Phi Phi Island Full Day Trip from Rassada Pier, Phuket by Big Boat (SHA Plus)

Introduction: What to Expect from the Phi Phi Island Full Day Trip

Taking a day to explore the famous Phi Phi Islands from Phuket offers a mix of stunning scenery, snorkeling, and relaxing beach time. This particular tour, operated by Way to Bangkok and rated at a modest 3 out of 5 based on two reviews, promises a full day packed with sightseeing, swimming, and delicious Thai cuisine. While it’s not the most highly-rated option, it still offers accessible access to some of the most iconic spots around Phi Phi.

What we really appreciate about this trip is its value for money, the organized itinerary with multiple stops, and the included lunch and snorkeling gear. The convenience of round-trip boat transfers and the chance to see Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley in one day make this attractive for travelers seeking an affordable, structured day on the water. However, a potential downside is the timing and pace, which some may find a bit rushed or long-winded depending on weather conditions and group size.

This tour is best suited for those who want a budget-friendly way to tick off Phi Phi’s major sights without too much fuss. It’s ideal if you’re okay with a group experience and don’t mind a longer day on the water. If you’re looking for a relaxed, personalized adventure, you might want to explore other options. For travelers eager to see the highlights with minimal planning, this trip can be a solid, no-surprise choice.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines visits to Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Ley, and surrounding caves with snorkeling and beach time.
• Value-Driven: For $74.68, includes lunch, snorkeling gear, and round-trip transfers, making it a relatively affordable option.
• Flexible Options: Snorkeling at Maya Bay is an extra charge; hotel pick-up can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Timing and Logistics: The tour runs approximately 10 hours, with specific start and end times and detailed itinerary, but actual experiences depend on weather conditions.
• Limited Group Size: Maximum of 15 travelers on land transport ensures a more intimate experience, though watercraft capacity varies.
• Authentic Experiences: While some reviews mention long travel times and the need for patience, others highlight the gorgeous beaches and smooth organization.

The Detailed Experience: What to Expect on the Tour

Starting at Rassada Pier: Early Morning Meet-Up

The day kicks off quite early, with meet-up times between 7:00 and 7:20 am at Rassada Pier in Phuket. The tour is designed to be convenient — you can opt for a round-trip boat transfer, included in the price, or choose to arrange your own transport. The pier itself is near public transportation, which makes it accessible even if you’re not on a package hotel pickup.

The Voyage to Phi Phi Islands

Once aboard your big boat, you’ll enjoy a complimentary coffee, tea, and dessert service during the roughly 2.5-hour cruise toward the islands. This period is spent enjoying the sea breeze and taking in the views of the Andaman Sea. Be aware that weather can influence the experience — rough seas might make the journey longer or less comfortable.

Stop at Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley

The core of the day is divided into visits to Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley, with different itineraries depending on the season. From November to April (high season), you’ll visit the Phi Phi Ley Island area, passing by famous sights like Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay. These spots are well-known for their dramatic cliffs, caves, and the iconic beach seen in movies like “The Beach”.

Reviewers mention that the visit to Maya Bay involves an additional fee, which travelers should budget for ahead of time. Some note that sea and weather conditions can affect visibility and access, so you might not always get to see everything on the itinerary.

In May to October (low season), the itinerary adjusts slightly, focusing on Phi Phi Don’s Laemtong Beach for swimming and relaxing. The short stop at Tonsai Pier is part of the process, but travelers are advised to stay on board during this quick visit.

Beach Time and Snorkeling

One of the highlights is swimming at Long Beach or Laemtong Beach**, depending on the season. The included snorkeling gear and life jackets are available for you to explore the vibrant underwater life around the islands.

A reviewer specifically mentions that the beach at Long Beach is gorgeous, although they found the journey there to be quite lengthy. The beach stays are leisurely enough for sunbathing or wading in the water, but the long travel times mean rest and patience are required.

Lunch and Leisure

After the morning activities, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch at Long Beach or Laemtong Beach, featuring Thai cuisine and fresh fruit. This is a time to relax, refuel, and take in the scenic surroundings. The lunch is included, making the overall value more appealing, especially considering the cost of the trip.

Return Journey: Back to Phuket

The boat departs from the islands at around 2:30 pm, with the return cruise taking approximately two hours. Expect to arrive back at Rassada Pier around 4:30 pm, just as the day winds down.

Additional Details and Practical Tips

Pricing and Value

At $74.68 per person, this tour offers a decent value considering the included lunch, snorkeling gear, and transfers. However, the extra charge for Maya Bay snorkeling and optional hotel pickup can add to your costs. If you’re on a tight budget, this may still be appealing, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing multiple transport and activity bookings yourself.

Group Size & Comfort

With a maximum of 15 travelers on land transport, the group is smaller than many large tours, which can mean more personalized attention. Still, since watercraft capacity varies, expect slightly larger groups on the boat itself, especially during busy season.

Weather & Seasonality

As some parts of the itinerary are season-dependent, check the timing of your trip. High season (Nov-April) offers more predictable sightseeing, but weather can still impact the experience. In the low season, some stops are replaced, and you might find the sea conditions less predictable.

Accessibility & Convenience

While the tour offers hotel pickup for an extra fee, most travelers will meet at the pier. The early start means a full day, but the organized schedule reduces the stress of planning each leg.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is suited for travelers who want a cost-effective, guided day trip to Phi Phi Islands with most major sights covered. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with long boat rides and expect a fair amount of group time and structured stops. If you’re after relaxed, personalized experiences or are sensitive to weather conditions, consider other options.

It’s also a good choice for first-time visitors wanting a rundown without the hassle of detailed planning. However, if you’re seeking luxury or private tours, this might feel a bit too structured.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
No, hotel pickup is an optional extra. You can also meet directly at Rassada Pier, which is near public transportation.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full trip lasts approximately 10 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Are snorkeling masks and life jackets provided?
Yes, the tour includes snorkeling masks and life jackets, allowing you to explore underwater safely and comfortably.

Can I snorkel at Maya Bay?
Snorkeling at Maya Bay incurs an extra charge, so you should prepare for additional costs if you want to swim there.

What about the national park fee?
There is a 400 THB per person fee for entering the national park, which is not included in the ticket price.

Are children allowed on this trip?
Yes, children over 120 cm in height are charged as adults, and the tour is generally suitable for most travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The itinerary depends on sea and weather conditions. If the weather is poor, some stops might be shortened or canceled, but the tour operator will do their best to maximize the experience.

Final Thoughts

This Phi Phi Island Full Day Trip offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, beach relaxation, and snorkeling for travelers on a budget. While it’s not the most luxurious or personalized tour, it provides coverage of key sites with the convenience of organized logistics, making it an appealing choice for first-time visitors or those seeking a straightforward day out on the water.

The main selling points are the inclusion of lunch, snorkeling gear, and round-trip transfers, which simplify planning and add value. The long travel times and reliance on weather are considerations, but with the right expectations, you’ll get a taste of the beauty that makes the Phi Phi Islands famous.

This trip is best for those who prioritize efficiency and affordability and are comfortable with group tours. If you’re after an authentic, private experience, you might want to explore other options, but for a structured, cost-effective day of island-hopping, this tour covers the essentials well.