Phi Phi & Khai Island by Speed Boat

Planning a day trip from Phuket to explore the iconic Phi Phi Islands and Khai Island sounds like a no-brainer for anyone craving stunning scenery and a taste of island life. But not all tours are created equal, and this particular excursion comes with some serious caveats.

While the highlight—visiting Maya Bay, snorkeling at Viking Cave, and relaxing on Khai Island—sounds fantastic in theory, the actual experience may fall short for some travelers. We’ll dive into what makes this tour tick, what you should watch out for, and whether it offers good value for your time and money.

What we like about this tour is the chance to see key sights like Maya Bay, snorkel at vibrant spots, and enjoy a straightforward, all-in-one package. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and a mobile ticket make booking and logistics hassle-free.

However, a notable drawback—as reported in reviews—is the significant delay and disorganization at the start, which can put a damper on your overall experience. If punctuality and smooth execution are priorities, this might not be the best choice.

Ultimately, this tour will suit travelers who are flexible, primarily interested in the sights, and eager for a budget-friendly way to see the major islands in a single day. If you’re seeking intimacy, expert guides, or a seamless experience, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Stunning views and iconic sights like Maya Bay are the main draw.
• Long wait times and disorganized start can significantly impact your day.
• Snorkeling and swimming at popular spots offer memorable moments.
• Value for money depends heavily on your expectations for punctuality and guided service.
• Group size capped at 30 travelers ensures a manageable experience.
• Horrific toilets and basic amenities at the pier are a common complaint.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

This tour promises a full 9-hour adventure, starting early in the morning with a hotel pickup between 7:30 and 8:30 am. The pickup is generally reliable, with air-conditioned transport taking you from your hotel to the pier, where a light breakfast of toast, tea, and coffee awaits. The breakfast may be modest, but it’s enough to keep you going until lunch. Just be prepared for the fact that, according to reviews, the actual departure time often isn’t until around 11 am—two hours later than scheduled—and this delay can be frustrating.

Morning Departure and Phi Phi Sightseeing

Once aboard the speedboat, the journey to Phi Phi Ley takes about 50 minutes. The first stop is Maya Bay—the famous filming location of The Beach. Although you’ll only spend around an hour here, the views of the towering cliffs and clear waters are genuinely striking. Expect to see the movie’s backdrop, but bear in mind crowds can be heavy, especially during peak season.

From Maya Bay, the boat moves on to key sites like Loh Samah Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Cove, and Monkey Bay. These stops are primarily for sightseeing, snorkeling, and swimming. The Viking Cave, in particular, is renowned for its historical significance and cave paintings, but it’s mostly viewed from the boat or during quick stops.

Lunch and Free Time at Phi Phi Don

Around noon, you’ll head to Phi Phi Don for a buffet lunch. The tour includes a generous window for you to explore the island or relax. Reviews indicate that this is a highlight—giving you some downtime and a chance to experience the local scene. However, with the large group, expect the food to be mass-produced and perhaps not gourmet, but decent enough to fuel your afternoon adventures.

Khao Island and Relaxation

After lunch, the boat departs for Khai Island, known for its powdery beaches and excellent snorkeling. Arriving around 2:20 pm, you’ll have approximately two hours to unwind on the beach, feed fish, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun. This stop is typically appreciated for the relaxed vibe and vibrant marine life, although some travelers noted the facilities are quite basic, and the toilets at the pier are reportedly “horrific.”

Return to Phuket

The boat departs Khai Island at around 4:20 pm, with the journey back to Phuket taking roughly two hours. You’ll arrive at the pier by approximately 4:30 pm, and then be transferred back to your hotel—completing a full day.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer succinctly called the experience “Only disaster,” highlighting that the pickup and departure were significantly delayed—more than two hours after the scheduled time. The reviewer also mentioned the “horrific toilets” at the pier, which could be a concern if you’re sensitive about sanitation.

Another point raised was the disorganization, with the tour starting late and the overall execution feeling rushed or poorly coordinated. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re accustomed to well-managed tours.

Despite these issues, some travelers found the snorkeling spots worthwhile, especially on Khai Island. The clear waters and lively marine life are what many come for, and the views of Maya Bay, even from a distance, remain impressive.

Practical Considerations and Value

At $74.61 per person, this tour is on the affordable side for a day trip that covers major sights. However, considering the reported delays and basic amenities, it’s essential to weigh whether convenience and punctuality matter to you as much as seeing the sights.

The tour’s maximum group size of 30 is a plus, helping keep the experience somewhat manageable. But the early start, coupled with the inconsistent timing, means you need to be flexible and patient.

If you’re not overly concerned about luxury or seamless logistics, this trip offers a quick, reasonably priced way to tick off Phi Phi’s most famous landmarks and enjoy some snorkeling. But if you value punctuality and a more curated experience, exploring other tour providers with better reviews might be wiser.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who:

• Are flexible with timing and prepared for possible delays.
• Want to see the key sights of Phi Phi Islands with minimal fuss.
• Are on a budget and looking for an inexpensive day out.
• Enjoy snorkeling and relaxing on beaches.
• Don’t mind basic facilities and straightforward logistics.

On the flip side, if you prefer a more polished or punctual experience, or are traveling with children or seniors who might be affected by delays, this tour could be less ideal.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour price?
Yes, pickup from your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle is offered and included in the tour package.

What time does the tour start?
The pickup occurs between 7:30 and 8:30 am, with the departure by boat typically happening around 11 am due to delays.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire day lasts approximately 9 hours, from hotel pickup to return.

Are meals provided during the tour?
Yes, a buffet lunch at Phi Phi Island is included, giving you time to relax and refuel.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling at spots like Viking Cave, Pileh Cove, and Khai Island is part of the itinerary.

What are the main drawbacks?
Significant delays at the start, basic amenities at the pier, and disorganization noted in reviews could impact your experience.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a straightforward way to see the highlights of Phi Phi Islands and Khai Island without breaking the bank. The stunning scenery, especially Maya Bay, combined with snorkeling opportunities, can make for memorable moments, especially if you’re flexible with timing.

However, the experiences shared by reviewers highlight that logistical issues—like delayed departures and basic facilities—may hinder the enjoyment. If you’re seeking a seamless, well-organized trip, you might want to look elsewhere. But if reliable punctuality is less critical, and you’re eager to tick off iconic sights with minimal fuss, this tour can be a cost-effective adventure.

In the end, it’s about managing expectations: expect some bumps in the road but also the chance to enjoy beautiful views and tropical waters. Plan to arrive with patience, a good sense of humor, and your snorkeling gear ready—then you might find this trip more rewarding than it appears on paper.

Remember: Always check recent reviews or contact the supplier directly before booking, as tour conditions can change. Happy island hopping!