Do you dream of hopping from one island to another around Phi Phi? This is exactly what an island tour offers you.
We have lived on Koh Phi Phi since 2019, and this is the trip we know by heart. We have done these trips hundreds of times. Here's what a tour really covers, and how to choose yours.
What exactly is a tour of the islands?
It is the flagship outing of the archipelago. You get on board, and you go to the most beautiful spots around Phi Phi. The classic tour passes Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island. Some stops are for swimming and snorkeling. Others simply gaze at each other from the boat.
Maya Bay: the highlight of the show
Made famous by the film The Beach, Maya Bay reopened in 2022. Entrance to the park costs 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child aged 3 to 14, with free entry for children under 3 years old. It is paid on arrival, and it is almost never included in the price of the tour. A detail that surprises many people: you don't swim from the beach. The boats dock at the Loh Samah pontoon, then a wooden footbridge leads to the bay, for a visit of around an hour with limited numbers.
Pay attention to the annual closure
Maya Bay closes annually from August 1 to September 30. It’s a desired break, to let the reef regenerate. If your stay falls during this period, your tour will allow you to enjoy the other spots. But the famous beach remains inaccessible these two months.
Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah, our favorites
Pileh Lagoon is a natural turquoise swimming pool surrounded by limestone cliffs. The water is calm and shallow, perfect for floating peacefully. Right next door, Loh Samah offers you snorkeling among the fish. This is also where access to Maya Bay starts from.
Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and Bamboo
Viking Cave can be explored from the water. Inside, harvesters climb to look for swallows’ nests. Monkey Beach lives up to its name: monkeys greet you on the sand, so keep your belongings tight. Bamboo Island, further north, offers white sand and clear water, a real postcard setting.
Longtail or speedboat: which to choose?
That's THE question. The longtail is the Thai wooden boat, slow and authentic. It brings you closer to the water and gives a real taste of adventure, ideal for a leisurely pace. The speedboat goes faster and covers more ground, often adding Bamboo Island, which is further away. If you're short on time, take the speedboat. If you want to savor every stopover, choose the longtail.
Half day or full day?
Half a day is enough to see the essentials. You go through Maya Bay, Pileh, Loh Samah and Monkey Beach without hanging around. The full day adds Bamboo Island, more snorkeling and often lunch. Our advice: a day if it's your only outing on the island, a half-day if your schedule is already full.
The best start: early, very early
This is our best kept secret. Leave early, really early. Maya Bay fills up quickly from mid-morning. Departure at sunrise, and you enjoy the almost deserted bay. The light is soft, the water is smooth, and the photos become magical. For us, it's the most beautiful moment of the whole day.
Season, water and what to expect
High season is from November to April, with calm seas and clear water. From February to April, it is the driest period. The water stays between 27 and 30 degrees all year round, so no need for a wetsuit. Put sunscreen, hat and waterproof camera in your bag. Useful reminder: Phi Phi has no airport or cars, you only get there by boat, approximately 2 hours from Phuket and 1.5 hours from Krabi.
