Phi Phi Island, Thailand – Our Honest Tour Experience, Costs & Tips
If you ask someone who’s been to southern Thailand what the one place you absolutely shouldn’t miss is, there’s a good chance they’ll say Phi Phi Island.
Before our trip, we had seen countless Instagram reels showing crystal-clear lagoons, towering limestone cliffs and boats floating over turquoise water. Like most travellers, we wondered if it would actually look that beautiful in real life—or if social media had simply raised our expectations too high.
After spending an entire day exploring Koh Phi Phi Island, visiting Maya Bay, swimming in Pileh Lagoon, relaxing on Bamboo Island, and snorkelling in the Andaman Sea, we finally had our answer.
Yes… it’s absolutely worth visiting.
But maybe not for the reason you think.
Most people visit Phi Phi Island expecting Maya Bay to be the highlight. Surprisingly, it wasn’t. For us, the real magic happened somewhere else. We’ll get to that shortly.
This guide isn’t based on brochures or copied information from travel websites. It’s based entirely on our own experience, the mistakes we made, the things we loved, the places that exceeded our expectations, and a few that didn’t.
If you’re planning a Phi Phi Island Tour from Krabi or Phuket, this guide will help you decide whether it’s worth your time and money.
Quick Summary
⭐ Our Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
📍 Location: Koh Phi Phi, Krabi Province, Thailand
🚤 Best Starting Point: Krabi or Phuket
⏱️ Tour Duration: Around 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 We Paid: 2,200 THB per person
🍽️ Lunch Included: Yes
🤿 Snorkelling Included: Yes
🏝️ Main Stops
- Bamboo Island
- Maya Bay
- Viking Cave
- Monkey Beach
- Pileh Lagoon
- Phi Phi Don
- Snorkelling Stop
❤️ Would We Visit Again?
Without even thinking twice.
Why We Decided to Visit Phi Phi Island
When we first started planning our Thailand itinerary, we debated whether the Phi Phi Islands Tour was worth an entire day. The price wasn’t cheap compared to other activities in Krabi. Most tours also required an early morning pickup and almost nine hours away from the hotel.
We wondered whether we’d be rushing from one island to another without really enjoying anything. After reading hundreds of reviews online, one thing became obvious. Almost everyone had the same opinion.
“If you skip Phi Phi Island, you’ll regret it.”
Looking back now… We completely agree. It ended up becoming one of the highlights of our entire Thailand trip.
How We Booked Our Phi Phi Island Tour
One of the biggest mistakes many travellers make in Krabi is booking the first tour they see. We almost did exactly that. The first travel agency we walked into quoted us 2,500 THB per person. Instead of booking immediately, we decided to compare prices.
Within fifteen minutes, we had visited three different tour offices around Ao Nang. The exact same itinerary… The same speedboat… Almost identical inclusions… But a much better price.
We eventually booked the tour for 2,200 THB per person, saving 600 THB as a couple. That was enough to cover one of our dinners in Krabi. Sometimes, walking just a few minutes can save you quite a bit of money.
Everything Included in Our Tour
For 2,200 THB per person, we received:
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ Full-day speedboat tour
✔ National Park entry fee
✔ Professional English-speaking guide
✔ Fresh fruits during the trip
✔ Unlimited drinking water
✔ Buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don
✔ Snorkelling mask
✔ Snorkel
✔ Life jacket
✔ Accident insurance
When booking, the operator asked for our full names exactly as printed on our passports. At first, we wondered why. Our guide later explained that this information was required because every passenger is covered under the tour’s insurance policy.
That small detail gave us confidence that we had chosen a professional operator.
Our Day Started Earlier Than Expected
Our pickup time was scheduled for 8:30 AM. We were standing outside our hotel about ten minutes early. Good thing we were. The van arrived around 8:40 AM, collected us along with several other travellers from nearby hotels, and headed towards the pier.
One thing we noticed immediately was how well organised everything was. There was no confusion. No waiting around for hours. Once everyone had checked in, we were given wristbands, a short safety briefing, and then it was time to board the speedboat.
