Destinations
Can you do a day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket? Yes, it’s quick and easy. Visit Maya Bay, snorkel, and be back by sunset. Get the full plan here.
19
Apr
Apr
Only Got One Day? Here’s How to Smash a Full Phi Phi Island Trip From Phuket
Swim with fish, snap Maya Bay, and be back in your hotel by sunset—with zero planning stress, no sleepover!
Yes, you can do a day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket! This beautiful spot sits just 40-47 km away from Phuket, making it perfect for a quick visit. You don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy the beauty of Phi Phi Island. A day trip works great for most folks!
The trip to Phi Phi Island takes between 45 minutes to 2 hours, based on what boat you pick. Many tourists choose this option each year. You’ll see amazing views, swim in clear water, and snap perfect photos.
Can you do a day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket? The short answer is yes! Let’s check out everything you need to know for an awesome island day trip.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, you can do a day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket – it takes between 45 minutes to 2 hours each way, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the islands.
- The best way to travel is by speedboat which gets you there in just 45-50 minutes, though ferries are cheaper but slower at about 2 hours each way.
- Most Phi Phi Island day trips cost between 45-110 USD per person, but prices change with the type of boat and what’s included.
- November to April offers the best weather for your Phi Phi Island day trip, with calm seas and clear water for swimming and photos.
- Top spots to see include Maya Bay (where they filmed “The Beach”), Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, and Bamboo Island – all possible in a single day trip.
- Different tour options exist for early birds, late risers, and those wanting small groups or fancy boats – pick what fits your style!
- Always bring sunscreen, water, swimwear, cash for the Phi Phi entrance fee if not included in your tour, and a camera for those amazing island views.
Phuket to Phi Phi Island in One Day: Yes, It’s Totally Doable!
Find out how to do a perfect Phi Phi Island day trip from Phuket in 2025. Speedboats take just 45 minutes! See Maya Bay, Monkey Beach & more. Complete guide with costs, best tours & tips.
1. Why a Day Trip to Phi Phi Island Works Great
Phi Phi Island sits in a sweet spot – not too far from Phuket but far enough to feel like a real escape. Fast boats reach these islands in under an hour. This means you get lots of time to enjoy without changing hotels.
The main spots on the islands don’t need days to see. Most tours hit all the big sights in one go. You’ll see Maya Bay (from the movie “The Beach”), swim at Pileh Lagoon, visit Monkey Beach, and maybe stop at Bamboo Island too.
When you pick a day tour to Phi Phi, you skip the worry about finding a hotel on the island. Hotels on Phi Phi Don (the main island) often cost more than Phuket ones. Plus, the island gets very busy at night.
A day trip lets you:
- See all main sights in one go
- Avoid paying for island hotels
- Return to your comfy Phuket room at night
- Fit Phi Phi into a tight travel plan
A Thai vacation pro named Mat from My Thailand Tours says: “Most of our guests prefer day trips to Phi Phi. They see the best parts of the islands without the hassle of moving hotels.”
2. Getting There: Speedboat vs. Ferry
You have two main ways to reach Phi Phi Island from Phuket: speedboat or ferry. Each has good and bad points.
Speedboats zoom you to Phi Phi in about 45-50 minutes. They’re fast, fun, and let you spend more time on the islands. Most day trips use speedboats for this reason. They can also reach small beaches and bays that big boats can’t.
Speedboat pros:
- Fast trip (45-50 minutes)
- Access to small, pretty bays
- More time on the islands
- Often include stops at extra spots
Speedboat cons:
- More bumpy when seas get rough
- Higher cost (55-110 USD per person)
- Not great if you get seasick easily
Ferries take longer but cost less. The trip takes about 2 hours each way. Ferries have indoor seats with A/C, which some people like better. But with 4 hours of travel time, you get less time at the islands.
Ferry pros:
- Cheaper tickets (11-14 USD one way)
- More stable in rough seas
- A/C indoor seats
Ferry cons:
- Long trip (about 2 hours each way)
- Less time at the islands
- Fixed routes with fewer stops
- May need to arrange your own lunch
Most tour pros suggest speedboats for day trips. Prices for a full Phi Phi speedboat tour start around 55 USD with My Thailand Tours.
3. Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Island
The time of year makes a big change in your Phi Phi Island day trip fun.
November to April (dry season) brings the best weather. The sea stays calm, skies look clear, and the water turns super blue. This makes perfect days for boat trips and photos. The peak months (December and January) have the best weather but also the most tourists.
