Sunrise Phi Phi + 4 Islands Trip By Speedboat From Krabi

A Speedy Dive into Krabi’s Best Islands: Sunrise Phi Phi + 4 Islands Trip

If you’re planning a day trip from Krabi and want a taste of Thailand’s most iconic islands, the Sunrise Phi Phi + 4 Islands tour by speedboat offers a quick, scenic escape. For around $91 per person, you’ll spend roughly 9 to 10 hours exploring some of the region’s most celebrated spots — from the famous Maya Bay to the tranquil Chicken Island. The tour kicks off early at 6:00 am with hotel pickup—if you’re staying in Ao Nang or nearby—and packs in a lot of sights, snorkeling, and relaxing.

What really draws us in is the chance to see multiple islands in one day, all without the hassle of organizing transport or food. Plus, the included buffet lunch on Bamboo Island and the opportunity to snorkel in crystal waters are definite highlights. However, the tour’s average rating of 3 out of 5 suggests there are some hiccups, particularly around guide communication and value, which we’ll explore further.

The experience seems ideal for solo travelers or small groups eager to meet others and share the adventure. Those who value scenic beauty and a structured itinerary might find it perfect, but if you’re seeking a more personalized or in-depth experience, you might consider alternatives.

Key Points

• Multiple island visits in one day provide a broad taste of Krabi’s diverse scenery.
• Included meals and snorkeling gear add value, making it a hassle-free outing.
• Pickup included for certain beaches makes logistics easier.
• Guide communication issues have been noted, so manage expectations around language.
• Cancellations are flexible with a full refund available if you change plans 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is best suited for those happy with a group experience and a busy schedule.

Exploring the Details: What to Expect on the Sunrise Phi Phi + 4 Islands Tour

Starting the Day: Early Morning Pickup and Setting Out

The day begins with a prompt 6:00 am pickup at your hotel or designated meeting point near Ao Nang. The tour’s small group size (max 30 travelers) helps keep things intimate, but be prepared for a lively, sometimes crowded environment. The speedboat whisks you across the waters, offering a chance to enjoy the early morning sea breeze and panoramic views.

First Stop: Bamboo Island — Powdery Sands & Buffet Lunch

Our first destination is Bamboo Island, a true postcard favorite. The beach here features powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for a quick dip or just relaxing on the beach. We loved that the tour includes a buffet lunch, giving everyone a chance to refuel in this tropical paradise. The included Thai food is generally considered decent, with enough variety to satisfy most tastes.

One downside: some reviews mention the short 1-hour stop feels rushed, especially if you want to linger. But for many, this is ample time to snap photos, dip into the water, and enjoy the scenery before moving on.

Maya Bay — The Fame of ‘The Beach’

Next, you visit Maya Bay, famed as the filming location for the movie The Beach. This spot often draws crowds, but on this tour, you’ll get a quick hour to soak in that dramatic limestone cliffs and striking waters. We appreciated the chance to see this iconic site without the hassle of crowded boat tours that linger for hours.

Some travelers, including the review from Ulisses_P, mention that guides didn’t always speak fluent English, which can hinder understanding of the site’s significance. Despite that, the guide’s friendly demeanor still left a good impression.

Pileh Bay — Snorkeling in a Lagoon

One of the tour’s highlights is Pileh Bay, where you can snorkel in clear, calm waters. The lagoon’s colorful marine life and tropical reef are captivating, especially for those new to snorkeling. The tour supplies life jackets and equipment, which are essential for beginners or those who prefer a bit of buoyancy.

Expect about an hour here. We loved the chance to see underwater life in such pristine conditions, but if you’re an experienced snorkeler, you might find the time a bit limited.

Monkey Beach — Photos and Sightseeing

A quick 30-minute stop at Monkey Beach offers a chance to observe the playful primates and take photos. It’s a fun, casual visit, but if you’re wary of monkeys or prefer quiet beaches, this might not be your favorite part.

