Phi Phi Islands Tour by Luxury Big Boat from Phuket

Planning a day trip from Phuket to the famous Phi Phi Islands? This luxury big boat tour promises a blend of comfort, scenic spots, and a laid-back vibe. While it’s not a speedboat adrenaline rush, it offers a more relaxed, plush way to explore these iconic islands. We’ve taken a close look at this experience to help you decide if it’s worth the price and how it stacks up.

What we love about this tour is the emphasis on sea view seating, the chance to visit multiple stunning locations, and the included delicious buffet lunch. The VIP upgrades like private rooms and electric seats make it feel more exclusive. However, some reviews point out that the beach time can be short, and the experience might not fully match the “luxury” tag for everyone. This tour suits travelers wanting a more comfortable, less hurried day on the water—perfect for families, couples, or those who prioritize a relaxed pace over speed.

Good To Know

• Comfort Over Speed: The luxury ferry yacht offers a stable, smooth ride, ideal if you’re not into high-speed trips.
• Multiple Iconic Stops: Including Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach, the itinerary covers the best-known sights.
• Flexible Packages: Choose from Standard, Silver (VIP), or Gold (Super VIP) with perks like onboard soft drinks, private lounge, and electric seats.
• Food & Drinks: Buffet lunch included, with Gold Class offering onboard soft drinks—towels and swimwear are extra.
• Price & Value: At around $39, the tour provides good value, especially considering the comfort and scenic stops.
• Mixed Reviews on Experience: While some find the overall trip enjoyable, others feel the beach time is short and the “luxury” aspect falls short at times.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Booking and Arrival

Booking this tour through Triplyn is straightforward, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance. The tour departs early, with hotel pickup offered in Phuket’s main areas like Patong, Kata, and Karon—convenient for most travelers. Expect a shared transfer in a plush minivan, making the journey less stressful than navigating yourself.

The Vessel and Seating

The star of this experience is the luxury ferry yacht. Unlike typical speedboats, this vessel is built for comfort—sea view seating (available in Silver and Gold packages), electric seats on the premium options, and a smooth, stable ride. Reviewers note that the boat is big, modern, and well-organized, with assigned seating to avoid chaos. The top deck offers ample space for sightseeing and taking photos, which you’ll love for the unobstructed views.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See

Maya Bay kicks off the sightseeing. Known worldwide thanks to the film The Beach, it’s framed by towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. Expect a photo-worthy landscape, but be aware that it can get crowded, and some find the beach time short—around 30 minutes, according to reviews.

Loh Samah Bay follows, a peaceful, less crowded cove with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a quick dip or just soaking in the scenery. Next is Pileh Lagoon, perhaps the most breathtaking stop, enclosed by dramatic limestone cliffs. The serene emerald waters here are ideal for snorkeling, which is included with gear and life jackets.

Viking Cave provides a touch of culture and wonder, with centuries-old wall paintings resembling Viking ships—a quick pass-by but still worth noting.

Monkey Beach offers a fun, if slightly chaotic, stop. Despite its small size, it’s home to a colony of monkeys, and some reviews mention the crowded, animal-feeding scene as less tranquil than hoped.

The final highlight is Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don, the island’s bustling heart. Surrounded by towering cliffs, it’s lively and a great spot to observe local life and perhaps grab a drink or snack in one of the cafes.

Comfort and Amenities

The Gold Class package touts electric seats and exclusive lounges, but some reviews mention issues like broken recliner seats which impact the perceived luxury. The onboard food varies by class—Gold offers soft drinks and snacks, while the buffet lunch at Sea Society Restaurant on Phi Phi Don is included in all packages. Some guests felt the lunch was of average quality, and the buffet location can be chaotic, especially during peak times.

Snorkeling & Extras

Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included—you’ll enjoy floating over vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish in the clear waters. There’s an optional snorkel rental at THB 400 if you prefer your own gear or want to stay longer underwater. Keep in mind, some guests felt the beach time was too short, around 2.5 hours on the island, which might leave snorkelers wanting more.

The Overall Pacing

This tour is well-paced, with enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. That’s a plus compared to some speedboat tours, which can feel hurried. Still, a couple of reviewers expressed disappointment that the beach time is too limited, especially at popular spots like Maya Bay.

The Price & What You Get

At around $39 per person, including hotel pickup, round-trip ferry, guided sightseeing, and lunch, this tour offers solid value. The VIP upgrades are tempting if you value comfort and exclusive perks, but reviews indicate that the “luxury” label might sometimes be a stretch, particularly if the physical amenities are not maintained.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for travellers seeking a more relaxed, comfortable day on the water rather than adrenaline-fueled speed. It suits those who appreciate stunning scenery, good service, and a leisurely pace. Families, couples, or solo explorers who want a taste of Phi Phi without the crowds will find this a good option. However, if your primary goal is maximum beach time or snorkeling, you might find the stops a bit brief.

Final Thoughts

The Phi Phi Islands Luxury Big Boat Tour definitely stands out as an option that prioritizes comfort and scenic diversity over speed and crowding. Its well-designed itinerary covers the essential spots, with enough time to enjoy each location at a relaxed pace. The scenery is breathtaking, and the onboard amenities add to the overall experience.

That said, it’s not a perfect luxury escape—some reviews highlight issues with seating, food quality, and short beach stays. Still, for the price, most guests feel they receive decent value, especially with the added comfort features.

If you’re after a calm, scenic, and comfortable day trip in the Phi Phi Islands, this tour offers a balanced mix of everything you need for a memorable experience.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, including pickup, travel, and sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
Your package covers hotel transfer, round-trip ferry, buffet lunch, sightseeing at key spots, snorkeling gear, and insurance. Gold Class adds onboard soft drinks and electric seats.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Towels and swimwear aren’t included, so bring those along if you plan to snorkel or swim. A hat, sunscreen, and bottled water are also recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s worth considering the length and nature of the boat ride if you’re traveling with very young kids.

Are the stops crowded?
Yes, particularly Maya Bay and Monkey Beach, so be prepared for some busy scenes.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour offers a comfortable, scenic way to experience the Phi Phi Islands, ideal for those who prefer a more laid-back, well-organized day out in paradise.