Standing on the pier watching dozens of boats preparing to leave made us realise just how popular this tour really is. Everyone looked excited. So were we.
The Speedboat Ride
This was our first experience travelling by speedboat in Thailand. The moment the boat accelerated across the Andaman Sea, everyone instinctively grabbed onto their seats. It’s fast. Much faster than we expected.
The sea was mostly calm, but every now and then the boat bounced over the waves, making everyone laugh at the same time. If you’re someone who usually gets motion sickness, we’d definitely recommend taking your medication before boarding.
The journey to the first island took around 40 minutes, and although it was occasionally bumpy, the views along the way made it incredibly enjoyable. As we moved further away from Krabi, small limestone islands started appearing on the horizon.
That’s when we realised… The adventure had officially begun.
First Stop – Bamboo Island
About forty minutes later, our boat slowed down as we approached Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai).
Even before stepping off the boat, we were impressed. The water looked unbelievably clear. Different shades of turquoise surrounded the island, while the soft white sand contrasted beautifully against the deep green trees in the background.
Unlike some of the busier places we visited later in the day, Bamboo Island felt peaceful. There was plenty of space to walk around, relax under the trees, or simply sit on the beach and enjoy the view.
It was the perfect way to begin the day. We spent around 40 minutes here, and honestly, none of us wanted to leave. The calm atmosphere, crystal-clear water, and uncrowded beach made Bamboo Island one of our favourite stops on the tour.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Maya Bay – The Beach We Dreamed About (But It Wasn’t Our Favourite)
If there’s one place that made Koh Phi Phi Island world-famous, it’s undoubtedly Maya Bay.
Ever since Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach was released, Maya Bay has been on the bucket list of travellers from around the world. Before visiting Thailand, this was the place we were most excited about. We had seen countless photos and drone videos of the beach, and naturally, our expectations were sky-high.
As our speedboat approached the island, we could immediately see why people travel from all over the world to visit. Towering limestone cliffs surrounded the bay from almost every direction, creating a breathtaking natural amphitheatre. The turquoise water, soft white sand and dramatic scenery looked exactly like the postcards.
It was beautiful. But it wasn’t perfect.
The Reality Nobody Talks About
Because Maya Bay is one of Thailand’s most famous attractions, it was also the busiest place we visited during the entire tour.
To protect the fragile ecosystem, Thailand has introduced strict conservation measures over the years. Boats are no longer allowed to enter directly into the bay, and swimming inside Maya Bay is prohibited to protect the coral reefs. Visitors enter through a designated floating pier and follow a boardwalk before reaching the beach.
Although these rules help preserve the environment, they also mean that many tour groups arrive around the same time. When we first stepped onto the beach, it felt much more crowded than we had imagined.
For a brief moment, we wondered whether it would live up to the hype. Then we made one small decision that completely changed our experience.
Walk Further Down the Beach
Most visitors stop close to the entrance because it’s the first open area they see. Instead, we kept walking.
Within just a few minutes, the crowds became noticeably thinner, allowing us to enjoy the scenery much more peacefully. We also found much better angles for photographs without dozens of people in the background.
If you’re visiting Maya Bay, this is probably the best tip we can give you. Don’t stop at the entrance. Take a slow walk towards the far end of the beach and simply enjoy the surroundings.
What We Loved ❤️
✔ One of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Thailand.
✔ Towering limestone cliffs unlike anywhere else we visited.
✔ Crystal-clear water with incredible shades of blue.
✔ A place every first-time visitor should experience at least once.
What We Didn’t Like 👎
• More crowded than we expected.
• The stop felt slightly rushed because of the tour schedule.
• Swimming isn’t allowed, which some travellers may find disappointing (although we completely understand why these rules exist).
Our Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Viking Cave – A Quick Stop With An Interesting Story
Our next stop was Viking Cave, one of the lesser-known attractions on the Phi Phi Islands tour. Unlike Maya Bay or Pileh Lagoon, visitors don’t actually enter the cave. Instead, the speedboat slows down nearby while the guide explains its history.
