Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Tour from Phuket

If you’re visiting Phuket and craving a day of sun, sea, and spectacular scenery, the Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Tour offers an appealing way to see some of Thailand’s most iconic sights. For around $69, you get a full-day adventure lasting roughly 9 hours, packed with visits to famous locations like Maya Bay—the film-set of “The Beach”—and Bamboo Island’s tranquil beaches. The tour includes hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and the chance to relax on pristine beaches, all delivered by a friendly, English-speaking crew.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it runs: the comfortable speedboat ensures a quick yet scenic ride between islands, and the well-organized itinerary offers ample time at each stop. We also appreciate the knowledgeable guides, who seem genuinely invested in making sure everyone has a memorable trip. The included snorkeling equipment and fresh fruits add to the value, giving you the essentials for a fun day without extra hassle.

However, a consideration worth noting is that crowds can be overwhelming, particularly at popular spots like Maya Bay, which tends to be packed with boats and visitors. The tour’s long duration might also feel a bit tiring for those with limited stamina or young children. Still, if you love seeing several key sights in one day, this trip could be perfect.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience that hits all the highlights of the Phi Phi Islands. If you’re eager to enjoy snorkeling, relax on unspoiled beaches, and see famous film locations, you’ll likely find it very rewarding. Those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience might prefer private or smaller tours, but for many visitors, this offers excellent value and fun.

Key Points

• Comfortable and organized speedboat tour ensures a smooth experience.
• Visit iconic sites like Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island.
• Ample time at each stop allows for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.
• Inclusion of snorkeling gear and fresh fruits enhances enjoyment without extra costs.
• Crowds at popular spots can detract from the tranquility, especially during peak times.
• Great for those looking for a full-day, all-in-one island adventure with good value.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Phuket, which is a big plus for convenience. You’re then transferred via minibus to Panwa Pier, where you’ll meet your guide, check in, and receive a color-coded bracelet that keeps your group organized. The short tea, coffee, and snack break at the pier sets a relaxed tone before boarding your speedboat.

The boat itself is described as comfortable, with enough space so that everyone has a seat and a life jacket. This is a thoughtful touch that makes the experience more secure and enjoyable, especially for those who might be nervous about boat rides. The crew and guide—referred to as “Ami” in reviews—are praised for their friendly and attentive service.

Visiting Maya Bay

Maya Bay is the star attraction, famously featured in the movie “The Beach.” Arriving early in the day allows you to beat some of the crowds, but during the annual closure from August 1 to October 1, the tour adjusts to only offer viewpoints and photos from the boat. Even with crowds, many travelers find Maya Bay breathtaking, with some noting that the walk through the mangroves adds an extra dimension to the visit.

One reviewer described it as a “beautiful” destination, though they also mentioned the crowds and boats can detract from the serenity. It’s worth noting that visiting early or on less busy days might enhance your experience.

Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave

Next, you’ll glide towards Pileh Lagoon, where the calm, emerald waters are perfect for swimming. The cliffs surrounding the lagoon create a dramatic backdrop, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots on the tour. Expect about 40 minutes here—enough time for a dip or just relaxing on the boat.

The Viking Cave is a quick sightseeing stop. While you won’t go inside, viewing the ancient cave paintings and nesting seabirds adds an interesting cultural twist. Most find this stop educational and visually intriguing, even if brief.

Monkey Beach and Lunch at Koh Phi Phi Don

A short stop at Monkey Beach offers some fun photo opportunities with the resident primates. Visitors should keep their distance, as the monkeys can be mischievous. It’s a quick visit, but one that many find charming.

Then, the tour pauses for a buffet lunch on Koh Phi Phi Don. Reviewers consistently mention the lunch as “decent,” offering enough variety to satisfy most appetites. It’s a good chance to recharge before more water activities.

Snorkeling and Bamboo Island

After lunch, you’ll gear up for snorkeling near Phi Phi Don. The crew provides snorkel equipment and life vests, and many reviewers, like Tina, highlight how they managed to snorkel for the first time thanks to the crew’s help. The waters are teeming with fish, and you might even see small sharks or rays, depending on the day.

The final stop is Bamboo Island, renowned for its white, sandy beaches and tranquil vibe. Here, you’ll have about an hour to swim, relax, and take in the scenery—an excellent way to wind down the day.

Returning to Phuket

As the day winds down, you’ll head back to the harbor, and a minibus will transfer you back to your hotel. Many reviewers find this full-circle experience satisfying, though some mention the long day and crowded spots as minor drawbacks.

What the Reviews Say

Multiple travelers highlight the professionalism of the guides and crew. Amy, who called the trip “amazing” and “good value,” appreciated the organized seating and safety measures, making the experience comfortable and worry-free. Tina was thrilled with the snorkeling, calling it a “must-do” and praising the friendly staff.

On the flip side, some reviewers, like Victoria and Fiona, point out crowds and the long duration as less enjoyable aspects. Victoria mentioned that Maya Bay was crowded, and the long day could be tiring, especially when navigating busy spots. This suggests that early morning or less busy seasons might improve the experience.

Why It Works

The tour’s value for money is frequently praised. For just over $69, you get transportation, multiple island stops, a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and the chance to see some of the most famous sites near Phuket. The well-paced itinerary ensures you’re not rushed, and the friendly guides make the trip enjoyable.

Potential Drawbacks

The main issue is crowding, which can make some destinations feel less peaceful. Also, the long duration may be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to full-day tours on the water. Weather can also impact plans, and the tour may be canceled or shortened if sea conditions are unsafe.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience tends to suit active travelers who want a full day of exploring multiple spots with minimal planning. If you’re eager to see Maya Bay, snorkel, and relax on Bamboo Island, you’ll find it a good balance of adventure and comfort. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind crowds and are happy with a group setting. For travelers with limited time in Phuket, this is an efficient way to cover highlights.

Final Thoughts

The Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Tour from Phuket offers a solid, well-rounded experience for anyone wanting to explore the region’s most famous sights without the hassle of organizing transport or activities independently. The friendly guides, scenic stops, and inclusion of snorkeling gear make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re keen to see the key highlights in one day.

While crowds at Maya Bay and other spots can sometimes be a drawback, many travelers find the beauty of the islands and the professionalism of the team more than compensates. The tour’s value for money and organized approach make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

If you love snorkeling, relaxing on beaches, and ticking off iconic sights, this trip is likely to leave you with fond memories—and plenty of fantastic photos. Just bring your patience for crowds and your sense of adventure.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in Phuket, making it convenient to start your day without extra transportation worries.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, from pickup to return, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment and life vests are provided by the crew, so you can simply enjoy the water without extra hassle.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, there is a mandatory national park fee of 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children, payable at departure.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s most suitable for most travelers, but pregnant women are advised not to participate due to safety restrictions on speedboat travel.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour might be canceled or rescheduled if sea conditions are unsafe. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour combines famous sights, snorkeling, and beach relaxation into a well-organized package that offers excellent value. It’s perfect for travelers who want to sample the best of the Phi Phi Islands in a single, enjoyable day. While crowds can be a concern at peak times, the overall experience—friendly guides, scenic stops, and a good pace—makes it a memorable part of any Phuket itinerary.