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6 Best Phi Phi Island Tours

6 Best Phi Phi Island Tours

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Dreaming of visiting Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands? This guide has you covered!

These islands are renowned for their tropical beauty, and we love visiting because they offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. As full-time travelers, we’ve spent plenty of time trying and testing various tours to the Phi Phi Islands to ensure that we can recommend the best experiences available.

There are Phi Phi Island tours available from both Krabi and Phuket and what’s exciting is the variety they offer. So whether you want an early morning tour, a speedboat ride, or the chance to visit iconic spots like Maya Bay, we’ve got you. Let’s dive in!

Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands on a tour from Krabi Thailand

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our personal FAVORITE Phi Phi Island tour is this all-inclusive speedboat tour from Phuket! It visits 4 islands and includes snorkeling, lunch at a luxury resort, and more! It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation and has custom options like a sunrise tour or adding on a photographer.

Check out the 2,600+ reviews and book this tour here!

Best Phi Phi Island Tours 

1. Full-day tour from Phuket – Phi Phi Islands, Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, and more

Pileh Bay in the Phi Phi Islands on a tour from Krabi Thailand
Pileh Bay was stunning
A monkey sits in the sand at monkey beach on a tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi Thailand
We even saw monkeys!
  • Duration: 9 hours 
  • Time: 7:30 am – 8 am 
  • Highlights: Swimming over the coral reefs of the Pileh Lagoon, lunch at Phi Phi Leh, snorkeling at Bamboo Island, visiting Monkey Beach and Maya Bay
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide, snorkeling equipment, boat ride, buffet lunch at luxury resort, fruit snacks, anti-seasickness pills 
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 2,600+ reviews)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check prices here!

There are several fantastic Phi Phi Island tours, but this all-inclusive tour is our top choice to explore the picture-perfect archipelago. We love the fact that there’s a variety of tour options available, each tailored to different preferences and budgets. 

For example, the Phi Phi Early Bird Tour is the ultimate way to beat the crowds and enjoy sunrise views of Maya Bay and the Pileh Lagoon. Or, you can book a day trip with a photographer to ensure that you get Insta-worthy pics, with no effort involved!  

We booked the premium day trip, and the splurge was totally worth it. We enjoyed private transfers, a very small tour group, a personal photographer, and a waterproof phone case so that we could take our own underwater snaps. We also got a private lunch at a 4.5-star resort, which was a pretty dreamy experience, and we also got brand new snorkel masks for swimming at Bamboo Island and Pileh Lagoon. 

Visiting Maya Bay was also incredible. It was famously featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Beach”, and it’s world-renowned for its pristine scenery. We also loved stopping off at Monkey Beach, where we got to say “hey” to the long-tailed macaques playing on the sand and paddling in the water.

Whichever option you choose, this tour is seamless, well-organized, and a ton of fun – just check out the THOUSANDS of glowing reviews! Make sure to book in advance, because this tour pretty much always sells out at least a few days in advance.

2. Full-day to Phi Phi Islands from Krabi including Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island

A-woman-snorkels-during-a-cruise-in the Phi Phi Islands Thailand
The snorkeling sites were great
Bamboo Island seen on a tour of Phi Phi Thailand
Bamboo Island is stunning
  • Duration: 7 hours 
  • Time: 8 am 
  • Highlights: Visiting Maya Bay early to beat the crowds, stopping at Pileh Bay, snorkeling at Ko Phi Phi Lee, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, Viking Cave
  • Inclusions: Meeting point pickup in Ao Nang, hotel drop-off, speedboat transport, national park fees, professional guide, snorkel equipment, life jackets, fresh fruit, buffet lunch, soft drinks, coffee
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here!

If you’re planning on visiting the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi, this combo tour is the one to book. Having experienced it ourselves, we can say that it’s the best Phi Phi Islands tour that departs from Krabi, so don’t hesitate to book!

What set this tour apart for us was that it started earlier than most tours, which meant that we beat the crowds to Maya Bay. It’s one of the best-known scenic spots in Thailand, so it can get really busy. And trust us, seeing it when hardly anyone else is there is absolutely epic and so worth the early start. 

We also loved the snorkeling on this tour. We got to snorkel at both Viking Bay and the Pileh Lagoon, which are equally stunning, and our guides helped us spot lots of colorful coral and tropical fish. And of course, stopping at Monkey Beach was a blast, and we loved having time to relax, swim, and sunbathe at Bamboo Island. It’s so quiet and pristine that it truly belongs on a postcard! 

