Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Islands Tour By Seastar Andaman From Khao Lak

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Thailand’s iconic islands with clear waters and dramatic cliffs, this Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and Khai Islands tour from Khao Lak promises an adventure filled with memorable sights and fun activities. The experience, offered by Seastar Andaman, scores a solid 4.0 out of 5 based on 38 reviews—signaling that most travelers find it worthwhile, though not perfect.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning scenery of Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, is a highlight you won’t forget. Second, the opportunity to snorkel and swim in some of the most pristine waters around the islands. Third, the well-organized itinerary with multiple stops ensures you get a comprehensive taste of the islands’ best features. One possible consideration is the long transfer time—up to 2.5 hours each way by van—that might be tiring for some, but many find it manageable given the payoff of the island visits.

This trip is ideal for active travelers eager to experience Thailand’s turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. It suits those who want a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing with a knowledgeable guide. However, if you’re looking for a more leisurely or private experience, this might feel a bit too busy or crowded for your taste.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure exploring top islands in the Andaman Sea
• Visit Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach
• Snorkeling and swimming opportunities at multiple stops including Khai Nai Island
• Includes lunch and refreshments, making it good value for a full-day trip
• Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics
• Long transfer times might be tiring but are well-organized

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups around 6:00 am, which means an early start but also a full day of exploration. The first stop, Ko Phi Phi Le, is just a quick 1-hour boat ride away. Here, you get your first glimpse of the famous limestone cliffs and crystalline water. While some reviews mention that the tour doesn’t always specify exact travel times, most agree the journey is smooth, though lengthy.

Next, Maya Bay is the star of the show. You’re given about an hour to relax, swim, and take photos of the stunning bay with its towering cliffs and white sands. The film The Beach has made this spot a bucket-list destination, and many travelers describe it as truly breathtaking. Reviewers rave about the clarity of the water and the picturesque setting—some mention that the guides, like “Suzy,” provided helpful info, making the experience more engaging.

The tour then moves to Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Bay, both offering scenic views and opportunities for sightseeing. These stops are brief—30 minutes each—but packed with photo opportunities and the chance to admire the lush island formations.

Lunch and Free Time at Phi Phi Don

One of the tour’s highlights is a two-hour break on Phi Phi Don, where you’ll enjoy a beachside lunch at a local restaurant in Ton Sai Bay. The meal is included, described as delicious, though some reviews mention that food could be improved. This break also provides time for snorkeling or relaxing on the beach, giving you a chance to unwind after a busy morning.

Several reviews emphasize the value of this stop: “The stop for lunch was nice and got to see some amazing sights and get some really good photos.” It’s a great chance to soak up the island atmosphere and perhaps chat with fellow travelers.

Monkey Island and Khai Nai Island

The trip continues with a visit to Monkey Beach, where playful monkeys are a crowd favorite. The guide’s commentary and the chance to see these animals up close add a fun element. Some reviewers, however, note that the stops do not always have facilities like proper piers, which limited some people’s ability to disembark comfortably—particularly for those with mobility challenges.

Finally, arriving at Koh Khai Nai for about an hour, you’ll find white sandy beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The waters here are typically calm, and the reefs teeming with marine life make this a favorite for many. Reviewers like Bernie mention “snorkelling was great fun,” highlighting the vibrant underwater scenery.

What Travelers Can Expect on the Boat and During the Day

The speedboat used for the tour is described as comfortable and well-managed, with life jackets provided. The group size is capped at 30, ensuring a relatively intimate experience, though some reviews mention that the boat can feel crowded, especially during peak times. The onboard crew is praised for being friendly and professional, with “fantastic staff” making the day even more enjoyable.

The guides are knowledgeable, providing detailed information about each stop. For example, “Suzy” was specifically praised for her helpful and engaging commentary. The refreshments—small snacks and drinks—are sufficient to keep guests energized, especially since the day involves a lot of activity.

Transportation and Duration

While the actual island visits last around 7 hours, the transfer time by van can add an extra 2-2.5 hours each way. Several reviews mention this as a downside, noting that the long bus ride makes the day feel quite lengthy. However, this is a common aspect of tours departing from Khao Lak, and most find the island experiences worth the trip.

Cost and Value

At $109.39 per person, the price covers most essentials: boat transfers, guide, lunch, snacks, and insurance. While there’s a national park fee of 400 THB per adult to be paid on arrival, this is standard for many Thailand island trips. Many reviews agree that the tour offers good value for a full day of sightseeing, especially considering the included lunch and multiple stops.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviewers consistently mention the expertise of guides—many praising “Suzy” and others for their helpfulness and friendliness. The scenery at Maya Bay, as well as the snorkeling opportunities, receive high marks, with some describing the water as “crystal clear” and the reefs as vibrant.

However, some travelers highlight certain logistical issues. The long van ride was noted as tiring, and the lack of proper disembarkation points at some stops meant that people with mobility issues couldn’t always get off the boat easily. One reviewer even mentioned that the boat felt “filled to the brim,” which could detract from comfort if you’re sensitive to crowds.

Despite these challenges, most travelers agree that the stunning views and fun activities outweigh the drawbacks, especially if you’re prepared for a full day.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and Khai Islands tour offers a well-rounded experience for those craving a full-day adventure in Thailand’s renowned islands. It’s perfect for active travelers eager to snorkel, explore, and relax on white beaches, with the safety net of an organized tour. The knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery make it worthwhile, especially if you’re visiting Khao Lak and want to maximize your time in the Andaman Sea.

If you’re comfortable with long transfers and can handle a slightly crowded boat, this trip provides great value—covering multiple key spots in one day, with included lunch and water. For families or travelers seeking a more relaxed pace or private experience, alternatives might be better, but for most, this tour delivers a fun, scenic, and memorable day.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
Pickups begin around 6:00 am, so expect an early start, but this ensures you have plenty of time to enjoy the islands.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup, boat transfers, a guide, snacks, lunch, life jackets, and insurance. The only extra cost is the national park fee of 400 THB per adult.

How long is the transfer by van?
Travel time by van can be 2 to 2.5 hours each way, which some travelers find long but necessary for reaching the starting point.

Can I disembark at each stop?
In most cases, yes, but some reviews mention that the stops don’t have piers, so getting off the boat might be difficult, especially for those with mobility issues.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling is included, and the water clarity at stops like Khai Nai is generally excellent for viewing marine life.

Are meals included?
A delicious buffet-style lunch is served on Phi Phi Don, with additional snacks and refreshments onboard.

Who is this tour suitable for?
Active travelers, families with older children, and anyone wanting a full day of island exploring will enjoy this trip. It’s less suitable for those with mobility issues or seeking a more leisurely pace.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, swimwear, towels, and perhaps waterproof camera gear. Comfortable footwear for the boat and walking is also recommended.

This tour offers a fantastic way to see some of Thailand’s most iconic islands with knowledgeable guides, well-organized logistics, and plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the scenery. While the long transfer times and crowded boat may not be ideal for everyone, most travelers will find the stunning views and memorable experiences well worth the effort.