We’re here to answer questions such as: does grab work in Koh Phi Phi, are taxis available, can you hire a scooter, and what is the best way to get around the island?
Navigating Koh Phi Phi might seem straightforward, but it’s not your usual island getaway when it comes to transportation. From long-tail boats to walking paths, the options can be slightly confusing.
I’ve been lucky to explore Koh Phi Phi on multiple trips, going beyond the usual tourist paths to truly understand its transportation quirks.
If you’re wondering how to efficiently get around this beautiful island, this comprehensive guide has everything you’re looking for. Trust me, there’s more to Koh Phi Phi transport than meets the eye, and I’ve got the insider tips you need.
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Why you can trust this article about grab in Koh Phi Phi
Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for South East Asia travel tips and information. I’ve been traveling to Thailand for more than 25 years, which feels crazy to say, but it’s true.
Needless to say, Thailand has changed a lot over the years, and I’m here to keep you updated on travel information and the best things to do or see. I live in Bali, which is just a short journey from beautiful Thailand, and I end up coming here several times per year for extended trips.
Whether you’re looking for an ultimate island-hopping itinerary, or useful currency tips, I’ve got you covered.
Koh Phi Phi is one of my favourite islands in Thailand (although I have to admit I say that about a lot of them), and I can tell you exactly how to get around easily and efficiently.
Is grab available in Koh Phi Phi?
Bad news: grab is unfortunately not available in Koh Phi Phi, so you’ll have to say goodbye to the convenience of online taxis during your stay. This is mostly because there are no scooters or cars on the island, so there isn’t an opportunity for getting driven around.
Luckily, you won’t need a lot of transport in Koh Phi Phi since everything is relatively walkable.
You’ll be staying on the largest of the six Phi Phi Islands, which is Koh Phi Phi Don. The main town, which is located at the pier is very small and it’s easy to walk around.
There is also a smaller settlement with resorts located in the north, which is equally easy for getting around.
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Is Bolt available in Koh Phi Phi?
Bolt is a popular alternative to grab in Thailand. However, much like grab, Bolt is unfortunately is not available in Koh Phi Phi. You will have to find other transport options.
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Are uber and lyft available in Koh Phi Phi?
Uber and lyft are not currently available in Koh Phi Phi or anywhere in Thailand. Grab is the most popular alternative, but in the case of Koh Phi Phi, it is not available due to the lack of motorised traffic on the island.
Is gojek available in Koh Phi Phi?
Gojek is an Indonesian alternative to grab or uber and was briefly available in Thailand before the company handed over operations to Air Asia in 2020.
While gojek is very popular across Indonesia, especially in places like Uluwatu, Canggu or Sanur, it does not work in Thailand anymore and definitely not in Koh Phi Phi.
How do you get from Koh Phi Phi pier to the resort?
If you’re planning your first trip to Koh Phi Phi, you might be wondering how you’re going to get from the pier to your resort without a grab or taxi to help you out.
The answer to this will depend a little bit on where your hotel is located. Definitely double-check the location when booking and how far it is from the pier. Since there is no motorised transport on the island, you’re going to have to walk to your resort from the pier in Koh Phi Phi.
Usually, this is less than 15 minutes, but some hotels are located up in the hills, which might involve some stairs or an uphill road.
Most hotels with a more remote location will have a service to pick you up at the pier and escort you to the hotel.
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How to get to resorts in the north of Koh Phi Phi
If you’re staying in the north of Koh Phi Phi Don, you’re going to have to take another boat from Ton Sai Pier to get to Laem Tong Beach. There is a small footpath connecting the two areas, but the hike takes at least 45 minutes to an hour, so it’s not suitable (or necessary) for you to try this walk on arrival.
Instead, your resort will pick you up with a longtail boat at Tonsai Pier and get you on a (usually complimentary, so you won’t have to worry abour the price) boat to Laem Tong Beach, where your hotel is located. There are also some larger resorts, which offer private boat transfers directly from Phuket, so reach out to the hotel to discuss any further details.
How to get help with your luggage in Koh Phi Phi
Don’t worry, you won’t have to carry your bags all the way from the pier to your resort in Koh Phi Phi if you don’t want to.
There might not be any grab or scooters in Koh Phi Phi, but you’ll find big carts, which are used for transporting things, including suitcases. At the pier, you’ll be approached by cart operators who will offer to take your luggage for you.
Most nicer hotels will send their staff to pick you up and help you out, but it may be worth double-checking with them so you know what to expect.
Otherwise, you can pay someone a few baht to take your luggage to your hotel.
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Your hotel will be happy to help organise luggage transport for you when you depart from Koh Phi Phi again. Just tell them when you are checking out, and you’ll get all the help you need.
Best ways to get around Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi Don is a relatively big island, but only small parts are inhabited. This makes getting around pretty easy, although you’ll most likely find that a lot of your favourite transport methods, including grab and renting a scooter, will be very hard to find in Koh Phi Phi.
1. Walking in Koh Phi Phi
Walking is the best way to get around Koh Phi Phi, so get ready to get some steps in during your stay here. Fortunately, the main town is very small, and it takes less than 30 minutes to get from one end to the other.