If you want to experience the Phi Phi Islands to the fullest, then we can’t recommend this tour enough. It’s meticulously planned to ensure that guests get the best experience possible, so if you’re in Krabi, be sure to book this tour. It fills up fast, so don’t wait too long!

3. Private boat tour to Phi Phi Islands from Phuket 

Viking Cave seen on a tour of Phi Phi Thailand
Viking Cave was the highlight for me
Monkeys on Monkey Beach on a tour in Phi Phi Thailand
We saw a lot of wildlife throughout the day!
  • Duration: 6 – 8 hours 
  • Time: 6 am – 6 pm
  • Highlights: Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Koh Phi Phi Don, Nui Beach, Ko Rang Yai, cliff jumping, snorkeling, swimming in the lagoon
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private boat ride, use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, snacks, soft drinks, English-speaking local guide 
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here!

Craving the VIP treatment? Well, booking this private boat tour is the best way to get it! We had the best time cruising around the Phi Phi Islands on a sleek private vessel. 

One of the great things about this tour is that the price stays the same when you book for up to 15 people. Therefore, it’s the perfect choice for big groups of friends who want to let loose, or even families looking to avoid Phi Phi’s notorious party boats. You get to have your day, your way! 

Since this is a private tour, you can tailor it to your liking, but we stuck to the base itinerary and got to see some of the most stunning spots in the Andaman Sea like Monkey Beach, Nui Beach, and the iconic Maya Bay. 

For me, a real highlight was Viking Cave. I can’t tell you why it’s called this (I forgot to ask!), but I can tell you it’s absolutely stunning. Taking the boat up to the limestone cave and seeing how the locals harvest bird nests for soup was a super unique experience!

This private tour is all about fun and the freedom to explore however you want to.

4. Speedboat and snorkeling tour from Phuket 

Bailey-snorkels-on-a-tour-from-Phi Phi Thailand
So many colorful fish!
Pileh Lagoon seen on a tour of Phi Phi Thailand
Pileh Lagoon is epic
  • Duration: 7 – 8 hours 
  • Time: 9:30 am  
  • Highlights: Speedboat ride to Koh Phi Phi, visiting Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, and Pileh Bay, relaxing on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding 
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket, speedboat cruise, English-speaking guide, use of paddle board and snorkeling mask, lunch and refreshments
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

This Phi Phi Islands tour was one of the best experiences that we had in Phuket. It’s a fun adventure that combines jaw-dropping scenery, snorkeling, SUPing, and a thrilling speedboat ride. 

The day began with a smooth hotel pickup in Phuket, and then our guide met us at the marina, with a big smile. We climbed aboard the speedboat and zipped across the Andaman Sea towards the Phi Phi Islands, which was a pretty cool experience in itself. Then, the first stop of the day was Maya Bay, which is every bit as stunning in real life as it is in photos – if not more so! 

We loved snorkeling in the Pileh Lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs.

We also had fun visiting Viking Cave, and having a buffet lunch on the beach at Ko Phi Phi Don was a super relaxing experience. Then, the day ended on Bamboo Island, where we were able to chill out and enjoy the powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. 

This tour was chilled out, well-organized, and perfectly timed, so if you’re looking for a great Phi Phi Islands tour from Phuket, this is a solid choice. We would definitely do it again! 

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

5. Early morning Phi Phi Island tour from Krabi 

Bailey-swims-on-a-tour in Phi Phi Thailand
The water was perfect!
Maya Bay in the morning on a tour of Phi Phi Thailand
Maya Bay in the morning before all of the tourists arrive
  • Duration: 9 hours 
  • Time: 6 am 
  • Highlights: Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Koh Mor and Koh Tap rock formations, swimming and snorkeling, seeing Chicken Island, breakfast, Thai buffet lunch on the beach 
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transport, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, professional English-speaking guide, soft drinks, seasonal fruits 
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here!

If you’re in Krabi and want to explore the Phi Phi Islands without breaking the bank or battling the crowds, this early bird tour is a game-changer. For just $80 USD, you get a full day of adventure, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and soft drinks – it’s unbeatable value for money! 

Our day kicked off bright and early, as we were picked up from our hotel at dawn and departed from the pier just after sunrise. It was worth the early rise because we arrived at Maya Bay before the hordes of tourists descended upon the area. Having this pristine paradise all to ourselves was incredible!

From there, we continued on to visit other showstoppers, including the emerald waters of Pileh Bay, the fascinating Viking Cave, and, best of all, the playful monkeys at Monkey Beach.

We also got to go snorkeling at Loh Samah Bay, and then take a break from the action as we enjoyed a leisurely lunch on the pristine Bamboo Island.

