Pileh Lagoon
A lagoon enclosed between cliffs, emerald-colored water. You jump in from the boat.
Day trip to Koh Phi Phi
On this day trip from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi you stop at Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave and Monkey Beach, with lunch and snorkeling. Pickup is between 07:15 and 08:15 depending on your area, and the return to Phuket is at 17:00.
Check availability and pricePrices
From 1,600 THB, when booked in advance.
What is the difference between the options
| The option | Vessel | Route difference | Adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big boat · Phi Phi | Large boat | — | 1,600 THB |
| Speedboat · Koh Phi Phi and Khai Island | Speedboat | — | 1,800 THB |
| Catamaran · Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island | Catamaran | Includes Maya Bay | 2,100 THB |
| Premium double-deck catamaran | Catamaran | — | 2,600 THB |
| Luxury VIP catamaran | Catamaran | — | 3,500 THB |
All the details in the table are taken from the cards below it.
Important information:
- Maya Bay is closed every year from August 1 to September 30 for environmental restoration. During this period there's no going ashore, and the boat may pass outside the bay depending on the weather.
- Ages: adult 12 and over, child 4–11.
- Free pickup areas: Kamala, Nakalay, Kata, Karon, Patong, Kalim, Tri Trang and Phuket Town.
- Pick-up times: Kamala, Nakalay, Kata and Karon 07:15–07:30 · Patong, Kalim and Tri Trang 07:30–07:45 · Phuket Town 08:00–08:15.
- Booking at least a day ahead, until 18:00 Thailand time.
- Cancellation: 100% refund up to two days before.
The route, hour by hour
Up to seven stops in one day
08:30, check-in at the pier and a light breakfast. 09:20, departure to Koh Phi Phi.
10:00: Pileh Lagoon. A lagoon enclosed between limestone cliffs, its water emerald-colored. You jump straight from the boat into the water, this is one of the stops people remember.
10:40: Viking Cave, a short ten-minute stop. You view it from outside; there's no entry. Its name comes from the ancient boat paintings on its walls.
On the catamaran, the premium catamaran and the VIP, you also pass through Maya Bay: The beach made famous by the movie. It is closed in August and September, and during the rest of the year you go down to it. On the big boat and the speedboat the route is Phi Phi and Khai Island, without Maya.
12:20, lunch in Koh Phi Phi Don, in Ton Sai Bay. This is the inhabited island, and there's time to walk around.
13:30: Monkey Beach. A troop of macaques lives there on the rocks and comes down to the beach. Photography, swimming and snorkeling.
14:00: Koh Kai Nai for an additional snorkeling round in shallow, clear water.
17:00: Return to Phuket.
Maya Bay
The beach from the movie. Closed for restoration in August and September.
Monkey Beach
Macaques on the rocks and going down to the beach. Don't hold food in your hand.
Koh Kai Nai
The last snorkeling stop: shallow, clear water.
Which boat suits you
Five levels, from the cheapest to the most luxurious
Large boat is the cheapest way to spend a day on the islands: from 1,600 THB, in a larger group.
Speedboat is the fastest. You reach Phi Phi in about an hour and have more time on the islands, but it Bouncing over the waves and the seating is cramped.
Catamaran much more stable, with An open deck and space to sit and move around, and also includes Maya Bay.
Premium double-deck catamaran adds Koh Maiton, which is much quieter than the other stops, and dolphins are sometimes seen there.
Luxury VIP catamaran is for a small group and for those who want the highest level of service.
For those who suffer from seasickness, the catamaran is worth every penny. The crossing to Koh Phi Phi is longer than the one to the Racha Islands, and the sea along the way is open.
Phi Phi or James Bond Island, if you have one day
Two trips, two kinds of day
Both trips leave Phuket at the same hours, and they are completely different.
Koh Phi Phi is a day in the water: snorkelling, swimming, beaches and a lagoon. The sea is more open and the ride is felt. This is the day for those who come to get in the water.
James Bond is a day of scenery: limestone cliffs, caves, kayaking and a sheltered bay. The sea is calmer and the activity more passive. This is the day for those who come to see.
