Phi Phi & Khai Island by Speed Boat

Phi Phi & Khai Island by Speed Boat: An Honest Look at the Experience

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant marine life, a day trip to Phi Phi Islands and Khai Island sounds like a perfect escape from Phuket. This particular tour, offered for around $74.61 per person, promises a nine-hour adventure packed with sightseeing, snorkeling, and beach relaxation. Led by ALLToursThailand.com, the journey starts early in the morning with hotel pickup, then whisks you across the water via speedboat, hitting some of Thailand’s most iconic islands.

We particularly like the idea of seeing multiple islands in a single day. Visiting Maya Bay from a distance, exploring Monkey Bay, and snorkelling at Khai Island seem like a great way to maximize your time in the area. The tour also includes a lunch on Phi Phi Don, offering some downtime and a chance to soak in the lively island atmosphere. Plus, the upfront convenience of hotel pickup and mobile tickets make planning easier.

However, a major drawback, based on recent feedback, is timing and organization issues. The departure was delayed substantially — from the scheduled 9 am to around 11 am — which can throw off your entire day. This inconsistency is something to consider, especially if you value punctuality or have tight schedules afterward. This tour might suit those who are flexible and open to a more relaxed, less structured experience — particularly travelers who prioritize seeing the highlights rather than a perfectly smooth process.

If you’re someone who enjoys adventurous boat rides, island vistas, and snorkeling, and you’re okay with the possibility of delays, this tour could suit you. But if you prefer early, well-organized trips with plenty of time at each stop, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup and mobile tickets simplify planning.
• Visiting Phi Phi from Phuket offers stunning views, especially at Maya Bay.
• Snorkeling and swimming opportunities are plentiful, particularly at Khai Island.
• Timing issues and delays have been reported, which can impact the overall experience.
• The tour is suitable for flexible travelers seeking a quick, highlight-focused trip.
• Group size is capped at 30, which helps keep things manageable but can still mean crowds.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Let’s go beyond the basics and look at what this tour actually offers — for better or worse. We’re here to help you decide whether it’s worth your time and money.

Itinerary and Stops

The day begins early with a pickup from your Phuket hotel, and you’ll be driven to the pier in air-conditioned comfort. Here, a light breakfast of toast, coffee, tea, and water awaits — not a lavish spread, but enough to stave off hunger before the water adventure begins. The guide or staff at the pier might be helpful, but recent reviews suggest that the organization could be smoother; one traveler noted that the retrieval process worked well by 7:45 am, but delays soon after caused frustration.

At 9 am (or later, depending on the day), you hop onto the speedboat. The first major stop is Phi Phi Ley, home to Maya Bay — famous for its stunning scenery and featured in “The Beach”. The boat docks near Maya Bay for around an hour, giving you a chance to appreciate the towering cliffs and clear waters from a distance. You’ll get panoramic views, but be prepared for crowds if you arrive when the weather is good. The guide might point out Loh Samah Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Bay, each with their own character.

What we really like about this part of the tour is the chance to see some of the most iconic sights in the area without the hassle of independent travel. The opportunity to snorkel and swim in the water while watching the cliffs loom overhead makes for memorable photos and experiences. However, some reviewers mention that the timing can be tight, and the actual time spent snorkeling might be limited.

After leaving Phi Phi Ley, the tour proceeds to Phi Phi Don for a lunch break. Here, you get about an hour to enjoy a meal and explore briefly. The included lunch, typically on the island, offers a convenient break but might not match all travelers’ expectations for cuisine variety or quality. Still, it’s a good way to rest and digest before heading to the next destination.

Khai Island (Khai Nok and Khai Nui) is the final stop, arriving around 2:20 pm. This small island boasts beautiful beaches and calm waters perfect for feeding fishes, snorkeling, or just lounging. Many travelers find Khai Island a peaceful retreat after the busy morning at Phi Phi, though some note that the free time here is limited — only about an hour — which may not satisfy those wanting a more relaxed experience.

Transport and Group Size

The use of speedboats allows swift travel between islands, cutting down on transit time but possibly increasing the sense of rushing. With a maximum of 30 travelers, the group size isn’t too overwhelming, but during peak season, it can still feel crowded — especially at popular snorkeling spots and beaches.

What the Tours Don’t Highlight

The disorganization and delays seem to be the biggest sore point for recent travelers. One review bluntly states, “Only disaster,” citing delays of up to 2 hours and poor facilities at the pier. While the scenery and snorkeling are undoubtedly beautiful, the lack of punctuality might leave you feeling rushed or disappointed if you’re expecting a smoothly run day.

Another thing to consider is that this tour’s value depends a lot on your expectations. If you’re after a fun-filled, snapshot-style adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and quick stops, this could suit you well. But if you’re looking to spend more time snorkeling or exploring in depth, you might find this tour somewhat limiting.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travellers who enjoy scenic boat rides and want to see multiple islands in a single day without much hassle. It’s good for those who are flexible with timing and don’t mind some organizational hiccups. It offers a solid overview of Phi Phi Island and Khai Island, with enough time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.

That said, if timeliness and comfort are your priorities, or if you prefer a more leisurely pace with longer stops, you might want to consider other options. The experience overall can be disappointing if delays are frequent, but the natural beauty and opportunities for snorkeling and photos still make it a worthwhile option for many.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup, which helps streamline your morning and reduces logistics worries.

How long is the actual boat ride?
The speedboat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands takes about 50 minutes under normal circumstances, but delays can extend this.

What should I bring for snorkeling?
While the tour provides snorkeling gear, bringing your own, or at least a mask and snorkel, can enhance your comfort and visibility.

Are the stops at Maya Bay and other sights in the early morning?
You’ll visit Maya Bay for about an hour after departing around 9 am, but delays may impact this timing.

How much free time do I get at each stop?
Expect about one hour at Maya Bay and Phi Phi Don, and around an hour at Khai Island. These are quick visits, so plan your photography and swimming accordingly.

Is food included?
Yes, a lunch is provided at Phi Phi Don, but the quality and variety may vary based on the day.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size for this tour is 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience manageable.

Can I expect a smooth experience?
Recent reviews suggest that delays and organizational issues can happen, so flexibility is key.

To sum it up, this speedboat tour offers a convenient way to tick the boxes of natural beauty, snorkeling, and island hopping around Phuket. While it does have some organizational hiccups, the stunning views and quick access to some of Thailand’s most famous sights make it appealing for travelers who enjoy a lively, snapshot-style adventure. Just go with an open mind, and don’t expect a perfectly smooth day. It’s all about enjoying the scenery, catching some rays, and creating memories—despite the occasional logistical bump.