The sticker price rarely tells the whole story — here’s what actually goes into a day-tour fare.
How much does a typical phuket day tour cost? A full-day island tour by shared speedboat generally runs from around 1,900–2,600 THB per adult in 2026, half-day trips like Khai Island from about 1,200 THB, and longer trips such as the Similan Islands from roughly 3,500 THB. On top of that, budget for a national-park fee of about 400–500 THB per adult where it isn’t already included.
What a typical Phuket day tour costs
Full-day island tours
Full-day island tours by shared speedboat — such as Phi Phi and Khai, Racha and Coral, or Phang Nga Bay — generally start from around 1,900–2,600 THB per adult, with children usually discounted. This is the most popular and best-value way to see the Andaman’s headline sights in a single day, and a good operator folds transfers, lunch and gear into that price.
Half-day and longer trips
Half-day options like Khai Island are cheaper, from about 1,200 THB, and suit travellers short on time. Longer trips such as the Similan Islands (open seasonally) cost more, from roughly 3,500 THB, because of the greater distance and time on the water. A comfier speed catamaran usually adds a little to the shared-speedboat price.
Prices by popular tour
| Tour | Boat | Typical 2026 price/adult | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phi Phi + Khai | Speedboat / catamaran | From ~1,900–2,600 THB | Year-round |
| Racha + Coral | Speedboat | From ~1,800–2,400 THB | Year-round |
| Phang Nga / James Bond | Speedboat / big boat | From ~1,800–2,500 THB | Year-round |
| Khai Island (half-day) | Speedboat | From ~1,200 THB | Year-round |
| Similan Islands | Speedboat | From ~3,500 THB | ~Mid-Oct to mid-May |
What’s included in the price
A complete day-tour price usually covers:
- Round-trip hotel transfers within standard zones
- Speedboat, life jackets and an English-speaking guide
- Snorkelling equipment
- Lunch (often a buffet on the island)
- Drinking water and fruit
- National-park fee (on most complete tours)
For a deeper breakdown of one tour, see our Phi Phi and Khai price guide.
The national park fee explained
Who pays and how much
Many islands sit inside national parks. Foreign visitors pay about 400 THB per adult (200 THB per child) at Phi Phi, and around 500 THB at the Similan Islands; Thai nationals pay less. The fee funds conservation and ranger management — see the Department of National Parks.
When it’s collected
Complete tours often fold the fee into the price, while budget tours may collect it in cash on the day, so a low headline price may not be the full cost. Always ask which applies before you book.
What makes prices vary
The main price drivers
- Season — high season (Nov–Apr) often costs more than green season
- Boat type — private and premium boats cost more than shared seats
- Group size — private charters get cheaper per person as the group grows
- Inclusions — lunch, gear and the park fee affect the headline figure
- Pickup location — outlying hotels may carry a transfer surcharge
Hidden costs to watch for
A cheap price sometimes hides extras. Common ones include:
- The national-park fee collected separately on the day
- Transfer surcharges for hotels outside standard zones
- Optional equipment such as fins or underwater cameras
- Drinks beyond the included water
To avoid surprises, confirm the total before you pay:
- Ask for the all-in price including the park fee
- Confirm your hotel is in the standard pickup zone
- Check what gear and food are included
- Read the weather and cancellation policy
Is it good value?
What you’re paying for
For most travellers a complete day tour is good value: one price covers transfers, boat, guide, gear, lunch and usually the park fee, across several famous stops. Booking with a TAT-licensed operator (License No. 34/02294) also gives clearer accountability if the weather forces a change.
How to get a good price without cutting corners
- Book directly with a licensed operator rather than an unverified reseller
- Travel in green season for lower rates, accepting more variable weather
- For groups, compare a private charter’s per-person cost against shared seats
- Confirm the all-in price so a low headline rate doesn’t balloon on the day
Ready to compare? Browse our day tours or ask us for a current quote. General info is on the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Phuket day tour cost in 2026?
A full-day island tour by shared speedboat generally starts from around 1,900–2,600 THB per adult, half-day trips from about 1,200 THB, and Similan from roughly 3,500 THB. Prices vary by season and inclusions.
Is the national park fee included in the tour price?
On most complete tours it is, but some budget tours collect the roughly 400–500 THB adult fee in cash on the day. Always confirm whether the fee is included before booking.
Why do day-tour prices differ so much?
Boat type, season, group size and inclusions all matter. A shared speedboat seat costs far less than a private charter, and tours that include lunch, gear and the park fee show a higher headline price.
Are children cheaper on Phuket day tours?
Usually yes. Most operators offer a discounted child rate, and children’s national-park fees are lower than adults’. Confirm the exact child price when you book.
Is a private charter better value than a shared tour?
It depends on group size. For larger families or groups, splitting a private charter can rival a shared seat per person while giving you your own schedule. For couples, a shared tour is usually cheaper.
What hidden costs should I watch for?
Watch for a separately collected park fee, transfer surcharges for outlying hotels, optional equipment hire and drinks beyond the included water. Ask for an all-in price to avoid surprises on the day.
Plan with confidence
Phi Phi trips involve sea travel and adventure activities, and itineraries can change with tides, weather and national-park conditions. Departures may be adjusted or rescheduled when the sea is rough. For a smoother experience, book with a TAT-licensed operator (License No. 34/02294), choose an early departure, and confirm current prices, inclusions and availability at the time of booking. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and follow ranger guidance inside the national park.
Book your Phi Phi trip with Phuket Thailand Travel
Phuket Thailand Travel is operated by True Design Holidays Co., Ltd., a TAT-licensed travel agency (License No. 34/02294) based in Kathu, Phuket. We run island tours, private charters, transfers and packages across the Andaman.
- Address: 113/297, Soi 10, M A, 7 Vichitsongkram Rd, Kathu, Phuket 83120
- Phone: +66 (0) 96 469 0456 · WhatsApp · LINE
- Browse day tours: view the tour & enquire or contact our team