Small Group Phi Phi Islands Sunrise Tour with Seaview Lunch

Traveling to Thailand and eager to explore the iconic Phi Phi Islands? A sunrise tour from Phuket promises a quieter, more intimate way to see these famed spots before the crowds arrive. This tour, rated 5.0 out of 5 from 36 reviews, is praised for its knowledgeable guides, breathtaking scenery, and well-thought-out itinerary.

What really sets this trip apart is the early start — you’re on the water well before the busy day-trippers hit the beaches — which means you’ll capture those perfect, crowd-free photos of Maya Bay and other highlights. Plus, with inclusions like breakfast, lunch, towels, and dry bags, it’s designed for maximum comfort and convenience.

But keep in mind that the tour duration is around 9.5 hours, so it’s a long day, and the early wake-up call might not suit everyone. Still, if you’re a first-time visitor or simply want a peaceful, Instagram-worthy experience, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Early bird advantage: Avoid crowds and enjoy serene, less-busy islands with sunrise views.
• Comprehensive inclusions: Towels, dry bags, breakfast, snacks, and a seaview buffet lunch enhance the experience.
• Expert guides and small groups: With a maximum of 20 travelers, you’ll get personalized attention, and guides like Sunny and Pom are warmly praised.
• Stunning stops: Maya Bay, Phi Le Lagoon, Bamboo Island, and more — each offers unique sights and perfect photo opportunities.
• Good value for money: For around $136, you get transport, multiple island stops, meals, and snorkeling gear.
• Possible considerations: It’s a long day with a 5am pickup, so prepare for an early start and full itinerary.

A Complete Breakdown of the Experience

Why Choose a Sunrise Tour?

The main draw of this tour is the early start, which allows travelers to beat the crowds and enjoy the islands with a calm, peaceful ambiance. Several reviewers highlighted how much they appreciated getting to see Maya Bay, famously from The Beach, before it becomes inundated with day-trippers. One traveler shared, “Going to 4 islands instead of 5 or 6 was so much better because we were able to spend more time at each,” emphasizing that the fewer stops and early timing lead to a more relaxed experience.

The Pickup and Transportation

The adventure begins with hotel pickup in Phuket in comfortable, air-conditioned vans, usually in the early hours (around 5am). Many guests appreciated the seamless logistics and the pre-departure communication, which included helpful instructions like taking seasickness pills and what to expect. With most travelers booking 35 days in advance, it’s clear this is a popular choice.

The small group size — capped at 20 — ensures personal attention, and reviewers consistently praise the guides for their professionalism and humor. Sunny and Pom emerge as favorites, with their attentive, friendly service making everyone feel cared for, as one reviewer said, “Sunny took care of us like family.“

Khai Island — The First Stop

Arriving just after sunrise, the first stop at Khai Nai Island is perfect for snapping photos or enjoying a light breakfast on the beach. The quiet hours mean fewer people, giving you a pristine setting to start the day. Reviewers loved the tranquil setting, with one commenting, “We arrived at the island with nobody around, which made it feel like our private paradise.“

Maya Bay and Phi Phi Le

The highlight for many is Maya Bay, famous from the Leonardo DiCaprio film. The early arrival means you can enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters and lounging on the soft, white sand while other tours are still queuing. Guests often mention how incredible the scenery is, with one describing it as “breathtaking.”

The scenic viewpoint on Maya Bay is a bonus for those looking for stunning photos, and the boat tour around Phi Phi Le includes stops at Monkey Beach and Viking Cave, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling. Guests frequently rave about the diverse marine life—colorful fishes, coral reefs, and the occasional shark sighting—which makes snorkeling a real highlight.

Lunch with a View

A seaview buffet lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort offers a break from sightseeing. The meal is described as tasty, with good variety, and served just steps from the beach. Reviewers have appreciated the well-organized lunch service, with one mentioning, “The food was delicious, and the view made it even better.” It’s a leisurely hour to refuel, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

Bamboo Island — The Relaxation Spot

Post-lunch, the group heads to Bamboo Island — a stunning stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Many guests use this time for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Reviewers note that the waters are calm and ideal for spotting marine life, with one saying, “The snorkeling here was fantastic, and the water was so clear I could see the fish from above.“

Additional Island Stop and Return

After more time at Bamboo Island, the tour makes a brief stop at Ko Phi Phi Don, primarily to give travelers extra time for swimming or relaxing before heading back. The return journey departs mid-afternoon, with an arrival back at Royal Phuket Marina in time for a relaxed evening. Guests report that the return transfer is smooth, and the crew is attentive until the last moment.

The Value of This Tour

For $136, this experience offers excellent value. It includes all transportation, park fees, meals, snorkeling gear, bottled water, coffee, tea, and towels. Many reviews mention how the guides and crew go above and beyond — from helping with snorkeling to taking photos, making the day feel personalized.

Compared to larger, more crowded day-trips, this small-group tour feels more relaxed and intimate. Guests often comment on how spending more time at each stop enhances the experience rather than rushing from one site to the next.

What Sets It Apart?

Several reviewers highlighted the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Sunny and Pom, who are praised for their humor, attentiveness, and local knowledge. They often share interesting tidbits that enrich the tour, making it both fun and informative.

Food and Snorkeling Experience

The breakfast and lunch are not just filler but are appreciated for their taste and presentation. The snorkeling gear is brand new, and guides are proactive in helping guests explore underwater, often grabbing their hands to lead them to the best spots.

One reviewer noted, “The guides were ready to take pictures for us and even grabbed our hands while snorkeling, which made us feel very cared for.” This personal touch is a common theme among positive reviews.

Weather and Flexibility

While the tour is weather-dependent, it’s designed to be flexible — if poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund. Some guests, like one who went in the rain, shared that the experience was still enjoyable, especially snorkeling in less crowded conditions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Phuket who want to see the main highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by crowds. It’s also suited for travelers who value small groups, personalized attention, and good food.

If you’re an early riser and love on-water adventures, this experience will deliver stunning scenery, friendly guides, and a peaceful atmosphere. However, if you prefer a more leisurely start or are traveling with very young children, the early start might be a bit challenging.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Most pickups are around 5am, allowing you to reach the islands early and beat the crowds.

How long is the entire tour?
The experience lasts approximately 9.5 hours, including pickup, island visits, meals, and returning to Phuket.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, park fees, a professional guide, accident insurance, breakfast, buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, bottled water, coffee, and tea, towels, and dry bags.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian meals can be requested at the time of booking.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling gear is provided, non-swimmers can enjoy views from the boat and relax on the beaches.

How crowded are the islands normally?
Arriving early means fewer people, especially at Maya Bay and Bamboo Island, making for a more intimate experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I hire a photographer?
Yes, many reviews mention hiring a photographer to capture their moments, especially for solo travelers.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off as part of the package.

Final Words

This sunrise tour to the Phi Phi Islands offers a well-rounded experience, combining stunning scenery, smaller crowds, and quality service. The early start means you’ll see iconic sights before they turn crowded, and the thoughtful inclusions make it an easy, comfortable day out.

It’s an ideal choice if you’re visiting Phuket for the first time, love snorkeling and photography, or simply want a peaceful escape from the busy tour groups. While it’s a long day, the combination of breathtaking views, good food, and personal attention makes it worth waking up early for.

If you’re after the most serene, Instagram-worthy experience of the Phi Phi Islands, this tour could be just what you need. Just remember to pack a hat, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure — the early mornings and beautiful sights won’t disappoint.