How to Plan A Koh Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket?
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Of course, one of the most important activities during our Phuket trip in April was the island tours. We dedicated two of our four holiday days to these tours. Since we had limited time, our top choices were naturally the most popular ones: the James Bond Island Tour and Phi Phi Island tours. However, if you have more time, we highly recommend checking out our “Places to Visit in Phuket” list. There, you can explore over 30 islands and pick the ones you like the most.
When it comes to Thailand, we tend to go on and on—sorry about that! It was an experience we could talk about endlessly. But don’t worry, we’ll also share concise, practical information while providing all the details of our Phi Phi Island tour. By the end of this article, you won’t have any unanswered questions left. So, if you’re ready to see fifty shades of blue, let’s get started!
Getting to Know Phi Phi Island
Officially named Koh Phi Phi, the Phi Phi Islands are part of Thailand’s Phuket province and are located in the Andaman Sea. The group consists of two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, along with several smaller surrounding islands. Phi Phi Don is inhabited and home to tourist facilities, while Phi Phi Leh is known for its pristine nature and world-famous beaches like Maya Bay. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and stunning rock formations, it’s a popular destination for activities like diving and snorkeling.
Where Is Phi Phi Island?
The Phi Phi Islands are located southeast of Phuket. Let’s take a look at their location on the map to get a better sense of where they are.
Let’s Get to the Main Topic
How to Take a Phi Phi Island Tour?
This part is super simple. You book a tour with a company, and the rest runs like clockwork. Since tourism is a primary source of income for Thais, you don’t need to worry about how to arrange a tour. For example, we booked ours right at the airport when we arrived in Phuket. Yes, it’s that easy! 🙂
Here’s a happy Ülviye who got her tour at a bargain price 🙂
You make your payment, and they pick you up from your hotel on the scheduled day. At the meeting point, they offer some light breakfast and explain the tour details. Since there are multiple tour companies in the same area, they give you a wristband to avoid any confusion. After that, they give you a little time to buy essentials like a phone case (just in case it falls into the ocean), water shoes, sunscreen, etc., and then you’re off to the speedboats.
Things to Keep in Mind When Planning a Phi Phi Island Tour
Yes, organizing an island tour in Phuket is incredibly easy. However, to ensure you’re satisfied both financially and emotionally, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The following tips are based entirely on our personal experiences. Hopefully, these points will help you avoid any surprises when dealing with tour companies:
- Book your tour after arriving in Phuket. Why? So you can negotiate and get a better price.
Want everything planned in advance? If you prefer a secure option, you can use platforms like Get Your Guide, which protect your payment.
- As you exit the airport, you’ll find spots where tours are sold. If Linin is still around, be sure to find her! She practically gave us two tours for the price of one. 🙂
- Don’t bother comparing which tour is better. All tours use speedboats, and they all have lunch at the same place. Keep it simple and enjoy!
How Much Does the Phi Phi Island Tour Cost?
The cost of a Phi Phi Island tour ranges from 1,500 to 6,000 THB per person, depending on the tour’s features, the number of participants, and the activities included.
For instance, during our Phi Phi Island tour, an additional 7,000 THB was required for a diving experience. (As of April 2024)
What’s Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price typically covers transportation, lunch, and snacks provided on the boat. However, any personal expenses on the islands or fees for additional activities like diving are not included, as is common with most tours.
Step-by-Step: Our Day Trip Experience to Phi Phi Island
So far, we’ve covered the most frequently asked questions. Now, we’ll walk you through the islands we visited in order and share personal notes from our experience.
Getting to Phi Phi Island
We were picked up from our hotel around 7:30 AM and taken to the beach where the speedboats were docked. As mentioned earlier, we spent about half an hour enjoying Thai snacks and coffee while our guide (shoutout to Spicy!) explained the day’s itinerary.
