Lazy Phi Phi and Khai Islands Premium Service Trip From Phuket

Travelers often seek guided tours that promise a mix of iconic sights, good value, and a relaxing pace—especially when visiting the stunning Phi Phi Islands. This particular trip, offered by Oh-Hoo, markets itself as a more laid-back, crowd-avoiding alternative to the typical day trip, with a focus on giving travelers a chance to unwind and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.

While it promises a series of popular spots like Maya Bay and Viking Cave, as well as some exclusive touches like late start times and fewer crowds, our review reveals a few important nuances. If you’re considering this tour, you’ll want to weigh its advantages—including knowledgeable guides and a well-rounded itinerary—against the potential for feeling rushed and limited time at each stop.

This experience is likely best suited for travelers who prioritize comfort, a less hurried schedule, and the chance to explore iconic sites without fighting through large crowds. However, if you’re chasing adrenaline or a highly customizable day, other options might suit you better.

Key Points

• Relaxed Schedule: The tour starts at 9:00 am, allowing you to sleep in and avoid early mornings.
• Crowd Avoidance: The itinerary is intentionally designed to steer clear of the usual tourist crushes.
• Comprehensive Stops: Includes major sights like Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Khai Nai Island, with opportunities for snorkeling and swimming.
• Good Value: For around $86.49, the tour covers transportation, guide, lunch, and entry fees—though some reviews mention feeling rushed.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Reviewers mention friendly, informative guides who add value to the experience.
• Limited Time at Stops: Some guests felt they didn’t have enough time to truly enjoy each location, especially if they want relaxing beach moments.

Introduction: What This Tour Offers and Who Might Like It

If you’re the type of traveler who prefers to wake up slowly and avoid the busiest parts of the day, this Lazy Phi Phi and Khai Islands tour could be tempting. It stands out because it doesn’t require an early start—your pickup is scheduled for 9:00 am—and promises a more chilled experience compared to traditional speedboat trips.

One of the biggest draws is the itinerary designed to avoid crowds. You’ll visit major attractions like Maya Bay (famous from “The Beach”) and Monkey Bay, but at times that are less congested. Plus, the inclusion of a delicious beachfront lunch and free time on Phi Phi Don offers a balance of activity and relaxation.

However, it’s important to note that some reviews suggest this tour may feel rushed—with only about 30 minutes to an hour at each stop, which might not be enough if you’re hoping for deep exploration or lounging. It’s best suited for those who want to tick off sights without feeling overwhelmed or hurried.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Monkey Beach (1 hour 30 minutes)

The day begins with a visit to Monkey Beach, a narrow stretch of soft white sand fringed by clear waters. The advantage here is that you get a relaxed window of time to swim, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun. Since the admission ticket is included, you won’t need to worry about extra costs for this stop.

Guests have noted that this area is popular for snorkeling around Monkey Bay, and the setting is perfect for those who want to start the day leisurely. One reviewer mentioned that “tour always felt rushed,” but this stop’s longer duration helps break up the day and provides a nice introduction to the islands.

Ko Phi Phi Don (2 hours)

Next, you’ll head to Phi Phi Don for a lunch at a beach-side restaurant in Ton Sai Bay, followed by free time to explore or relax on the beach. The included lunch is a significant value, giving you a chance to enjoy fresh seafood or local Thai dishes in a scenic setting.

Guests appreciated the ample free time, which allows for snorkeling or wandering around the island’s lively streets. One person remarked, “If you want to enjoy islands do just one stop that has beach, view and snorkeling,” hinting that this part of the tour offers a decent balance of activities and rest.

Loh Samah Bay (30 minutes)

A short visit to Loh Samah Bay, famed for its spectacular scenery and clear waters, gives a quick taste of one of Koh Phi Phi Leh’s most photogenic spots. The admission fee is included, and visitors generally find this a beautiful, photo-worthy stop.

Maya Bay (1 hour)

The highlight for many is Maya Bay, known globally from the Leonardo DiCaprio film. Here, visitors can relax on the famous white sand beach or snorkel in the nearby waters. It’s a must-see, but one concern repeatedly noted is that time feels limited, especially since the popular spot can get crowded.

One reviewer commented, “Tour felt rushed, never enough time,” which is a common sentiment at Maya Bay. If you’re eager to soak in the scenery without rushing, consider whether a private or more flexible tour might suit you better.

