Short answer
Koh Tao is in the Gulf of Thailand (east), Koh Phi Phi in the Andaman Sea (west). No direct ferry - you cross the peninsula.
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined ferry + bus + ferry (via Surat Thani + Krabi) | 10-14h | 1,200-1,800 THB | Most backpackers |
| Catamaran to Samui + flight to Krabi + ferry | 6-8h | 4,500-7,000 THB | In a hurry, bigger budget |
| Combined with a night in Krabi Town | 2 days | 1,200-1,800 THB | Comfort, anti-fatigue |
Our tip: the combined ticket, leaving Koh Tao early. Book it as one ticket (Lomprayah or Songserm via 12Go.asia) so connections are guaranteed. If your catamaran leaves after 9am, plan a night in Krabi. - The team
Option 1: Combined ferry + bus + ferry (recommended)
Step 1 - Catamaran Koh Tao to Surat Thani (Donsak)
- Operators: Lomprayah, Songserm, Seatran
- Duration: 2h30-3h
- Fare: 600-900 THB
- Departures: 6:00, 9:30 (seasonal)
Step 2 - Bus Surat Thani to Krabi
- Duration: 3-4h (included in the combined ticket)
Step 3 - Ferry Krabi (Klong Jilad) to Tonsai Pier
- Duration: about 2h20
- Fare: from 900 THB
- Times: 9:00, 10:30, 13:30 and 15:00 from Klong Jilad; 9:30 and 15:30 from Nopparat Thara (up-to-date times)
Option 2: via Koh Samui (flight)
Faster for those who want to skip the long bus day:
- Catamaran Koh Tao to Koh Samui: 1h30-2h, 600-1,000 THB
- Flight Samui (USM) to Krabi (KBV): ~1h, 2,500-4,500 THB (mainly Bangkok Airways)
- Ferry Krabi to Phi Phi: about 2h20, from 900 THB
Total 6-8h, but the Samui flight is pricey (private airport).
Once at Phi Phi
You land at Tonsai Pier. After the long haul from the Gulf, take an easy morning, then a sunrise tour to Maya Bay the next day, before the crowds.
Want us to line up your ferry/bus connections so you miss nothing? Message us. - Olivia & the team
