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Trip Dust Pick 2026

Phi Phi island

  • Visit Maya Bay — the cove from the film "The Beach"
  • Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach & a snorkelling reef
  • Fast speedboat from Phuket — about 45 minutes each way
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off is free for hotels in Patong, Kata, Karon and Phuket Town
  • Child age 3-11 years for speed boat

Phuket

Opening hours · 7:30 AM pickup · 5:30 PM drop

Advance booking · must be booked at least 1 day in advance

  • Free cancellation & date change up to 72h
  • Instant WhatsApp confirmation
  • Mobile voucher accepted
  • TAT-registered operator
  • Trusted by 1,700+ travellers

About this tour

The Phi Phi Islands lie in the Andaman Sea, roughly halfway between Phuket and Krabi. The group is known for its steep limestone cliffs, clear blue-green water and small beaches set into the rock. Trip Dust runs the trip by speedboat from Phuket, which takes about 45 minutes across open water in each direction.

The main stop is Maya Bay, the cliff-enclosed cove on Koh Phi Phi Leh used as a location in the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach. The whole outing runs from morning until late afternoon, with most of the time spent on or near the water.

A typical day on the water covers the following:

  • Maya Bay — the cliff-ringed cove on Koh Phi Phi Leh. Boats now enter from Loh Samah Bay at the rear, and you reach the beach along a short boardwalk (see the current park rules below).
  • Pileh Lagoon — a sheltered, shallow lagoon ringed by high limestone walls, with green water that is calm enough for a swim.
  • Viking Cave — seen from the boat: a large sea cave noted for its old wall paintings and for the swiftlet nests collected inside.
  • Monkey Beach — passed slowly to spot the wild macaques on the sand, normally observed from the water so they are left undisturbed.
  • Snorkelling stop — the boat anchors at a calm reef for snorkelling among tropical fish; life jackets are provided, so non-swimmers can take part too.
  • Lunch on Koh Phi Phi Don — a Thai buffet on the main island, with vegetarian dishes on request and time to rest.

The trip works well for families, couples and groups of friends who are comfortable around the sea. Be aware that the speedboat moves quickly and the ride can get rough on open water, so it is not advised for pregnant women or anyone with a serious heart or back condition.

Please note: Park rules change by season: swimming is not allowed inside Maya Bay itself (you may wade in only ankle- to knee-deep), the beach has a daily visitor quota, and the bay closes for coral recovery around August–September. Our guide follows whatever the park rules are on the day.

What's included

  • Round-trip speedboat from Phuket with life jackets & safety equipment
  • Snorkelling gear (mask & fins)
  • Thai buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don (vegetarian options on request)
  • Drinking water & seasonal fruit on board
  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off (please check your hotel area if it's covered under a free pickup zone or if it's paid)
  • Personal expenses, extra snacks & drinks
  • Tips & gratuities (optional)

Good to know

  • Full-day tour · ~45 min by speedboat
  • Free cancellation or date change up to 72 hours before your activity — full refund or free reschedule.
  • Booking confirmed instantly on WhatsApp — show your mobile voucher on arrival.
  • Wear clothes suited to the activity and weather. Bring water, sunscreen and a little cash for extras.

Phi Phi island – Itinerary

  1. 7:30–8:00 AM

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup from your Phuket hotel and short transfer to the pier.

  2. 8:30 AM

    Speedboat departure

    Set off across the Andaman Sea towards the Phi Phi Islands (about 45 minutes).

  3. 9:30 AM

    Maya Bay

    Visit the cove made famous by the film "The Beach".

  4. 10:30 AM

    Pileh Lagoon & Monkey Beach

    Cruise into the emerald Pileh Lagoon and pass Monkey Beach to see the wild macaques.

  5. 11:30 AM

    Snorkelling stop

    Anchor at a sheltered reef for snorkelling among colourful tropical fish.

  6. 12:30 PM

    Lunch at Phi Phi Don

    Relaxed Thai buffet lunch on the main island with time to rest.

  7. 2:00 PM

    Return cruise

    Speedboat back towards Phuket, taking in the sea scenery.

  8. 4:30–5:30 PM

    Hotel drop

    Transfer back to your hotel in Phuket.

Quick tips for your trip

  • Best time to go: The dry season from November to April brings the calmest sea and the clearest water. The early start (pickup around 7:30 AM) is deliberate: the first boats reach Maya Bay before the daily visitor quota fills, so the cove is at its quietest. Maya Bay normally closes for coral recovery around August and September.
  • What to bring and wear: Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. You will be getting into the water at the snorkelling stop and at Pileh Lagoon. If you are prone to seasickness, take a tablet before departure, since the ride can be rough on open water.
  • Photography: Late-morning light suits the limestone cliffs and the water best. Bring a waterproof pouch or phone case for the boat and the snorkelling stop. For Pileh Lagoon, shoot from the water to frame the surrounding cliffs.
  • Protecting the reef: Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching or standing on the coral when you snorkel. Swimming is not permitted inside Maya Bay, so follow the rangers and wade no deeper than your knees.
  • Time needed: Set aside a full day. Pickup is around 7:30 AM and drop-off by about 5:30 PM, which covers the speedboat crossing, the island stops, snorkelling and lunch on Phi Phi Don.

On the ground

Run by trusted local operators, booked & backed by our Thailand team

TAT-registered and reachable on WhatsApp 8 AM–8 PM Thailand time — the price we quote is the price you pay, with no surprises at the gate.

Frequently asked questions

  • Which hotel areas get free pickup, and where is there an extra charge?

    Hotel pick-up and drop-off is free for hotels in Patong, Kata, Karon and Phuket Town. For Kamala, Nai Harn, Rawai, Panwa, Surin, Bang Tao and Laguna an extra transfer charge applies (usually around ฿300–500 per person, depending on the area). Hotels outside these zones are served by private transfer only. Tell us your hotel when you book and we will confirm whether it falls in the free pickup zone over WhatsApp.

  • Can we walk on the beach at Maya Bay, and is swimming allowed?

    The national park manages Maya Bay to protect the coral, and the rules shift with the season. Boats currently enter from Loh Samah Bay at the rear, and access to the beach is along a short boardwalk. Swimming inside the bay is not permitted; you may wade only ankle- to knee-deep. A daily visitor quota applies, along with a time limit of roughly an hour, which is the reason for the early start. Swimming and snorkelling are open at the other stops. The guide applies whichever park rules are in force that day.

  • I am not a swimmer. Can I still take part in the snorkelling?

    Yes. Life jackets are provided, so you can float and watch the fish without needing to swim, and the guide stays nearby throughout. If you would rather stay dry, you are welcome to remain on the boat.

  • Are vegetarian meals available at lunch?

    Yes. Lunch is a Thai buffet on Phi Phi Don, and vegetarian dishes are served. Tell us your preference when you book so the restaurant can prepare accordingly. Some travellers also pack a few light snacks for the long day on the water.

  • Is this speedboat trip suitable for young children and older travellers?

    Families generally enjoy it, but the speedboat is quick and the open sea can be rough. We do not recommend it for pregnant women, anyone with a serious heart or back condition, or those who suffer badly from motion sickness. Children and reasonably fit older travellers usually do well on it.

  • What is the travel time between Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands?

    The speedboat crossing takes about 45 minutes each way over the Andaman Sea. Once you add the island stops, lunch and hotel transfers, the outing fills a full day, from morning to late afternoon.

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