About the Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands—Definition
The Phi Phi Islands are a bunch of six islands, which include
- Phi Phi Don (the largest and only inhabited island)
- Phi Phi Leh (famous for Maya Bay)
- Bamboo Island
- Mosquito Island
- Koh Bida Nok & Koh Bida Nai (diving spots)
Every single one of these islands has something special to offer, from the spectrum of brilliant beaches and lagoons to sheer cliffs and quiet little coves.
Types of Phi Phi Island Boat Tours
There are several ways to explore Phi Phi by boat. Each option offers a different experience depending on your interests, time, and budget.
1. Speedboat Tour to Phi Phi Island
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Best for: Time efficiency and visiting multiple islands
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Duration: Full-day or half-day tours
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Highlights: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, snorkeling at Loh Samah Bay, Bamboo Island
Speedboat tours are the most popular way to visit the Phi Phi Islands. They’re fast, allowing you to maximise your sightseeing without wasting time in transit.
2. Longtail Boat Tour
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Best for: A more traditional and relaxed experience
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Duration: Half-day or full-day
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Highlights: Local guide, more intimate, scenic cruising
A longtail boat tour is perfect if you want a slower, more immersive trip. Great for couples or small groups looking for a private experience.
3. Luxury Yacht Tour
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Best for: Comfort, private groups, and luxury travelers
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Duration: Full-day
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Highlights: Personalized service, onboard meals, uncrowded stops
Perfect for those who want to enjoy the islands in style, with added services like gourmet meals and sunset views.
4. Ferry Day Tour
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Best for: Budget travelers
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Duration: Full-day
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Highlights: Comfortable ride, basic snorkeling, beach time
Ferries are slower but cost-effective, ideal for families or large groups.
Popular Stops on Phi Phi Boat Tours
Maya Bay (Phi Phi Leh)
Famous from the movie The Beach, Maya Bay is a magnificent sight to behold. Its gates have been opened for guests for a while now, with ample attention given to protecting the environment. Tours offer only a limited stay on the beach, but the view is simply breathtaking.
Pileh Lago
A hidden lagoon filled with emerald green waters and surrounded by limestone cliffs. Many tours allow you to jump off the boat and swim here. Don't forget to bring your waterproof camera!
Snorkeling at Loh Samah Bay or Hin Klang
These snorkelling places are filled with colourful marine life, coral reefs, and clear water visibility. Snorkel gear is provided on most full-day outings.
Monkey Beach
A tiny beach on Phi Phi Don, where wild monkeys have a free range of enjoyment. However, while it is fun to watch them, it is best to do so from afar.
Bamboo Island
Calm white sandy beach for relaxing and swimming. It is less crowded than Phi Phi Don most of the time and is favoured for lunch breaks.
What’s Included in Most Tours?
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Hotel pickup & drop-off (from Phuket or Krabi)
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National park entrance fees
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Life jackets & snorkeling equipment
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Lunch (buffet or picnic style)
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English-speaking guide
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Drinking water & soft drinks
Departure Points: Where Do Tours Start? -
- From Phuket:
Most of the tours to Phi Phi Island are available for booking from Ao Po Pier, Royal Phuket Marina, and Chalong Pier. They usually start generally around 8 am in the morning.
- From Krabi:
Most Krabi tours will either depart from Nopparat Thara Pier or Ao Nang. Otherwise, travellers may be picked up by a longtail boat from Railay Beach.
Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Islands
The best time for Phi Phi Island boat tours is November to April, when the sea is calm and skies are clear. Avoid monsoon season (May to October) if you want smooth boat rides and full visibility while snorkelling.
Tips for Booking the Best Tour
The tours are mostly booked well in advance, especially during the high season, which is from December to February. It is advisable that one reserve in advance, especially regarding private boats or luxury cruises.
It is best to look for reputable tour operators that can offer a good number of reviews, a licensed guide, and quality safety equipment. A few good platforms include TripAdvisor, Viator, or local travel websites like Pattaya City Tour Co., Ltd.
Not all packages go to the same places, so select according to what you most want to see—snorkelling, sightseeing, or lounging on beaches.
What to Pack for Your Tour
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Swimwear
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Towel
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Sunscreen (reef-safe)
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Hat & sunglasses
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Waterproof phone case
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Flip-flops or water shoes
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Power bank for your phone/camera
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Cash for drinks or tips
Safety and Eco Tips
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Always wear a life jacket while on the boat.
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Respect marine life; don’t touch or step on coral reefs.
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Avoid feeding the monkeys.
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Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect ocean biodiversity.
Ideal for All Types of Travelers
Be it single travellers, honeymooning couples, families with children, or groups of friends, Phi Phi Island is beyond doubt a dream destination for tourists.
This is an adventure lover's favourite destination. Adventures include scuba diving and cliff jumping.
- Nature lovers appreciate different marine biodiversity under the ocean.
- Photographers will capture Instagram-worthy shots at every turn along the route.
- Families partake in beach games and swim in safe areas.
Why Choose Our Phi Phi Island Tours?
At Pattaya City Tour Co. Ltd., we offer handpicked Phi Phi Island tours with:
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Licensed, local tour guides
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Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
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Free cancellation options
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Convenient booking via WhatsApp or online form
Final Thoughts
A Phi Phi Island boat tour is one of the most rewarding experiences in Thailand. From snorkelling in turquoise waters to relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, the islands offer something for every kind of traveller. With plenty of tour options available from both Phuket and Krabi, getting there is easy and hassle-free.
Don’t just dream about paradise—sail into it.