At first glance, it simply looks like another limestone cave along the cliffs. But its story makes it fascinating. The cave is famous for its swiftlet bird nests, which are considered a luxury delicacy in parts of Asia and are carefully harvested under strict regulations.
Our guide also pointed out the ancient paintings inside the cave, which many people believe resemble Viking ships—giving the cave its name.
Although the stop lasted only a few minutes, it was interesting to learn something beyond beaches and swimming. Sometimes it’s these small stories that make a tour feel more memorable.
Our Rating
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.5/5)
Monkey Beach – Nature Doesn’t Always Follow A Schedule
The next stop on our itinerary was Monkey Beach. As the name suggests, this small stretch of coastline is home to wild macaque monkeys. When our boat arrived, everyone immediately started looking towards the trees hoping to spot them.
Luckily, several monkeys were sitting along the rocks and shoreline, completely unbothered by the boats nearby. Watching them interact with each other was entertaining, especially for families travelling with children.
However, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals. Our guide repeatedly reminded everyone not to feed them or try to get too close, as they can become aggressive if they expect food.
Some tours may see dozens of monkeys. Others may only spot a few. That’s simply the unpredictability of nature.
Our Rating
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.5/5)
Pileh Lagoon – The Place That Completely Stole Our Hearts
Before travelling to Thailand, we assumed Maya Bay would be the highlight of the day. We were wrong. Nothing prepared us for Pileh Lagoon.
As our speedboat slowly entered the narrow opening between the limestone cliffs, the entire atmosphere changed. The water became unbelievably calm. Towering cliffs surrounded us on every side.
The colour of the water shifted between emerald green and turquoise depending on where the sunlight hit. It almost didn’t look real. For a few moments, everyone on the boat became completely silent.
No one was looking at their phones. No one was talking. Everyone was simply taking in the view. That’s when we realised this was going to be our favourite stop of the entire tour.
Once the boat anchored, we jumped straight into the water. It was cool, crystal clear and incredibly refreshing. Floating in the middle of the lagoon while looking up at cliffs rising hundreds of feet above us is a feeling we’ll never forget.
We only had around 20 minutes here. Honestly…
It felt like five. If we could change one thing about the tour, we’d ask for another hour at Pileh Lagoon. It was that beautiful.
What We Loved ❤️
✔ The clearest water we saw anywhere in Thailand.
✔ Peaceful atmosphere despite being popular.
✔ Perfect for swimming.
✔ Incredible scenery in every direction.
✔ One of the most photogenic places we’ve ever visited.
Photography Tip 📷
If you’re bringing a GoPro or waterproof camera, this is the place to use it. The underwater shots here turned out to be some of our favourite photos from the entire Thailand trip.
Our Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Phi Phi Don – A Well-Earned Lunch Break
After a busy morning exploring islands, swimming, and taking hundreds of photos, we were definitely ready for lunch.
Our next stop was Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest and only permanently inhabited island in the Phi Phi archipelago. Unlike the other islands we had visited, Phi Phi Don has hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, dive centres and even a small village, making it feel much livelier.
Our tour included a buffet lunch at one of the island’s restaurants. There were plenty of options available for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, including rice, noodles, curries, stir-fried vegetables, chicken dishes, fresh fruits and desserts.
Was it the best meal we had in Thailand?
Honestly, no.
But after spending the entire morning in the sun, swimming and island hopping, it was fresh, filling and exactly what we needed before continuing the tour.
Sometimes when you’re travelling, a satisfying meal matters more than a fancy one. After lunch, we still had some free time to explore the area.
We wandered through the narrow streets lined with souvenir shops, cafés and small convenience stores. If you’re looking to buy magnets, beachwear, handmade gifts or enjoy a quick coffee before heading back, this is a nice place to do it.
Compared to Phuket, the atmosphere felt much more laid-back and relaxed.
What We Loved ❤️
✔ Plenty of food options for everyone.
✔ Beautiful island atmosphere.
