Phi Phi Island Day Trip
The Phi Phi Islands are the crown jewel of day trips from Phuket, and for good reason. Rising dramatically from the Andaman Sea roughly 45 kilometres southeast of Phuket, this small archipelago delivers some of the most photogenic scenery in Southeast Asia — towering limestone cliffs wrapped in jungle, impossibly turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. The star attraction is Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, made globally famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film "The Beach." After a three-year closure for environmental recovery, the bay reopened with strict visitor limits, and the result is stunning — crystal-clear water, regenerated coral, and a much more magical experience than the overcrowded pre-closure days. Beyond Maya Bay, the day trip typically includes the ethereal Pileh Lagoon, snorkeling stops around Bamboo Island, and often a stop at Monkey Beach. A Phi Phi day trip is long — expect 7 to 8 hours door to door — but it is the single most popular excursion from Phuket for a reason. The scenery is genuinely world-class.
Highlights
Maya Bay — the iconic beach from "The Beach" film, now beautifully restored with strict visitor caps ensuring a pristine experience
Pileh Lagoon — swim in an enclosed emerald lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, one of the most photogenic spots in Thailand
Bamboo Island — a flat, palm-fringed island with a white sand beach and excellent shallow snorkeling over healthy coral reefs
Snorkeling with tropical fish — encounter clownfish, parrotfish, and reef sharks in warm, clear Andaman waters
Viking Cave — cruise past ancient cliff paintings in a dramatic sea cave (viewing from the boat, no entry allowed)
Monkey Beach — spot long-tailed macaques on a small beach cove on Phi Phi Don (keep distance, do not feed them)
Stunning boat ride — the journey itself is spectacular, crossing open Andaman waters with panoramic island views
Schedule
Hotel Pickup
Your tour operator collects you from your Phuket hotel. Pickups from Patong, Kata, Karon, and Phuket Town are standard; remote locations like Mai Khao or Cape Panwa may incur an additional charge or require you to meet at a central point. Most operators use minivans for the transfer to the pier.
Tips
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen damages coral and is discouraged in marine parks
- Wear swimwear under your clothes to save time at the pier
- Take motion sickness medication now if you are prone to seasickness
Departure from Rassada Pier or Royal Marina
Board your speedboat (budget/mid-range tours) or catamaran (luxury tours) at the pier. Speedboats seat 25-35 passengers and reach Phi Phi in about 45 minutes. Larger boats take 90 minutes but offer a smoother, more comfortable ride. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are provided on board.
Tips
- Sit at the back of the speedboat for a less bumpy ride
- The journey can be rough in monsoon season — catamarans are worth the premium if seas are choppy
Maya Bay Visit
Arrive at the legendary Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh. Since the 2022 reopening, visitor numbers are capped at 375 people at any time, with a maximum stay of one hour. You enter via a new pathway over the island (not from the beach) to protect the coral. The bay is stunning — emerald water against white sand backed by 100-metre limestone cliffs. Swimming in the bay is now prohibited to protect the recovering reef, but wading in the shallows is permitted.
Tips
- Morning visits (before 10 AM) have fewer people and better light for photos
- Swimming is not allowed in Maya Bay itself — swim time comes at other stops
- The park fee is ฿400 for foreign adults and ฿200 for children
Pileh Lagoon
Cruise into Pileh Lagoon, a partially enclosed bay on the eastern side of Phi Phi Leh. The water here is an unreal shade of emerald green — the limestone walls filter the light and create colours you will not believe are natural. Swimming and floating in the lagoon is the highlight for many visitors. The water is calm, warm, and about 5-8 metres deep with good visibility.
Tips
- Bring an underwater camera — the water colour photographs incredibly well
- The lagoon can get crowded with boats by late morning, so earlier is better
Viking Cave (Boat Viewing)
Your boat passes the entrance to Viking Cave, a large cavern on the cliff face of Phi Phi Leh where ancient cave paintings depicting sailing vessels are visible from the water. The cave is also the site of a lucrative bird's nest harvesting operation (for bird's nest soup). Entry is prohibited, but the boat cruises close enough for photos.
