PHUKET: Phi Phi-Maya-Yao Yai-Khai Island by Speed Boat with Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Phuket and dreaming of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, then a speedboat tour of the Phi Phi Islands might be on your radar. While this particular tour doesn’t claim to be perfect, it offers a practical way to tick off some of the most iconic spots in the Andaman Sea in one day.

What makes this experience appealing? Firstly, the convenience of hotel pickup and return means less hassle and more time enjoying your day. Secondly, the inclusion of a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and national park fees helps you understand the overall value without unexpected costs. Lastly, the variety of stops—from Maya Bay to Viking Cave—ensures you’ll see diverse scenery and marine environments.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Some travelers have reported being packed in tightly on the boat, and others have experienced timing issues or felt that certain stops were overly crowded. This tour is best suited for those who are happy to roll with the crowds and appreciate the main sights without too much exclusivity. If you’re looking for a relaxed, private experience, this might not be your best bet. But for first-timers eager to explore the highlights with a lively group, it offers a solid, fun-packed day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour fits travelers who want a budget-friendly day trip with all the key sights highlighted, are okay with somewhat crowded conditions, and value organized logistics and convenience. If you’re traveling with friends or family who want to see the iconic Phi Phi scenery and enjoy snorkeling, this could be a good option—especially if you’re open to a lively, social atmosphere.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines multiple island visits with snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing.
• Includes essentials: Buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, national park fees, and accident insurance.
• Group size: Around 20 travelers maximum, creating a reasonably intimate environment.
• Duration: About 9 hours, with a packed itinerary that covers lots of ground.
• Convenience: Pickup from most hotels and a seamless transfer system.
• Crowd factor: Expect to share popular spots like Maya Bay with many other travelers, which can impact the atmosphere.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Early Morning Pickup and Introduction

Most travelers will be picked up from their Phuket hotel between 7:00 and 8:45 am. The early start is typical for full-day tours, and the team at Thailandlocaltour.com makes an effort to keep the process smooth. The small group setting—capped at around 20 people—helps ensure some level of comfort, though reviews indicate that on some days, the boat can feel quite crowded.

Once onboard, a briefing introduces the day’s plan, setting expectations and safety guidelines. This is your chance to ask questions or clarify the schedule, which is helpful given the tight timeline.

Khai Island: Swim and Snorkel

The first stop is Khai Island, roughly a 1.5-hour visit. Here, the focus is on swimming, relaxing, and trying out snorkeling from the beach**. The shallow waters are perfect for beginners, and the coral reefs close to the shore make for decent underwater sights. Reviewers mention the water clarity can vary, but many enjoyed the chance to splash around in a relatively calm environment.

Yao Yai Island: A Buffet Break

Next up is a buffet lunch at Yao Yai Island, roughly from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm. The lunch menu is described as a Thai buffet with seasonal fruits, coffee, and tea. Reviewers note that it’s a straightforward but satisfying meal—nothing gourmet, but filling enough to fuel the rest of the day. The setting offers a break from boat travel, and many appreciated the chance to stretch and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Phi Phi Don and Monkey Beach

After lunch, the boat heads to the north of Phi Phi Don to visit Monkey Beach and snorkel around the coral reefs. The feedback from travelers indicates that the area is popular with other boats, and it can feel crowded. Some reviewers, like one, comment that the beaches are “packed like sardines,” which may detract from the sense of serenity. That said, you’ll see playful monkeys and vibrant fish, which makes it worthwhile if you’re interested in marine life.

Viking Cave and Ganna Go Peleh Lagoon

Later in the afternoon, the boat visits Viking Cave—famous for the bird nests harvested for soup. You’ll also get to swim, jump, and paddleboard in Ganna Go Peleh Lagoon. This part of the trip adds a fun, interactive element, offering chances to cool off and take photos. Reviewers mention that the lagoon’s waters are an inviting emerald green, perfect for relaxing or taking a quick dip.

