The Phi Phi Islands are a popular archipelago located right off of Phuket, visited by many tourists each year. While they are many islands, tourists can technically only stay on one of them.

Here, you’ll find perfect beaches, blue waters, delicious food, friendly locals, and a ton of things to do. However, if you really want to make the most of it, we highly recommend a proper Phi Phi Island tour that’s worth your time and money.

We have done the hard work ourselves to bring you the top tours of the Phi Phi Islands available!

Best Phi Phi Island Tours

	Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Trip w/ Lunch by Speedboat	Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour	Phi Phi Islands and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour By Speedboat From Phuket
	Best Adventure Tour	Best Private Tour	Best Budget Tour
Departure:	Royal Phuket Marina / Hotel or port pickup and drop-off available	Hotel pickup and drop-off available	Royal Phuket Marina / Hotel pickup and drop-off available
Start:	9:30 am	6:00 am	9:30 am
Duration:	7 to 8 hours	4 to 10 hours	7.5 hours
Includes:	Speedboat cruise, 2 snorkeling sessions, snorkeling equipment, insurance, national park fee, local taxes, lunch, refreshment, water and soft drinks	Bottled water, soda, snacks, snorkeling equipment, private transportation, WiFi, restroom on board	English-speaking tour guide, lunch and fresh fruits, life jackets, travel insurance, snorkeling equipment, tea, coffee
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Phi Phi Island Tours For 2024

1. Best Adventure Tour: Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Trip w/ Lunch by Speedboat
2. Best Private Tour: Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour
3. Best Budget Tour: Phi Phi Islands and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour By Speedboat From Phuket
4. Best Full Day Tour: Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips
5. Best Value Tour: Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V. Marine Tour

Phi Phi Island Tour Reviews

1. Best Adventure Tour: Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Trip w/ Lunch by Speedboat

The Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Trip w/ Lunch by Speedboat is one of the most popular and consistently well-rated tours in the area. This is clearly not only due to the beauty and fun activities you get to partake in, but because of the sheer professionalism and friendliness of the guides.

If you want to see all the hidden gems of Ko Phi Phi, this is just the ticket! You can choose to head to the meetup point or arrange for your guide to pick you and your group up at your hotel.

Starting off at 9:30 am, you’ll head to the Phuket Royal Marina to complete the check-in process where you’ll be provided with snacks and a safety briefing.

Depending on current weather and sea conditions, they’ll adjust the tour for the safety and convenience of everyone.

The first stop on your tour will be to the newly-opened Maya Beach, which is a cove that became known around the world because of the Blockbuster film, “The Beach”.

Take some time to explore here and then take a dip in the beautiful green water at Pileh Lagoon, surrounded by limestone cliffs.

After that, you’ll cruise around Viking Cave, where you’ll have plenty of time to take photos and snorkel around a coral reef. There are all kinds of bright and interesting marine life below the surface to experience.

After these stops, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite, so you’ll head to a tasty lunch buffet at Phi Phi Don restaurant. Walk on the beach, heading over to Lo Samah Bay and Bamboo Island for some further sightseeing.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

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2. Best Private Tour: Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour

Perhaps you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, for just you and your group alone. The Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour offers all that and more, with a maximum of 15 people per group. This allows you to see more, to ask your guide any questions you may have, and even have some say in your itinerary.

This tour lasts anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, depending on where you and your group would like to go. You do have various options for start times, which makes it easier to fit into your schedule. You’ll be picked up at your hotel or other accommodations, so just make sure you’re in the lobby on time.

The VIP drivers will take you in an air-conditioned vehicle over to the tour offices, where you’ll receive a briefing on the tour, coffee, tea, or a cold beverage. Here, you can leave any items that you don’t need for the tour in a safe location.

Head out on a 45-minute cruise to the Phi Phi Islands by boat. You’ll first see the famous Maya Bay known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

You can choose to stay on deck or explore the underwater world by snorkel (equipment provided). Pileh Bay is a gorgeous blue lagoon perfect for swimming, relaxing, exploring, or just taking in the atmosphere.

Pass by Viking Cave as you head over to Monkey Beach, aptly named for the little primates who love playing on the sand and in the beach – sometimes even swimming out and onto the boats! Next up, you’ll spend some time at Ko Phi Phi Don, where you’ll venture through the beautiful main island and grab lunch at a local restaurant with amazing ocean views.

After refueling, explore Nui Beach/Camel Rock, which is known as one of the prime snorkeling spots due to the rich marine life and clear waters. Let the warm sand warm your bones on the Koh Rang Yai beach afterward, while snacking on fresh fruit and cold drinks as you watch the sunset.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

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3. Best Budget Tour: Phi Phi Islands and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour By Speedboat From Phuket

Next up, we bring you the Phi Phi Islands and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat from Phuket tour. If you’re on a budget but still want to partake in a full day of fun, this is the one for you. It’s comprehensive and perfect if you want to explore some of the best attractions that the islands have to offer.