May to October brings monsoon season. Some days still shine with sun, but you might see rain and rough seas too. Tours may cancel if the water gets too choppy. The good part? Fewer crowds and lower prices if you’re lucky with weather.
For the best mix of good weather and fewer people, try these months:
- November (early dry season)
- March (late dry season)
- April (shoulder season)
Another thing to think about: Maya Bay now closes each year from August 1st to October 1st. This helps the beach and sea life recover from tourists. If seeing Maya Bay tops your list, don’t visit during this time.
4+1. Most Popular Phi Phi Tour Options
Many Phi Phi Island tour run each day from Phuket. Here are some top choices for different types of travelers:
Early Bird Special: Phi Phi Bamboo Maiton Islands Tour
This tour starts super early (6:00 AM pickup) but packs in tons of stops. You’ll visit Khai Island, Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, and Maiton Island all in one day!
This comprehensive tour combines visits to multiple islands including Phi Phi, Bamboo Island, and Maiton Island, offering a diverse experience of Thailand’s marine environments.
Key Components:
- Duration: 9-10 hours with early morning departure (6:00 AM hotel pickup)
- Transportation: Fast speedboat travel with professional guides in English and Russian
- Attractions: Khai Island, Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, and Maiton Island
- Inclusions: Hotel transfers, meals, snorkeling gear, national park fees, and accident insurance
Unique Selling Points:
- The tour visits six distinct locations in a single day, providing excellent value
- Well-timed to avoid peak crowds at popular spots
- Comprehensive package with all necessities included
Visitor Experience: The tour begins with an early morning pickup, allowing travelers to reach Khai Island before crowds arrive. Throughout the day, guests experience a variety of environments from the white sand beaches of Bamboo Island to the famous Maya Bay and the emerald waters of Pileh Lagoon. Wildlife encounters at Monkey Beach and snorkeling opportunities at the coral reef of Maiton Island round out the diverse experience.
Traveler Feedback: Guests particularly appreciate the comprehensive nature of this tour and the variety of environments visited in a single day. The early start, while challenging for some, is widely recognized as worthwhile for enjoying locations with fewer crowds.
Perfect for: Early risers who want to see everything possible
Price: Around 65 USD
Details: Phi Phi Bamboo Maiton Tour
Phi Phi Bamboo Maiton Islands Tour with Speedboat from Phuket [with Khai Island]
Classic Choice: Phi Phi Island by Speedboat
This popular tour hits all the main Phi Phi spots at a fair price. You’ll see Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, have lunch at Phi Phi Don, and end with swimming at Khai Island.
This speedboat tour focuses specifically on the Phi Phi Islands and Khai Island, offering a balanced mix of famous locations and swimming/snorkeling opportunities.
Key Components:
- Duration: 9-10 hours with morning departure (7:30-8:00 AM hotel pickup)
- Price: 55 USD per person
- Transportation: Speedboat with English-speaking guide
- Attractions: Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don, and Khai Island
- Inclusions: Buffet lunch at a beach restaurant, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and national park fees
Unique Selling Points:
- Competitive pricing at 50 USD per person
- Ideal balance of iconic sightseeing and water activities
- All-inclusive package with no hidden costs
Visitor Experience: Travelers are transported via speedboat to experience the world-famous Maya Bay, the mysterious Viking Cave with ancient wall paintings, and the playful monkeys at Monkey Beach. The tour includes ample time for swimming in the blue-green waters of Pileh Lagoon and a lunch break at Phi Phi Don. The day concludes with relaxation and snorkeling at Khai Island’s powder-white beaches.
Traveler Feedback: This tour has received exceptional ratings (5.00 out of 5) from customers, who particularly appreciate the comprehensive nature of the experience and the knowledgeable guides. The balance of activities and the included lunch receive specific praise in reviews.
Perfect for: Most visitors seeking a complete Phi Phi day
Price: 50 USD
Details: Phi Phi Island by Speedboat
Late Riser Option: Late Morning Phi Phi Tour
Not a morning person? This tour starts with 9:30 AM pickups but still fits in all the key sights. You’ll visit Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Khai Nai Island.
This tour caters to travelers who prefer not to wake up extremely early, offering a later departure while still providing a comprehensive Phi Phi Islands experience.
