Early Bird Phi Phi Island & 4 Islands Speed Boat Tour from Krabi

Exploring the Phi Phi Islands & 4 Islands on a Speedboat from Krabi

Booking a trip to Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands can feel overwhelming with so many options. But if you’re after a full-day adventure that hits the highlights while avoiding the crowds, the Early Bird Phi Phi Island & 4 Islands Speed Boat Tour from Krabi might be just the ticket. For around $85, you’ll spend about nine hours cruising past iconic spots like Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Chicken Island, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up Thailand’s famous sun.

What we love about this tour is how it starts early — very early — to beat the crowds. There’s something special about being among the first visitors to these stunning islands, when the beaches are quieter and the scenery feels more authentic. Plus, the inclusion of park entrance fees and a buffet lunch at a private beach makes it feel like a good value for a full day of adventure.

However, an early start means you’re likely up before dawn, and the day can be quite long, especially if you’re not used to such packed schedules. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a vigorous pace and want to see as much as possible in a single day, especially if avoiding crowds matters a lot to you. It’s perfect for those who appreciate good guided commentary and are comfortable sharing space with up to 40 fellow explorers.

Key Points

• Early departure helps you avoid the crowds and experience the islands with fewer visitors.
• All-inclusive package covers park fees, snacks, lunch, and snorkeling gear, making it easy and convenient.
• Multiple island stops offer a variety of scenery — from beaches to limestone cliffs.
• Group size is limited to 40, providing a more intimate experience compared to larger tours.
• Time on Maya Bay is about 50 minutes — long enough to touch the sand and snap photos.
• Professional guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Long day with a packed itinerary might feel tiring for some, but it’s a great way to maximize your time.
• Travelers note some minor issues like rough waters or short stays at certain spots, but overall, reviews are positive.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Early for a Cooler, Less Crowded Adventure

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Krabi, often around 6 am. We found this early start a real advantage — you’re on the water before most travelers arrive. After a short 45-minute bus ride to Nopparat Thara Pier, you check in, grab a light breakfast, and board a comfortable speedboat that seats up to 40 people. The small group size helps keep things manageable and more personal, especially when compared to larger, busier tours.

The Speedboat Ride & First Stops

Cruising past Railay Beach to the Phi Phi Islands takes less than 45 minutes. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, offering sweeping views of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. The guides do a good job of pointing out landmarks and sharing tidbits about the area, which makes the journey itself engaging.

Highlights of the Island Stops

• Loh Samah Bay & Maya Bay: The tour’s flagship highlight is Maya Bay, famous from the movie “The Beach”. Here, we had around 50 minutes to walk the soft white sand and dip toes into the clear waters. Several reviews mention the protected rules — no swimming or drones — but this actually preserves the bay’s tranquil beauty. One reviewer noted, “You can touch the sand and dangle your feet into the water,” which captures the relaxed vibe.

• Pileh Bay & Snorkeling: The stunning Pileh Lagoon is a photographer’s dream, with towering limestone cliffs framing the canyon. For snorkelers, the east side of Phi Phi Leh offers crystal-clear water and vibrant coral reefs, approximately 45 minutes of underwater exploration.

• Viking Cave & Monkey Beach: Passing the Viking Cave offers a chance to learn about the nesting of birds used for bird’s nest soup. While we don’t stop here, the cruise by is informative. The iconic Monkey Beach is visible from the boat, with reviews noting the playful monkeys at low tide, making it a memorable sight even without getting off the boat.

• Additional Islands & Sandbars: Later, the tour explores Bamboo Island, with its nearly heart-shaped sand beach ideal for swimming and relaxing, and Chicken Island, with its famous rock formation. The walk on the sandbar at Thale Waek connecting Koh Kai, Koh Tup, and Koh Mor is a fun photo op, and Koh Tup itself offers a quick swim on a tiny island with a stunning vegetation-topped peak.