Hotel pickup is included, which will take place early in the morning at 7:00 am! All transfers come included as well, so once you’re picked up you don’t have to worry about transportation. If you choose, the guide will pick you up anywhere else within Phuket – whatever works best.

Upon arrival, you’ll be served cold drinks or coffee/tea should you choose. The first stop on your tour will be at Ko Phi Phi Lee/Maya Bay, where you’ll be able to snorkel and swim around the place often referred to as “the most beautiful place in the world”.

All snorkeling equipment and life vests are included, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t have your own gear.

Then, see the enormous limestone outcrop which emerges from the turquoise sea called “Camel Rock”. Do some more snorkeling here, where your guides will help you if you’re just starting out with the sport.

Monkey Beach is up next, which a cove consisting of a narrow strip of soft white sand with monkeys who love to play in the surf! Don’t be surprised if these little guys end up on your boat!

Ko Phi Phi Don allows for some more great swimming and snorkeling before enjoying a traditional lunch at Ton Sai Beach with elite views. Pass Viking Cave as you head to Pi Leh Bay, Maya Bay, and Khai Island where you’ll partake in plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on perfect beaches.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Best Full Day Tour: Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips

This next tour is a really special one – one that not many tourists get to experience. The Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips tour starts out at 5:00 am before the sun is up. This 8-hour tour will bring you a ton of fun and positive experiences, and still have you back right after dinner!

If you have plans in the evening, this is also a great option as you’ll be back at your hotel before 2 pm. You’ll be picked up at your hotel or AirBnb by a comfortable minivan or private car and head straight to the travel offices for a briefing, breakfast snacks, tea and coffee.

Don’t fill up too much though, because you’re going to have a delicious breakfast on the beach!

You’ll sail from Royal Phuket Marina, which is the city’s only 5-star marina and full of lavish yachts! Head first to Maya Bay, where you’ll clearly see why it’s a “must-see” sightseeing location.

With flourishing coral, wildlife, and an untouched environment thanks to local conservation efforts and the National Park status.

The emerald Pileh Lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs is known as the world’s swimming pool. Head over to Monkey Beach and learn about Viking Cave along the way.

The Macaques on monkey beach are mischievous, yes, but very entertaining to watch! Take a break to go snorkeling and experience the immense and diverse marine life under the surface!

Make a second snorkel stop at Nui Beach to check out more natural wonders and interesting sea animals before having a family-style lunch at a gorgeous seaside restaurant. If you haven’t already, you’ll realize just how important (and delicious) the food culture is here!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Best Value Tour: Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V. Marine Tour

Now here’s another excellent budget-friendly tour option that’s consistently well-rated. The Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V. Marine Tour is another 8-hour adventure that will pack in a lot of learning and sightseeing into a relatively short amount of time.

If you want to get some great insight into the local culture and history, this is one of the best ways of going about it.

Just like with every other we’ve covered on our guide this tour also includes a hotel pickup. Make sure you’re ready in your hotel lobby at 7:30 to 8:00 am, depending on which hotel you’re staying at.

The driver will bring you and the rest of your group to the marina, where you’ll meet your guide and enjoy some refreshments as you listen to a safety briefing.

Then, it’s time to hop on a speedboat and take off to Bamboo Island for some swimming, snorkeling, and swimming around this location that almost feels like you’re bathing in an aquarium.

Following that up, head to Phi Phi Holiday Resort for a wonderful lunch buffet consisting of authentic Thai cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. options available. After you have some time to digest, head over to Monkey Beach and watch the entertaining monkeys hop and run around.

Just like with the other tours, you’ll pass by and learn about Viking Cave before swimming in the brilliant green Pileh Bay and enjoy the natural beauty of Maya Bay. Throughout the entire time, you’ll be offered snacks and drinks to make sure you only have to focus on enjoying yourself.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Phuket Tour Guide

Getting There

Phuket is an island, though it seems to be a much easier island to access than many others in the world. The vast majority of visitors simply arrive through Phuket International Airport, located around 24 miles from the city center.

It’s usually cheaper to fly into Bangkok, however, so if you’d like to see Bangkok you may just want to allot a day or two there. From there, you can simply take the train from Hua Lamphong Station to Surat Thani and then take a bus to Phuket. You should not miss Bangkok, we would recommend a tour of the city.

Getting Around

Phuket is pretty simple to navigate, thank goodness. You’ll find many varying private and public transportation options. If you’re staying in a resort area, you may just be able to walk around without even thinking of 3^rd-party transportation.