Key Components:
- Duration: 9-10 hours with late morning departure (9:10-9:30 AM hotel pickup)
- Transportation: Speedboat with English-speaking guide
- Attractions: Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Khai Nai Island
- Inclusions: Hotel transfers, refreshments, buffet lunch, safety equipment, and national park fees
Unique Selling Points:
- Later departure time suitable for those who prefer to sleep in
- Smaller group sizes for a more intimate experience
- Flexible itinerary adapted to tidal conditions for optimal experiences
Visitor Experience: After a leisurely morning pickup, guests receive refreshments at Leam Nga Pier before departing by speedboat. The tour includes visits to Monkey Beach to observe playful primates, Maya Bay for its stunning scenery, paddle-boarding opportunities at Pileh Lagoon, and a view of Viking Cave. A beachside buffet lunch is served at Ton Sai Bay, and the day concludes with swimming and snorkeling at Khai Nai Island.
Traveler Feedback: Visitors appreciate the flexibility of the later start time without sacrificing any key attractions. The tour’s careful timing to avoid the worst crowds while still experiencing all major sites receives positive mentions in reviews.
Perfect for: Those who don’t want a crack-of-dawn start
Price: Around 55 USD
Details: Late Morning Phi Phi Tour
Fancy Option: Premium Phi Phi Bamboo Island Tour
This tour uses comfy boats with smaller groups (max 30 people). You get more space and better service as you visit Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and Pileh Lagoon.
Key Components:
- Duration: 10-11 hours with morning departure (8:00-8:45 AM hotel pickup)
- Transportation: Speedboat limited to 30 guests
- Attractions: Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and Pileh Lagoon
- Inclusions: Hotel transfers, two meals, swimming and snorkeling gear, guide, insurance, and national park fees
Unique Selling Points:
- Premium experience with limited group size (maximum 30 guests)
- Faster and smoother vessel reducing transit time
- More space and personalized service
Visitor Experience: The tour begins with a morning pickup and light breakfast at Royal Phuket Marina. The speed boat provides a comfortable journey to the islands, where guests visit iconic locations including Maya Bay, swim and snorkel at Bamboo Island, observe monkeys at Monkey Beach, view Viking Cave’s rock walls, and enjoy the bright blue waters of Pileh Lagoon. The smaller group size allows for more flexibility and personalized attention from guides.
Traveler Feedback: The premium nature of this tour attracts positive reviews, especially regarding the comfort of the speed boat and the less crowded experience. The additional cost is considered worthwhile by most travelers for the enhanced quality of service and smaller group sizes.
Perfect for: Those willing to pay more for comfort and smaller crowds Price: Around 90 USD Details: Premium Phi Phi Tour
The Exclusive Phi Phi Island Speed Catamaran Tour from Phuket offers a premium day trip to Thailand’s renowned Phi Phi Islands, emphasizing comfort and a less crowded experience.
Tour Highlights:
Modern Catamarans: Travel aboard 12 or 17-meter power catamarans designed for stability and comfort, suitable for those prone to motion sickness.
Scenic Destinations: Visit iconic locations such as Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Khai Island, chosen for their beauty and tranquility.
Privacy Focus: The itinerary is crafted to avoid peak times, providing a more relaxed atmosphere away from large tourist groups.
Inclusive Package: The tour includes national park fees, snorkeling equipment, and a buffet lunch, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a serene exploration of the Phi Phi Islands with the convenience of an all-inclusive package.
Exclusive Phi Phi Island Speed Catamaran Tour from Phuket [All included with Khai island]
5. What You’ll See on a Phi Phi Day Trip
Do you still think you need to stay overnight to enjoy Phi Phi Island? Nope. One day is all it takes. From Phuket, you can hop on a boat, hit the hotspots, swim with fish, snap epic photos, and be back before sunset. It’s quick, easy, and worth every second.
A day trip packs in many amazing spots. Here’s what you’ll likely visit:
Maya Bay
Made famous by the movie “The Beach,” Maya Bay looks like a postcard come to life. Tall cliffs hug a white sand beach with super clear water. Since reopening after a break for nature, visit rules now exist. You can’t swim in some parts, and only 375 people can enter per hour.
Fun fact: They filmed “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio here in 1999!
Pileh Lagoon
This spot might win the “most beautiful water” award. Pileh Lagoon has bright turquoise water in a circle of tall cliffs. Most tours stop for swimming and photos here. The water looks so bright blue it seems fake – but it’s real!
