From Phuket: Day Trip to Phi Phi with Private Longtail Tour

Experience Koh Phi Phi with a Private Longtail Tour from Phuket

Travelers looking for a memorable day trip to the iconic Phi Phi Islands will find this private longtail boat tour from Phuket to be a fantastic choice. It combines convenience, authentic boat riding, and the chance to explore at your own pace. As a self-guided, all-inclusive experience, it promises a relaxed yet adventure-packed day with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos, snorkeling, and island discovery.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the personal touch of a private longtail boat, the flexibility of free time at key stops, and the delicious, included lunch. It’s a well-organized way to escape the crowds while enjoying the natural beauty of Phi Phi. However, keep in mind that this is not a guided tour—so if you prefer a full-on guide narration, this might be less suitable. This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy independence, scenic boat rides, and authentic exploration.

Key Points

• Private Longtail Boat: Enjoy an exclusive 4-hour tour with a local captain, moving at your own rhythm.
• Seamless Transfers: Includes private hotel pickup, shared speedboat to Phi Phi, and return logistics.
• Excellent Value: Combines transport, boat, snorkeling, and lunch all in one package.
• Authentic Experience: No big groups—just your private crew—ideal for couples, families, or small groups.
• Flexible Schedule: Free time to explore Koh Phi Phi Don and enjoy the scenic spots at your leisure.
• Stunning Highlights: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Bay, Viking Cave, Loh Samah Bay, and snorkeling with harmless reef sharks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical, Authentic Day Trip to Koh Phi Phi

This tour offers a unique way to see the Phi Phi Islands without the hassle of crowded group tours or overnight stays. From Phuket, you’ll be picked up early—around 7 am from your hotel—and driven comfortably to Rassada Pier. The first leg of your adventure is the shared speedboat ride to Koh Phi Phi, which takes about an hour. Once on the island, you’re given an hour of free time to wander the charming streets, browse local shops, or soak in the island vibe.

At 10:30 am, the real highlight begins: your private longtail boat tour. This part of the experience is tailored to your pace, with a local captain at the helm. For four hours, you’ll explore the main attractions of the Phi Phi Islands, but with the freedom to linger or move on as you wish. Unlike big-group excursions, this setup lets you enjoy the scenery more intimately, with fewer people around.

The Longtail Boat Experience

The longtail boat itself is a classic Thai vessel, giving you an authentic experience. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable captains, like Captain Net, who offers friendly service and helpful tips—many mention how much they appreciated his relaxed attitude and patience, especially when snorkeling or taking photos. You’ll be cruising through turquoise waters, stopping at prime spots for swimming, snorkeling, and photo ops.

Expect to spend about an hour at Maya Bay, where “The Beach” was filmed. While swimming isn’t permitted here, the view of the bay’s stunning cliffs and sandbanks is worth the visit. It’s common to spot some baby sharks if you’re lucky, which adds a touch of excitement. Pileh Lagoon is another favorite, with reviewers noting how gorgeous the water is for a quick swim or snorkeling.

Monkey Bay offers a peek at the crab-eating macaques and wildlife, while Loh Samah Bay presents a tiny beach and a scenic canyon. Outside Viking Cave, you can snap photos of ancient paintings and observe the seabirds. Snorkeling at Loh Samah Bay is a popular activity, with many saying they loved floating over reefs teeming with colorful fish—and some even spotted harmless blacktip reef sharks.

Highlights and Unique Moments

Many reviews emphasize the personalized nature of this tour. Guests appreciate the flexibility to spend more or less time at each stop, which is rare in larger group excursions. One reviewer mentioned skipping Maya Bay’s crowds and instead snorkeled nearby, which is a great tip for those wanting a more relaxed experience.

The included lunch is simple but appreciated, delivered in a box at the start of the longtail tour. Reviewers rave about the delicious food, often mentioning how good it was to have a meal ready when they felt hungry after swimming or exploring. You’ll want to bring snacks, drinks, sun protection, and cash for extras.

