Koh Phi Phi is a group of six islands that lie between Phuket and Krabi, within the Andaman Sea. For travellers looking to journey from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui, which is in the Gulf of Thailand, there are several options. Koh Phi Phi is about 240 kilometres southwest of Koh Samui.
Ferry to Krabi, Direct Flight to Koh Samui
This is the quickest and most expensive route to Koh Samui from the Phi Phi islands. There are no airports in Koh Phi Phi so the best you can do is to take a ferry ride to Krabi, which is about a four to five-hour journey, including a van or bus ride to the airport. Only Bangkok Airways offers such a direct flight to Koh Samui, once a day. This flight is less than an hour to Koh Samui.
Ferry, Bus and Ferry Journeys
Several bus companies offer a combined service that will take you from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Samui. The format is typically a ferry or catamaran ride to the mainland, a bus journey to Surat Thani, and then another ferry ride to Koh Samui. Surat Thani is the closest mainland city to Koh Samui.
The prices they offer can vary somewhat depending on the level of convenience and the kind of vehicle used along the way. For instance, if you want a hotel pickup, it will cost slightly more than arranging to start the journey from the pier. It can also cost more to ride a catamaran than a regular ferry.
Another variation would be to simply take the ferry to the mainland, hire a private car and drive to Surat Thani, from where you can catch a ferry to Koh Samui. You can also hire a catamaran or speed boat for a faster and more luxurious journey over.
However, the combined bus and ferry journey is the most convenient, efficient, and affordable option. You can more comfortably sit back and enjoy the scenery with loved ones. No worry about logistics.
Multiple ferries run between the islands every day, with overnight travel also being possible if you want to save on an extra night’s accommodation. Overall, the total journey can take about eight hours. If you depart in the early morning you can arrive at Koh Samui by afternoon. if you leave in the later morning you will likely arrive at night. Either way, you should have plenty of daylight to enjoy the passing land and seascape.