Monkey Beach
As the name hints, Monkey Beach has lots of wild monkeys. These cute but naughty animals often come right up to visitors. Don’t feed them though – they can get mean if they think you have food.
Viking Cave
You’ll pass by Viking Cave on most tours. This large cave has old wall paintings that look like Viking ships (that’s how it got its name). Today, locals collect bird nests here to make bird’s nest soup, a Chinese food that costs lots of money.
Bamboo Island
Some tours stop at Bamboo Island (Koh Pai), a flat island with super white beaches. The sand feels like powder, and the water stays shallow far from shore. Great for easy swimming and sunbathing.
Khai Island
Many tours end at Khai Island, a tiny spot with good snorkeling. Fish swim right up to you here, making it perfect for first-time snorkelers. The beach has soft sand and shallow water.
6. What to Bring on Your Day Trip
Pack light but smart for your Phi Phi Island day trip. Here’s what you need:
- Swimwear – You’ll make many swim stops
- Towel – For drying off after swims
- Sunscreen – The Thai sun burns fast and hot
- Hat and sunglasses – For sun safety
- Cash – For extra snacks or drinks
- Waterproof bag – To keep your phone dry
- Camera – For those amazing island views
- Water shoes – Helpful for rocky beaches
- Motion sickness pills – If you get seasick
Many tours give you lunch, water, and snorkel gear, but check what your tour includes. Some tours also cover the Phi Phi National Park fee (400 Baht or about 11 USD for adults), but some don’t – ask before you book.
7. Tips for the Best Phi Phi Day Trip
Small tricks can make your day trip to Phi Phi Island even better:
- Book early – The best tours fill up fast in high season
- Pick morning tours – They often hit spots before big crowds arrive
- Bring extra cash – The park fee costs 400 Baht if not included
- Wear swimwear under clothes – Saves changing time on the boat
- Apply sunscreen before you leave – The Thai sun hits strong
- Sit at the back of speedboats – Less bumpy than the front
- Check weather forecasts – Tours may cancel in very rough seas
- Bring motion sickness meds – Even if you don’t usually need them
- Use reef-safe sunscreen – Better for the fish and coral
- Keep expectations real – Popular spots will have other tourists too
Mat from My Thailand Tours suggests: “Eat a light breakfast before early tours. And don’t plan big night activities after your day trip – you’ll be tired from sun and swimming!”
8. Costs to Expect
Can you do a day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket? Now you now you can make it, and budgeting helps avoid surprises on your Phi Phi day trip. Here’s what to expect:
Tour prices range from:
- Standard speedboat tours: 45-65 USD
- Premium/small group tours: 65-110 USD
- Ferry-only tickets: 11-14 USD each way
Most tour prices include:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Drinking water
- Snorkeling gear
- Guide
- Life jacket
- Insurance
Extra costs might include:
- National Park fee: 400 Baht (11 USD) for adults, 200 Baht (5.5 USD) for kids if not included
- Extra drinks
- Souvenirs
- Tips for guides (not required but nice)
Some hotels far from main areas might need extra pickup fees (300-500 Baht). Check this when booking.
9. Self-Guided vs. Tour Packages
Should you book a tour or go it alone? Both ways work, but tours make more sense for most day-trippers.
Tour Package Benefits:
- No need to plan boat tickets, lunch, or transport
- Guides know the best spots and timing
- All costs bundled into one price
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Built-in safety with guides and proper boats
- Meet other travelers
Self-Guided Benefits:
- Set your own pace
- Might cost less (if very budget-focused)
- More freedom to change plans
For a one-day visit, tour packages work better. The time you save on planning and transport means more fun time on the islands. Plus, tour boats can reach spots that public ferries don’t.
If you still want to go solo, you can catch the ferry from Rassada Pier to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. Then hire local long-tail boats to see spots around the islands.
10. Thailand and Phuket: Setting the Scene
Thailand welcomes millions of tourists each year with good reason. This Southeast Asian nation mixes amazing beaches, tasty food, kind people, and rich culture in one spot.
Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island, sits in the Andaman Sea off the west coast. It works as a perfect base for trips to smaller islands. With its own pretty beaches, fun nightlife, and many hotels, Phuket makes a great home base for your trip.
Most visitors stay in these Phuket areas:
- Patong – Busy, with lots of nightlife and shopping
- Kata/Karon – Nice beaches, a bit quieter than Patong
- Bang Tao/Laguna – Fancy resorts and more peace
- Phuket Town – The main city, with cool old buildings
From all these spots, Phi Phi day tour pick you up at your hotel. This makes the whole trip simple and stress-free.
