Embarking on a day trip from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands is a popular way to experience Thailand’s iconic turquoise waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant marine life. Based on traveler reviews and detailed itineraries, this all-inclusive package promises a smooth, well-organized adventure with plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and indulge.
What we love about this tour? First, the comprehensive inclusions—from hotel transfers to snorkeling gear—mean you won’t need to worry about hidden costs. Second, the balanced itinerary offers a perfect mix of beach time, snorkeling, and sightseeing, all within a manageable 10-hour window. Lastly, the local guides and crew are praised for their knowledge, making each stop more meaningful.
One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour can get quite busy, especially at popular spots like Maya Bay. If you prefer quieter, less crowded experiences, this might not be your ideal choice. But for those seeking a dynamic, all-encompassing day trip, it hits most marks. This tour is especially well-suited for travelers who want a hassle-free, value-packed adventure that covers everything from snorkeling to scenic viewpoints in one go.
- Good To Know
- The Experience in Detail
- Start at Royal Phuket Marina
- Monkey Beach: Meet the Macaques
- Loh Da Lum Bay: Snorkeling and Swimming
- Buffet Lunch at Koh Phi Phi Don
- Ko Phi Phi Lee & Maya Bay: Famous Filming Locations
- Viking Cave & Koh Khai Nai
- Return to Phuket
- What Does This Tour Mean for You?
- Price Breakdown and Value
- Practical Tips for Travelers
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
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Good To Know

- All-Inclusive Convenience: From hotel pick-up to lunch, snacks, and snorkeling gear, everything is taken care of.
- Balanced Itinerary: Multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxing on the beach.
- Knowledgeable Guides: The crew and guides are noted for their friendliness and expertise.
- Popular but Crowded: Expect fellow travelers and boats, especially at key sites like Maya Bay.
- Value for Money: At around $96.77, the trip offers a lot for the price, considering all inclusions.
- Suitable for Moderate Fitness Levels: The tour involves some walking, swimming, and boat transfers, but is manageable for most.
The Experience in Detail