Monkey Beach
A quick stop at this small cove on the western coast of Phi Phi Don where a troop of long-tailed macaques lives on the rocks and beach. Watch them from the boat or wade in the shallows. The monkeys are wild but accustomed to humans. They can be aggressive if they see food, so keep bags closed and do not attempt to feed or touch them.
Tips
- Do not feed the monkeys — it disrupts their natural diet and makes them aggressive
- Keep a safe distance; macaques can bite and carry diseases
- Secure all bags and shiny objects — monkeys are skilled thieves
Lunch on Phi Phi Don
Most tours include a buffet lunch at a restaurant on Phi Phi Don, the larger, inhabited island. The food is typically Thai standards — fried rice, green curry, pad thai, fresh fruit. Luxury tours may offer a private beach BBQ or restaurant upgrade. Use this time to explore Tonsai Village briefly if your tour allows it.
Tips
- Vegetarian and halal options are usually available if requested in advance
- Buy water at the village if not provided — stay hydrated in the tropical heat
Snorkeling at Bamboo Island or Hin Klang
The afternoon snorkeling stop is often the best part of the trip for underwater enthusiasts. Bamboo Island has a shallow reef with excellent visibility and abundant marine life including clownfish, blue-spotted stingrays, and colourful parrotfish. Some tours visit Hin Klang reef instead, which offers deeper water and the chance to see blacktip reef sharks. Equipment is provided.
Tips
- If you have your own mask and snorkel, bring them — tour equipment is often basic
- Do not touch or stand on coral — it takes decades to regrow
- Wear a rashguard or T-shirt to prevent sunburn on your back while snorkeling
Return Journey to Phuket
Board the boat for the return trip to Phuket. Speedboats take approximately 45-60 minutes, while larger boats take up to 90 minutes. Most passengers are pleasantly exhausted from the sun and sea by this point. Soft drinks and fresh fruit are often served on the return leg.
Hotel Drop-off
Arrive back at the pier and transfer by minivan to your hotel. Expect to be back at your accommodation between 4 PM and 5 PM depending on your hotel location and traffic. Allow time for a shower before dinner — you will be salty and sun-kissed.
Practical Information
Getting There
Day trips depart from Rassada Pier or Royal Marina in Phuket Town. Most tour operators include hotel pickup and drop-off from major beach areas (Patong, Kata, Karon, Phuket Town). Pickup times are typically 7:00-7:30 AM.
Getting Around
Everything is by boat once you reach the islands. Your tour operator handles all transfers between stops. Speedboats are the most common vessel, seating 25-35 passengers. Premium tours use larger catamarans or private longtail boats.
Best Time to Visit
November to April offers the calmest seas and best visibility. January and February are ideal. The trip runs year-round but monsoon season (May-October) can mean rough seas, reduced visibility, and occasional cancellations.
Budget
Budget tours start around ฿1,500 per person (large group, speedboat, basic lunch). Mid-range tours at ฿2,500 include better boats, smaller groups, and quality lunch. Luxury private tours from ฿5,000+ offer personal guides, premium boats, and gourmet catering.
Safety
Life jackets are provided and mandatory during transit. The national park fee (฿400 for adults) is sometimes included in tour price, sometimes paid separately — confirm before booking. Snorkeling is safe at designated stops but avoid strong currents. The main risk is sunburn — reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Pro Tips
- Book through your hotel or a reputable agency like Klook — avoid touts at the pier
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral ecosystems
- Waterproof phone cases are essential — available at 7-Eleven for 100-200 THB
- Bring a dry bag for valuables during snorkeling stops
- If prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 minutes before departure
- Wear water shoes for rocky entries at some snorkeling spots
Best Time to Go
November to April is the best period for a Phi Phi day trip, with calm seas, clear skies, and underwater visibility reaching 15-25 metres. January and February are the peak months with the flattest seas. The trip operates year-round, but during monsoon season (May-October) expect rougher crossings, reduced snorkeling visibility (5-10 metres), and occasional cancellations on stormy days. If visiting during monsoon season, choose a catamaran over a speedboat for a more comfortable ride, and book with a flexible cancellation policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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