Pi Leh Bay (30 minutes)

A picturesque swimming inlet, Pi Leh Bay offers a quiet place for snorkelers and paddleboarders. The admission fee is included, and the calm waters make it a relaxing spot. However, with only half an hour, you’ll need to be efficient with your time.

Viking Cave (30 minutes)

This limestone cave, famous for its ancient wall paintings and bird nest harvesting, adds a bit of cultural interest to the day. The short stop means you’ll get a glimpse without the opportunity for a deep exploration, but it’s certainly a unique feature of the itinerary.

Khai Nai Island (1 hour)

The final stop is Khai Nai Island, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal place to snorkel, swim, or relax before heading back. The admission is included, and it’s often praised for its tranquil ambiance compared to Phi Phi Leh.

What Is Included—and What Isn’t

The inclusive package covers:

• English-speaking guide who is generally friendly and knowledgeable.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics.
• Snacks and refreshments onboard, adding a little boost during the day.
• A delicious lunch on Phi Phi Don, a highlight for many guests.
• Life jackets and travel insurance, ensuring safety and peace of mind.

However, travelers should budget for the national park fee (400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children), payable at the entrance, which adds to the overall cost. As the tour’s reviews suggest, this fee can feel like an extra hurdle if you’re not prepared.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses modern speedboats to move swiftly between islands, keeping the day flowing smoothly. The group size is capped at 30 travelers, which tends to prevent overcrowding onboard. The pickup from Phuket hotels means you avoid the hassle of reaching a meeting point, saving time and stress.

One review mentioned that the tour always felt rushed, which could be partly due to the tight schedule and the number of stops packed into the day. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you might want to consider a private option or a smaller, customized tour.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Timing: The tour begins at 9:00 am and runs for about 8-9 hours, meaning you’ll return in the late afternoon. This is perfect for those who want to end the day relaxed rather than exhausted.
• Weather Dependency: Like all outdoor activities, this trip is subject to weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Physical Requirements: The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those with high blood pressure, heart, or bone conditions, mainly because of boat rides and water activities.
• Crowds and Timing: While designed to avoid large crowds, some stops—particularly Maya Bay—may still be busy, and limited time can make it hard to enjoy the scenery fully.

Authentic Insights From Past Guests

One reviewer, runu_k, summed up the experience by saying, “Tour always felt rushed. There was never enough time for anything.” This highlights the importance of managing expectations if you value long, relaxing visits at each spot. They also mentioned that doing just one or two stops privately might be more enjoyable for those who want more flexibility and leisure.

Another point that stands out is the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Guests appreciated the actual information provided about the sites, which added educational value to the trip.

The Bottom Line: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This Lazy Phi Phi and Khai Islands trip is best suited for travelers who want a comfortable, well-organized day exploring key sites without the early start or large crowds. If you’re happy with shorter visits and appreciate a progressive, guided experience, you’ll likely find it offers good value for the price.

However, if your priority is deep relaxation or more time at each location, you may find this tour a bit too rushed. The inclusion of snorkeling, sightseeing, and a delicious lunch makes it a balanced choice for those wanting a comprehensive day out, but with some caveats regarding time management.

Overall, it’s a solid option for those wanting to see the main highlights of Phi Phi with the convenience of hotel pickup, but don’t expect a completely unhurried, luxury experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The tour kicks off at 9:00 am, allowing for a later wake-up and more rest before heading out.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from Phuket hotels, making logistics easy.

How long is the total tour duration?
Expect approximately 8 to 9 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and meal breaks.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs about $86.49 per person, which covers most activities, lunch, transportation, and entry fees.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, the national park fee (400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children) must be paid at the entrance and is not included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is generally suitable for children aged 4-11, but keep in mind the water-based activities and boat rides.

Can pregnant travelers join?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women, especially due to boat rides and water activities.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, guided day exploring Phi Phi and Khai Islands, this tour offers a good mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and cultural sights, all with the convenience of hotel pickup. The knowledgeable guides and included amenities add value, especially for those new to the islands.

However, the feeling of being rushed and limited time at each stop is something to consider, particularly if you’re looking for a leisurely experience. For travelers who want a more flexible or private adventure, spending a bit more or choosing a bespoke tour might be worthwhile.

Ultimately, this trip is a solid choice for those seeking a bucket-list day with comfort and convenience, especially if you value guided insights and a carefully curated itinerary.