Your own boat to the Andaman’s most famous islands — and the timing tricks to beat the crowds.
Can you charter a private yacht to phi phi from phuket? Yes — Phi Phi is one of the most popular private-charter routes, best done as a full-day trip by catamaran or motor yacht, reaching Phi Phi Leh in roughly one to one-and-a-half hours depending on the boat. The big advantage of chartering privately is timing: you can reach Maya Bay in a quieter national-park slot instead of arriving with the mid-morning group boats.
Yes — and here’s how
A popular full-day charter
Phi Phi sits about 40–50 km east of Phuket, well within range of a private day charter. It’s best done as a full day: the crossing takes roughly one to one-and-a-half hours by catamaran or motor yacht, leaving plenty of time for Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, snorkelling and a relaxed lunch at anchor before the return. A half day can’t reach it comfortably, so plan for a full day.
Why charter rather than join a tour
The reason to charter privately to Phi Phi is control over timing. Shared speedboats tend to arrive together mid-morning; a private boat can leave at first light and reach Maya Bay in a calmer, quieter national-park slot. See our full-day charter guide for the itinerary shape.
How long the crossing takes
| Boat | Time each way | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor yacht | ~1 hour | Fastest; smooth in calm sea |
| Power catamaran | ~1–1.5 hours | Stable and spacious |
| Sailing catamaran | ~1.5+ hours | Slower, relaxed cruising |
Times vary with sea conditions and your departure marina.
For a boat-type comparison, see catamaran vs yacht.
The Maya Bay rules to know
No swimming, land at Loh Samah
Maya Bay reopened under strict conservation rules. Boats no longer enter the bay itself — they moor at Loh Samah Bay behind the headland, and visitors walk a short boardwalk through to the beach. Swimming inside Maya Bay is not permitted; you may wade only. You can swim and snorkel at Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah instead. Full detail in our how to get to Maya Bay guide.
The annual closure
Maya Bay closes every year from 1 August to 30 September for recovery, reopening 1 October. Charters still run to Phi Phi during the closure — you simply view Maya Bay from the water and enjoy Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah and the snorkelling instead.
What you’ll see on a Phi Phi charter
- Maya Bay — the famous beach (wading only; seasonal)
- Pileh Lagoon — an emerald lagoon you can swim in
- Loh Samah Bay — the landing point, with snorkelling
- Viking Cave — viewed from the boat
- Monkey Beach — macaques along the shore, from a distance
- Phi Phi Don — a lunch anchorage and beach time
- Bamboo or Khai Island — a shallow swim stop on the way back
Fees and what’s included
Budget the park fee
Phi Phi Leh sits inside a national park, so a fee of about 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child applies for foreign visitors, usually added per person on top of the charter. The charter itself typically covers the boat, crew, fuel, transfers, snorkel gear, water toys and lunch — see our inclusions guide.
Which boat for Phi Phi
Matching boat to group
A motor yacht is the fastest way across and feels upscale, which suits couples and those short on time. A power or sailing catamaran is more stable and spacious, which suits families and larger groups who value deck space and a smoother ride over outright speed. For most Phi Phi day charters, a catamaran is the popular all-rounder.
Best time to charter to Phi Phi
November to April is the ideal window — the open crossing to Phi Phi is calmest and clearest then, with December to March the prime months. In green season the sea can be rough on the exposed run, so a sheltered Phang Nga Bay charter is often the smarter call on breezier days. Always book a licensed operator with a clear weather policy. More on visiting Phuket.
How to plan your Phi Phi charter
- Book a full day (not a half day)
- Choose a motor yacht for speed or a catamaran for space
- Depart early to beat the crowds at Maya Bay
- Avoid the 1 Aug–30 Sep Maya Bay closure if you want to land
- Confirm park fees, inclusions and the weather policy in writing
Ready to charter to Phi Phi? Browse yacht charters or tell us your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Can you charter a private yacht to Phi Phi from Phuket?
Yes — it’s one of the most popular private-charter routes, best as a full-day trip by catamaran or motor yacht, reaching Phi Phi Leh in about one to one-and-a-half hours each way.
How long does it take to charter to Phi Phi?
Roughly one hour by motor yacht and one to one-and-a-half hours by catamaran, depending on sea conditions and your departure marina. It’s a full-day route, so plan the whole day around it.
Can you swim at Maya Bay on a charter?
No. Swimming inside Maya Bay isn’t permitted and boats land at Loh Samah Bay behind the headland. You can wade at the shoreline and swim and snorkel at Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah instead.
Do you pay a park fee to charter to Phi Phi?
Yes — a national-park fee of about 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child applies for foreign visitors, usually added per person on top of the charter price. Thai nationals pay less.
Can you charter to Phi Phi during the Maya Bay closure?
Yes. Maya Bay closes 1 August to 30 September, but charters still run to Phi Phi — you view Maya Bay from the water and enjoy Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah and the snorkelling instead.
What’s the best boat to charter to Phi Phi?
A motor yacht is fastest and upscale, suiting couples and the time-pressed; a catamaran is more stable and spacious, suiting families and groups. A catamaran is the popular all-rounder for Phi Phi day charters.
Charter with confidence
Yacht and catamaran charters are marine activities, and itineraries can change with tides, wind and sea conditions. Departures may be adjusted or rescheduled for safety when the weather turns. For a smooth day on the water, book with a TAT-licensed operator (License No. 34/02294), confirm the boat, route, crew and inclusions in writing, and reconfirm current prices and availability at the time of booking. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and note that national-park fees may apply on island stops.
Charter your yacht 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 private yacht and catamaran 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
- Yacht charters: view yacht charters & enquire or contact our team