✔ Time to relax before the next activity.
✔ Small shops for souvenirs and snacks.
Our Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Snorkelling – The Perfect Ending to an Incredible Day
If someone had told us before visiting Thailand that we’d be floating in the middle of the Andaman Sea surrounded by colourful tropical fish, we probably wouldn’t have believed them.
Yet, that’s exactly how we ended our Phi Phi Island adventure. Our final activity was snorkelling, and it turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the day. Before entering the water, our guide handed everyone a life jacket, snorkelling mask and snorkel and explained the basics.
Neither of us were experienced snorkellers, so we were slightly nervous. Within a few seconds of putting our faces underwater, all that nervousness disappeared.
The water was incredibly clear, making it easy to spot schools of colourful tropical fish swimming around us. Every direction revealed something different—tiny striped fish, bright blue fish, coral formations and underwater rock formations that we could never have seen from the boat.
Even people in our group who had never snorkelled before came back smiling. It was one of those activities that looked intimidating at first but ended up becoming one of the most enjoyable parts of the day.
If you’re visiting Koh Phi Phi Thailand for the first time, don’t skip the snorkelling. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer. The guides are experienced, everyone wears life jackets, and they’ll make sure you’re comfortable before entering the water.
Photography Tip 📸
If you own a GoPro or any waterproof action camera, definitely bring it along. Some of our favourite memories from the entire trip came from the videos we captured while snorkelling.
Our Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Absolutely worth trying—even if it’s your first time.
Things We Loved About the Phi Phi Island Tour ❤️
After spending an entire day exploring the islands, here’s what stood out the most.
Pileh Lagoon Completely Exceeded Our Expectations
Before the trip, we thought Maya Bay would be our favourite stop. Instead, Pileh Lagoon stole the show.
The calm emerald water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs created one of the most beautiful landscapes we’ve ever seen. If we could revisit just one place from the entire tour, it would be Pileh Lagoon.
Every Stop Felt Different
One thing we appreciated was that every destination offered a completely different experience.
- Bamboo Island was peaceful and relaxing.
- Maya Bay was iconic and dramatic.
- Viking Cave introduced a bit of history.
- Monkey Beach added a touch of wildlife.
- Pileh Lagoon was paradise for swimming.
- Phi Phi Don gave us time to relax and recharge.
- Snorkelling allowed us to experience the underwater world.
The day never felt repetitive.
Excellent Tour Organisation
Considering the number of people joining these tours every day, we were impressed by how smoothly everything was managed.
Hotel pickup was organised.
The guide kept everyone informed.
Water and fresh fruits were available throughout the trip.
Lunch was already arranged.
Everything ran surprisingly on time.
It allowed us to focus on enjoying the experience instead of worrying about logistics.
Things We Didn’t Like 👎
No tour is perfect, and we think it’s important to share the honest negatives as well.
Maya Bay Was More Crowded Than We Expected
There’s no way around it. It’s one of Thailand’s most famous attractions, and naturally, thousands of people want to visit. While the scenery was breathtaking, the crowds made it feel slightly less magical than we’d imagined.
Fortunately, walking further down the beach made a noticeable difference.
Some Stops Felt Too Short
This isn’t really the tour operator’s fault. The itinerary covers several incredible locations in a single day, so naturally, time at each stop is limited.
Our only complaint?
We desperately wanted more time at Pileh Lagoon. If we had another 30–60 minutes there, it would have been perfect.
The Speedboat Ride Can Be Rough
Depending on the weather, the speedboat journey can become quite bumpy. We were absolutely fine, but we noticed a few people feeling seasick during the longer stretches. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth taking medication before boarding.
It’s a simple precaution that can make a huge difference.
Things We Wish We Knew Before Visiting
Looking back, here are a few things we’d do differently.
✔ Carry a waterproof phone pouch.
✔ Wear reef-safe sunscreen.
✔ Bring sunglasses with a strap—the wind on the speedboat can be surprisingly strong.
✔ Pack an extra towel and a change of clothes.
