Phi Phi Sunrise Premium Tour

If you’re looking to escape the crowds of Koh Phi Phi Don and see some of Thailand’s most iconic sights in a more peaceful setting, the Phi Phi Sunrise Premium Tour offers an appealing option. Starting early from Phuket, this 9-hour journey takes you to the famous Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach, all while avoiding the afternoon crush of travelers. The tour, priced at around $147 per person, promises an intimate experience with a small group (up to 20 travelers), guided by knowledgeable staff.

What we love most about this trip is the chance to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the islands, coupled with the comfort of a luxurious speedboat and the attention that comes with a small-group setting. The included light breakfast and Thai buffet lunch add to the value, making it easy to focus on soaking in the scenery. One thing to consider, however, is the possibility of the tour not quite matching the “premium” label, especially if boat size and crowd levels matter to you — some reviews mention larger groups and less luxurious boats than expected.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value early morning serenity, enjoy snorkeling, and want a balanced mix of adventure and comfort. If you’re happy to wake up before dawn for great views and are seeking a more personal touch on your island trip, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Early start: Watch the sunrise over Koh Phi Phi, a peaceful way to start your day
• Small groups: More personalized attention and less crowded experience
• Comprehensive itinerary: Multiple stops including Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach
• Included meals: Light breakfast and Thai buffet lunch enhance the value
• Snorkeling opportunities: Plenty of chances to swim and see marine life
• Variable reviews: Some travelers found the boat and organization less premium than advertised

Why Choose This Tour?

When looking at organized tours to Koh Phi Phi, many travelers are drawn by the promise of early access and smaller groups. This tour, for about $147, offers a good mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and scenic moments, all before the crowds arrive. It’s an appealing option if you’re after a more relaxed experience and want to beat the rush to Maya Bay, famously crowded later in the day.

What truly sets this tour apart is the timing. Starting early at 5:00 am, you’ll be on the water as the sun begins to rise, giving you breathtaking views of the islands bathed in dawn light. We particularly appreciated that the tour includes round-trip transfers, removing the hassle of figuring out transport from your Phuket hotel.

The small group size—max 20 travelers—means you’ll likely get more attention from the guides and have more opportunities to ask questions or enjoy quiet moments on the boat. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, with some mentioning staff like Lilly and Gree who are described as “great” and “wonderful.”

The Itinerary in Focus

Drop-Off Point: Royal Phuket Marina

Your day begins with a hotel pickup and a 45-minute ride to the Royal Phuket Marina. Here, you check in, enjoy a light breakfast with tea and coffee, and get ready for the adventure. This start time of 5:00 am might seem early, but it’s the key to experiencing the islands before they get busy.

Stop 1: Koh Phi Phi Don

The first stop involves snorkeling at Phi Phi Island itself, where the sea is calm and inviting. Expect about 3 hours on this part of the trip, which provides ample time to swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the boat. As one reviewer notes, “The water was a bit rough but it didn’t ruin the trip,” suggesting that while conditions can vary, the overall experience remains enjoyable.

Stop 2: Koh Phi Phi Le (Phi Phi Ley)

Next, you’ll visit Monkey Island, Loh Samah Bay, and other snorkeling spots. The 2-hour segment is a highlight for many, especially those who love marine life and underwater scenery. The admission is free, so the emphasis is on enjoying the natural beauty of these famous sites.

Scenic View of Maya Bay

While the tour doesn’t stop directly at Maya Bay for swimming (likely due to preservation rules and crowd control), you’ll enjoy a great view of the famous cove. Many travelers find this a worthwhile photo opportunity, especially since the early start means fewer boats cluttering the scenery.

What Travelers Say

Reviews reflect a mixed but generally positive experience. Several highlight the stunning sunrise and the luxurious speedboat as high points. One reviewer raved, “The speed boat was large and luxurious, and the crew was wonderful,” emphasizing the comfort. Others appreciated the organized nature of the trip, noting that Gree and Martin were “amazing operators.”