Next, we boarded a speedboat with 10–15 people, and after a 40-minute journey, we reached Phi Phi Island. Those who planned to dive or snorkel stayed on the boat, while others, like us, explored the island. We took turns—one of us snorkeled while the other roamed the island, with about an hour allocated for each activity.
Before disembarking, Spicy warned everyone about the high prices on the island and reminded us that lunch would be provided there. This heads-up was helpful, ensuring no one was tempted to eat elsewhere. It’s worth mentioning that no one is trying to take advantage of you there, but it’s still good to be prepared.
Other Ways to Reach Koh Phi Phi
If you’re looking to visit Koh Phi Phi outside of a tour, here are some options to consider:
(Provide detailed options like ferries or private speedboats, depending on the user’s request.)
Snorkeling or Diving Activities
Diving is an optional activity available at an extra cost. During our tour, the fee was 7,000 THB, which might sound steep, but it’s worth it to witness the stunning underwater scenery. In fact, we know of groups traveling from Turkey to these exact spots just for diving!
Instagram vs. Reality
Since we didn’t want to exceed the budget we had set for our Phuket trip, we opted for snorkeling instead. Well, I tried it 🙂, and it was incredible. Before jumping in, the crew members checked the water for sharks—yes, seriously! Once the coast was clear, we geared up with life jackets and goggles and plunged in. Snorkeling equipment was provided for free.
Island Tour and Lunch
After the activities, we returned to the island to explore and relax. We even went for a swim. Many people ask, “Can you swim at Phi Phi Island?” The answer is a resounding yes.
The island boasts a pristine beach with soft, white sand that’s free to access. We had a short swim break there. However, the seabed felt a bit like Turkey’s Salda Lake—soft and collapsible when stepped on. Also, the water doesn’t get deep even as you wade far out, which isn’t my favorite type of beach.
Phi Phi Island itself is bustling and very popular. There are even wealthy tourists who choose to stay on the island instead of taking day tours. This means you can reach the island without booking a tour, as there are other transportation options available.
Staying Longer on Phi Phi Island
If you’re interested in spending more time on the island beyond a day tour, here are some transportation options you can consider:
Shopping, Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants
The abundance of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants on the island further proves its popularity. Among all the islands we visited around Phuket, this was by far the most crowded.
Swimming Break
We set off toward Maya Bay Beach next. With the scorching heat and inviting water, we made a few swimming stops along the way.
During the journey, we paused at significant landmarks where docking was prohibited. At these spots, our guide shared fascinating historical tidbits. For instance, one cave (pictured below) is said to house a substance believed to be an elixir of youth, which is why it’s protected by security.
Maya Bay Beach
You might recognize Maya Bay Beach from Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach. This is one of the main reasons behind the island’s fame. Maya Bay is located on Phi Phi Leh Island, part of the Phi Phi archipelago, and situated in the Krabi province. While the island has its own name, it is widely referred to as Maya Bay Beach.
To reach the beach, you follow a tree-lined path in a single file, as the heavy foot traffic caused by numerous tour groups results in one-way pedestrian flow. Despite this, the stunning view at the end is well worth it. <3
If you’re wondering “Can you swim here?”, we’re sorry to say your hopes will be dashed. Maya Bay Beach is under strict protection, and visitors are only allowed to wade in up to their knees. Thankfully, this protection prevents it from being overrun and polluted by the crowds. We learned that, in the past, boats were allowed to dock in this area.
Khai Nai Island
The final stop of the Phi Phi Island tour was Khai Nai Island, where we relaxed, swam, and enjoyed tropical fruits. To use a sunbed, you only needed to pay a modest 200 THB, which also included the option to purchase some of the most delicious fruit juices in the world. For those interested, alcoholic cocktails were also available.
On this vibrant island, the only thing to watch out for is the local vendors, as Spicy, our guide, advised. They rely entirely on tourism for their livelihood, so don’t forget to negotiate if you’re renting a jetski or other equipment.
That’s about all I have to share about the Phi Phi Island tour. For more, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @tutmayinbizi. 😊
