One island group, half a dozen ways to see it — here’s how to pick the right one.
A Phi Phi Island tour from Phuket is the island group’s most popular day trip, and it comes in several formats: a shared speedboat tour from around 1,900 THB per adult, a steadier speed catamaran, a private charter from around 14,000 THB per boat, or an overnight stay on Phi Phi Don. Most full-day itineraries cover Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, snorkelling stops, lunch on Phi Phi Don and Khai Island, running roughly 07:30 to 18:00. The right choice depends on your group size, budget and tolerance for crowds.
What a Phi Phi Island tour covers
The standard itinerary
Most tours split their time between Phi Phi Leh — the uninhabited southern island where Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon are — and Phi Phi Don, the larger inhabited island where lunch is served. A typical full-day route takes in Maya Bay in the morning, Pileh Lagoon and a snorkelling stop, a buffet lunch at Tonsai on Phi Phi Don, then often Khai Island on the way home.
The highlight stops
- Maya Bay — the film-famous beach; wading only, landing at Loh Samah
- Pileh Lagoon — many travellers’ favourite; swimming permitted
- Loh Samah Bay — the landing point, with snorkelling
- Viking Cave and Monkey Beach — viewed from the boat
- Phi Phi Don — lunch and free time
- Khai Island — shallow, calm swimming on the return
Tour formats compared
Which format suits you
| Tour type | Price guide | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shared speedboat | from ~1,900 THB/adult | Best value; most popular |
| Speed catamaran | similar to speedboat | Families, seasickness-prone |
| Private charter | from ~14,000 THB/boat | Groups, own schedule, quiet arrivals |
| Private yacht charter | from ~20,000 THB/boat | Luxury, celebrations |
| Overnight on Phi Phi Don | varies by hotel | Dawn at Maya Bay, unhurried pace |
Per-boat charters split well across larger groups.
For the speedboat specifically, see our Phi Phi Island speed boat guide; for charters, the speedboat charter page and yacht charter page.
What’s typically included
Standard inclusions
- Round-trip hotel transfers in standard pickup zones
- Boat with life jackets and an English-speaking guide
- Snorkelling equipment
- Buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don
- Drinking water and fruit
- National-park fee on most complete tours — confirm before booking
Alcohol, optional watersports, equipment hire and tips are generally extra. Bring some cash, as not every island vendor takes cards.
The national park fee
The number that changes the comparison
Phi Phi Leh sits inside a national park, so a fee of roughly 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child applies for foreign visitors, with a lower rate for Thai nationals. Complete tours usually include it; budget tours often collect it in cash on the day, which makes their headline price look lower than it is. Ask one question when booking: is the park fee included?
Maya Bay: what to expect
Rules and the annual closure
Maya Bay reopened under strict conservation rules. Boats land at Loh Samah Bay behind the headland and you walk a short boardwalk through; swimming inside the bay isn’t permitted, and visitors are admitted in timed rounds. The bay also closes annually from 1 August to 30 September, though tours still run and view it from the water during that period.
Best time for a Phi Phi tour
Season and time of day
November to April brings the calmest sea and clearest water, with February and March the busiest months. Within any day, the earliest departure makes the biggest difference — quieter Maya Bay time slots, softer light and calmer water. In the green season, tours still run but sea conditions vary more, and Phang Nga Bay is a good sheltered alternative on rough days.
Is it worth it?
An honest view
For most first-time visitors, yes — the limestone scenery and Pileh Lagoon genuinely deliver, and one day covers the highlights efficiently. It is, however, Phuket’s busiest day trip, Maya Bay is visited in timed slots without swimming, and it’s a long day. Travellers who dislike crowds or fast boats may prefer Phang Nga Bay or a private charter. See James Bond Island as a calmer alternative.
How to book well
Five things to settle
- Choose your format: shared, catamaran, private or overnight
- Book the earliest departure available
- Confirm whether the national-park fee is included
- Check your hotel is in the standard transfer zone
- Book with a TAT-licensed operator and confirm the weather policy
View our Phi Phi and Khai Island tour, browse all Phuket day tours, or read destination background at the TAT.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Phi Phi Island tour include?
Most complete tours include hotel transfers, the boat with life jackets and a guide, snorkelling gear, buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don, drinking water and fruit, and usually the national-park fee. Alcohol, watersports and tips are extra.
How much is a Phi Phi Island tour from Phuket?
A shared speedboat day trip starts from around 1,900 THB per adult. Private speedboat charters start from around 14,000 THB per boat, and private yacht charters from roughly 20,000 THB, both priced per boat rather than per person.
How long is a Phi Phi Island tour?
A full-day tour typically runs from around 07:30 to 18:00 including hotel pickup and return. The speedboat crossing itself is about 50 minutes each way to Phi Phi Leh.
Which Phi Phi tour is best for families?
A speed catamaran is often the best choice — it’s noticeably steadier than a speedboat in swell — and Khai Island’s shallow water suits children well. A private charter also works well if you want full control of timings.
Do you pay a national park fee on a Phi Phi tour?
Yes — roughly 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child for foreign visitors. Complete tours usually include it, while budget tours may collect it in cash on the day, so always confirm before booking.
When is the best time for a Phi Phi Island tour?
November to April offers the calmest seas and clearest water, with February and March the busiest. Whatever the season, the earliest departure of the day gives quieter stops and better light.
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