Maya Bay: The Movie Star

The highlight for many comes at Maya Bay, where the famous movie “The Beach” was filmed. The tour spends about an hour here, allowing visitors to sit on the sand, take photos, and soak in the scenery. Many travelers note the bay is very busy, and some suggest that the guided paths make the visit feel somewhat cookie-cutter. Still, the view remains iconic and well worth experiencing, even if you can’t swim in the bay itself due to park restrictions.

Return Journey

By 5 pm, it’s time to head back to Phuket, with the boat returning to A.A. Marina Pier by around 5:45 pm. The return trip offers a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights—despite the crowds and busy schedule, it’s a full day of memorable scenery.

What Does the Price Cover and What Are the Extras?

At $68.95 per person, this tour covers most essentials: round-trip land and boat transfers, national park fees, snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch, seasonal fruits, soft drinks, Thai snacks, and accident insurance. It’s a fair price for a full day of sightseeing, especially considering the inclusion of park fees and lunch.

However, expenses outside the itinerary—like souvenirs, additional drinks, or optional activities—are not included. Some travelers noted that the food was “pretty average,” but functional enough for a day on the water.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer shared a frustrating experience, stating, “The boat left me on Phi Phi Island,” highlighting the importance of punctuality and being aware of the pickup process. The company responded that they do not leave anyone behind and sent another boat to pick up the straggler, but this incident underscores how busy and sometimes chaotic these trips can feel.

Another comment mentions the crowded conditions—“we were packed like sardines”—which can impact comfort levels. That said, many enjoyed the friendly staff and the spectacular views, with some noting that guides are knowledgeable and try to keep the group informed and safe.

A few travelers also pointed out that the popular spots like Maya Bay get very crowded, which might be a downside for those seeking solitude. Still, they appreciated the convenience of seeing the main sights in a single day.

The Balance of Value and Experience

This tour offers a practical way to see the highlights of the Phi Phi Islands without blowing your budget. The inclusion of transport, park entry, and lunch simplifies planning and helps avoid surprise costs. The itinerary packs in a lot—beach time, snorkeling, cave visits, and iconic scenery.

However, the crowded conditions and some reports of logistical hiccups mean it’s best suited for travelers who are flexible, social, and eager to tick off the must-see sights rather than seeking a peaceful, exclusive experience. If you’re prepared for a lively atmosphere with lots of fellow travelers, you’ll likely find this tour satisfying.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If your goal is to cover the essential sights of Phi Phi in one day, enjoy some good snorkelling, and have a fun, social outing, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suitable for first-timers or those on a budget who want to maximize their time in Phuket without stressing about logistics.

People who don’t mind being in a group and sharing busy beaches with many others will find this enjoyable. Those looking for a more tranquil or personalized experience might want to explore private options or smaller group tours.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Most pickups are scheduled between 7:00 and 8:45 am, with a meeting point at A.A. Marina Pier.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, land transfer from most Phuket hotels is included, making it convenient to start your day.

What is the duration of the tour?
The total time is approximately 9 hours, from pickup to return, with a full day of sightseeing.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Thai buffet lunch is served at Yao Yai Island, along with seasonal fruits, coffee, and tea.

What activities are available?
Snorkeling, swimming, visiting Viking Cave, and relaxing on Maya Beach are the main activities.

Are snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, making it easy to explore underwater life.

Can I swim at Maya Bay?
Currently, swimming at Maya Bay is restricted; visitors can relax and take photos but are not permitted to swim in the bay itself.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, a towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera or phone case for photos.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the boat can get crowded, and the schedule may be long for very young children.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?
Tours are weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour of Phi Phi, Maya, Yao Yai, and Khai Islands offers a lively, comprehensive way to experience some of Thailand’s most picturesque spots. It’s ideal for travelers who prioritize seeing the main sights, enjoy snorkeling, and don’t mind sharing busy beaches with many others. The included lunch, park fees, and smooth transfers make it a practical choice for those looking for a full, hassle-free day.

While it’s not a quiet, exclusive experience, it delivers on the essentials—spectacular scenery, marine adventures, and memorable moments—at a price that won’t break the bank. For first-timers or those on a tight schedule, it’s a solid option that balances value, fun, and the thrill of Thai island life.