Koh Lanta: Phi Phi Islands Tour w/ Maya Bay, Snorkel & Lunch

An Honest Look at the Koh Lanta: Phi Phi Islands Tour with Maya Bay, Snorkel & Lunch

Starting from Koh Lanta, this 8-hour speedboat tour whizzes through some of Thailand’s most iconic spots. You’ll visit Maya Bay, the famed film location from The Beach, explore Pileh Lagoon, snorkel amidst vibrant fish and corals, and relax on Bamboo Island — a tiny slice of paradise. The tour is priced at $61 per person, which includes hotel pickup, guide services, snorkel gear, and a buffet lunch.

What we love are the early access to popular spots—thanks to being one of the first boats there—and the friendly, well-informed guides who make the experience both fun and educational. The other standout? The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet—a real treat after a busy morning of sightseeing.

A potential consideration is the long travel time from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi, which means you’ll spend quite some time on the boat—something to keep in mind if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer shorter excursions.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a full-day adventure, appreciate natural beauty, and want to see the major highlights of Phi Phi without the hassle of planning. It’s especially good for those looking for a value-packed experience that combines sightseeing with snorkeling and a generous meal.

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Key Points

Comprehensive experience: Covers Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, and Viking Cave.
Value for money: Includes pickup, guide, snorkeling gear, and an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Timing and efficiency: Designed to make the most of limited time, with early arrivals to popular spots.
Guided expertise: Friendly guides enhance the experience with helpful tips and local knowledge.
Limited swimming at some stops: Pileh Lagoon and Monkey Bay are photo stops only due to time constraints.
Weather dependent: Sea conditions could alter the schedule, and Bamboo Island might be replaced if waves are high.

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Exploring the Tour: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Departure and Early Morning Pickup

The adventure begins with hotel pickup between 7:50 AM and 8:50 AM in Koh Lanta Yai. The exact time varies depending on your location, so you’ll get a message the day before to confirm. The shared transport gets you to the dock, where you’ll board a speedboat around 9:30 AM. Expect a roughly 30-minute ride to Phi Phi, which is a significant part of the day but also a chance to get excited for the upcoming sights.

First Stop: Maya Bay

The highlight for many is Maya Bay, immortalized by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach. You’ll spend about an hour here—enough to snap some photos and feel the magic of this pristine, sandy cove. It’s a busy spot, but arriving early means you can beat the crowds a little, gaining better photo opportunities as many reviews express.

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Monkey Bay and Loh Samah Bay

Next, a quick photo stop at Monkey Bay lets you see the crab-eating macaques in their natural habitat. While you won’t be able to swim here, the sight of playful monkeys often delights visitors. A brief stop at Loh Samah Bay adds to the scenic vistas with a quick look at the cliffs.

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Pileh Lagoon: The Stunning Canyon

The 15-minute stop at Pileh Lagoon is a favorite among travelers. This photo-worthy spot features a narrow, canyon-like inlet with sparkling waters. Although swimming isn’t permitted here, the view alone makes it worth the visit. Reviewers like Jennifer praise the helpful guides who give tips and manage the group smoothly through these busy sites.

Viking Cave and Snorkeling

The Viking Cave is another quick photo stop. While boats cannot go inside, you’ll be close enough to take pics of the cave’s ancient paintings and bird nests. Afterward, you’ll get about 30 minutes for snorkeling at Viking Cave’s nearby waters, where colorful fish and corals await. Many guests rave about the underwater wildlife. Kristine noted she enjoyed snorkeling at Bamboo Island and Monkey Bay, highlighting how much quality time was spent in the water.

Lunch at Phi Phi Don

Around noon, you’ll arrive at Phi Phi Don for a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet lunch. This meal offers a good variety, giving you energy for the afternoon. Many reviews mention the lunch quality exceeds expectations, making it a highlight rather than just a break.

Bamboo Island: The Quiet Paradise

Post-lunch, the boat heads to Bamboo Island, a tiny haven with soft white sand and clear waters. You’ll have about an hour here to swim, relax, or take photos. Several reviews emphasize Bamboo Island as a less crowded alternative to Maya Bay, with better beaches and fewer travelers. It’s often praised as the best part of the day.

Return Journey

The tour wraps up with another 30-minute speedboat ride back to Koh Lanta, arriving around 4:30 PM. The return trip can be a good time to reflect on the day’s highlights or chat with fellow travelers.

Why This Tour Works Well

The balance of popular sights, snorkeling, and good food makes this a well-rounded experience. The early arrival at Maya Bay ensures you beat some of the crowds, which many reviews find valuable. The guided element adds a layer of safety and insight, elevating the trip beyond just a boat ride.

The price point feels reasonable given the included amenities, especially considering the hotel pickup and all-day transportation. The snorkeling gear and lunch buffet are thoughtful touches that add to the perceived value.

Considerations and Downsides

The schedule is quite tight, especially with the long travel time from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi. If you’re not a fan of speedboat rides, or if seasickness is a concern, this might not be the best fit. The time spent at each location is limited—especially at Pileh Lagoon and Monkey Bay—so if you’re looking for longer swimming or exploring time, you might find it rushed.

Weather conditions play a role too; sea waves can affect plans, especially Bamboo Island. Sometimes, if waves are too high, it might be replaced with another stop, which could be disappointing if you’re eager to visit specific spots.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers eager to see multiple highlights in one day. It’s perfect if you enjoy snorkeling, beautiful scenery, and don’t mind a full day on a boat. Families with older children, or those who dislike long waits or complicated logistics, will appreciate the organized, guided approach.

However, travelers sensitive to seasickness, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues should probably look for alternatives, as the tour involves speedboat rides and walking across uneven surfaces.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those wanting a comprehensive, fun, and well-organized day trip from Koh Lanta into the heart of Phi Phi’s most photogenic spots, this tour offers great value. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge shine through in the reviews, and the early access to Maya Bay means you won’t just see the crowds, but also catch that perfect shot.

The snorkeling adds an extra dimension for underwater lovers, and Bamboo Island remains a highlight for many who enjoy peaceful beaches with fewer travelers. While the schedule can feel a bit rushed, it’s a good way to tick off multiple bucket-list sites in one go.

Overall, if you’re after a full, lively day with plenty of sights, good food, and friendly guides, this tour is a worthwhile choice — especially considering the price point and inclusions. Just remember to bring seasickness remedies if needed, and prepare for a day packed with some of Thailand’s most iconic island scenery.

FAQs

How long is the transfer from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi?
The transfer takes about 30 minutes by speedboat, with the tour starting around 9:30 AM after pickup from your hotel.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour features an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, which many reviewers find quite satisfying.

What is the best time to arrive at Maya Bay?
Since the tour starts early, you will beat most crowds. Arriving early is recommended for better photos.

Are snorkel masks and gear provided?
Yes, the tour includes snorkel masks, water, a fridge, and life jackets.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s not recommended for children under 4, pregnant women, or those with mobility or seasickness issues.

How much is the national park fee?
The fee is 400 Baht per adult or 200 Baht per child (3-14 years old), payable on-site.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who provides this tour?
The experience is offered by Discover Thailand, with reviews praising the friendly guides and well-organized itinerary.

This Koh Lanta: Phi Phi Islands tour offers a taste of Thailand’s most celebrated islands, blending scenic beauty, adventure, and local flavor into a memorable day. Whether you’re snapping photos at Maya Bay or relaxing on Bamboo Island’s quiet shores, you’ll come away with plenty of stories—and probably a few great photos too.