Loh Samah Bay & Nui Bay — Underwater Exploring

The tour then moves to Loh Samah Bay (or Nui Bay), ideal for more snorkeling. The underwater scenery here is vibrant, with tropical fishes and colorful coral formations. The 1-hour stop allows enough time for multiple snorkel sessions, and we found the marine life lively and inviting.

Chicken Island & Tub Islands — Relaxation and Exploration

The longest stop is at Chicken Island, where you’ll spend around 2 hours. This is a great spot to relax, explore, or snorkel around the rock formations resembling a chicken’s comb. Nearby Tub Island and Mor Island offer additional exploration opportunities. The extended time here makes it a good break for a swim or just soaking in the sun.

Poda Island — Sunrise and Light Breakfast

Finally, the tour concludes with a 1-hour visit to Poda Island. Here, the highlight is witnessing the beautiful sunrise, which offers some of the best photo opportunities. Breakfast is provided, and while simple, it’s enough to keep you energized for the last stretch of the day.

Practicalities and Considerations

Pricing and Value

At $91.27, the tour seems reasonable for a full day of sightseeing, meals, and snorkeling gear. The included buffet lunch, fruits, and soft drinks add to the perceived value, especially since you’re covering multiple islands in a single trip. However, some travelers, like Ulisses_P, feel it’s overpriced and suggest booking in person in Thailand could save you money. Still, booking online offers the convenience and peace of mind.

Group Size and Guides

With a maximum of 30 travelers, it’s manageable but still potentially crowded. The English-speaking guides aim to enhance the experience, but reviews indicate that language barriers can sometimes be an issue, impacting the clarity of explanations.

Logistics and Comfort

The pickup from Ao Nang or nearby beaches makes logistics easier, but if you’re staying in Krabi Town, there’s an additional 100 THB round-trip transfer fee. The speedboat ride is quick, but expect some bouncing over the water, which might be tiring for some.

Cancellations and Weather

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility should your plans change. Since weather can impact boat trips, it’s good to know that if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll get a full refund or a different date.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is well-suited for active travelers wanting to see multiple sites in one day without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s great for solo travelers, small groups, or families with older children (ages 4-11) who can enjoy snorkeling and beach time. If you prefer personalized, in-depth experiences or are sensitive to guide communication issues, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If your goal is to maximize island visits and take in some stunning scenery with minimal fuss, this tour provides solid value. The speedboat allows for rapid movement across sites, and the included meals are a nice bonus. However, the experience relies heavily on the guides’ English skills and the group atmosphere, which can vary.

We loved the diverse stops—from relaxing on Bamboo Island to snorkeling at Pileh Bay—and appreciate the effort to include meals and snorkeling gear. But keep in mind the short durations at each site and potential crowds or guide communication hurdles.

This tour offers an energetic, well-organized way to see many of Krabi’s highlights in a single day. It’s best suited for travelers eager to tick off iconic spots quickly and willing to accept some limitations for convenience and price.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, free pickup is available from Ao Nang beach, Klong Muang beach, and Tubkaek beach. If staying in Krabi Town, an extra 100 THB round-trip transfer fee applies.

How long is the tour?
The entire trip lasts about 9 to 10 hours, starting at 6:00 am and returning to the meeting point in the late afternoon.

What is included in the price?
Lunch, soft drinks, drinking water, tropical seasonal fruits, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, an English-speaking guide, and accident insurance are included.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, you’ll need to pay a national park fee (400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child) at the entrance. Also, round-trip transfer to Krabi Town costs an extra 100 THB per person.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-11 years can join, but the tour involves boat rides and snorkeling, so supervision is important.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or full refund.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. Changes less than 24 hours before are not accepted.

In the end, this speedy island-hopping adventure from Krabi offers a fun, scenic, and efficient way to experience some of Thailand’s most famous beaches and bays. It might not be perfect for those seeking deep, quiet immersion, but for a burst of tropical beauty and snorkeling, it hits the mark. Just keep your expectations in check, especially regarding guide communication and the quick stops — but overall, it’s a lively, photo-worthy day out.