Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch

This tour offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of Thailand’s most iconic islands—all in one day. It’s perfect for those looking for a well-organized, action-packed adventure with plenty of opportunities for relaxation, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

What we love about this experience is how it combines the thrill of speedboat rides with the serenity of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The small group size—limited to 35-70 guests—means you get more personal attention, making it feel like an exclusive escape. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and well-planned itinerary ensure you’ll see the highlights without feeling rushed. The only potential downside? The day’s packed schedule means you might not get as much chill-out time as you would on a more leisurely beach day. But overall, this trip is ideal for active travelers eager to tick off multiple bucket-list spots in one go.

Key Points

• Efficient itinerary covers all major highlights of Phi Phi Islands including Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach.
• Small group sizes enhance comfort and personalized experience.
• Snorkeling opportunities at Bamboo Island allow close encounters with marine life.
• Well-organized logistics include hotel pickup, a friendly guide, and smooth transitions.
• Delicious buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don offers a taste of Thai cuisine.
• Good value for a full-day tour packed with diverse activities and scenic views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Your Day with Convenience and Comfort

From the moment you are picked up from your Phuket hotel, this tour is designed to maximize your day. The early pickup (between 7:00-8:00 AM) is crucial — it ensures you beat the crowds and enjoy the islands in a more peaceful setting. The transfer to the pier is comfortable, and once you arrive, the friendly crew welcomes you aboard with a soft drink and seasonal fruits, setting a relaxed tone.

The boat itself is described as a brand new and clean vessel, with a capacity that keeps the group small—between 35 and 70 people. This aspect is often praised in reviews, with travelers noting that it offers a more personal experience compared to larger, more crowded tours. The ride to Phi Phi is about an hour, during which the crew plays music and shares interesting facts about the landmarks you’ll visit, keeping everyone entertained and informed.

The Highlights of the Itinerary

Loh Sama Bay and Maya Bay

Your first stop is Loh Sama Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, a beautiful spot where you’ll see a tiny islet in the middle of the bay. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and take photos. Next up is the famous Maya Bay, where the movie “The Beach” was filmed. Here, you get about 50 minutes of free time to relax on the white sand beach, explore, or just soak in the scenery. Reviewers like Faustina from the UAE appreciated the balance of free time and guided sightseeing, noting how her guide Linda made the experience enjoyable and lighthearted.

You’ll notice efforts at restoration work around Maya Bay, which is a good sign of Thailand’s commitment to preserving this natural wonder. While it can get crowded later in the day, visiting early helps you enjoy the bay’s beauty in peace.

Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave

Next, the boat takes you to Pileh Lagoon, a stunning enclosed cove with bright green waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. It’s a perfect spot for a quick dip or just marveling at the scenery. Many reviews mention how impressive the cliffs and the calm waters are—ideal for relaxing or taking photographs.

A short ride brings you to the Viking Cave, famous for its swiftlet nests and impressive rock formations. Learning about the bird nest harvesting process adds an interesting cultural layer to the trip, especially as many reviewers comment on how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are. Diana from Canada mentioned that the guides “were amazing,” and appreciated their insights during the cave visit.

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Monkey Beach and Wildlife Sightings

From the boat, you’ll get a view of Monkey Beach, where wild monkeys are often spotted climbing cliffs or relaxing on the beach. The guides emphasize safety, warning that guests should stay on the boat and not attempt to leave the vessel near the monkeys. Several reviewers, including Diana from the US, highlight the fun of spotting the monkeys in their natural habitat, which adds a wild element to the excursion.

Snorkeling at Bamboo Island

After a hearty buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don, the tour takes you to Nui Bay for a quick swim or snorkel session. But the real highlight is the stop at Bamboo Island—a small, heart-shaped paradise with crystal waters and soft white sand. Here, you’re given 1.5 hours to relax, swim, sunbathe, or snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and fish. Reviewers like Alexander from the UK found the snorkeling “amazing,” often mentioning the variety of marine life, including a surprising sighting of a baby shark near Phi Phi Leh, as noted by Tomas from Ireland.

