Short answer
Pattaya is on the eastern Gulf coast; Koh Phi Phi is in the Andaman Sea. No direct boat - you fly (via U-Tapao or Bangkok) to Krabi/Phuket, then ferry.
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Tapao to Phuket/Krabi + ferry | 6-8h | 2,500-4,500 THB | If a direct flight exists |
| Pattaya to Bangkok + flight Krabi + ferry | 7-9h | 2,500-5,000 THB | More flight choice |
| Private transfer + ferry | 8-10h | varies | Families, groups |
Our tip: check U-Tapao first. If AirAsia has a direct UTP to Phuket or Krabi flight on your date, that's fastest. Otherwise Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) has far more frequencies to Krabi. - The team
Option 1: via U-Tapao (fastest if available)
- Pattaya to U-Tapao airport (UTP): taxi 30 min, 400-600 THB
- Flight UTP to Phuket (HKT): ~1h20, 1,200-3,000 THB (AirAsia; to Krabi seasonally)
- Phuket airport to Rassada Pier: 1h, taxi 800-1,200 THB
- Ferry Rassada to Tonsai: 2h, 450-650 THB, departures 8:30 / 13:30 / 14:30
Option 2: via Bangkok (more flights)
- Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi (BKK): bus/transfer 1.5-2h, 150-1,500 THB depending on mode
- Flight BKK to Krabi (KBV): 1h20, 1,200-3,000 THB, many departures
- Krabi to Klong Jilad Pier: 30 min, 600-700 THB
- Ferry Krabi to Tonsai: 1h30, 400-500 THB, departures 9:30 / 14:30
See our Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi guide for the southern leg.
Once at Phi Phi
Tonsai Pier, no cars, everything on foot or by longtail. Book a sunrise tour to Maya Bay to enjoy the island before the day-trips.
Want help lining up flight + ferry? Message us. - Olivia & the team
