12 Islands Overnight Tour

If you’re dreaming of a fast-paced, action-packed way to see Phuket’s most famous islands, the 12 Islands Overnight Tour might be on your radar. This tour promises to pack two days of island-hopping, snorkeling, and fun into just a short trip, making it perfect for travelers short on time but eager to tick off the highlights.

From iconic Maya Bay and the film-famous James Bond Island to relaxing on pristine beaches, this tour aims to give you a taste of everything. Along the way, you’ll enjoy delicious meals, a lively fire show, and even a night at Phi Phi’s party scene. But, like most busy tours, it’s not without its quirks, especially when it comes to crowded boats and language barriers.

What we particularly admire about this experience is its value for money—you get a packed itinerary, meals, and overnight accommodation for roughly $205, which is quite reasonable considering the variety of sights. However, some reviews hint at the overcrowding and uneven guide service**, depending on who’s guiding and your expectations.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers, eager to see as much as possible in a short timeframe, and who don’t mind sharing the boat with many others. If you’re after a relaxed, unhurried holiday, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for those wanting a snapshot of Phuket’s most famous spots, it delivers plenty of memorable moments.

Key Points

• Comprehensive two-day itinerary covering Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay, and more
• Includes overnight stay, meals, snorkeling gear, and transfers
• Popular among solo travelers and families seeking efficient island exploration
• Crowded boats can make some parts uncomfortable
• Diverse experiences: snorkeling, kayaking, beach relaxation, and lively nightlife
• Guides and staff often praised for professionalism but experience varies
• Good value for the price, considering meals and accommodation are included
• Itinerary flexibility allows swapping of day plans based on weather conditions

A Detailed Look at the Tour Itself

The Booking and Practicalities

Starting at approximately $205.57 per person, this tour offers decent value considering its inclusions: meals, overnight stay, snorkeling gear, and round-trip transfers from your Phuket accommodation. It’s most often booked around 56 days in advance, indicating good planning is recommended.

The tour is operated by Phuket Top Tour, with pickups from any hotel, villa, or Airbnb in Phuket. The meeting point is at Chalong Pier, starting early at 6:00 am, which means you’ll need to catch an early wake-up call—probably a good thing to make the most of the day.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: From Phuket to Phi Phi and Krabi

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from your Phuket accommodation, followed by a roughly 40-minute journey to the first stop: James Bond Island (Khao Ping Kan). This iconic location, overlooking Ta Pu Island, is a major highlight thanks to its unique limestone formations and cinematic fame.

Next is Sea Gypsy Market and a visit to Ko Panyi, a village built on stilts by Sea Gypsies. Here, canoeing near Talu Island is a popular activity, especially because of its mangroves and caves—reviewers mention that canoeing is a perfect highlight, and the local lunch at a sea gypsy restaurant is well-rated.

The afternoon takes you to Phra Nang Beach and Railay, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and the fertility cave. A quick stop for sightseeing at Krabi’s Twin Island and Chicken Island adds to the scenic mix. If you’re into snorkeling, you’ll love the session at Tonsai Bay near Phi Phi Don, where coral reefs and fish abound.

Overnights in Phi Phi

Check-in at a local hotel in Phi Phi Don gives you free time to explore the colorful shops, walk the narrow streets, or dip into the local vibe. The tour offers an optional sunset visit to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint—a must-see for sunset shots, with a small fee of 30 THB.

Evening entertainment kicks off at Slinky Beach Bar, where a fire show and cocktails await. Reviewers praise the lively atmosphere, with many saying this is “a night to remember,” thanks to the dancing, music, and fire performers, making it a perfect way to unwind after a busy day.

Day 2: Maya Bay and More

Breakfast is served before heading to Maya Bay, the star of the movie The Beach. Although it’s closed for swimming from August 1 to October 1 each year, boat stops for photos and sightseeing still impress visitors. Reviewers mention that swimming in Pileh Lagoon and exploring the Viking Cave are particular highlights.

Other stops include Monkey Beach (viewed from the boat), snorkeling near Loh Moodee Lagoon, and relaxing at Bamboo Island. The latter is praised for its tranquil water and soft sands—perfect for swimming, relaxing, and snapping photos.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a visit to Ko Rang Yai, a pearl of the Andaman Sea, before returning to Phuket.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews reflect a mixed but mostly positive experience. Many appreciate the professional guides, especially those who went above and beyond, like Nid, who received praise for her care and local knowledge. The value for money is a common theme, with guests feeling they saw plenty for the price paid.