Tuk-Tuk – These are unique to a lot of people, and the experience can be a fun one. However, they’re more ideal for shorter journeys, due to their small size and rather bumpy ride at times. Not only that, but if you’re in a resort area like Patong, they can get kind of pricey. Make sure you agree upon a rate before heading off.

Taxis/Grab – Taxis are pretty much everywhere around Phuket, but particularly in tourist spots and resort areas. Metered taxis are also located right outside the main entrance/exit at the airport. For the first 2 km, fares will be 50 baht and around 8 baht for each km after that. If you’re going long distances, try to settle on a flat rate beforehand.

There is no Uber here, but instead “Grab”. This app-based service is preferred by many visitors as it’s more reliable and gives you more of a sense of security as your ride is tracked and your rate is already settled.

Buses – Known as “songtaews”, these open-air buses are bright blue and easy to spot. The cool thing is they even write the destinations in English if you don’t speak Thai. Just be prepared to be able to flag one down, as there are no established bus stops. Buses operate from around 7 am to 6 pm, and are very affordable.

Motorbike – If you’re brave enough, you may just choose to rent a motorbike. 50-cc Hondas and big bikes are the most common type, and are very cheap. However, you need to know that many drivers operate with complete disregard for the laws and others on the road. Not only that, but if it’s a wet season, roads can become very slippery and difficult to navigate.

Motorbike Taxis – If you are going to hop on a motorbike, you may be better off with a local driving it for you. They are familiar with the way other locals drive, the weather conditions, and so on. This makes it much safer and more reliable. You can find them at moto taxi stands, usually with the drivers wearing red or green vests.

Where to Stay

Phuket may be an island, but it’s one of the more lively islands in Thailand. However, whether you’re going to party or to vacation as a family, there’s something for everyone. Each beach has a different vibe to it!

Phuket Town – If you’re going for the sightseeing and absorbing the culture more than anything, just stay here. You’ll be able to access some of the most popular attractions like the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong Temple, and elephant sanctuary. Not only that, but it’s easy to walk to hotels, temples, markets, and restaurants.

Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon – If your main priority is seeing the amazing beaches, then stay in any of these areas. Patong is one of the main beaches, but is usually very overcrowded while many others are uncomfortable and not quite as beautiful.

However, these 3 are all located inside a national park. They have beautiful white sands, gorgeous views, and have a more private feel to them. Nai Yang is notorious for being so close to the airport runway that you feel like you could almost reach out and touch the airplanes! Kata is another honorable mention, with some of the best swimming on the island.

Bang Tao – Bang Tao is perfect if you are a water sport kind of person. That could mean jet-skiing, going out on a speedboat, parasailing, etcetera. If you’re into receiving top-notch spa treatments, Bang Tao is also the way to go. If you’re feeling sore, you can’t skip receiving a massage here.

Patong – Patong is the center of nightlife and all the hustle-and-bustle of Phuket. You’ll find clubs bumping with loud music, all kinds of “entertainment complexes”, and extravagant shows. If you’re coming with the entire family, you may want to steer clear of staying in this area, though.

Kata Yai, Kata Noi – Are you a serious foodie? Then you should be staying in either of these areas. You’ll find everything from world-class bistros to makeshift stalls at the beach serving up delicious dishes. Whatever you’re looking for as far as food goes, you’ll find it here.

Restaurants and Eating Out

As we just mentioned, Phuket has a variety of tasty food options and there really is something for everyone. With that being said, we recommend trying both formal restaurants and food stalls for best results.

One Chun Café and Restaurant – Located in Old Town, this restaurant is consistently rated as one of the best on the island. With a wide variety of dishes (try the crab yellow curry), it has a very vintage feel with brick walls and all kinds of old clocks and TV sets!

Raya – Okay, so this is from the same owners as One Chun, but it just can’t be left out! Known for their classic local dishes like moo hong or slow-cooked pork belly stew, they really take their time in making sure each dish is served to perfection. It’s located right around the corner from One Chun, too!

Ko Ang Seafood – This place has been around a long time, and is known for being one of the best seafood spots in Old Town. You’ll find everything from popular dishes to exotic options like red ant eggs or horseshoe crab.

Lock Tien Food Court – If you go to Phuket, you have to make a visit to Lock Tien. It’s been serving up delicious food for over 50 years to locals and tourists, alike. Located on the corner of Dibuk and Yoawarat, you can try a delicious traditional dinner like por pia, or a cool dessert like oh aew. O-aew is a Thai shaved ice dessert topped with many ingredients like red bean, grass jelly, and of course o-aew: a type of jelly made with banana and herbs.