Seamless Return and Overall Value

After a busy four-hour private tour, you’ll return to Tonsai Pier at around 2:30 pm for another hour of free time. Then, you’ll catch the shared speedboat back to Phuket, arriving at Rassada Pier by 5 pm. Your private driver will be waiting to ferry you back to your hotel, making the entire day smooth and stress-free.

Many travelers highlight how well everything flows—from hotel pickup to boat transfers—and how valuable it is to have all logistics taken care of. The cost is justified by the personalized experience, the convenience, and the chance to avoid the chaos of larger tours.

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What You Can Expect and What to Keep in Mind

• Departure and Travel Times: Pickup varies depending on your location in Phuket, with early starts around 6:30 am to 7:45 am.
• Duration: The entire day lasts approximately 11 hours, balancing travel, exploration, and relaxation.
• Group Size: This is a private group experience, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking intimacy.
• Cost and Value: While the tour isn’t the cheapest option, reviews consistently note the excellent value—covering transport, boat rides, snorkeling, and meals.
• Weather Considerations: The itinerary might shift due to weather, and the sea can be choppy. Be prepared for waves and bring motion sickness remedies if needed.
• Physical Requirements: Not suitable for pregnant women, children under 3, or guests with mobility issues or back problems.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Insights from Travelers

Visitors frequently comment on the friendly, attentive captains and well-organized logistics. Many reviews describe how the longtail boat makes the entire experience feel more genuine and less touristy. Guests note the stunning scenery and clear waters, with some mentioning that snorkeling spots felt like an underwater playground filled with fishes.

One reviewer shared, “The snorkeling in Maya Bay was stunning, and we saw a reef shark,” highlighting how the tour provides memorable wildlife encounters. Another appreciated the flexibility and personalized pace, noting, “No time scheduled stops, just enjoying the sights on our own terms.” This freedom is a key advantage for travelers wanting to explore without feeling rushed.

Tips from Reviewers

• Bring your own snorkeling masks for the best experience, as some mention that the boat crew is very accommodating if you do.
• Pack cash for small purchases or tips, as some stops are cash-only.
• Be mindful of the waves and seasickness—if you’re prone, consider medication or remedies beforehand.
• If you’re skipping Maya Bay, inform your captain early, so they can suggest alternative snorkel spots.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to avoid large tour groups and enjoy a more personal, flexible day on the Phi Phi Islands. It suits those who value authentic boat rides and are happy to explore independently, rather than having a guide narrate every stop. Perfect for couples, friends, or small families, especially if you love snorkeling and beautiful scenery.

It’s particularly good for those who appreciate delicious local food, as the included lunches are well-liked. However, if you seek a guided experience with detailed commentary or have mobility restrictions, this might not be the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 3 years old, and those with mobility issues or back problems should consider their comfort level. The seaworthiness of the boat and snorkeling activities may require some physical agility.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and cash. It’s also wise to carry your own snorkel mask if you prefer using your own gear.

How long is the entire trip?
The full day lasts about 11 hours, including hotel pickup, transfers, boat rides, free time, and the private longtail tour.

Can I customize my stops?
While the itinerary is structured, the private longtail boat allows some flexibility. You can choose to spend more time at certain spots if you wish, within the scheduled window.

Is lunch included, and what’s it like?
Yes, lunch is provided in a box at the start of the private tour. Reviewers say it’s simple but tasty, and you can eat it whenever you feel hungry.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour proceeds if conditions are safe; however, the itinerary may change due to weather. The sea can be rough, so bring motion sickness remedies if needed.

To sum it up, this private longtail day trip from Phuket offers a personalized, authentic way to experience Koh Phi Phi’s stunning scenery and wildlife. With seamless logistics, flexible stops, and a friendly captain, you’ll gain a more intimate connection with these famous islands than in crowded group tours. It’s perfect for travelers craving independence, beautiful photos, and snorkel adventures in a relaxed setting.

For those who value authenticity, comfort, and flexibility, this tour provides a memorable day on one of Thailand’s most iconic archipelagos. It’s a solid choice whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a peaceful, scenic escape from the busy Phuket scene.

You can check availability for your dates here: