Navigating from Patong Beach to Koh Phi Phi: The DIY Version
Hopping on the beach bus!
Thailand is a budget backpacker's paradise. However, with the increase in tourism, there has been a rise in prices, especially in the more touristic spots. Koh Phi Phi is one of the top islands to visit.
During my Thai adventures, it was a priority to visit there, but not with a tour company. Instead, I had decided to do it the “local way.” I should note that I did little to no research before the travel day, assuming things would be simple and would inevitably work out along the way.
Upon checking out of the hostel, the receptionist asked if my friend and I would like to book an all-inclusive bus and ferry package that would take us directly to the island. The cost was 1,700 Thai Baht or $48.25 USD. However, my mind was already made up, and if you know me, I can be quite stubborn. I politely declined, and soon we embarked on what would become a very long adventure.
Patong Beach to Phuket Central
The first hiccup in our journey was locating the bus to Phuket Central. I input the bus stop into Google Maps, which indicated a fifteen-minute walk to the main area of Patong. Upon arrival, I discovered that the apparent bus stop didn't exist. After some extensive searching, I found out about the public beach buses that started along the beach and went into Phuket Central. It was another fifteen-minute walk to these buses.
Below is a map showing the location of these blue buses. They cost 40 Baht each, and compared to taxis, it's a bargain. In order to catch on just walk to Patong Beach Road and wait for one to come by.
Map of Patong Beach, local beach bus.
The bus ride to the center took about 40 minutes. To get as close to the pier as possible, I stayed on the bus until its final destination: Phuket Old Town. Once there, I used Google to locate the pier and found out it was a 45-minute walk away. The idea of walking that distance in the humidity and heat was less than appealing. Some more research revealed that the local bus stop was just a few streets over.
This time, the bus stop was clearly marked. The bus bound for Rassada Pier was the pink bus number three. Within minutes it arrived, but as we attempted to board, the driver informed us that this bus wasn't going to the pier and that we should wait for the bus on the opposite side of the street.
Old Town to Rassada Pier
Google Maps had indicated that the ferry was set to depart in a little over an hour. I assumed we had ample time. But after twenty minutes at the bus stop, I realized our intended bus wasn't coming.
Map of Phuket Old Town, with Rassada Pier location.
Our options were to either walk the 45 minutes to the pier or take a taxi for 120 Thai Baht ($3.40 USD). Being stubborn, I decided on the former. As time passed, I realized that we wouldn't make the 3 pm ferry. Due to my lack of research and understanding of the Thai ferry system, I wrongly assumed there would be hourly ferries.
As the pier came into view, a minibus halted beside us, and the driver shouted, "no more ferries today." I was in disbelief, especially when my Google Maps' estimated arrival time shifted to 11:05 am the next day.
Refusing to accept defeat, I continued towards the pier, convinced the driver was mistaken. However, as you might expect, he was right.
Dejected and drenched in sweat, the weight of my 40-liter backpack became almost unbearable. It became clear that I wouldn't be reaching Koh Phi Phi that day and would likely need to trudge back to Phuket's center to find overnight accommodation.
One Moped, Two 40-Liter Packs, & Three Adults
At that low moment, a savior appeared. A Thai man on a moped offered us a ride. My friend pointed out the obvious: how could three adults and two large backpacks fit on one moped? After some negotiation, he agreed to take us back to town for 40 Thai Baht ($1.13 USD).
The ensuing moped ride was surreal. Somehow, we all managed to squeeze onto the tiny vehicle, backpacks and all. My friend took the extra helmet and held on for dear life as we bumped and weaved through the streets of Phuket. Miraculously, we made it safely to a hostel.
During the ride, the Thai gentleman mentioned we could buy ferry tickets for the next day from his friend's shop. The tickets cost 750 Thai Baht each ($21.29 USD).
We settled into a hostel, and exhausted, I crashed on my bed.
The Thai man and his moped. (our saving grace)
The next day, we arose early and embarked on that 45-minute walk back to Rassada Pier. True, we walked again, but it was a matter of principle. After a two-hour ferry journey, we finally arrived on Koh Phi Phi!
Understanding the Ferry System in Thailand's Islands
Below is a photo of the ferry timetable for Andaman Wave Master; their website is also accessible here.
In the islands, ferry tickets are sold by various companies and should be booked in advance. It can be challenging to purchase them on the same day, especially during peak season. Tickets are available at most hotels, hostels, and tourist stands around Patong Beach and Phuket.
You can also check times, and prices for various companies here.
For a one-way ticket to Koh Phi Phi, expect to pay around 750 Thai Baht ($21.29). Some companies offer a two-for-one deal, allowing you to book two one-way tickets to different islands at a discounted rate. We bought a combined ticket for Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta for 900 Thai Baht ($25.54 USD).
A Wanderers Advice
My advice for those wanting to get to Koh Phi Phi the "local way": if given another chance, I'd do it again as I saved $25. However, if you choose this route, just get a taxi to the pier once in Phuket Central. They typically cost between 100-150 Thai Baht ($2.80-$4.25 USD). If you're up for an adventure, moped taxis are also available and should cost around 40-60 Thai Baht ($1.10-$1.70 USD).
Hopefully this post was helpful and you can learn from my many mistakes!
~A fellow Wanderer