Full-Day Phi Phi Lah, Phi Phi Don, from Koh Lanta(By Speed Boat)

Exploring the Phi Phi Islands from Koh Lanta by Speedboat

This full-day tour promises an exciting way to see some of south Thailand’s most iconic islands, all in a single, action-packed day. We haven’t personally taken this exact trip, but reviews and detailed itineraries give us a good sense of what travelers can expect.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the speedboat approach offers a swift, exhilarating ride across the Andaman Sea, saving you precious time. Second, the access to secluded spots like Viking Cave and Phlet Lagoon, which are only reachable by boat, guarantees a more exclusive experience. Lastly, the combination of snorkeling, beach lunch, and island exploration** makes it perfect for those wanting variety.

A possible downside? The tour’s environmental impact has been mentioned as a concern by some travelers, with complaints about noise, pollution, and tourist litter. This highlights the need for eco-consciousness when choosing such tours.

This experience suits families, time-pressed travelers, and those eager to see the highlights of the Phi Phi archipelago without spending multiple days on the water. If you value efficiency, beautiful scenery, and a lively boat ride, this tour could be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Time-efficient: Cover multiple sights in just one day, making it ideal for travelers with limited schedules.
• Access to exclusive locations: Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and Phlet Lagoon can only be reached by boat, offering a sense of adventure.
• Snorkeling opportunities: Guided snorkeling at Viking Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Shark Point provide chances to see marine life up close.
• All-inclusive value: The tour includes snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, fruits, insurance, and hotel transfers, offering convenience and savings.
• Environmental considerations: Some reviews highlight concerns about pollution and overcrowding, important to keep in mind.
• Group size: Limited to 35 travelers, maintaining a relatively intimate atmosphere despite being a popular tour.

Starting the Day: Transfer and Departure

Your adventure begins with a hotel pick-up around 9:00 am in Koh Lanta, a convenient feature that saves you from navigating to the pier. The transfer to Saladan pier is straightforward, and you’ll likely be greeted by friendly staff from Rainbow Lanta Travel & Tour. The journey itself sets the tone for the day — expect a comfortable ride with scenic views of the coastline en route to the boat.

Once at the pier, you’ll board a speedboat, a vessel designed for quick, smooth rides across the water. The boat itself is equipped with restrooms, soft drinks, water, and fresh fruits, making the journey more comfortable. With a maximum of 35 travelers, the boat feels lively yet manageable, avoiding the crowded feeling some larger tours might have.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Viking Cave and Viking Bay

Your first stop is the Viking Cave, a fascinating site famous for its ancient paintings and bird’s nests. While climbing inside isn’t part of the tour, you’ll get a good view of the cave from the boat, along with the chance to snap some photos. Next, it’s snorkeling at Viking Bay, where the clear waters and abundant marine life make for a memorable swim. The review from a previous traveler highlighted that guided snorkeling can help increase chances of spotting wildlife, which is true here.

Pileh Bay and Maya Bay

The boat then moves to Pileh Bay, known for its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. It’s a perfect spot to relax, swim, or snap photos. Guests often appreciate the tranquility here, especially compared to the more crowded Maya Bay. However, some reviews mentioned that large groups can detract from the serenity, which might be worth considering if you’re seeking solitude.

Maya Bay, famous from the film “The Beach,” is a highlight, though it’s often crowded with day-trippers. Here, you’ll have time to snorkel at Loh Samah Bay and Shark Point, with the latter offering a good chance of seeing small reef sharks — an exciting perk for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Phi Phi Don and Beach Lunch

Arriving at Phi Phi Don, you’ll get the chance to explore the island’s main village area after lunch. The included beachside meal is served on the sand, offering a casual, scenic setting. Reviewers note that the lunch is simple but satisfying, with fresh fruit and drinks to fuel your exploration.

Free Time and Exploration

Post-lunch, you’ll have about 1 hour and 40 minutes to discover the island. This is enough time to stroll around, shop for souvenirs, or just relax on the beach. Keep in mind that the island can get busy, so if tranquility is your priority, early or late visits tend to be quieter.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers good value with everything from snorkeling gear, drinks, fruits, and lunch included. The passenger insurance adds peace of mind, and the hotel transfer streamlines the experience.

However, you should be prepared to pay a national park fee of 200 THB for children and 400 THB for adults, payable on-site. It’s an important cost to factor into your overall budget.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

One traveler described the experience as “the most terrible trip of my life” due to environmental concerns, citing noise, pollution, and trash. This honest feedback reminds us that while the tour offers spectacular sights, the ecological footprint is something to consider.

Another reviewer praised the organized logistics and beautiful scenery, noting that the guided snorkeling increased chances of wildlife sightings. These insights reinforce that the experience is well-structured but also highlight ongoing environmental challenges.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Arrive early for the best spots on the boat and to avoid the biggest crowds at Maya Bay.
• Bring your own snorkel gear if you’re serious about underwater exploration, although gear is provided.
• Respect the environment by avoiding littering and being mindful of the marine life.
• Prepare for the weather: sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. The tour runs rain or shine, but cancellations are possible in poor weather conditions.
• Budget for the park fees in addition to the tour cost.
• Check the tour timing: it starts at 9:00 am, so plan your day accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This full-day Phi Phi Islands trip is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a quick but rich taste of the region’s highlights. It works well for those with limited time but a desire to see multiple islands and snorkel in pristine waters.

If you’re looking for deep solitude or want to avoid crowded spots like Maya Bay, this might not be the best fit. The environmental concerns noted by some travelers also suggest that eco-conscious visitors should weigh their options or consider responsible tourism.

For those wanting value-packed access to stunning scenery, snorkeling, and a beachside lunch, this tour hits the right notes, especially at its affordable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered from all Koh Lanta hotels, making the start of your day smooth and hassle-free.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 9:00 am, so plan to be ready a little earlier for pickup.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1 day and 8 hours, giving ample time to see multiple spots without feeling rushed.

Are snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, and guided snorkeling opportunities are available at key locations.

Does the price include park entrance fees?
Not initially. You’ll need to pay an additional 200 THB for children aged 3-11 and 400 THB for adults at the park entrance.

Is there a maximum number of travelers?
Yes, the tour caps at 35 participants, which helps maintain a more personalized experience.

What is the lunch like?
A simple beachside meal with fresh fruits, drinks, and local flavors is served, providing enough energy for the afternoon.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a standard tour, major itinerary changes aren’t typically offered, but the scheduled stops are popular highlights.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a towel, extra cash for park fees, and your snorkeling gear if you prefer your own.

Is this tour eco-friendly?
Environmental concerns have been raised, so travelers should be mindful to minimize their ecological footprint.

In all, this speedboat tour from Koh Lanta offers a lively, efficient way to experience the stunning Phi Phi Islands, with a good mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxation. While environmental impacts are a consideration, the access to hard-to-reach spots and the inclusion of essentials make it a valuable option for many travelers eager to tick this iconic destination off their list.