Khao Lak: Phi Phi & Bamboo Island Day Trip by Speedboat

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, the Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands day trip from Khao Lak might just be what you need. This tour promises a full day of breathtaking scenery, snorkeling adventures, and island exploration—all in a well-organized, friendly package. Based on glowing reviews, this experience is highly rated for its professionalism, variety, and value.

What we love about this tour is how smooth the logistics are—from the hotel pickup to the final return. The well-maintained speedboats and attentive guides make the entire day comfortable and safe, while the chance to visit iconic spots like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon keeps the sightseeing interesting. Plus, the delicious buffet lunch, served at a beachfront resort, earns praise for its quality and variety. The only consideration is that it’s a long day, so travelers with mobility issues or those expecting a relaxed, slow-paced trip might need to think twice.

This trip is ideal for those who crave a full-day adventure packed with diverse sights, excellent snorkeling, and a taste of island life. Families, couples, and groups who appreciate well-organized tours with knowledgeable guides will find it especially rewarding.

Key Points

• Exceptional organization and safety — from hotel pickup to speedboat rides, everything runs smoothly.
• Diverse island experiences — visiting Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, and Pileh Lagoon offers plenty of variety.
• Great value for money — all-inclusive with meals, snorkeling gear, and guided tours included.
• Professional guides — reviews highlight guides like “Sexy Goodie” and “Phi” for their friendly, informative approach.
• Comfort and cleanliness — the boats and facilities are well-kept, enhancing the overall experience.
• Perfect for adventure lovers — snorkeling, swimming, and island walks fill the day with activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

From Khao Lak to the Islands: Smooth Start

The day kicks off with a hotel pickup, which is convenient and reliable, with pickup times re-confirmed via email. Expect a 2-hour van ride to the Royal Phuket Marina, where you’ll check in, enjoy a light breakfast, and receive a safety briefing. This part of the day sets a relaxed, organized tone, and the staff’s professionalism earns praise from many reviewers—like Sophie who noted “everything was very clean and secure at all times,” and Nathan who shared that “the pickup was exactly on time.”

The Speedboat Journey: Scenic and Comfortable

Leaving the marina, the 1-hour speedboat ride across the Andaman Sea is often highlighted as a highlight, offering stunning views and a feeling of excitement. The boats are described as clean and comfortable, with constant fresh drinks and snacks. Several reviewers, including Rex, appreciated the “lovely, clean boat with constant drinks and snacks,” which keeps energy levels high during the voyage.

First Stop: Maya Bay

Maya Bay’s fame stems from its starring role in The Beach, and it’s no surprise that this stop is a major highlight. The tour allows enough time to take photos and walk around the lush surroundings, although some reviews mention that Maya Bay is typically crowded, especially during peak season, which slightly diminishes the feeling of solitude. The bay is only accessible on certain days, but during scheduled times, it’s still a spectacular sight. One guest noted that the guide “kept us fully informed at all times,” making it more enjoyable despite the crowd.

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Pileh Lagoon: A Photo-Perfect Moment

Next is Pileh Lagoon, where tall limestone cliffs surround the bright turquoise waters. This is a favorite for many, offering excellent opportunities for snorkeling and swimming. Reviewers like Andy enjoyed the “really good snorkeling with vibrant coral and fish,” and Nathan described the scenery as “breathtaking.” Having enough time here to explore and take photos allows for the best experience, although the short 45-minute window requires quick action.

Monkey Beach and Viking Cave

The tour includes a quick visit to Monkey Beach, where visitors can see monkeys from a distance—although, as one reviewer pointed out, you’re not allowed to set foot on the island itself. The Viking Cave, known for its ancient cave paintings, is a brief sightseeing stop that adds historical intrigue without taking up too much time. The 30-minute Monkey Beach stop is enough for some photos and to observe the monkeys safely.

Lunch at a Beachfront Resort

After a busy morning, a delicious buffet lunch at a hotel restaurant by the beach provides a much-needed break. The food receives high praise for its quality and variety, with options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets available upon request. Guests often mention that the lunch at the Phi Phi Holiday Resort is among the best they’ve had on similar tours. You get the chance to relax poolside, enjoy the scenery, and recharge.