11. Who Should and Shouldn’t Take a Phi Phi Day Trip
Day trips to Phi Phi Island fit some travelers better than others.
Good for:
- People with limited time in Phuket
- Those who want to see Phi Phi without changing hotels
- First-time visitors to Thailand
- Instagram and photo fans
- Snorkeling lovers
- Movie buffs who want to see “The Beach” filming spot
Maybe not for:
- People who get very seasick
- Those wanting quiet, empty beaches (Phi Phi gets busy)
- Scuba divers (day trips have limited dive time)
- Party-seekers (you’ll leave before evening)
- Super budget travelers (the cheapest way is staying on Phi Phi)
If you love speedboats, clear water, and checking famous spots off your list, a Phi Phi day trip from Phuket will make you happy.
12. New Rules and Conservation Efforts
Phi Phi Island faced problems from too many tourists. In 2018, officials closed Maya Bay to let nature heal. It reopened in 2022 with new rules to keep it nice.
Current rules include:
- Daily limit of 4,125 tourists at Maya Bay
- No swimming in some parts of the bay
- Yearly closing from August 1st to October 1st
- Boats must dock at the back of the island, not on the beach
- Strict “no touching coral” rules
These changes help keep Phi Phi Island beautiful for future visitors. The work seems to help – fish and coral now grow back in many spots.
When you visit, follow these rules and use reef-safe sunscreen. Small steps by each tourist add up to big help for the islands.
13. Alternative Island Day Trips from Phuket
If you’ve seen Phi Phi or want to try something different, Phuket offers other great day trips:
- James Bond Island tour (Phang Nga Bay) – Famous for the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”
- Similan Islands – Amazing for snorkeling, but closed May to October
- Khai Islands – Very close to Phuket with good beaches
- Racha Islands – Less crowded with super clear water
- Coral Island – The closest island to Phuket
Each of these gives you a different feel than Phi Phi. Some have fewer crowds, others better snorkeling. You might even want to try more than one during your Phuket stay.
14. What Past Travelers Say
Feedback from travelers who took Phi Phi Island day trips helps you know what to expect.
Sarah from Australia wrote: “The speedboat trip was bumpy but worth it! Maya Bay looked even better than photos. Our guide knew the best spots for photos away from crowds.”
John from the USA shared: “We took the premium tour with fewer people. Cost more but worth every penny for the extra space and less rushed feeling.”
Maria from Spain noted: “So glad we did a day trip instead of staying on Phi Phi. We saw all the good parts but came back to our nice hotel in Phuket by sunset.”
Most reviews mention the beauty of the islands, the clear water, and how well-run most tours are. Common small complaints include crowded spots and wishing for more time at certain stops.
15. Booking Your Phi Phi Day Trip
Ready to book your Phi Phi Island day trip? Here’s how to pick the right tour:
- Choose your pace: Early start tours (6-8 AM pickup) see more places but mean an early wake-up. Later tours (9-10 AM pickup) let you sleep in but might hit spots during busier times.
- Pick your crowd size: Standard tours might have 30-40 people. Small group or premium tours keep numbers lower (10-20 people) but cost more.
- Check what’s included: Some tours cover the national park fee, some don’t. Most include lunch, water, and snorkel gear.
- Consider booking direct: Booking through My Thailand Tours often gives better prices than hotel tour desks.
- Read recent reviews: Look for feedback from the past month or two for the most current info.
Most tours need booking at least 1-2 days ahead in normal season, and 1-2 weeks ahead in peak times (December-January).
Can you do a day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket? In Conclusion:
So, can you do a day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket? Yes, absolutely! Not only possible, it’s a great way to see these famous islands without the hassle of moving hotels.
In just one day, you can stand on the beach from “The Beach,” swim in waters so blue they look fake, meet cheeky monkeys, and snorkel with colorful fish. Then you’ll head back to your comfy Phuket hotel by sunset.
Speedboats make the trip quick, and tours handle all the hard parts for you. Just bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and camera.
Thailand’s islands rank among the world’s most beautiful places. A day trip to Phi Phi Island lets you check this famous spot off your list, even with a tight travel plan.
Ready for your Phi Phi adventure? Check out the Phi Phi Island by Speedboat tour and grab your spot today. The islands are waiting!
