Exclusive Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Bamboo Island by Speed Boat

Exploring the Exclusive Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and Bamboo Island by Speed Boat

Travelers seeking a full-day adventure in the Andaman Sea will find this speedboat tour from Phuket offers a wonderful mix of scenic beauty, fun activities, and convenient logistics. It’s a popular choice for those eager to experience iconic sights like Maya Bay and Bamboo Island without the fuss of planning every detail themselves.

What makes this trip appealing are several standout features: hassle-free hotel pickup, a delicious Thai buffet lunch, and the chance to see some of Thailand’s most photographed spots. The tour is designed to get you to the highlights efficiently, making the most of your day on the water.

However, it’s not without some considerations. The duration of some stops might leave a bit to be desired, especially if you’re eager to explore deeper or get more time on the beaches. Also, given that admission fees for the national park and some attractions are not included**, it’s worth factoring these extra costs into your budget.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, scenic, and reasonably priced day out without the hassle of arranging transport or multiple tickets. It’s ideal for those who prioritize comfort, convenience, and seeing top sights, but don’t mind a packed schedule.

Key Points

• Convenience is key with included hotel pickup and drop-off—saving you the hassle of arranging transport.
• Scenic cruising offers incredible views of Phuket’s coastline and limestone formations.
• Multiple stops provide a balanced mix of swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxing.
• Food included is a Thai buffet, with some reviews mentioning it could be warmer, but generally sufficient.
• Timing is tight, so if you love relaxing on beaches for hours, this may feel a bit rushed.
• National park fees are separate and should be budgeted for if not included.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup and Check-in

The day starts early, with hotel pickups between 6:00 and 7:00 am if you’ve booked the transfer. This convenience is great, especially considering the tour’s early start, but travelers should be prepared for an early rise.

Morning at Panwa Pier

Once at Panwa Pier, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast with sandwiches, fresh fruit, juice, tea, and coffee. This is a thoughtful touch, setting you up for the day ahead. After a brief safety and itinerary briefing, you’ll hop onto your fully-equipped speedboat, ready for a day of sightseeing.

Maya Bay (and its viewing from the lagoon)

Departing around 9:00 am, the boat takes you across the turquoise waters to Maya Bay, famous for its appearance in “The Beach” and its dramatic limestone cliffs. While the national park temporarily closes Maya Bay for conservation (from July 1 to September 30), you’ll still get a view of the bay from the lagoon. It’s a good compromise, though some might want more time to explore this world-famous spot.

Pileh Bay – The Swimming Pool in the Sea

Next, you’ll visit Pileh Lagoon, often called “the swimming pool in the sea” due to its calm, emerald waters embraced by towering limestone cliffs. Here, you can swim, relax, and take photos against a stunning backdrop. The calm waters make it suitable for those who prefer gentle swimming or just floating around.

Viking Cave & Snorkeling

Cruising further, the boat glides past Viking Cave, known for its swallows’ nests. This spot is famous for its cave paintings and the chance to snorkel amid colorful coral reefs and vibrant fish. The snorkeling equipment provided, including life jackets and breathing tubes, makes exploring easy, even for beginners.

Monkey Beach

A quick 10-minute stop at Monkey Beach offers a chance to see adorable monkeys along the forested cliffs. It’s a brief stop but one that often delights travelers who enjoy wildlife spotting and taking playful photos with the monkeys.

Lunch on Phi Phi Don

At around 1:30 pm, you’ll arrive at Tonsai Beach, where a buffet lunch awaits at a seaside restaurant. While some reviewers mention the food as semi-tasty and limited, it generally provides enough fuel for the rest of the day. You’ll have about an hour to relax, explore, or take photos.

Bamboo Island – White Sands and Relaxation

After lunch, the boat heads to Bamboo Island, famous for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. This stop offers the best chance for swimming, sunbathing, and simply unwinding on a picture-perfect beach. Most find an hour enough to enjoy the scenery and snap those postcard-worthy pics.

Return to Phuket

By mid-afternoon, around 3:30 pm, the boat departs Bamboo Island for the journey back to Panwa Pier. From there, a transfer will take you back to your hotel, wrapping up the day’s adventure.

What the Tour Includes and Excludes

This tour covers roundtrip transfer in Phuket (if booked), insurance, a guide, snacks, bottled water, and snorkeling gear. The Thai buffet lunch offers a convenient fuel stop during the busy day.

However, keep in mind that national park fees of 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child are not included, so budget extra cash if you want to visit Maya Bay (when open) or Viking Cave.

Authentic Traveler Insights

One reviewer shared that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, helping to make the entire experience smooth. The scenic views of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters are consistently praised, with many mentioning how beautiful the scenery truly is.

Some had mixed feelings about the lunch, citing it as cold or somewhat limited, but generally acceptable considering the full-day nature of the trip. The timing of stops was another point of discussion; some felt there was not enough time on the islands, especially Bamboo Island, but others appreciated the efficient schedule that maximized sightseeing.

A couple of travelers noted the longer boat ride on the traditional cruise could be improved by choosing a speedboat option for faster arrivals. Still, most agree that the scenery and activities balanced out the travel time.

The Value for Your Money

At around $62.75 per person, the price is reasonable when factoring in transport, guide service, meals, and snorkeling gear. Considering the iconic sights included and the convenience of hotel pickup, this tour offers solid value for those looking for a comprehensive day trip without the stress of planning every detail.

The extra costs—mainly the national park fee—are typical in Thailand and should be budgeted separately. For travelers keen on seeing Phi Phi’s highlights with minimal hassle, this tour ticks many boxes.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Phuket wanting a hassle-free way to explore the famous islands. It’s also suitable for families, couples, or groups who enjoy scenic cruising, snorkeling, and a mix of relaxing and active moments.

However, if you’re someone who prefers more time on the beaches or to explore remote locations at your own pace, this schedule might feel a little rushed. The tour is also better suited for those comfortable with early mornings and group activities.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This speedboat tour offers a well-rounded experience of some of Thailand’s most beloved islands, with the convenience of being guided and organized. The scenery and snorkeling are definite highlights, and the included lunch and transfers add to the value.

While the timing and lunch quality could be better, most travelers will find this tour delivers a memorable day with beautiful vistas and fun activities. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation without the hassle of planning every piece themselves.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, if you book the transfer option, pickup from your Phuket hotel is included, making the start of your day smooth and stress-free.

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
The boat departs around 9:00 am and the journey to Phi Phi Islands involves a scenic cruise, with some reviews suggesting a speedboat option could shorten transit time.

What should I bring for snorkeling?
Snorkeling gear is provided, including life jackets and breathing tubes. It’s advisable to bring your own towel, sun protection, and possibly a waterproof camera.

Are the stops long enough?
Most travelers find the schedule packed but manageable, with about an hour at each main stop. However, if you prefer more leisurely visits, this might feel a bit hurried.

What are the additional costs?
National park fees are not included: 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children, payable on-site if visiting Maya Bay or Viking Cave.

What is the age range suitable for this tour?
Most travelers can participate; the tour is designed for a broad audience, including families and older adults, provided they are comfortable with a full day of boat travel.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

To sum it up, this speedboat tour from Phuket offers a solid value for those who want to see the highlights of the Phi Phi Islands, enjoy snorkeling, and relax on beautiful beaches—all with the convenience of organized transport and meals. It’s best suited for travelers eager for a full-day adventure with scenic views and iconic sights, but who don’t mind a busy schedule and some extra costs for park entries.