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Start at Royal Phuket Marina
Your adventure begins early, with a pick-up from your Phuket hotel (around 7:30 am). The journey to the marina takes approximately 40 minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery and get into vacation mode. Once at the Royal Phuket Marina, you’ll check-in, receive a briefing, and enjoy snacks, tea, coffee, and hot drinks. This initial part sets the tone—organized, friendly, and comfortable, with a small group size (max 40 travelers), ensuring a more intimate experience compared to larger boats.
Monkey Beach: Meet the Macaques
After a 45-minute speedboat ride, your first stop is Monkey Beach. Here, you’ll get to see and capture photos of playful macaques in their natural habitat. The review from Emily mentions, “We were happy to be on a 20-person boat, compared to the 40-plus people boats,” highlighting the benefit of smaller groups in avoiding overcrowded spots. Expect around 20 minutes here to snap photos and soak in the lively atmosphere without feeling rushed.
Loh Da Lum Bay: Snorkeling and Swimming
Next, just five minutes from Monkey Beach, you’ll arrive at Loh Da Lum Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters. The tour allows about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, with the boat providing all necessary equipment. Reviewer comments have mentioned how the water’s clarity makes for great underwater visibility, and the experience of snorkeling here is often described as memorable. It’s an excellent chance to observe marine life and enjoy a refreshing swim in warm, inviting waters.
Buffet Lunch at Koh Phi Phi Don
Midday, you’ll stop at a local restaurant on Koh Phi Phi Don for a buffet lunch featuring international and Thai dishes. Vegetarian options are available—great for those with dietary preferences. The one-hour break offers a chance to relax, refuel, and chat with fellow travelers. The review from Emily highlights how the guide and captain enhance the experience, making the trip more enjoyable despite the crowds.
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Ko Phi Phi Lee & Maya Bay: Famous Filming Locations
After lunch, the tour heads to Ko Phi Phi Lee for about an hour, where you’ll swim in the famous Phi Leh Lagoon. Clear waters and scenic cliffs make this a highlight for many. Following this, you’ll visit Maya Bay, often called the “paradise on Earth,” famous for its appearance in movies. Expect around an hour here to lounge on the beach, take photos, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Due to its popularity, Maya Bay can be busy, but the guided experience helps maximize your time and minimize stress.
Viking Cave & Koh Khai Nai
The next stop is Viking Cave, a quick 15-minute panoramic sightseeing point known for its ancient paintings and bird nests. The tour then proceeds to Koh Khai Nai, where you can relax on the beach or swim in the crisp waters for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This last stop offers a quieter moment to unwind before heading back.
Return to Phuket
The trip concludes with a boat ride back to the marina, followed by a 40-minute transfer back to your hotel. The entire day is thoughtfully scheduled to balance sightseeing, engaging activities, and downtime.
What Does This Tour Mean for You?
The inclusions make it a practical choice for travelers who prefer a seamless experience—no hidden fees, all gear provided, and meals sorted. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure you get personalized attention and insightful commentary, enriching your understanding of the sites. The variety of stops caters to different interests, from marine life to iconic landscapes, making it a well-rounded day.
However, crowds are inevitable at popular spots like Maya Bay and Viking Cave. If you’re a traveler who values serenity over scenery, you might find this aspect less appealing. But for most, the trade-off is worth it given the sheer diversity of experiences packed into this day.
Price Breakdown and Value
At $96.77, this tour offers great value considering the inclusions—transfers, park fees, lunch, snacks, snorkeling gear, and insurance are all covered. Individual expenses like meals and gear would likely cost more if arranged separately. Plus, the convenience of door-to-door transfers means less time and effort coordinating logistics, which adds to the overall value.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Bring sun protection—a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses—as you’ll be exposed for much of the day.
- Wear comfortable clothing and swimsuit underneath to maximize your time in the water.
- Carry cash for tips (around $2-3 USD per person) and any personal expenses.
- Arrive early for check-in to secure a good spot on the boat—though the small group size helps.
- Be prepared for some crowding at major stops; arriving early can help you beat the peak crowds.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for first-timers wanting to see the highlights of the Phi Phi Islands without the hassle of planning. It offers great value for those seeking a full, active day—snorkeling, sightseeing, and beach lounging—without feeling rushed.
It’s also suited for social travelers who enjoy meeting others during group tours, and those who appreciate small-group experiences over large, impersonal boatloads. Travelers with moderate fitness levels will find it manageable, as the tour involves some walking, swimming, and boat transfers, but nothing overly strenuous.
The Sum Up

This all-inclusive full-day tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket strikes a commendable balance between convenience, variety, and value. With organized logistics, professional guides, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, it offers a reliable way to tick off the must-see spots without the stress of planning each detail yourself.
While it can get crowded at the major sights, the smaller group sizes and the presence of knowledgeable guides help mitigate the negatives. The included snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, and hotel transfers make it a cost-effective choice for travelers wanting to maximize their time on the water and on the beaches.
This trip is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day experiencing the best of the Phi Phi Islands—perfect for first-timers or anyone looking to enjoy a well-organized adventure with plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and snap stunning photos.
FAQ

What is included in this tour?
The tour covers hotel transfers, national park fees, a buffet lunch, snacks, soft drinks, tea, coffee, fruits, snorkeling equipment, and insurance.
How long does the entire trip last?
It lasts approximately 10 hours from hotel pick-up to return, with the majority of time spent on boat transfers, sightseeing, and enjoying each stop.
What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, comfortable clothes, a swimsuit, and some cash for tips. You might also want to carry a waterproof camera or phone to capture underwater moments.
Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It requires a moderate level of physical fitness—some walking, swimming, and boat transfers are involved, but nothing too strenuous.
How crowded are the spots?
At major sites like Maya Bay, expect lots of fellow travelers and boats. Smaller boat sizes (around 20 people) help reduce the feeling of overcrowding.
Can I customize the itinerary?
This specific tour follows a fixed schedule with included stops. Any changes or personalized options would need to be arranged separately.
Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, vegetarian options are provided during the buffet lunch.
What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This comprehensive review should give you all the insights needed to decide if this Phi Phi Islands tour suits your travel style. It’s a great way to cover the highlights efficiently, with friendly guides and all the essentials included.
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