Exploring Ko Phi Phi Don and Surroundings

Post-lunch, the tour visits Ko Phi Phi Don for more snorkeling, swimming, and marvelling at the vibrant marine life. With 45 minutes allocated, you’ll have enough time to soak in the surroundings, take photos, or paddle around in the clear water. Many reviewers were impressed by the colorful fish and coral, with one saying, “loads of coral and fish,” making it clear that the snorkeling here is a major draw.

Final Stops: Maya Bay Revisited and Return

If Maya Bay is open (it was closed from August 2025 for ecological restoration, but this may not affect your trip depending on timing), you’ll visit again for a quick look. Otherwise, the tour adjusts to showcase other scenic spots. The return journey by speedboat offers more spectacular views, and the whole trip wraps up with a short pass by Royal Phuket Marina before heading back to Khao Lak, arriving around 6:10 pm—perfect for dinner plans.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Guides and crew consistently receive praise for their friendly, helpful attitude and expert knowledge. Several reviews mention guides like “Sexy Goodie” and “Phi” for their engaging commentary and care for guests, especially during snorkeling. This level of attentiveness makes all the difference for both safety and enjoyment.

The comfort of the boats and the boat crew’s dedication to cleanliness and hospitality are repeatedly noted, which is crucial on a full-day trip. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and a quality buffet lunch adds value, ensuring you’re fed and refreshed without extra cost.

The itinerary’s balance of sightseeing, active snorkeling, and free time at the islands strikes a good compromise for most travelers. The 13-hour duration might be long for some, but reviews suggest the day feels well-paced and packed with memorable moments.

Practical Considerations

This tour is best suited for those in good health who enjoy physical activities like swimming and snorkeling. The tour explicitly states it’s not recommended for pregnant women, the elderly in weak health, or those with certain medical conditions. The long day includes a lot of moving around, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are advised.

The tour operates rain or shine; however, boat safety takes priority. In cases of unsafe weather, rescheduling or full refunds are offered. This flexibility is reassuring, given the unpredictable tropical weather.

Pricing is competitive considering all inclusions—transportation, snacks, meals, guides, and equipment. The optional photographer service offers a chance to capture memories professionally for an extra fee, highly praised by those who booked it.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Take This Tour?

This Phi Phi and Bamboo Island day trip offers excellent value for travelers eager to see some of Thailand’s most iconic sights in a single day. If you love snorkeling, sightseeing, and enjoying a relaxed yet activity-filled day on the water, this tour checks all the boxes. The high-quality guides and well-organized logistics make it suitable for families, couples, or groups who want a hassle-free adventure.

It’s especially perfect for those who appreciate good food, professional service, and the chance to explore multiple islands without feeling rushed. While long, the trip’s variety, stunning vistas, and friendly crew make it a worthwhile investment.

For travelers seeking a comprehensive, fun, and safe day out, this tour delivers all that—plus some great photo opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup times are confirmed via email, and you should be waiting in your hotel’s reception area at the scheduled time to ensure a smooth start.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch at a beachfront hotel is part of the package, with special dietary requests accommodated.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, and cash are recommended. Remember sun protection and a camera for photos.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but it’s a long day with lots of activity. Children should be comfortable with swimming and boat travel.

Can I snorkel without prior experience?
Absolutely. The guides are attentive and provide snorkeling gear, making it accessible for beginners.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours operate rain or shine. If sea conditions are unsafe, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

Will I get enough time at each stop?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to give enough time at key spots for sightseeing, swimming, and photos, with some quick visits like Viking Cave.

Is Maya Bay open during my trip?
Maya Bay is closed from August 2025 for ecological restoration, but the tour will visit other scenic locations instead.

This Khao Lak day trip to the Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands offers a fantastic blend of adventure, relaxation, and picture-perfect moments. Whether you’re a snorkeling enthusiast or just love breathtaking landscapes, this well-reviewed tour provides a memorable way to explore Thailand’s stunning islands with ease and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: