Koh Phi Phi to Ao Nang by Ao Nang Princess Ferry

A ferry ride with a view. This one-way crossing from Koh Phi Phi Don to Ao Nang offers an easy, low-cost way to leave the island, with an air-conditioned cabin, open top deck, and a scenic stop at Railay Beach. I like the prepaid hotel drop-off and the comfortable seating, but you should allow closer to three hours from pier to hotel, not just two.

I also like the choice of indoor and outdoor seating, plus the chance to walk around during the cruise. The main drawback is the arrival transfer. At busy times, the change from ferry to local boats or vans can feel confusing, and the old seats and occasional dirt may disappoint travelers expecting a polished vessel.

Key points to know before you book

• Railay Beach stop: The ferry pauses at Railay to pick up and drop off passengers, giving you a quick look at one of Krabi’s most striking coastal areas.
• Hotel drop-off included: After arriving at Nopparat Thara Pier, transport continues to hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach.
• Comfortable air-conditioned cabin: The lower decks offer covered seating, and several people find the seats good enough for a nap.
• Top deck views: Go upstairs as the ferry leaves Phi Phi and passes the rock formations near Railay. The views are best when the weather is clear.
• Longer door-to-door time: The cruise takes about 1.5 hours, but the complete trip can run from about two to three hours once the hotel transfer is added.
• Weather can change plans: Rough seas or poor weather may cause delays, a new date, or a full refund.

Leaving Koh Phi Phi from Ton Sai Pier

Your journey begins at Ao Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, which gives you time to find the correct ferry area and deal with the steady movement of people around the pier.

There is no hotel pickup on Phi Phi. You must make your own way to Ton Sai Pier, so allow extra time if you are staying away from the village or carrying large bags. The ticket is a paper ticket, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Ton Sai is the island’s main arrival and departure point. It can feel crowded and hectic, especially when several boats are loading at once. Arriving early matters here. You do not want to be searching for the right boarding area while staff are calling passengers aboard.

The ferry runs every day of the year, but the timetable changes by season. From November through May, high season brings two departure times. During the low season, there is one afternoon departure. Check your exact time carefully, since a missed boat can affect your hotel arrival and onward plans.

What the Ao Nang Princess ferry is really like

The Ao Nang Princess is a large ferry rather than a small speedboat. That distinction matters. The supplied description calls this a high-speed ferry and a speedboat transfer, but the experience is closer to a conventional island ferry, with indoor seating, outdoor space, and room for a large number of people.

The lower decks are air-conditioned and protected from the sun. This is the best place if you want to rest, keep your luggage out of the heat, or avoid spray on a windy day. Several passengers find the seats comfortable enough to sleep, comparing them to old airplane seats.

That comparison comes with a warning. The seats may have stains, rips, or signs of age. The boat can be perfectly useful without looking new. If you care more about comfort than appearance, the air conditioning and smooth ride matter more than worn upholstery.

The top deck gives you the best views. I would head upstairs soon after boarding if the weather is good, especially as Phi Phi fades behind you and the boat moves toward the limestone formations near Railay. The upper deck is also a good place for photographs, though the sun can be strong and the wind can pick up.

One practical detail is that you can move outside during the journey. A passenger specifically appreciated being able to smoke outdoors, but you should follow the crew’s instructions and use only permitted areas. The open deck also gives you a break from the enclosed cabin.

Water is provided for everyone, which is a small but useful touch during a warm crossing. Basic travel insurance is included in the fare. Still, I would bring sun protection and any snacks you want, since the supplied information does not promise a full food service.

The 1.5-hour cruise across the Andaman Sea

The actual ferry ride is usually described as around 1.5 hours, though timing depends on the route, sea conditions, loading, and the Railay stop. The scenery is the main reason to choose this boat instead of treating the trip as a simple transfer.

From the deck, you get changing views of islands, cliffs, and open water. The boat moves more steadily than a long-tail boat, and you have a better chance to sit, walk around, or rest. If you dislike the jolting motion of smaller speedboats, this larger ferry is likely the calmer choice.

The boat stops at Railay Beach to pick up and drop off other passengers. You may not have time to visit the beach itself, so think of this as a scenic transport stop rather than a sightseeing visit. Railay is known for dramatic limestone cliffs and its boat access, and the approach can be one of the prettiest parts of the ride.

For the best view, stay on the top deck as the ferry leaves Railay. One passenger found this especially good for seeing the rock formations without crowds blocking the view. Sunset departures can be memorable too, with one passenger describing the ride past Railay at sunset as a highlight.

The stop can also add uncertainty to the schedule. Loading and unloading people takes time, and the ferry may arrive in Ao Nang later than the advertised end time. A listed 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. journey may turn into arrival around 5:30 or 5:45 p.m., followed by the hotel transfer.

Arriving at Nopparat Thara Pier

The ferry arrives at Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. This is not necessarily the end of your journey. A driver is supposed to meet arriving passengers and take them onward to their hotel.

Drop-off is available in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. You need to provide the hotel name in Krabi when booking. This detail is important because the final drive depends on where you are staying, and staff need the correct destination.

The hotel transfer is the part that requires the most patience. At busy times, the handover from ferry to local transport may be crowded or poorly organized. Some departures involve long-tail boats or other smaller vehicles, and there may not be enough boats ready for everyone at once.

That problem becomes more serious near dusk. If you are traveling with children, heavy luggage, or a tight evening plan, build in extra time and stay close to your bags. Do not assume that stepping off the ferry means you can immediately walk into your hotel.

