Phi Phi Early Bird & 4 Islands – Day Tour by Speedboat From Krabi

A Quick Look at the Phi Phi Early Bird & 4 Islands Day Tour

This 9-hour speedboat adventure from Krabi is perfect for those who want to see some of Thailand’s most iconic sights while avoiding the crowds. For just over $80 per person, you’ll be whisked away from your hotel (with convenient pickup) to explore Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach, as well as the Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and several other stunning spots. The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, which means it’s small enough to feel intimate but lively enough to keep the energy up.

We especially love the early start—departing around 6:45 AM—because it helps you beat the crowds at popular sites like Maya Bay, giving you more space for photos and relaxation. The comprehensive itinerary includes snorkeling gear, a Thai buffet lunch, fresh fruits, and drinks, making it a convenient all-in-one experience. However, keep in mind that the tour is physically moderate—some stops involve swimming and walking—which might be a consideration if you’re traveling with very young children or those with mobility issues. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers eager to tick off major sights in one day with excellent guides and smooth logistics.

Key Points

• Beat the crowds with an early morning departure, giving you more peaceful visits to popular sites.
• All-inclusive: breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and basic insurance included.
• Stunning scenery: admire famous filming locations, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear waters.
• Flexible itinerary: stops for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on beaches, and sightseeing.
• Small group size: max 30 travelers, creating a friendly, personalized atmosphere.
• Excellent reviews: consistently high ratings for organization, guides, and overall value.

Diving Deep into the Krabi 4 Islands & Phi Phi Tour

Starting Point and Departure Time
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Krabi (or nearby areas like Ao Nang or Railay Beach if booked in advance). The tour departs early, around 6:45 AM, from Nopparat Thara Pier. This early start is advantageous—many reviews mention it as a way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the sights without the throngs of day-trippers. The boat is speedily comfortable and capped at 30 people, which feels just right for a small-group tour.

What We Like: The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is a major plus—no need to navigate complicated transport—that gives you more time to relax and soak in the scenery. Plus, the start time means you’re on the water before most other tours, which is a real perk if you value peaceful moments on the beaches and at the attraction sites.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Nopparat Thara Pier
Your adventure kicks off here. Expect to leave early morning, and the boat quickly becomes your floating base for the day. The boat is well-organized, and staff are praised for professionalism and friendliness, making the start smooth and enjoyable.

Stop 2: Tup Island & Koh Mor (Chicken Island)
This is a highlight for many travelers. The sandbar that appears at low tide connecting the islands is a picture-perfect sight. One reviewer called it “an amazing sight of a white, fine sand bar,” emphasizing how magical it feels to walk across these natural bridges. You’ll spend about 40 minutes here, plenty of time to stroll, take photos, and appreciate the scenery.

Stop 3: Maya Bay
The world-famous filming location from The Beach. You’ll spend about an hour here—enough to take photos and admire the turquoise waters and towering cliffs. Keep in mind, swimming is not allowed at Maya Bay—a regulation to protect its fragile ecosystem—so don’t expect to jump in the water here. The site’s popularity means it’s often crowded later in the day, but your early visit keeps it more relaxed.

Stop 4: Pileh Bay
This emerald-green lagoon, surrounded by cliffs, is accessible only at high tide, making timing important. You’ll have 40 minutes for swimming, jumping off the boat, and snapping photos of the dramatic landscape. The scenery here is truly special—a vivid contrast of blue and green waters framed by cliffs.

Stop 5: Viking Cave
While you can’t go inside, spotting the birds’ nests and the iconic cave from the boat makes for great photos. It’s a quick 15-minute stop, but a favorite for many because of its distinctive appearance.

Stop 6: Monkey Beach
Here, you can see crab-eating macaques in their natural habitat. They’re often close enough to see from the boat, adding a fun wildlife element. About 15 minutes are allocated, so you get a quick but memorable encounter.

Stop 7: Loh Samah Bay
A snorkeling hotspot. The underwater scenery is colorful, and marine life is abundant, according to reviews. You’ll spend 45 minutes exploring the coral reefs and tropical fish—many travelers mention how vibrant the underwater world is, making it perfect for both beginners and more experienced snorkelers.

Stop 8: Bamboo Island
One of the most relaxing spots, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. This is a perfect place for sunbathing or a leisurely swim. The tour includes a Thai buffet lunch here, which reviewers have raved about, especially mentioning the vegetarian options that cater to different dietary preferences.

Stop 9: Chicken Island
Named for its unusual rock formation resembling a chicken, this is a quick stop for photos. The reviews highlight it as a “must-see,” and it’s a fun photo opportunity before heading to your last island.

Stop 10: Poda Island
The soft sands and scenic views here make it popular among visitors. You’ll have around 45 minutes to unwind, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty.

Food and Comfort

The included Thai buffet lunch is a hit among travelers. Many reviews mention that the food was delicious, with options catering to vegetarians and vegans. Snacks, seasonal fruits, and drinks are also provided throughout the day, keeping everyone energized.

The snorkeling equipment and life jackets are of good quality, and guides are praised for helping those new to snorkeling feel comfortable. A couple of reviews mention feeling cared for (“the guide kept checking on me and offered to take photos”), which adds a personal touch.

Overall Experience and Value

Reviewers consistently praise the tour for being well-organized, friendly guides, and beautiful scenery. Many point out that the early start is worth it to avoid the crowds, and the small group size makes everything feel more personal and less rushed. The inclusion of hotel transfers significantly enhances the experience by removing logistical worries.

At around $81, this tour offers excellent value—considering the multiple stops, included meals, snacks, and snorkeling gear, you’re getting a full, hassle-free day of sightseeing. It’s especially recommended for travelers who want a rundown of Krabi’s islands without the hassle of planning each stop separately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone eager to see the highlights of Krabi’s famous islands with a small group, friendly guides, and the benefit of an early start, this tour is ideal. It suits travelers who appreciate well-organized trips that combine wildlife sightings, stunning scenery, and snorkeling. Those looking to avoid crowded spots and enjoy peaceful moments will find this tour particularly appealing. It’s also great for families or groups wanting a safe, inclusive, and comprehensive day out.

Final Thoughts

This Phi Phi Early Bird & 4 Islands tour balances adventure, comfort, and natural beauty. The early departure helps you beat the crowds, ensuring more tranquil experiences at key sites like Maya Bay. The variety of stops—beaches, caves, snorkeling spots—means you’ll get a well-rounded taste of what Krabi has to offer.

The guides consistently earn praise for their professionalism and friendliness, making the journey smooth and enjoyable. With a delicious Thai buffet, snacks, and quality equipment included, the value is clear for an action-packed day on the water.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler returning to Krabi, this tour offers a reliable, fun, and scenic way to explore the region’s top sights with minimal hassle and maximum enjoyment.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs from Nopparat Thara Pier between 6:45 and 7:00 AM, giving you a head start before most other visitors arrive.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a Thai buffet lunch is included, with options suitable for vegetarians and vegans, along with snacks and seasonal fruits.

How many people are on each boat?
The boat caps at 30 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and better access to scenic spots.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera or phone case. Luggage and baby strollers are not allowed on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear and life jackets are included and are of good quality, helping both beginners and experienced snorkelers enjoy the underwater scenery.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

In sum, this Krabi speedboat tour is a fantastic choice for travelers wanting an efficient, enjoyable, and scenic day exploring Thailand’s stunning islands with knowledgeable guides and a well-rounded itinerary. It’s an adventure that combines natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural sights, all with the comfort of good organization and thoughtful inclusions.