes.
Other beaches: Long Beach is about 20 minutes on foot. For beaches without a walking route, hire a longtail boat at the pier.
Facilities: ATMs, public toilets and many restaurants near the pier.
Expect to be met by staff holding signs for hotels and tours when you arrive, especially from November to April.
Laem Tong Beach, Koh Phi Phi
Laem Tong Beach is on the north east of Phi Phi Don and can only be reached by boat.
There is no pier: the speedboat drops passengers directly on the beach.
Several resorts are on the beach. Your resort can tell you where the boat arrives.
There are no ATMs at Laem Tong. Take out cash on Koh Lanta or during your connection at Tonsai Pier.