Krabi: Early Bird Phi Phi +4 Islands Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and deserted beaches, the Krabi: Early Bird Phi Phi + 4 Islands Tour offers a fantastic way to start your day. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a well-organized, value-packed experience that brings you closer to Krabi’s most iconic spots — all before the crowds arrive.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the early start means beating the crowds and enjoying a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Second, the speedboat ensures quick access to multiple destinations, maximizing your island-hopping experience. Third, the comprehensive itinerary includes world-famous sights like Maya Bay and hidden gems such as Bamboo Island.

However, a potential consideration is the early wake-up time—if you’re not a morning person, it might be a struggle. Also, because it’s a full-day adventure, expect a fairly busy schedule, but for those who love packed days of exploration, this is perfect.

This tour especially suits travelers looking for authentic, scenic experiences with a balance of relaxation and adventure, and those eager to avoid the crowds while seeing the best of Krabi’s islands.

Key Points

• Early start helps beat the crowds and enjoy more peaceful sights
• Speedboat transfer allows quick access to multiple islands and beaches
• Includes snorkeling and swimming opportunities in clear waters
• Visit iconic locations such as Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach
• All necessary fees and lunch are included, simplifying planning
• Small group size (up to 40 travelers) promotes a more intimate experience

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary and Experience

What to Expect From the Tour

Starting early in the morning around 5:30-6:30 am, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Krabi or nearby areas like Ao Nang or Tubkaak. This early start is key to avoiding the crowds — a detail mentioned in reviews as a major plus. The transfer to the pier by air-conditioned minivan guarantees comfort after a possibly restless night or early wake-up.

Once at the pier, hop aboard your speedboat—a swift, lively way to cover considerable ground in a single day. The boat’s speed allows you to visit multiple locations with minimal travel time, meaning more time to explore and relax.

Detailed Stop-by-Stop Breakdown

Krabi Town (Pickup & Departure)

The tour begins with a hotel pickup, which many travelers appreciate for the convenience. The early transfer also sets the tone for a full, action-packed day. Reviews confirm that the timing allows travelers to arrive at the boat with plenty of energy, ready to take in the sights.

Tup Island: The Sandbar Marvel

Koh Tup is renowned for its spectacular sandbar that emerges during low tide. This is a photographer’s dream—an almost surreal stretch of sand connecting to a tiny island, perfect for a quick walk or lounging. Review snippets highlight how this natural feature feels almost otherworldly, especially with the bright morning light. The duration here is about an hour, giving you enough time to snap photos and soak in the scenery.

Maya Bay: The Movie Star

Maya Bay needs little introduction. Its fame skyrocketed after “The Beach,” and it remains one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand. The towering limestone cliffs framing a shallow, tranquil bay create a postcard-perfect scene. Although some reviews mention that Maya Bay can get crowded later in the day, arriving early ensures you’ll enjoy it with fewer people and better light for photos. Entrance is included in the tour fee, and you’ll spend roughly an hour here.

Pileh Bay: Nature’s Lagoon

Next up is Pileh Bay, a true highlight. Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, this lagoon offers clear, calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The reviews praise the crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after the busy morning. The hour allocated allows enough time to float around and admire the towering rocks from the water.

Viking Cave: An Ancient Marvel

A brief stop at Viking Cave offers a glimpse of ancient cave paintings and the swift population. Many travelers find Viking Cave fascinating for its natural rock formations and cultural history. The short 15-minute visit is enough to admire it from the boat and snap some photos, with some reviews noting it’s a quick but worthwhile photo stop.

Monkey Beach: Playful Encounters

Monkey Beach, with its lush surroundings and curious primates, provides a fun and scenic break. Expect to see monkeys playing near the shore, but remember to keep your belongings secure. The half-hour duration is sufficient for a quick visit, and reviews mention the playful monkeys and gorgeous white sands as highlights.

Chicken Island: The Rock Formation

Koh Panyee, aka Chicken Island, is famous for its quirky rock formation resembling a chicken’s head. Many travelers enjoy the novelty and the chance to relax on the beach. Spend about an hour here before heading to the next stop.

Koh Poda: Relaxation and Underwater Fun

Koh Poda offers soft white sand beaches and is an ideal spot for relaxing or exploring underwater life. The clear waters are great for snorkeling, and the island’s pristine nature is praised by visitors. The 45-minute stay provides enough time to unwind or take a quick swim.

Bamboo Island: A Tranquil Escape

Finally, Bamboo Island wraps up the day with its serene, white-sand beaches and crystal waters. Its tranquil atmosphere offers a perfect spot for a leisurely swim, sunbathing, or simply appreciating the stunning scenery. Many reviews highlight the pristine beauty of Bamboo Island as a highlight of the trip. You’ll spend around 2 hours here, allowing ample time to relax and explore.

Return to Your Hotel

Around 4:00-4:30 pm, the boat returns, and you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, tired but satisfied with a day full of incredible sights.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour price of $105 per person is quite reasonable considering the number of locations visited, the inclusion of lunch, snorkeling gear, and park entrance fees. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off adds to the overall value, especially for those staying in Krabi or Ao Nang.

Most travelers noted that the group size is limited to 40, which helps maintain a more personalized atmosphere. The pace is fast but manageable, with enough breaks to enjoy each stop.

Potential Drawbacks

The early start might not suit late risers, and the busy schedule can be tiring. If you prefer more time at each location or a slower pace, this might feel rushed. Also, weather conditions can impact the experience, but the tour offers a full refund or alternative date if canceled due to poor weather.

Final Thoughts

This Krabi island-hopping tour offers a well-rounded adventure, combining iconic sights, natural beauty, and easy logistics. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the chance to explore Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island all in one day, with the benefit of beating the crowds, makes it a compelling option.

While it’s a full day of activity, the organized nature, inclusive lunch, snorkeling gear, and stunning locations deliver great value for the price. Perfect for those looking to tick off multiple must-see spots without the hassle of planning individual transfers or entrance tickets.

If you’re eager for a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and picture-perfect scenery, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, and an early alarm clock!

FAQ

• What time does the tour start?
  Pickup begins around 5:30-6:30 am, depending on your location, to maximize early access.

• How long is each stop?
  Most stops range from 15 minutes at Viking Cave to 2 hours at Bamboo Island, allowing enough time to explore or relax.

• Is snorkeling equipment provided?
  Yes, snorkeling gear is included, giving you the chance to see underwater life in Pileh Bay and around other spots.

• Is lunch included?
  Yes, a provided lunch is part of the tour, saving you time and money on meals.

• What should I bring?
  Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and waterproof camera if you wish to capture underwater moments.

• Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
  Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and poor weather may lead to rescheduling or full refund.

• What’s the group size?
  The tour limits groups to a maximum of 40 travelers for a more personalized experience.

• Is hotel pickup available?
  Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at your hotel in Krabi, Ao Nang, Klong Mueng, or Tubkaak Beach.

• How long does the entire tour last?
  Expect approximately 9 to 10 hours, from early morning pickup to return in the late afternoon.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Most travelers say yes, especially if your children are comfortable with boat rides and early mornings, but always check with the tour provider regarding age restrictions.

This tour strikes a good balance between scenic highlights and a practical schedule, perfect for travelers wanting to enjoy Krabi’s beauty without the hassle of planning every detail.