Lunch & Relaxation

A highlight for many is the buffet lunch at Arida Restaurant on Koh Phi Phi Don. The Thai buffet offers enough variety, and those with specific dietary needs, like vegetarians, should pre-order. Several reviews praise the food as simple but satisfying, with comments like, “The setup for breakfast was simple but wonderful” and that it fuels the rest of the day perfectly.

Afternoon at Bamboo Island & Poda Island

Post-lunch, the tour slows down at Bamboo Island, a peaceful spot with shallow waters and excellent snorkeling, perfect for families or anyone who wants a break from the boat. Later, Koh Poda serves as the final relaxing stop with more white sand and swimming opportunities.

End of the Day & Return

The tour wraps up by returning to Ao Ton Sai Pier, with a brief stop at Ton Sai Pier where you disembark and walk to the nearby restaurant for a quick farewell meal or snack. The entire day is well-paced but long — expect to be on the move from early morning till late afternoon.

What Travelers Say

Reviews highlight the helpfulness and friendliness of guides, with many describing the experience as “wonderful” and “well-organized.” One reviewer raved, “The local team took very good care of us,” emphasizing the attentive service. Others appreciated the opportunity to snorkel, touch the sand, and see the beaches early before they fill up.

Nevertheless, some guests found the day “too long,” especially if they’re not used to such packed schedules. Rough seas can also mean a bumpy ride or limited beach time at some stops, but overall, most reviews reflect satisfaction with the value and scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventure lovers and photographers who appreciate good scenery and want to avoid crowds. It’s also suitable for families, thanks to the inclusion of snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch, and manageable group sizes. If you’re after a relaxed, leisurely vacation, this might feel a bit rushed, but for those eager to pack in as much as possible, it’s an excellent choice.

Practical Considerations & Tips

• Getting up early is key to enjoying a quieter, more relaxed experience.
• Be prepared for a long day — bring sun protection, water, and patience.
• The sea conditions can vary; if the waters are rough, expect some splashing and a bumpy ride.
• You’ll need to pre-pay the park entrance fees, but the tour covers this so you don’t have to worry about extra costs on the day.
• Snorkeling gear is provided, but you might want to bring your own if you prefer a specific mask or fins.
• Dress comfortably and wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs and stay sun-smart.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickups around 6 am, with check-in at Nopparat Thara Pier at 7 am.

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
The speedboat ride from Krabi to Phi Phi Leh takes less than 45 minutes, providing a quick, scenic transfer.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a Thai buffet lunch at Arida Restaurant on Koh Phi Phi Don is part of the package, with options for dietary preferences if arranged beforehand.

What are the main stops?
You’ll visit Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Bay, Bamboo Island, Chicken Island, and enjoy swimming and snorkeling at various locations.

Are park entrance fees included?
All park fees are included in the tour price, so you don’t have to pay extra at the islands.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Absolutely. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can explore coral reefs at Phi Phi Leh’s east side and around Bamboo Island.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially since it includes snorkeling gear, lunch, and manageable group sizes. However, the early start and long hours should be considered for young children.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera if desired, and refillable water bottles. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for water activities and sun protection.

Summing Up

The Early Bird Phi Phi Island & 4 Islands Speed Boat Tour offers a well-rounded experience packed with stunning scenery, snorkel opportunities, and a chance to see Thailand’s famed islands before they get crowded. You’ll appreciate the knowledgeable guides, the convenience of all-inclusive pricing, and the chance to visit many spots in one day.

While the early start and long day may not suit everyone, those eager for adventure, beautiful views, and a taste of authentic island life will find plenty to love here. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of your time in Krabi, especially if you prefer smaller groups and the comfort of guided tours.

Final Thoughts

This tour provides a practical, value-packed way to explore the best of the Phi Phi Islands and surrounding spots. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who don’t mind an early wake-up call in exchange for quieter beaches and a comprehensive itinerary. The combination of stunning scenery, friendly guides, and smooth logistics makes it stand out among many options.

If you’re after a full-day adventure that balances sightseeing with relaxation and is mindful of crowding, this tour hits the right notes. Just remember to pack sun protection and patience for a long, rewarding day on Thailand’s most famous islands.