Fifty minutes of open Andaman — the fastest way to the Andaman’s most famous cliffs.
A Phi Phi Island speed boat trip from Phuket takes about 50 minutes each way to reach Phi Phi Leh, making it the fastest and most popular way to see the islands in a single day. A typical shared speedboat day trip starts from around 1,900 THB per adult and runs roughly 07:30 to 18:00, covering Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, snorkelling stops, lunch on Phi Phi Don and often Khai Island on the way back. Private speedboat charters start from around 14,000 THB per boat.
How long the speed boat takes
About 50 minutes each way
A speedboat crosses from Phuket to Phi Phi Leh in roughly 50 minutes in reasonable sea conditions, departing from one of the piers or marinas on Phuket’s east coast. That speed is the whole reason speedboats dominate the day-trip market: the less time you spend in transit, the more you spend in the water.
But plan for a full day
The crossing is only part of it. With hotel pickup, the pier transfer, island stops, lunch and the return leg, expect roughly 07:30 to 18:00 door to door. Don’t schedule anything tight for the evening.
Speed boat vs the alternatives
Why speed wins for day trips
| Boat | Time each way | Reaches Phi Phi Leh | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed boat | ~50 minutes | Yes | Day trips, most island time |
| Speed catamaran | ~60–90 minutes | Yes | Steadier ride, families |
| Passenger ferry | ~2 hours | No — Phi Phi Don only | Overnight stays |
| Private charter | ~50 minutes | Yes, your schedule | Groups, early arrivals |
The ferry doesn’t run the Phi Phi Leh day-trip route.
If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, a speed catamaran trades a little time for a noticeably steadier hull.
Where the speed boat goes
The standard itinerary
- Maya Bay — the famous beach; boats land at Loh Samah behind the headland
- Pileh Lagoon — emerald lagoon ringed by cliffs; swimming permitted
- Viking Cave — viewed from the boat
- Monkey Beach — macaques on the shore, seen from a distance
- Phi Phi Don — buffet lunch and free time at Tonsai
- Khai Island — shallow, calm water on the return leg
See the full route on our Phi Phi Island tour guide or the Phi Phi Island destination page.
Prices
Shared and private
A shared speedboat day trip generally starts from around 1,900 THB per adult, including transfers, guide, snorkelling gear and lunch. Private speedboat charters are priced per boat rather than per person, from around 14,000 THB for a smaller boat carrying 10–12 people, up to around 32,000 THB for larger boats seating 35–40. National-park fees of roughly 400 THB per adult are usually charged separately.
See our Phi Phi and Khai Island speedboat tour or compare charters on the speedboat charter page.
What’s included
Typical inclusions
- Round-trip hotel transfers within standard zones
- The speedboat with life jackets and an English-speaking guide
- Snorkelling equipment
- Buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don
- Drinking water and seasonal fruit
- National-park fee (on most complete tours — always confirm)
Maya Bay rules to know
No swimming, and an annual closure
Boats no longer moor inside Maya Bay; they use Loh Samah Bay behind the headland and you walk a short boardwalk through. Swimming inside Maya Bay isn’t permitted — you can wade only — but you can swim and snorkel at Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah. Maya Bay also closes every year from 1 August to 30 September for recovery, though speedboat trips still run and view the bay from the water.
When to go
Sea conditions by season
November to April is the calm, clear high season, when the 50-minute crossing estimate is most reliable and the water is at its clearest. During the green season from May to October, swell can slow the boat for comfort and safety, and rough days may see departures adjusted. A licensed operator with a clear weather policy matters most in those months.
Tips for the crossing
Make the day easier
- Book the earliest departure for calmer sea and quieter stops
- Sit mid-to-rear on the boat if you’re sensitive to motion
- Take motion-sickness tablets before departure, not after
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a dry bag
- Bring cash for extras and any fees not pre-paid
Ready to book? View the speedboat tour, or browse all Phuket island hopping trips.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Phi Phi Island speed boat take from Phuket?
About 50 minutes each way to Phi Phi Leh in reasonable sea conditions. With hotel pickup, island stops, lunch and the return leg, the full day usually runs from around 07:30 to 18:00.
How much is a Phi Phi Island speed boat trip?
A shared speedboat day trip starts from around 1,900 THB per adult, including transfers, guide, snorkelling gear and lunch. Private charters are priced per boat, from around 14,000 THB for 10–12 people.
Is a speed boat or ferry better for Phi Phi?
A speed boat for day trips — it’s far faster and reaches Phi Phi Leh, where Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon are. The ferry takes about two hours each way and only docks at Phi Phi Don, so it suits overnight stays.
Where does the Phi Phi speed boat stop?
A typical itinerary covers Maya Bay (landing at Loh Samah), Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave and Monkey Beach viewed from the water, lunch on Phi Phi Don, and often Khai Island on the return leg.
Is the speed boat rough or bumpy?
It can be lively in swell, particularly in the green season from May to October. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, a speed catamaran is slower but noticeably steadier, and mid-rear seating helps.
Can you swim at Maya Bay from the speed boat?
No. Swimming inside Maya Bay isn’t permitted and boats moor at Loh Samah Bay behind the headland. You can wade at the shoreline, and swim and snorkel at Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah instead.
Book with confidence
Island tours are marine activities, and itineraries can change with tides, wind and sea conditions, or with national-park announcements. Departures may be adjusted or rescheduled for safety when the weather turns. For a smooth trip, book with a TAT-licensed operator (License No. 34/02294), confirm the boat, route and inclusions in writing, and reconfirm current prices and availability at the time of booking. National-park fees may apply on island stops.
Book your island tour 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, with more than 15 years of experience arranging island tours, speedboat trips and private charters across the Andaman.
- Address: 113/297, Soi 10, M A, 7 Vichitsongkram Rd, Kathu, Phuket 83120
- Phone: +66 (0) 96 469 0456 · WhatsApp · LINE
- Next step: browse Phuket day tours or contact our team