How to Plan the Perfect Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip

An Overview: Why Phi Phi Island Hopping Is a Must-Do

If you are visiting Phuket, a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands is almost always on the list. The islands are famous for their limestone cliffs, clear lagoons, and beaches that look like postcards. Spots like Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Bamboo Island are among the most photographed places in Thailand.

The best part is, Phi Phi can be explored in a single day. With the right tour, you can leave Phuket in the morning, enjoy island hopping, swimming, and snorkeling, and still be back before night. That’s why a Phi Phi island tour is considered one of the best day trips from Phuket.

Best Ways to Get from Phuket to Phi Phi Island

Most travelers reach Phi Phi on a speedboat, and it’s easy to see why. The ride takes just 45 minutes, which means you spend less time on the water and more time actually exploring the islands. Speedboat tours are convenient and let you cover multiple stops in a single day. They’re a good choice if you want to see all the highlights without feeling rushed.

Another option is the ferry or larger group boat tours. These take around two hours or more to reach Phi Phi. They’re cheaper, but the downside is that you have less flexibility. The timings are fixed, the boats are usually packed, and you won’t have the freedom to spend extra time in places you love. Still, if you’re traveling on a budget and just want the experience of seeing Phi Phi once, they do the job.

For many people, the best choice is a private boat tour. With this option, you control your own schedule. You can leave early to enjoy Maya Bay before the rush, or stay longer at Pileh Lagoon if you fall in love with it. Families often like private tours because kids can rest when they need to, and couples enjoy the privacy. It feels less like being on a tour and more like having your own little adventure.

Choosing the Right Tour for Your Day Trip

When planning a Phi Phi island boat tour, think about what matters most to you.

If you value speed and want to cover a lot in one day, a Phi Phi island tour by speedboat is ideal. If you care about privacy and a calmer experience, a private boat will be better. If price is your main concern, the ferry or group tours work fine, though you will have less control over the itinerary.

It helps to ask yourself: Do I want to relax and take my time, or do I want to see as much as possible in one day? Your answer will guide the choice.

Must-See Stops on a Phi Phi Island Hopping Tour

A proper Phi Phi island hopping trip will mix the big-name spots with some quieter corners. Here are a few places you’ll almost always come across:

• Maya Bay: This is the star of Phi Phi, made famous by the movie The Beach. The water is a surreal shade of blue, and the cliffs around it look like something out of a painting. It does get crowded, so the magic is often in visiting at the right time.
• Pileh Lagoon: Many travelers say this is the highlight of their trip. It’s a calm lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs, with water so clear you can see the sand beneath. Jumping off the boat here for a swim feels like being inside a natural swimming pool.
• Monkey Beach: A small beach where wild monkeys roam. It’s fun to spot them, but keep your distance and don’t try to feed them. The setting itself is beautiful, with a mix of forest and sandy shore.
• Bamboo Island: If you want that perfect postcard photo, this is the spot. White sand, shallow turquoise water, and usually fewer crowds than Maya Bay. It’s a peaceful stop where you can really relax.
• Loh Samah Bay and Viking Cave: These are usually quick stops on most tours. Loh Samah Bay is good for snorkeling, while Viking Cave is more of a sightseeing point, you can’t go inside, but it’s interesting to see from the boat.

Not every tour will include all these places, so it’s worth checking the itinerary carefully. If there are places you really want to see, especially on a private tour, tell the crew in advance.

When to Go and How to Plan Your Day

The best season for a Phi Phi island tour is from November to April. The seas are calm, the skies are clear, and you’re less likely to face cancellations. Between May and October, the weather can be unpredictable and the sea rough, so tours sometimes get canceled for safety reasons.

A few planning tips make the experience smoother:

• Book early if you’re traveling in peak season. The best private boats and small-group tours sell out fast.
• Pack light but smart—bring sunscreen, swimwear, a dry bag to keep your phone safe, and some cash for national park entry fees at Maya Bay.
• Start early whenever possible. Early departures mean calmer seas and a better chance of enjoying Maya Bay or Bamboo Island before the big crowds arrive.
• If you can, stay for sunset. Watching the sky turn pink and orange from the water is something most travelers say was the best part of their trip.

Why Book with Simba Sea Trips

Many operators are offering a boat to Phi Phi Island, but Simba Sea Trips has built a strong reputation over the years. They are family-owned, Australian-run, and have been operating for more than 20 years in Phuket.

Travelers trust Simba because they keep their groups small, focus on safety, and take care of details that make the day smooth. Their crews know the islands well and plan trips in a way that avoids the busiest hours at popular spots.

Simba also offers private tours, which means you can design your own Phi Phi island hopping experience. Many guests say it feels less like a commercial tour and more like exploring with friends who know the sea.

Final Thoughts

A Phi Phi island tour is one of the best experiences you can have while staying in Phuket. Whether you choose a speedboat, a ferry, or a private boat, you will see some of the most beautiful places in Thailand.

If you want speed and convenience, go for a speedboat. If you want privacy and flexibility, a private boat will be worth it. And if you are on a budget, the ferry still lets you enjoy the islands at a slower pace.

With the right planning and the right operator, your Phi Phi island hopping day trip will be safe, fun, and unforgettable.

FAQs: Phi Phi Island Tour

1. How long does a Phi Phi island day trip take?

   Most tours leave Phuket early in the morning and return by late afternoon or evening. You’ll have a full day of island hopping, swimming, and relaxing without feeling rushed.

    

2. What should I pack for the trip?

   Keep it light. Sunscreen, swimwear, a hat, a dry bag for your phone, and some cash for park entry fees are more than enough. The boat crew usually provides water and snacks.

    

3. Can kids join a Phi Phi island boat tour?

   Yes. Families often choose private tours so kids can rest when needed and the day can be paced around them. It’s safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for all ages.

    

4. What happens if the weather is bad?

   Safety always comes first. If seas are rough, tours may be rescheduled or refunded. Traveling between November and April gives you the calmest conditions.

    

5. Why book with Simba Sea Trips?
   

   They’ve been running tours for over 20 years, keep groups small, and plan around peak crowds. Many travelers say it feels more like exploring with friends than joining a tour.