About this tour
When Ben from our BugBitten team caught the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands, it was a solid transport day across the Andaman Sea. The boat's got air-con cabins and an open deck — useful if you want to actually watch the limestone cliffs roll past rather than just sit inside. It's a straightforward point-to-point transfer that beats driving, and you'll see emerald water and jungle-clad peaks the whole way. Complimentary pickups from Patong, Kata, Karon, and Phuket Town sweeten the deal. Duration is roughly 90 minutes depending on swell and scheduling.
Highlights
- Open deck and air-conditioned cabin options suit different moods
- Limestone karsts and Andaman scenery unfold across the crossing
- Hotel pickups included from five main Phuket beach towns
- Smooth ferry ride, no white-knuckle moments
- Onboard restroom means you're not stuck between points
- Basic accident insurance bundled in
- Works for families — prams welcome, infants lap-ride fine
What to expect
Ben boarded from Patong with a mixed crowd — couples, families, a few solo travellers heading island-hopping. The pickup ran on schedule, and the vehicle was clean and cool. Once onboard the ferry, the cabin was roomy enough to move about, though during peak times you might share elbow space. The crossing itself felt steady; not glassy-flat, but nothing that'll upset your stomach if you're a reasonable sailor. You get roughly 90 minutes to watch the Andaman unfold — limestone cliffs get properly dramatic as you approach Phi Phi Don. Some passengers napped, others hung on deck with cameras. There's a loo onboard, which matters if you're not keen on holding on.
What didn't surprise us: this is transport, not an experience unto itself. You're not stopping for snorkelling or island hops; you're getting from A to B with a view. The cabin air-con works well, but if you're seasick-prone, the deck air helps. One note — the pier fee at Phi Phi Don is cash-only and not included, so bring baht.
What travellers say
- Scenic Andaman crossing beats sitting in traffic
- Complimentary pickups from five major Phuket beaches
- Deck and cabin give you choice of how to travel
- Onboard loo and air-con make it comfortable
- Pram-friendly and infant-welcoming for families
- Phi Phi pier fee (cash-only) not included, surprise cost
- Peak-season crowds mean early arrival for deck space
- Sea state can roughen the ride in monsoon months
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This beats a minibus ride if you value time and scenery. Families appreciate the included pickups from major beaches, and the ferry's steady enough for most stomachs. Prams are fine, infants sit on laps, and there's room to move. Basic insurance is peace of mind.
Peak season (November to February) gets crowded — arrive early for deck space. The Phi Phi pier fee (mandatory, paid on arrival) isn't mentioned upfront, so budget extra baht. If you're staying outside the five covered pickup zones, transfers cost more. Sea state matters — rough swells can make the crossing choppy, though rare. Not really a con, but this is point-to-point; if you want a day tour hitting multiple islands, book differently.
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, seasickness tablets if prone, cash for pier fees, a light layer for the cabin chill.
Accident insurance, pickups from Patong/Kalim/Tritrang/Karon/Kata/Phuket Town, air-con cabin and restroom.
Pier fee, transfers outside listed zones.
Mixed groups, 50–150 passengers typical.
Dry season (November–February) fills fast; book ahead.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.