On our way back to Krabi, we also got to visit Tup Island’s gorgeous sandbar, and see the unique Chicken Island outcrop – three guesses what this unique rock formation resembles! It was such a fun and well-rounded day and we aren’t alone in loving it, check out these raving reviews from other travelers!

6. Full-day Phi Phi Islands tour from Phuket

Bailey-relaxes-on-a-beach-in-Phi Phi Thailand
Don’t mind me just working on my tan!
A monkey sits on the beach on a tour of Phi Phi Thailand
I made a friend!
  • Duration: 9 – 12 hours 
  • Time: 7 am 
  • Highlights: Snorkeling in Pileh Lagoon and Koh Phi Phi Le, relaxing on Bamboo Island or Khai Island, visiting Monkey Bay and Maya Bay, lunch on Koh Phi Phi Don 
  • Inclusions: Hotel transfers, boat transport, cookies and coffee at the dock, buffet lunch, soft drinks and fresh fruit on board, experienced captain and crew, life jacket, snorkel and mask
  • Rating: 4.3 stars (check 550+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here!

Visiting the Phi Phi Islands is a must from Phuket, and this budget-friendly tour is an effortless way to explore. I mean, from just $54 USD per person, you really can’t go wrong with this tour! 

The experience was seamless from start to finish. We had a light breakfast of coffee and cookies on the pier before we boarded our comfortable speed boat, and then we headed off to explore the Andaman Sea’s most beautiful destinations.

We started with Maya Bay, which is the iconic beach from “The Beach” movie. Visiting this famous location is truly a surreal experience and one that you cannot miss while in Thailand.

After that, we went to swim in the stunning emerald waters of the Pileh Lagoon, and then it was time to marvel at the impressive Viking Cave. We also loved visiting the long-tailed macaques at Monkey Beach – those cheeky little guys never fail to make us smile.

We then enjoyed a generous buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don, with beautiful beachfront views, and then the tour wrapped up with a snorkeling session at one of the island’s most vibrant reefs. 

What we like about this tour is that you can choose to visit Bamboo Island for a bit extra or save money and visit Khai Island, nearer to Phuket. If you’re traveling in Thailand on a budget, then this is a fantastic way to save a chunk of change.

Where to Stay to Visit the Phi Phi Islands

The Shore at Katathani Phuket Thailand
Photo credit: The Shore at Katathani

All the tours we’ve talked about leave from either Phuket or Krabi and both places have lots of good accommodation options!

I’ve included a range of hotels for all budgets, so no matter what your vacation fund is, you can find somewhere perfect to stay before your tour.

Phuket

Luxury – $$$

How does gazing out the sea from a luxurious infinity pool sound? Well, you can find that at The Shore At Katathani! This luxury stay is what everyone dreams of when you think of an island vacation. Each room is a private villa with a terrace and a private pool. This is an adult-only property that can be booked here.

Mid-range – $$

Karon Phunaka Resort truly has it all. Enjoy views of the ocean and the gorgeous infinity pool, hop on a shuttle to the beach, or drive just 15 minutes to be in Phuket’s lively party scene. Rooms range from deluxe double rooms to family suites and it’s a good option for families! Check all the options on Booking.com.

Budget – $

If you’re looking for a cheap stay in a great location, the Happy Fish Guest House is an excellent pick. Located in Patong Beach, it’s close to Phuket’s famous party scene and only a 15-minute walk to the beach. Check availability and book a room on Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Krabi

Luxury – $$$

For an eco-luxury experience, the Anana Ecological Resort is an excellent choice. This sustainable resort features spacious, modern rooms with stunning mountain or garden views. Highlights include a natural saltwater pool, an on-site spa, and a rooftop bar with incredible panoramic views! Book online here.

Mid-range – $$

The Anda Sea Tales Resort is a great mid-range option offering spacious rooms with balconies, a rooftop infinity pool, and an on-site restaurant. Its convenient location near beaches, shops, and restaurants makes it an excellent base for exploring Krabi. Check availability and book on Booking.com.

Budget – $

The Sabai Aonang Resort is a great budget-friendly option with both dorm rooms and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and balconies overlooking the garden or pool. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a relaxing outdoor pool. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-on-a-cruise in Phi Phi Thailand
Thanks for reading!

I hope you found the perfect tour to experience the Phi Phi Islands while you’re in Thailand! This is a must-visit destination for SO many reasons and with great tour options from both Phuket and Krabi, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.

Wherever your travels are taking you, have a look through our Southeast Asia blogs. We’ve traveled extensively in this part of the world and have lots of guides full of tips to make your trip the best it can be!

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