Phi Phi and Khai Islands Tour from Phuket

Experience the Best of Phuket’s Islands with a Speedboat Tour to Phi Phi and Khai

When visiting Phuket, a trip to the Phi Phi archipelago is practically a rite of passage. This speedboat tour takes you around four of the most iconic islands in about 9 hours, visiting Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Bay, and Khai Island. For a reasonable price of $58.02 per person, you’ll get a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing on beautiful beaches, with hotel pickups included from key areas like Patong, Kata, and Karon.

Two things we really like about this tour are the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to see some of Thailand’s most picture-perfect spots in one day. First, the itinerary is thoughtfully timed — no rushing, plenty of stops for photos and relaxing. Second, the guides and crew earn praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, making the whole experience more enjoyable.

A potential consideration is the size of the speedboat — some reviews mention it can feel a bit crowded and narrow, which might not suit those seeking a very spacious or ultra-comfortable ride. Also, the sea conditions can affect certain stops, especially Maya Bay, which is closed from August through October, so flexibility is key.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day exploring the islands without the hassle of planning multiple trips. If you’re okay with a bit of boat time and are eager to snorkel, take photos, and soak in the scenery, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines island sightseeing, snorkeling, and beach lounging.
• Includes essentials: Lunch, snorkeling gear, and snacks make for good value.
• Well-organized itinerary: Visit major sites with enough time for photos and relaxing.
• Group size and boat quality: Some find the boat a bit crowded; this is a common trade-off.
• Weather flexibility: Tours proceed in rain but are subject to sea conditions.
• Professional guides: Noted for their helpfulness and English proficiency.

A Deep Dive into the Phi Phi and Khai Islands Tour

If you’re heading to Phuket, this tour offers an immersive day in the islands that captures the essence of the Andaman Sea’s beauty. From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel to the time you’re dropped back, every part of the experience is designed to maximize your time at these spectacular locations while keeping logistics smooth.

Starting the Day: Old Phuket Town and Rassada Harbor

The tour kicks off early at 7:00 am with a hotel pickup from popular areas, which saves you the hassle of organizing transport. We appreciated the short stop in Old Phuket Town on the way to the harbor — a quick glimpse of the colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture that offers a taste of Phuket’s local vibe before hitting the water.

Arriving at Rassada Harbor, you’ll register and fill out insurance forms. The included refreshments—tea, coffee, juice, and fruit—are a nice touch after the early start, setting a relaxed tone for the day ahead. The harbor is bustling but efficient, and a 20-minute window allows for some quick photos or browsing before departure.

Maya Bay: The Movie Star of the Islands

Your first major stop is Maya Bay, famously featured in “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio. Currently, Maya Bay is closed from August 1 until October 1 each year** for environmental reasons**, so check the schedule if your trip falls during this period. When open, it’s a stunning crescent-shaped beach with towering cliffs on either side, perfect for photos and soaking up the scene.

Arriving here, you’ll have about an hour for a walk along the beach, and some tours include a chance to see where the movie was filmed. Keep in mind that access is limited during the closure, but even viewing from the boat provides memorable views.

Pileh Lagoon and Snorkeling at Ko Phi Phi Lee

Next is the Pileh Lagoon, a calm, emerald pool surrounded by high limestone cliffs. We loved the way the tour gives you plenty of time for swimming and paddleboarding, with free rental gear available. The lagoon’s tranquil waters are ideal for relaxing and taking photos of the impressive rock formations.

Following that, the boat heads to Ko Phi Phi Lee for snorkeling. The underwater world here is lively, with many fish species visible with just a mask and snorkel. One reviewer noted, “Observation of various fish species” was a highlight, making this a favorite for underwater enthusiasts. The snorkeling stops are short but sufficient for a quick dip in the fish-filled waters.

Viking Cave and Monkey Bay: Cultural and Wildlife Encounters

The Viking Cave is a quick sightseeing stop — famous for its ancient cave paintings and as a collection point for swallow nests. While you can’t go inside, it’s a fascinating glimpse into local tradition and the sea gypsies’ nests collection.