Smooth Return and Hotel Drop-Off

After soaking in the last moments of island bliss, the boat departs Bamboo Island and heads back to Phuket, with a roughly one-hour journey. The return trip is often accompanied by music and conversation, with many guests remarking on the crew’s friendly service and the overall comfort of the boat.

The tour ends with convenient drop-offs at multiple Phuket locations, including Karon and Patong, making it easy to continue your day of exploring or relaxing.

Practical Details That Matter

Transportation and Timing

The early morning pickup is a crucial part of this tour’s appeal, allowing you to avoid busy periods and get the best light for photos. The total duration is 8 hours, which is a good balance between seeing the sights and not feeling overwhelmed. The schedule is quite packed but well-paced, with enough free time at key spots to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Group Size and Atmosphere

A maximum of 70 guests means you won’t be lost in the crowd. Many reviews praised the guides—like Coco and Michael—for their professionalism, humor, and attentiveness. Guests appreciated how the crew kept everyone fed and hydrated, with fresh fruits, drinks, and even ice cream upon return, enhancing the overall value.

Food and Refreshments

The buffet lunch is described as Thai food with no pork or beef options, suitable for vegetarians if requested in advance. Reviewers mention how enjoyable the food was, with Diana from Canada noting the “delicious buffet” and Felix from Ireland appreciating the fresh fruit and attentive service. The inclusion of drinks and snacks throughout the day makes this a very comfortable, all-inclusive experience.

Price and Value

Considering the duration, the variety of stops, included meals, and guided commentary, this tour offers great value. It’s especially recommended for those wanting to pack a lot into a single day while enjoying the comfort and expertise of a well-organized operator.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This experience is perfect for active travelers eager to explore multiple highlights in one day, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife viewing. It’s ideal for those who prefer small groups and knowledgeable guides, ensuring a more personal touch. The tour isn’t suited for very young children, pregnant women, or people with certain health issues due to the speedboat rides and physical activity involved.

Final thoughts

In essence, this tour delivers a comprehensive, enjoyable day on the water, showcasing Phuket’s best-kept secrets and must-see spots. The combination of scenic beauty, engaging guides, and comfortable logistics makes it a top choice for anyone wanting a memorable island-hopping adventure without the hassle of planning every detail.

If you’re after a well-rounded, fun-filled day with plenty of sightseeing, snorkeling, and delicious Thai food, this tour is a fantastic pick. It appeals especially to travelers who value small-group experiences, knowledgeable guides, and a good mix of relaxation and activity.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
You should be in your hotel lobby 10-15 minutes before your scheduled pickup, which begins between 7:00-8:00 AM. The driver will not wait beyond 10 minutes after the scheduled time.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, sandals, a camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and some cash for extras.

Are there any restrictions on who can join?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years, pregnant women, or anyone with back, leg, or arm surgery in the past 12 months. Travelers with mobility, respiratory, or heart issues, or those prone to seasickness, are also advised against it.

What is the lunch like?
The buffet includes Thai dishes without pork or beef, with vegetarian options available if requested 24 hours in advance. Guests from reviews found the food tasty and filling.

How long is each stop?
Most sightseeing stops last around 15-50 minutes, with free time at Maya Bay and Bamboo Island lasting about 50 minutes and 1.5 hours respectively.

Can I snorkel at Bamboo Island?
Yes, snorkeling is included, and many guests enjoy the vibrant coral and fish, with reports of seeing baby sharks and a variety of marine life.

What is the boat like?
The vessel is new, clean, and designed for comfort, with a cap of 70 guests to ensure a more intimate experience.

How long does the entire tour take?
It lasts about 8 hours, from hotel pickup in the morning to drop-off in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is there an option to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

This Phuket tour offers a well-curated mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for another visit, it promises plenty of memorable moments on Thailand’s stunning islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: