Maya Beach, Bamboo Island & Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phuket

If you’re looking to pack a day with stunning scenery, vibrant marine life, and a taste of Thailand’s famous islands, this Maya Beach, Bamboo Island & Phi Phi Islands Tour from Phuket offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. For just over $80 per person, you’ll get roughly 8 to 9 hours of all-inclusive fun, including hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and a delicious buffet lunch.

What we love most about this trip is the opportunity to explore some of Thailand’s most iconic spots—Maya Bay, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Beach,” and the colorful coral reefs at Bamboo Island. The well-organized itinerary ensures you get plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun at each location. Plus, the small group size and friendly guides keep the experience intimate and informative.

That said, a key consideration is that Maya Bay has become quite crowded, which might detract from the sense of secluded paradise some travelers seek. The tour is best suited for those comfortable with busy, tourist-heavy spots and with a flexible attitude. It’s perfect for first-timers in Phuket, families, or anyone craving a comprehensive day of island-hopping without the hassle of organizing transport and meals.

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and lunch make the day hassle-free.
• Iconic Spots: Visit Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Viking Cave, and more—each offering unique sights and activities.
• Flexible Schedule: Plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing at each stop.
• Authentic Experience: Guides provide genuine insights, making each location more meaningful.
• Good Value: The combination of multiple destinations, meals, and transport at this price is attractive.
• Crowd Consideration: Popular spots can get crowded, especially Maya Bay.

The Practicalities and Transport

Starting bright and early at 7:00 am from Royal Phuket Marina, the tour includes hotel pickup from key beach areas like Patong, Kata, and Karon, which saves you the trouble of navigating Phuket’s busy streets. The boat ride out to the islands is roughly an hour, giving you a chance to enjoy the breeze and get excited for the day ahead. The boat itself is described as comfortable, clean, and spacious enough so you don’t feel like a sardine, which is a common concern on island tours.

The maximum group size hovers around 45 travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere, though some reviews mention the occasional crowd at the more popular sites. The tour provider, Oh-Hoo, emphasizes safety with snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and travel insurance included.

The Itinerary: What’s on Offer

Bamboo Island kicks off your adventure. Here, you’ll have about an hour to swim in its crystal-clear waters and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs. Many visitors mention that Bamboo Island offers some of the best snorkeling experiences—bright fish, colorful corals, and calm waters create a picture-perfect setting. One review highlights that the stop “was a little too long,” but most find it a highlight for both relaxation and underwater exploration.

Next, the group heads to Monkey Beach for a quick photo stop. With just 30 minutes here, you’ll get a chance to snap some shots of the playful monkeys and the beach’s scenic backdrop. Be aware that this spot is popular for selfies, and as one reviewer said, the tour can sometimes feel like a herd moving through busy spots—so patience is key.

Ko Phi Phi Don is the hub of the day, where a buffet lunch is served at a local restaurant. With around two hours here, you can enjoy your meal, explore the island, or just relax. Many praise the lunch as “great,” noting that the food is well-organized and satisfying—an important part of a full-day trip.

The Viking Cave provides a quick sightseeing stop, mainly for photos and viewing the cave’s interesting rock formations and bird nests. The Paleh Bay and Loh Samah Bay stops are perfect for swimming and snorkeling in emerald waters, with about an hour at each. These spots attract both experienced snorkelers and beginners, with many reviews mentioning the abundance of colorful marine life.

Finally, the pièce de résistance is Maya Bay. Here, you get around 30 minutes to stroll along the iconic white beach, try to capture the famous scenery, and enjoy a rare moment of tranquility. However, some reviewers note that Maya Bay is now quite crowded, and the beach feels more like a tourist spectacle than the secluded paradise it once was.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes round-trip transfers, snacks, a delicious buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, and guide services. These additions are excellent for simplifying your day, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

However, national park fees (400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child) are extra, payable at entry, which can add a small surprise to your budget. There are also additional transfer charges if you’re staying outside the main pickup zones, which makes it worthwhile to confirm your pickup location beforehand.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Reviews paint a picture of a generally positive experience. Many cherished the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful scenery—“The sights were sensational,” says one happy traveler. The lunch receives consistent praise for being tasty and well-organized, with several reviewers mentioning the “great” food.

Guide Dino, in particular, gets frequent mentions for making the trip fun and lively, which helps when navigating busy spots. On the flip side, some travelers express disappointment about Maya Bay’s popularity having turned it into a tourist trap, with limited swimming and crowding detracting from the original magic. One reviewer summed it up: “The area is very different from 22 years ago; it is upsetting to see the rubbish and cigarette butts left behind.”

A few people mention the large crowds and the feeling of being herded from place to place. If you prefer quiet, untouched beaches, this might not be the best fit. But for those after a comprehensive day of sightseeing, snorkeling, and soaking up Thailand’s fabulous island scenery, it delivers.

The Pros and Cons

Pros include value for money, the well-organized schedule, friendly guides, and a good mix of activities. The included snorkeling gear and lunch make it a convenient all-in-one package. Many reviews commend the professionalism of the crew and the beautiful locations.

Cons involve crowding at Maya Bay, some stops feeling a bit rushed, and the potential for delays in pickup, especially if you’re staying farther from the main zones. Also, the national park fee is extra, so budget accordingly.

This tour suits first-time visitors to Phuket eager to see the most famous islands without hassle. Families, couples, and groups who want a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and good food will find it rewarding. However, those seeking serenity and untouched nature might find the crowds at Maya Bay disappointing. The tour’s lively, energetic vibe and guided insights make it ideal for travelers who appreciate being part of a well-organized group.

The Maya Beach, Bamboo Island & Phi Phi Islands Tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of Thailand’s most prized islands in a single day. With thoughtful organization, engaging guides, and an itinerary packed with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and relax, it provides excellent value—especially for travelers who want to tick multiple boxes in one trip.

While it’s true that Maya Bay’s popularity has made it more crowded, the experience still captures the essence of Thailand’s island charm. The included lunch, snorkeling gear, and hotel transfers eliminate much of the usual fuss, making it ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free adventure.

If you’re okay with busy spots and want a lively, informative day exploring Phuket’s stunning marine scenery, this tour is a smart choice. For lovers of authentic experiences, the guides’ insights and the chance to see vibrant coral reefs and pristine beaches make it worthwhile. Just pack your patience for the crowds, and enjoy a day of tropical beauty — with plenty of stories to tell when you get back home.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers free round-trip transfer from Patong, Kata, Karon, Tri Trang, Kathu, and Phuket Town, making logistics easier.

How long is the boat ride?
The ride out to the islands is about one hour, giving you a scenic start to your day.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels (not provided, so some reviews noted this), sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof camera if you want to capture the underwater sights.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, the national park entrance fee (400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child) is payable on-site. Extra transfer charges may apply depending on your pickup location.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, allowing you to explore underwater safely.

How much time do we spend at Maya Bay?
You’ll have about 30 minutes here—enough for a stroll and some photos, but expect it to be busy with travelers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, child tickets are available for ages 4-11. However, pregnant women or those with certain health issues are advised to avoid it.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This tour follows a fixed schedule, but the guide will help you make the most of each stop within the set times.

Enjoy your island adventure in Phuket—packed with beautiful sights, friendly guides, and enough fun to make memories that last a lifetime.