Some travelers, however, found the crowd levels challenging, with boats packed full—particularly with Russian travelers dominating the group. Several mention feeling overcrowded and uncomfortable, which can detract from the experience, especially when trying to relax or take photos.

Language barriers are also a recurring concern—some reviews indicate the English guides occasionally provided minimal information, or that guides spoke mainly Russian, leaving English speakers feeling somewhat left out. One guest mentioned being the only English speaker on a fully Russian tour, which highlights that some trips are heavily skewed in this regard.

The Good

• The guides’ professionalism and helpfulness, especially those like Chai and Nid, who made an effort to inform and assist.
• The variety of activities: snorkeling, kayaking, sightseeing, and beach lounging.
• The quality of meals and the overnight stay in Phi Phi, which many find to be well-organized and comfortable.
• The fire show and beach party at Slinky Beach Bar, which are often highlighted as the tour’s fun highlights.
• The efficient itinerary allows you to see many key sights in just two days.

The Less Favorable

• The overcrowding on boats can make some moments less enjoyable, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
• The variation in guide quality and language support can cause confusion.
• Some guests experienced issues with hotel cleanliness and meals, noting that some food was reused or cold.
• The rigid schedule can feel rushed, especially when trying to enjoy free time or longer stops.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Book early to secure your spot, especially if you prefer a smaller group.
• Prepare for the early start—a 6:00 am pickup means waking up early but maximizing your time.
• Bring your own snorkel fins if you prefer, as the tour provides masks, snorkels, and life jackets.
• Keep in mind additional costs like National Park Fees (700 THB for adults), payable at departure.
• Be prepared for crowds and rough boat rides, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer quieter experiences.
• For photography, consider bringing a waterproof camera or phone case, as you’ll be in and around water frequently.
• Hydrate and bring sun protection—the sun can be intense, and most stops are outdoors.
• If you’re a party lover, don’t miss the nightlife at Slinky Beach Bar. It’s a lively scene with fire shows and music.
• For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, consider whether a multi-day trip with fewer stops might suit you better.

The Sum Up

The 12 Islands Overnight Tour in Phuket offers an energetic, packed adventure for those eager to see a wide variety of sights in a limited timeframe. The inclusion of meals, accommodation, snorkeling, and kayaking makes it a good deal for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience. Its highlight reel includes the iconic Maya Bay, James Bond Island, and the lively Phi Phi nightlife.

This tour particularly shines for adventurers and first-time visitors who want to tick off major attractions without wasting precious vacation days. However, the crowd levels and variable guide quality mean it might not suit travelers seeking a peaceful, intimate experience or personalized attention.

If you’re comfortable with busier, fast-paced tour days and don’t mind sharing the boat with many others, this trip will deliver plenty of beautiful scenery, fun activities, and memorable moments.

FAQ – Your Practical Questions Answered

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, many solo travelers join and find it a fun way to meet people, especially since the tour is mostly large groups of travelers from various countries.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers meals, snorkeling gear, overnight accommodation in Phi Phi, water and fruits, and round-trip transfers from Phuket.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, National Park Fees of 700 THB per adult and 400 THB per child are payable at the departure point.

Can I see Maya Bay?
Maya Bay is closed for swimming from August 1 to October 1, but you’ll still stop for sightseeing and photos from the boat during this period.

How crowded are the boats?
Reviews indicate more than 40 people on some boats, which can feel cramped, especially in high season.

Are the guides helpful and English-speaking?
Guides are generally praised for their professionalism, but experiences vary. Some guests noted minimal English support or language barriers, especially in mixed groups.

Is the overnight stay comfortable?
Guests report quaint, clean lodging in Phi Phi, though some mention that hotel rooms can be basic or slightly dirty.

What is the best part of the tour?
Many highlight the fire show and beach party at Slinky Beach Bar and the opportunity to relax on Bamboo Island.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While suitable for many, rough boat rides and busy schedules may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I pack?
Bring sun protection, waterproof gear, snorkel fins if preferred, and extra water to stay hydrated.

Overall, the 12 Islands Overnight Tour in Phuket offers a lively, all-encompassing snapshot of the area’s most famous sights. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a full-on adventure, especially if you’re comfortable with crowds and a quick pace. Just keep in mind the potential for busy boats and language gaps, and you’ll be ready for a memorable trip.