However, some reviews point out disappointments. For example, a reviewer mentioned that the boat was not as shown in photos, with a crowd of 30+ people, and that the organization was chaotic. Another noted that the boat’s outside area was tiny, contradicting the promotional images and making it hard to enjoy the scenery comfortably.

This discrepancy highlights that not all “premium” tours are created equal. If a luxurious, spacious vessel is crucial for you, this might be a point to clarify with the operator before booking.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

We loved the opportunity to snorkel at multiple sites, especially given the included equipment. Many travelers find the water’s clarity and marine life worth the effort. One reviewer mentioned, “The organization was very informative,” which hints at helpful guides who can enhance your understanding of the underwater environment.

However, some wished for more snorkeling time, with one traveler noting, “I wish there was more snorkeling.” Conditions like rough water can limit activity, but overall, most find it enjoyable.

Meals and Comfort

The light breakfast is a thoughtful touch, giving you some energy before the early boat ride. The Thai buffet lunch provides a nice break in the middle of the day, offering local flavors and a chance to relax ashore. The reviews suggest that food quality is good, adding value to the overall experience.

Timing and Duration

At approximately 9 hours, this tour is a full day. The early start means that you’ll be on the water during the peaceful dawn hours, and it’s a great way to avoid the afternoon tourist crush.

The group size and timing are key factors here. Smaller groups mean more focus from guides, which many appreciate, but they also depend on organizational efficiency. Travelers who enjoy early mornings and scenic views will find this tour a worthwhile adventure.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Breathtaking sunrise views over the islands
• Small group size fosters a more intimate experience
• Well-organized itinerary covering top spots like Maya Bay and Monkey Beach
• Inclusive meals save time and money
• Experienced guides add insight and safety

Cons

• Boat size and crowd levels may not match “premium” expectations
• Some reviews mention chaotic organization or less luxurious boats
• Limited outside boat space can restrict scenic enjoyment
• The early start might be tough for some travelers

If you’re after an early morning escape with fewer people around, a small-group feel, and the chance to see Koh Phi Phi’s top highlights before the crowds arrive, this tour fits well. It’s great for snorkelers, photographers, or anyone who appreciates scenic views at sunrise. However, if you prioritize luxury and spaciousness, or if organized chaos might spoil your mood, consider clarifying what boat and group size you’ll get.

This tour is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want good value, enjoy adventure, and like the idea of beating the crowds. Those who don’t mind an early start and are flexible about boat comfort will find it a solid, memorable experience.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 5:00 am, so you’ll need to be ready for pickup early in the morning.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your Phuket hotel are included, making it convenient to start and end your day.

How long is the snorkeling?
You’ll get about 3 hours snorkeling at Phi Phi Island and Phi Phi Ley, with additional time allocated for other activities and sightseeing.

Is there food included?
Yes, a light breakfast is served before departure, and a Thai buffet lunch is included for midday.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, aiming for a more personal experience, though some reviews cite larger boats and groups.

Can I expect luxury on this tour?
While the tour is marketed as premium, reviews suggest boat size and comfort may vary. Some travelers found the boat less luxurious than expected.

The Phi Phi Sunrise Premium Tour offers an excellent way to experience one of Thailand’s most famous destinations with a few advantages that stand out. The early start helps you beat the crowds and capture stunning sunrise photos, and the small group setting ensures a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. The included meals and multiple snorkeling stops make it a good value for a full day of adventure.

However, be aware that not all boats live up to the “luxury” label, and organizational hiccups can occur. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy early mornings, scenic vistas, and marine exploration, but who are also flexible and open-minded about the boat’s comfort level.

If you’re seeking an authentic, scenic, and peaceful way to explore Koh Phi Phi, this tour can deliver, provided you keep expectations realistic regarding boat space and crowd levels. It’s a solid choice for adventure seekers and photo enthusiasts eager to start their day with the beauty of dawn over the islands.