Kwong Shop Seafood – Here’s another prime seafood spot, and if you’re in Kata Beach, we highly recommend stopping by. Crab curry, hot pot, steamed squid, entire fish – they have it all and it’s super cheap for the quality and quantity received.

Sugar & Spice – This place melds western dishes with Thai favorites like pad Thai, pineapple rice, and som tam. It’s not all that exciting, but it’s a good option if you or another in your group isn’t that adventurous with food.

Nightlife and Entertainment

1. Soi Bangla Road – This place goes crazy after the sun sets! You’ll find all kinds of lavish clubs to sophisticated lounges and everything in-between.
2. Wassa Homemade – Located right on the coast, this is a wonderful date night spot if you’re looking for chill music, great conversation, and excellent cocktails. The views are unbeatable, and the service is fantastic.
3. Seductino Nightclub – This trendy spot is a massive club, with famous DJs every night.
4. Simon Cabaret – One of the most popular places in Phuket, it has great digital sound and visual effects.
5. Siam Niramit – This is undoubtedly one of the most unique shows on the island, and has an almost Vegas-esque feel to it. If you’re bringing the whole family along, this is one of the top recommendations. Complete with over 100 performers, glamorous costumes, and elaborate sets, there’s never a dull moment.
6. Boat Bar – This is a fun place with friendly staff, cool decorations, great music, cabaret some nights, and more.
7. Kee Sky Lounge – This rooftop bar is just steps away from Bangla Walking Street. The rooftop is designed to look like a cruise ship deck, and is always fun with great cocktails and views of the Andaman Sea.
8. Kudo Beach Club – Okay, so this club does open at 10 am, but it goes until midnight so you always have a party to go to!

Weather

Generally speaking, Phuket is quite warm throughout the entire year. Temperatures range from around 77 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, and seasons are pretty much just divided into the “rainy season” and “dry season”. These periods depend on the tropical monsoon.

Dry season starts in December, lasting until around March. You’ll see clear skies, calm waters, and light breezes with temperatures in the high 70s, typically. As you can imagine, this attracts a lot of tourists and is known as the high season.

Rainy season starts in June and lasts until October. This is when the monsoon comes in, with intense winds, lots of rain, with hot and humid weather. It’s not quite as pleasant, considering many times you won’t be able to be out on the water. Going to the beach may result in sand blowing all over, and raining you out.

Attractions

Kata Noi Beach – Phuket has a ton of great beaches, but Kata Noi remains one of our favorites. It’s small in size but huge in beauty. Take a walk along the pristine sand while just enjoying the view or taking a swim in the water.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery – If you’re a rum fan, you’ll love learning about how it is produced. Not to mention, after the tour you get to participate in a cocktail workshop and bar, where you’ll learn how to make various cocktails that include the house rum.

Big Buddha – This is an absolutely massive marble Buddha statue, at almost 150 feet tall! While the Buddha alone is a great motive for heading there, you also get some of the best panoramic views of the island from the top of the hill.

Nai Harn Beach – This is one of the most popular beaches, with soft white sand and crystal-clear blue water. There are many delicious restaurants nearby, so we recommend grabbing a bite to eat and then coming to sit under the shade of a large tree on the beach.

Karon Viewpoint – Right next to Kata Noi is Karon Viewpoint, which offers some of the best lookout points on the whole island.

Phuket Town Weekend Night Market – The locals call it “Maka Market”, and is the place to be at night on the weekends! It’s crowded with tourists and locals, yes, but there are so many delicious foods and fun items to purchase and look at here.

Wat Chalong and Phuket Temples – Wat Chalong is one of the most important temples in Phuket, with incredible intricacy and a fascinating history. It’s gorgeous from a distance, but head closer and you’ll see the innumerable pieces of glittering glass.

Bangla Road – It’s definitely unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, so prepare yourself for that! But if you are ready for adventure and have a sense of humor, you’ll be just fine.

Phang Nga Bay – If you have ever seen the James Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun you will recognize it. The “James Bond Islands” are a popular tourist attraction.

Tips

1. Don’t drink the tap water. Just drink bottled water, and make sure that the bottle is sealed. Ice is made with clean water, and you don’t have to worry about it.
2. Bring mosquito repellent or purchase some right when you arrive. Dengue and malaria aren’t that common, but it’s still annoying to be itching the entire time.
3. When at temples, you need to be respectful. Cover your shoulders and legs at least to the knee. Remove shoes and hat before entering any temple.
4. Be respectful of any image of Buddha. Buying statues and/or getting Buddhist tattoos if you aren’t Buddhist is not only considered very disrespectful, but in some cases, even illegal!
5. Public criticism of Thai royalty is illegal, and if the national anthem is played in public or even before a movie in the theater, you should stand.