Monkey Bay offers a fun, if slightly chaotic, experience. As one traveler described, it’s a sightseeing stop to observe the monkeys, but not a landing. The 20-minute visit gives you a chance to snap photos and watch the playful primates from the boat.

Lunch and Exploration at Phi Phi Don

The tour includes a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don — a chance to stretch your legs and explore a bit. The island’s laid-back vibe makes it easy to walk around, browse local shops, or relax on the beach. Reviews praise the lunch quality and note that the free time is just enough to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Final Highlights: Khai Nok Island

The last stop is Khai Nok Island, a pearl of the Andaman Sea. Here, you can relax on powdery white beaches, snorkel near vibrant coral reefs, or rent a jet-ski or glass-bottom boat. The hour-long stop is perfect for unwinding and taking in the sunset views. Many travelers appreciated the opportunity to snorkel at this spot, as one review mentioned “the opportunity to do snorkelling at 2 places.”

Returning to Phuket

After a full day of sun, sea, and scenery, your boat heads back to the harbor, and a minibus delivers you safely back to your hotel. The smooth logistics seem to be a highlight for many, making the day feel less hectic.

What Travelers Say About This Tour

The majority of reviews reflect a positive experience with many praising the professional guides and stunning scenery. One reviewer called it a “well-organized, good value” tour with “good to see all the islands,” and others appreciated the friendly staff and delicious lunch.

However, some pointed out overcrowding issues — one noted that the speedboat was narrow and felt cramped, especially with luggage. Others mentioned that the weather and sea conditions can impact certain stops, particularly Maya Bay, which is closed seasonally. Interestingly, the tour proceeds rain or shine, which is reassuring, but big waves could lead to cancellations or changes in the itinerary.

Analyzing the Value

At around $58, this tour packs a lot into a single day. The price includes hotel pickup, buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and entrance fees to the islands, which adds up to good value when considering the convenience and coverage. The group size (up to 40 travelers) allows for social interaction but may also mean some feeling of crowding, especially on the boat.

While the boat’s narrow design might be a downside for some, the experienced crew and the opportunity to see multiple islands make it a practical option for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of the region without multiple bookings or days of travel.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting to see Phuket’s most famous islands in one go. It suits those who are comfortable on boats and don’t mind sharing space in exchange for a well-planned day. If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing with snorkeling, photo ops, and beach time, this tour hits those marks well. However, seasickness might be a concern if you’re sensitive, and the crowded boat could be a drawback for those seeking extra comfort.

The Sum Up

The Phi Phi and Khai Islands Tour from Phuket offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing at some of Thailand’s most iconic spots. Its value for money, combined with friendly guides and well-organized logistics, makes it a solid choice for travelers eager to tick off multiple highlights in a single day.

If you’re after a fascinating, photo-rich adventure with plenty of underwater discovery, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for a crowded boat and the possibility of weather-related changes. For those who enjoy meeting fellow travelers and exploring the natural beauty of the Andaman Sea, this tour delivers on its promises.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is included from key areas like Kata, Patong, Karon, and others, making pickup and drop-off convenient.

What are the main sights visited?
The tour visits Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Bay, Phi Phi Don, and Khai Nok Island, with snorkeling, sightseeing, and beach stops.

How long is the tour?
The full day lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 7:00 am and concluding with return to your hotel.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling masks, snorkels, and life vests are included for use at designated snorkeling spots.

Can I swim or relax at the beaches?
Absolutely. You’ll have time to relax, swim, or paddleboard at locations like Khai Island and Phi Phi Don.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, national park fees of 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child are payable at the departure point. Also, some optional activities like jet-ski rentals are extra.

What if it rains?
The tour proceeds in rain, but big waves or marine police restrictions may cause cancellations or changes. No partial refunds are typically provided if stops are missed due to weather.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, all speedboat tours are prohibited for pregnant women for safety reasons.

What about the boat’s comfort level?
Some reviews mention the boat can feel crowded and narrow, which might affect comfort, especially if you have lots of luggage.

This detailed look aims to help you decide if this Phi Phi and Khai Islands tour matches your travel style and expectations, ensuring you get the most out of your Phuket adventure.