If you’re staying in a central location, you can get almost anywhere in 10 minutes or less, but keep an eye out for the hills. Some of the roads are steep, and if your hotel sits at the top of a hill, you’ll find yourself pretty exhausted if you have to keep going up and down.
2. Taking a boat in Koh Phi Phi
The main town of Koh Phi Phi Don is very walkable, but if you want to avoid having to walk all the way around the island, you can also use the local boat system.
This is especially useful to get from the Ton Sai area up to Laem Tong, where a lot of resorts are located. You can also walk between the two, but the hike takes at least 45 minutes and isn’t very convenient, especially late at night.
Instead, you can hop on a local boat, which will take you to important parts of Koh Phi Phi, including Laem Tong Pier.
Public boats charge between THB 200 and THB 400 (~ $5.50 US and $11 US), and there are also private options for approximately THB 1,200 to THB 3,000 (~ $33 US to $83 US) , depending on the amount of people and time of day.
Of course, you can also hop on a boat to get to day trip destinations around the Phi Phi islands, such as Bamboo Island and Koh Phi Phi Leh. I usually recommend
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3. Renting a bicycle in Koh Phi Phi
Some articles online recommend renting a bicycle in Koh Phi Phi to get around, but personally, I wouldn’t recommend this. Firstly, I haven’t really seen a bike rental on Koh Phi Phi, and I’m not sure where others rent their bikes.
It’s definitely not common for tourists to rent bikes in Koh Phi Phi, and you won’t get to use them much on the island.
The centre of town has small roads with lots of people walking, so you won’t be able to go very fast. The trail to north Phi Phi is not accessible by bike, and the parts around town are very steep and not suitable for biking.
Walking is much better for getting around Koh Phi Phi than renting a bike.
4. Can you hire a scooter in Koh Phi Phi?
Since there is no motorised transport in Koh Phi Phi, you cannot hire a scooter here. Since there aren’t many large roads you wouldn’t be able to drive very far anyway.
Definitely save the experience of renting a scooter for another island, just not Koh Phi Phi.
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5. Can you rent a car in Koh Phi Phi?
There are no cars in Koh Phi Phi, so renting a car here is not possible. You’ll have to get around on foot or by boat.
6. Is there public transport in Koh Phi Phi?
The only public transport that exists in Koh Phi Phi is public boats, which can take you from one of the Phi Phi islands to another or to nearby places like Krabi or Phuket.
7. Are there taxis in Koh Phi Phi?
You won’t get to use traditional taxis in Koh Phi Phi since there are no cars. However, you can use longtail boat taxis, which cost between THB 1,200 and THB 8,000 (~ $33 US and $220 US) depending on the destination and number of people.
8. Are there tuk-tuks in Koh Phi Phi?
There are no tuk-tuks in Koh Phi Phi, just hand-operated carts that aren’t suitable for transporting passengers. You’ll have to walk to most places instead of using tuk-tuks in Koh Phi Phi.
How to get to Koh Phi Phi
Getting around Koh Phi Phi is easy, even without grab, scooters, tuk-tuks or cars. If you’re planning how to get to Koh Phi Phi, you’re going to have to get on a boat. Phuket and Krabi are the best places to reach Koh Phi Phi, and you can choose between slow and steady ferries or slightly bumpy but much faster speed boats.
The ride can be as fast as 45 minutes or several hours with a ferry.
Using grab and more transport methods in other parts of Thailand
We know that figuring out how to get around is one of the most important things for travellers in Thailand. If you’re exploring more islands and places around the country, make sure to check out our grab and transport guides to places like Koh Lanta, Khao Sok, Bangkok, Krabi, and Koh Tao.
Grab Koh Phi Phi FAQ
Koh Phi Phi is a very walkable place, and it takes under 30 minutes to get from one side of town to the other. For longer distances to the north of the island, it’s recommended to use a boat transfer instead.
There is very little transport on Koh Phi Phi. You can find people who will help you with your luggage or use boats to get from one place to another, but otherwise, walking is the best way to get around.
Koh Phi Phi does not have any motorised land transport, so there aren’t handy tuk-tuks here.
Stay in Koh Phi Phi for at least two whole days to see the highlights. If you want to relax a bit more, three to four days may be recommended.
The best way to get around Koh Phi Phi is by walking or taking a boat
No, Koh Phi Phi is mostly pedestrianized and small boats are the primary means of getting around.
It’s best to contact your hotel to organise a possible pickup or help with your luggage.
Tipping is generally not mandatory but is appreciated in Thailand.
Prices can vary depending on the distance and whether you’re sharing the boat with others. Generally, expect to pay between THB 200 and THB 3,000.
You can either walk, depending on the distance or take a long-tail boat.
Before you go…
You’re ready to go on the Thailand adventure of a lifetime to Koh Phi Phi. Explore even more of Thailand’s beautiful islands in our 2-week itinerary, our Krabi vs Ao Nang article, check out the best things to do on your birthday in Bangkok, or read about which Thai island might be the best choice for you here.
If you happen to be in Koh Tao, make sure to visit the mysterious abandoned resort and snap some pictures for Instagram, for which we have some Thai-inspired captions for you here.
Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.