Not sure? Tell us who is travelling and what interests you, and we will tell you which of the two.
What to know about the season and about Maya Bay
The thing that most affects the day
Maya Bay is closed between August 1 and September 30 every year. This is an official closure for reef and beach restoration, and there is no exception to it.
During this period the trip still runs and all the other stops take place; the boat may pass outside the bay and view it from the water, depending on the weather.
also during the rest of the year Entry to the bay is regulated: There's no anchoring inside the bay, entry is from the back side, and there's a time limit. This is part of the restoration and it is enforced.
December to March: The sea is calm and rain is light. November and April are shoulder months. May to October: The rainy season. The tour runs on most days, but the sea is rougher.
High seas cancel the day, and then you get an alternative date or a full refund.
Who this suits
And what is the alternative
This suits those who want to see Koh Phi Phi, this is the island most associated with Thailand, and its scenery truly lives up to expectations.
Family friendly, especially on the catamaran. The stops are varied and short, and the monkeys always target the kids.
Less suitable For those looking for quiet, these are among the most visited sites in Thailand, and in season there are many boats there.
Anyone who wants A shorter, closer sea day, the Racha and Coral Islands depart from Chalong Pier and return at 16:00.
and whoever is looking for the the clearest water, the Similan Islands, but they're a much longer day and closed for half the year.
What to bring and how to behave at the sites
and especially at Monkey Beach
Swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, a change of clothes and shoes that can get wet.
Some cash for personal expenses.
Plenty of sunscreen and a waterproof phone case, you go into the water at several stops.
At Monkey Beach: don't feed them and don't hold bags or food in your hand. The macaques there are completely used to people, and they snatch glasses, bottles and bags.
Don't touch the coral. and don't stand on them. The park enforces this.
Those prone to seasickness, A pill an hour before departure, or choosing the catamaran.
Gallery
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What to know before you book
Is Maya Bay open?
It is officially closed between August 1 and September 30 for environmental restoration, and then the trip still runs and all the other stops take place. Maya Bay is included only in the options that list it on the ticket: catamaran, premium catamaran and VIP.
What is the difference between the boat types?
The big boat is the cheapest. The speedboat is fast but bumpy. The catamaran is much steadier, with an open deck. The premium double-deck catamaran adds Maiton Island, and the VIP is for a small group and the highest level of service.
What is Koh Maiton?
An island much quieter than the other stops, where dolphins are sometimes seen. It is included in the premium double-deck catamaran.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Not required. Life vests are available and the crew is in the water during snorkelling. Swimmers will enjoy the deeper sites more.
Phi Phi or the James Bond Island tour?
Phi Phi is a day in the water: snorkelling, swimming, a lagoon and beaches. James Bond Island is a day of scenery: limestone cliffs, caves and kayaking in a sheltered bay, with calmer seas. Those who come to get in the water will choose Phi Phi; those who come to see and photograph will choose James Bond.
Are the park fees included?
It depends on the option you choose. We will confirm it with you before booking.
Where is the pickup from?
Kamala, Nakalay, Kata, Karon, Patong, Kalim, Tri Trang and Phuket Town. Times: 07:15–07:30 to Kamala, Nakalay, Kata and Karon; 07:30–07:45 to Patong, Kalim and Tri Trang; 08:00–08:15 to Phuket Town.
How long does the day last?
Departure from the pier at 09:20 and return to Phuket at 17:00. With transfers, this is a day that starts around 07:15.
What about the monkeys at Monkey Beach?
They are completely used to people and snatch things. Don't feed them and don't hold bags, food, bottles or glasses in your hand.
What about seasickness?
The crossing to Koh Phi Phi is long and the sea along the way is open. The catamaran is much more stable, or a pill an hour before departure.
From what age is a child counted?
4 to 11. An adult is 12 and over.
What happens if the sea is rough?
The trip is cancelled by the operator, and then you get an alternative date or a full refund. This does not count as a cancellation on your part.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, a change of clothes, shoes that can get wet, plenty of sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case.
How far in advance should you book?
At least one day ahead, until 18:00 Thailand time.