✔ Don’t expect Maya Bay to be empty.
✔ Spend less time taking photos and more time enjoying Pileh Lagoon.
Trust us…
Some moments are better experienced than photographed.
Who Should Book This Phi Phi Island Tour?
We think this tour is perfect for:
❤️ Couples looking for a romantic island experience.
👨👩👧 Families wanting a memorable day trip.
📸 Photography enthusiasts.
🌊 First-time visitors to southern Thailand.
🐠 Anyone wanting to try snorkelling.
However, if you’re pregnant, have severe back problems, or suffer badly from motion sickness, you may want to check with the tour operator before booking, as the speedboat ride can be quite fast depending on sea conditions.
Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Island
One question we often get is:
“When is the best time to visit Koh Phi Phi Island?”
After our experience and talking with our tour guide, we’d recommend visiting between November and April. During these months, the sea is usually calmer, the skies are clearer, and the water has that incredible turquoise colour you see in travel photos.
We visited in March, and the weather was almost perfect. It was hot, but the constant sea breeze made the boat rides and island visits very comfortable. The visibility while snorkelling was also excellent, making it easy to see colourful fish beneath the surface.
If you’re travelling during the monsoon season (May to October), keep in mind that tours can be affected by rough seas or bad weather. Some departures may even be cancelled for safety reasons.
Best Time of Day
If possible, choose one of the earliest tours available.
Although you won’t have Maya Bay entirely to yourself, arriving earlier generally means fewer crowds and slightly better lighting for photography.
What to Pack for Your Phi Phi Island Tour
Packing smart can make a huge difference. Here’s what we actually carried—and what we’d recommend to every traveller.
✔ Swimsuit
✔ Quick-dry towel
✔ Waterproof phone pouch
✔ Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
✔ Sunglasses
✔ Flip-flops or water shoes
✔ Extra change of clothes
✔ Small backpack
✔ Power bank
✔ Motion sickness tablets (if needed)
One thing we forgot was a waterproof pouch for our phones. Luckily, ours survived, but we’d definitely bring one next time.
Complete Cost Breakdown
One thing we always appreciate when reading travel blogs is transparency about costs, so here’s exactly what we spent.
| Expense | Cost (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Phi Phi Island Tour | 2,200 THB |
| National Park Fee | Included |
| Hotel Pickup & Drop | Included |
| Buffet Lunch | Included |
| Snorkelling Equipment | Included |
| Drinking Water & Fruits | Included |
| Insurance | Included |
Overall Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When we considered everything that was included, we genuinely felt the tour offered excellent value.
Photography Tips
If you’re visiting Koh Phi Phi Island Thailand, you’ll probably come home with hundreds of photos.
Here are a few tips that helped us.
📍 Bamboo Island
Take wide-angle shots that capture both the turquoise water and white sand. Morning light works beautifully here.
📍 Maya Bay
Walk further away from the entrance before taking your photos. Most people stop near the first section of the beach, but walking another few minutes gives you cleaner backgrounds and fewer people.
📍 Pileh Lagoon
This is where you’ll capture your best photos. If you have a GoPro or waterproof camera, don’t leave it on the boat. The underwater footage here is incredible.
📍 Speedboat
Keep your camera ready while travelling between islands. Some of our favourite pictures weren’t taken at the islands at all—they were captured while passing towering limestone cliffs rising out of the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phi Phi Island worth visiting?
Absolutely.
For us, it became one of the highlights of our Thailand trip. While Maya Bay attracts most of the attention, it was Pileh Lagoon and the overall island-hopping experience that truly made the day unforgettable.
Is Koh Phi Phi Island the same as Phi Phi Island?
Yes. “Koh” simply means island in Thai, so Koh Phi Phi and Phi Phi Island refer to the same destination.
Which is better: Phuket or Phi Phi Island?
They offer completely different experiences. Phuket is perfect for nightlife, shopping and entertainment. Phi Phi Island is all about breathtaking natural beauty, crystal-clear water and island adventures.
If possible, visit both.