The benefit is still real. You do not need to bargain for a taxi at Nopparat Thara Pier or work out a new route after a long boat ride. The driver transfer removes one decision from the day, even if the final stage may take longer than expected.

Price and value at about $22.59

At about $22.59 per person, this is a sensible price for a ferry crossing plus hotel drop-off. You are paying not only for the seat on the boat, but also for the convenience of having the Krabi transport arranged in advance.

The value is strongest if you are staying in one of the listed areas and do not want to search for a taxi after arriving. Prepayment also makes the final day on Phi Phi simpler. You know your main transport is arranged before you leave the island.

The price is less compelling if you only need a ferry ticket to Ao Nang and can arrange everything else yourself. One passenger estimated that buying directly on the island could cost about 450 baht per person. That figure may change with season and availability, so compare the current direct fare with the online price before booking.

Do not compare this ferry only with flying. Flying would involve getting to an airport, checking in, and arranging transport on both ends. The boat takes longer, but it carries you directly between the island and the Krabi coast while giving you a scenic ride.

A smaller speedboat may get you there faster, but the ferry gives you more covered seating and a gentler ride. For many people, that is a better trade than shaving time off the crossing.

Comfort, cleanliness, and service

The strongest feature is the air conditioning. On a hot day, the cool cabin makes the journey much easier, especially if you have already spent time walking around Phi Phi with luggage.

The seating is generally comfortable, and the ferry has plenty of indoor seats under cover. You can sit inside for the crossing, then go to the top deck for views. That flexibility is more useful than a small boat where you may be exposed to sun, spray, and engine noise for the entire trip.

Cleanliness is less consistent. Some journeys are described as clean and well organized, while others reveal old seats, stains, and rips. I would set expectations at practical rather than polished. This is transport designed to move a large number of people, not a luxury cruise.

Service can also vary. The crew may be friendly and helpful, but one experience found the staff less warm than expected. That does not appear to affect the basic operation of the ferry, but it is worth knowing if personal service matters to you.

The boat can carry up to 400 people. That maximum helps explain why boarding, disembarking, and the final transfer may feel crowded. If you want a quiet, intimate boat ride, this is not the right product. If you want an affordable, stable crossing with a choice of seating, the size works in your favor.

Who should book this transfer?

I would choose this ferry if you want a straightforward way to leave Phi Phi without arranging several separate rides. It suits people staying in Ao Nang or the listed Krabi areas, especially those who value hotel drop-off more than a perfectly exact arrival time.

It also suits anyone who prefers a larger boat to a speedboat. The air-conditioned cabin, covered seats, water, and open deck make the journey more forgiving in hot weather. Families and people who want to rest may appreciate that extra space.

Photographers and sightseers should aim for the top deck, weather permitting. The views around Phi Phi and Railay are a major part of the value, and the ride offers a different view of the coast than you get from a small long-tail boat.

I would think twice if you have a tight connection, a late dinner reservation, or an important evening booking in Ao Nang. The published duration is approximate, and the ferry may reach Nopparat Thara later than expected before the hotel drive even begins.

I would also be cautious if rough weather is forecast. The transfer depends on sea conditions and may be delayed, postponed, or canceled. If canceled because of bad weather, you can be offered another date or a full refund, but that will not solve every onward travel problem.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

You should provide your Krabi hotel name when booking. The listed drop-off areas are Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. Hotel pickup on Phi Phi is not included, so arrange your own route to Ton Sai Pier.

Most people can take part, and the service operates daily throughout the year. The stated group limit is 400 people, which gives you a useful sense of scale. Expect a public ferry, not a private transfer.

Should you book the Ao Nang Princess ferry?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, scenic connection from Phi Phi to Ao Nang with the final hotel transfer included. The air conditioning, steady ride, top deck, and Railay views make it more comfortable than a bare-bones boat ticket.

Skip it if speed is your top concern or if you need a tightly timed arrival. The ferry itself takes about 1.5 hours, but the Railay stop and hotel drop-off can push the full trip toward three hours.

My practical choice would be to book this for a relaxed departure day, arrive at Ton Sai Pier early, sit inside during the hottest part of the crossing, then move upstairs near Railay. Keep your schedule open after reaching Nopparat Thara Pier, and you will be better prepared for the only part of the trip that can feel disorganized.

FAQ

Where does the ferry leave from on Koh Phi Phi?

It leaves from Ao Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Where does the ferry arrive in Ao Nang?

The ferry arrives at Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang.

Is hotel drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel drop-off is included for hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach.

Is hotel pickup included on Koh Phi Phi?

No. You must make your own way to Ton Sai Pier.

How long does the journey take?

The listed duration is about two hours, with the boat ride taking around 1.5 hours. The complete trip may take longer because of the Railay stop and the transfer from Nopparat Thara Pier to your hotel.

Does the ferry stop at Railay Beach?

Yes. The ferry makes a short stop at Railay Beach to pick up and drop off transferring passengers.

Does the ferry run every day?

Yes. The ferry operates daily throughout the year. High season from November through May has two departure times, while low season has one afternoon departure.

Is the ferry air-conditioned?

Yes. The ferry has air-conditioned indoor seating, along with an outdoor top deck.

What is included in the price?

The fare includes a one-way transfer on the Ao Nang Princess ferry, hotel drop-off, and basic travel insurance.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you may receive a different date or a full refund.