Phi Phi, Maya & Bamboo Island by Speed boat from Krabi

A Memorable Day Exploring the Phi Phi Islands with Speedboat from Krabi

If you’re heading to Krabi and craving a day of sun, sea, and unforgettable scenery, this Phi Phi, Maya & Bamboo Island tour offers a well-organized way to see some of Thailand’s most iconic spots. For $49.38 per person, you get a roughly 8 to 9-hour adventure that includes hotel pickup, a speedboat ride, visits to famous islands, snorkeling, and a tasty buffet lunch. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides, you’ll get a taste of the best that the Andaman Sea has to offer without breaking the bank.

Two particular aspects we love are the well-planned itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxing, and snorkeling, and the inclusive lunch and snacks, which add value and convenience. The tour also keeps things simple for visitors, with round-trip transfers from Ao Nang, making it easy to join without worrying about logistics.

A potential consideration is that the itinerary is quite packed; if you prefer more leisurely exploration or want to spend extra time at one spot, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for those happy to embrace a full day of adventure, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who want a cost-effective way to visit multiple islands, enjoy snorkeling and beach time, and prefer a guided group setting that handles all the logistics. It’s particularly ideal for first-time visitors or anyone looking for a hassle-free day with plenty of highlights.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, lunch, and transfers are included, making your day stress-free.
• Stunning Locations: You get to see Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island.
• Balanced Itinerary: The schedule mixes sightseeing, swimming, relaxing, and enjoying good food.
• Expert Guides: Friendly guides provide safety instructions and share insights, enhancing the experience.
• Value for Money: At just under $50, it offers a comprehensive taste of the Phi Phi Islands.
• Group Size: Limited to 47 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, social atmosphere.

The Experience in Detail

From Krabi to the Islands: Easy and Organized

The tour begins bright and early, with hotel pickups from Ao Nang, Khlong Muang Beach, and Krabi Town between 8:00 and 9:00 am. This shared transfer simplifies logistics, saving you from arranging your own transport. Once aboard the boat, you’ll quickly feel the thrill of the speedboat ride as you head toward the islands, with most travelers commenting on the smooth and efficient check-in process at Nang An pier.

First Stop: Pileh Bay — A Natural Swimming Pool

Your first highlight is the famous Pileh Lagoon, often described as a “swimming pool in the sea.” Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to dip in for a swim or simply soak up the scenery. The duration here is about 30 minutes, giving enough time to paddle around while appreciating the stunning landscape. Note that the admission fee isn’t included, so budget accordingly if you want to explore further.

Loh Samah Bay — Vibrant Coral Reefs and Marine Life

Next, you’ll visit Loh Samah Bay, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. It’s an excellent snorkeling spot, where you can see colorful fish and interesting underwater formations. With about 20 minutes here, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the underwater world or relax on the boat.

Monkey Beach: Tides Decide the Visit

The small Monkey Beach is another stop. It’s only accessible during low tide, as the tide can cause the island to disappear. If tides are high, the tour will just pass by for sightseeing from the boat. Travelers love the idea of spotting monkeys at this spot, but it’s good to be aware that the actual onshore experience might be limited depending on tides.

Maya Bay — The Iconic Movie Setting

One of the main attractions is Maya Bay, made famous by the film “The Beach.” Here, you’ll have around 45 minutes to enjoy the white sandy beach and take in the scenery. However, note that Maya Bay is closed from August 1, 2024, until October 1, 2024, so check the timing if your trip is planned during that period. Visitors rave about the beauty of this spot, but given its popularity, expect some crowds. The tour’s timed visit helps you enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed.

Viking Cave — A Unique Cultural Landmark

A brief stop at Viking Cave offers a glimpse into local legends and history, with its mysterious cave paintings. Most travelers find it fascinating to see from the boat, as exploring inside isn’t part of this tour. It’s a quick photo opportunity and a chance to learn a little about the area’s intriguing past.

Lunch on Phi Phi Don — A Well-Deserved Break

After several island stops, the tour heads to Phi Phi Don, where a buffet lunch is served. The meal caters to various diets, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal options — a thoughtful touch that adds to the tour’s value. Most reviews mention the delicious food as a highlight and appreciate the opportunity to relax on the beach afterward.

Bamboo Island — Idyllic White Sand and Coral Reefs

The day winds down with a visit to Bamboo Island, celebrated for its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. You’ll have about an hour here, enough time to swim, snorkel, or just lounge on the soft sand. The island’s heart-shaped outline makes it a favorite for photos, and many travelers describe it as the perfect postcard setting.

Returning Journey and Safety

The trip concludes at Nang An pier around 4:00 to 4:30 pm, with a smooth transfer back to your hotel. The entire experience is designed for comfort and safety, with life jackets, snorkeling gear, and accident insurance included. Tour guides are engaging and helpful, making sure everyone feels comfortable and informed at each stop.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One traveler, Tushar, summed it up as “Amazing! Just like wow!!” with a mention of their guide, Alex, being particularly nice. They appreciated the combination of stunning scenery and friendly service, emphasizing how memorable the experience was. Another reviewer, Yoshen, highlighted the well-organized nature of the tour and the value for money, especially the opportunity to sample a buffet lunch and see all the major sights.

Both reviews underscore how the tour’s structure and guides contribute significantly to making the day smooth and enjoyable. Many travelers also mention that the snorkeling gear was well-maintained and that the scenery exceeded expectations.

Practical Details

The tour costs $49.38 per person, which includes roundtrip transfers, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and guidance. While not including entrance fees for specific spots like Pileh Lagoon or Viking Cave, the overall package delivers excellent value for a busy day exploring multiple islands. Given the small group size (maximum 47 travelers), you’ll experience a friendly, intimate atmosphere, ideal for making new friends or just enjoying the scenery with fellow travelers.

The tour is suitable for most people, as most travelers can participate. It’s important to note that good weather is a must, as the tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor conditions are possible with a full refund or rescheduling.

FAQs

• What should I bring for the tour?
  You’ll want to bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and possibly waterproof camera or phone for photos. Towels aren’t included, but snorkeling gear is provided.

• Does the tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
  Yes, the buffet lunch offers vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal options, so you can enjoy a meal suited to your needs.

• How long is each stop?
  Most stops range from 20 minutes at Loh Samah Bay to 2 hours at Phi Phi Don, with additional time allocated for lunch and travel.

• Is hotel pickup available everywhere?
  Pickup is offered from Ao Nang, Khlong Muang Beach, and Krabi Town. Confirm with the operator if your location is covered.

• Are the islands crowded?
  Given the high popularity of Maya Bay and other stops, expect some crowds, especially during peak season. The tour’s timed visits help manage this.

• Can I snorkel on this tour?
  Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and several stops are specifically known for marine life and coral reefs.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a cost-effective, well-organized day of island-hopping, especially if you enjoy snorkeling and relaxing on beaches. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate friendly guides and want to see multiple sites without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets themselves. Families, first-timers, and solo travelers alike will find this trip offers a balanced mix of adventure and comfort.

If you’re looking for a full, active day with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable scenery, this tour will deliver. Just remember, it’s a busy schedule, so if you prefer more time at each location, you might want to consider a more leisurely or private option.

In short, this speedboat tour from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands combines stunning scenery, convenient logistics, and good value — making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to see the highlights of this famous region while keeping things straightforward and fun.

Enjoy your trip and savor every splash and sunset on these beautiful islands.