About this tour
When Charlie from our team caught the speedboat from Phi Phi to Phuket, it was a straightforward run: 60 to 90 minutes across the Andaman from Tonsai Pier to Rassada. The service includes a van dropoff to your hotel afterwards — handy if you're staying in Patong, Kata, Karon or the southern beaches. The boat's air-conditioned, life jackets are sorted, and a crew member sticks with you the whole way. It's a no-fuss transition for people island-hopping or heading back to the mainland, though the speedboat ride itself is genuinely bouncy and not for everyone.
Highlights
- Direct speedboat route cuts the journey to just over an hour
- Included van dropoff saves sorting transport to your hotel
- Air-conditioned cabin and bottled water on board
- Crew present throughout — boarding, crossing, arrival
- Two daily departures fit different travel rhythms
- Life jackets provided; safety briefing handled properly
- Rassada Pier well-positioned for onward mainland travel
What to expect
You'll board at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi and settle into the speedboat — it's snug but functional. The crossing itself takes you straight across open water, and it's genuinely choppy. The hull pounds against the swell, so if you're prone to motion sickness, take a tablet beforehand. The crew keeps things moving without fuss; they'll ask for your hotel details at boarding so the van dropoff goes smoothly. Arrival at Rassada Pier is straightforward, and you'll transfer into the air-conditioned van for the final leg. The whole thing — boat plus dropoff — typically runs 2 to 2.5 hours gate-to-hotel. Peak season means busier boats, but it's rarely overcrowded.
What travellers say
- Quick crossing means less time in transit between islands
- Included van dropoff removes mainland transport hassle
- Crew support from boarding through to hotel arrival
- Air conditioning and water make the journey bearable
- Two fixed daily times suit different itineraries
- Well-established route with reliable timing
- Speedboat ride is genuinely choppy and motion-sickness prone
- Not viable for older passengers or those with injuries
- Fixed schedule limits flexibility for early or late departures
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 the ferry if speed matters and your stomach's up for it. The included dropoff is genuinely useful — saves you flagging a taxi or negotiating tuk-tuk fares in Phuket. The crew are attentive, and air conditioning makes the boat cabin comfortable enough. Suits anyone heading to the main beaches or Phuket Town with luggage.
The speedboat ride is genuinely bumpy; motion sickness is real. It's not suitable for pregnant travellers, anyone with back injuries, or those over 65. Recent surgery or poor cardiovascular health? Skip it. The schedule's fixed — 11 am and 2:30 pm departures only, so early risers or late planners might feel pinched. Infants must sit on your lap the whole way. Pack motion sickness tablets, sunscreen, and confirm your hotel dropoff location when booking.
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.