Phi Phi Islands Day Trip From Phuket 2026

Everything to Know Before You Book

If you are planning a Phi Phi Islands day trip from Phuket, this is one of those experiences that truly earns its hype. The Phi Phi Islands are some of the most visually stunning places in Thailand, with dramatic limestone cliffs, bright turquoise water, and snorkeling that makes you feel like you are swimming inside a postcard.

When we visited, it instantly made sense why people call the Phi Phi Islands a must visit when touring Thailand. We stopped for lunch and beach relaxation on Phi Phi Don and had an amazing time. It was off season, and that mattered. We were not bumping into other tourists with every step we took. It felt like we could actually enjoy the beauty instead of rushing through it.

This guide breaks down what the Phi Phi Islands are, what most day tours include, what the tour stops are really like, what rules to know before you go, and how to choose a tour that fits your travel style.

What Are the Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi. The main island is Koh Phi Phi Don, which is the largest and the only one with significant permanent population and hotels. The second major island is Koh Phi Phi Le, which is where many of the famous scenic stops are, including Maya Bay.

Most day trips from Phuket are designed to give you a mix of both, plus additional islands and snorkeling stops.

What Most Phi Phi Islands Day Trips From Phuket Usually Include

Most tours follow a similar structure, even though the exact stops can vary by company and sea conditions.

A typical Phi Phi Islands day trip from Phuket often includes:

• Hotel pickup in Phuket and transfer to the pier
• Speedboat or catamaran ride to the Phi Phi area
• A beach stop at Bamboo Island
• Lunch and free time on Phi Phi Don
• Sightseeing around Phi Phi Le, often including Viking Cave
• One or two snorkeling stops
• A stop near Monkey Beach depending on conditions
• A Maya Bay visit when open, following national park rules

You will see many tour itineraries that list a flow like Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Don lunch, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Le, Viking Cave, and Maya Bay.

This also matches what our tour felt like. We had lunch and beach time on Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island was included, and we did two snorkeling spots. One snorkeling stop was at Viking Cave, and the second location was another reef area that the guide selected based on conditions.

The Stops You Should Know and What They Are Really Like

Phi Phi Don: Lunch Stop and Beach Time

Phi Phi Don is where most tours pause for lunch and a bit of island wandering. It is the hub of the islands, and it feels lively compared to the rest of the day.

This is where you get:

• a real break from the boat
• beach relaxation
• a chance to walk, grab a drink, and reset
• a taste of island life beyond the tour photos

When we visited, this stop was one of the best parts. It was beautiful and relaxed, and because it was off season, it did not feel chaotic.

Bamboo Island: The Beach That Feels Like a Screensaver

Bamboo Island is often the stop people do not expect to love as much as they do. Many tours include it because it delivers the classic Thailand beach experience: light sand, clear water, and a calm, open feeling.

Bamboo Island is another amazing island included in a Phi Phi island tour. It is the kind of place where you step off the boat and immediately understand why you booked the day trip.

Many tours treat Bamboo Island as the first major beach stop, often before the crowds build up elsewhere.

Snorkeling Stops: Usually Two Spots

Most tours include snorkeling gear and two snorkeling sessions. The exact locations can change based on weather, tides, and clarity.

We did two snorkeling spots. One was at Viking Cave, and the other was another snorkeling point chosen by the boat crew. If you are searching tours, look for a tour that clearly states at least two snorkeling stops, because that usually means more time in the water and less time simply cruising.

Viking Cave: Sightseeing and Snorkeling Nearby

Viking Cave is famous, but it is important to understand expectations. Many visitors cannot enter the cave itself. It is typically viewed from the boat, and some tours use the surrounding waters as a sightseeing or snorkeling point.

So yes, it is worth seeing, but set expectations correctly. It is often a boat level stop rather than a walk inside attraction.

Maya Bay Rules and Closures You Need to Know

Maya Bay is one of the most talked about stops, but it has strict environmental protections.

Common rules you should expect:

• Boats do not dock directly inside Maya Bay
• Many tours dock at Loh Samah Bay and you walk in via a boardwalk
• Swimming is not allowed in Maya Bay, although wading in shallow water may be allowed depending on current rules and ranger guidance

Also, Maya Bay has planned seasonal closures for ecosystem recovery. For example, one Phuket-based operator states Maya Bay will be closed from August 1 to September 30, 2026 for conservation.

This does not mean Phi Phi tours stop running. It means you may not be able to step onto Maya Bay during that period, and your tour will substitute other stops or do Maya Bay viewing from outside depending on the operator.

Before you book, always check your travel dates against the current Maya Bay access rules and seasonal closure dates.

Speedboat vs Catamaran vs Ferry: What You Should Choose

Your boat choice affects your entire day.

Speedboat

Fast, efficient, more time at stops. It can feel bumpy in choppy seas, so it is not ideal if you get motion sickness easily.

Premium Catamaran

Often smoother than a speedboat and still fairly quick. Many people like catamarans for comfort.

Ferry Plus Longtail

Less common as a packaged day trip compared to speedboats, but a good option for travelers who want a slower pace and do not mind longer travel time.

If you want maximum sightseeing with less travel time, speedboat tours are usually the way most people go.

What to Bring on a Phi Phi Islands Day Trip From Phuket

A few simple items make the day much more comfortable.

Bring:

• reef safe sunscreen
• a hat and sunglasses
• a towel
• a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone
• a change of clothes
• cash for small purchases
• motion sickness tablets if you are sensitive to boats

Even in the off season, the sun is strong.

Tips That Make the Experience Better

Go Early If You Can

Earlier departures tend to feel calmer and often help you avoid the biggest tour wave.

Do Not Overthink Off Season

Off season can be one of the best times to go. We loved that we were not surrounded by crowds. The beauty still hits the same, and sometimes it hits harder because you can breathe.

Pick a Tour That Matches Your Priorities

If your priorities are snorkeling and water time, choose a tour that clearly lists multiple snorkel stops and enough free time on Phi Phi Don.

If your priority is Maya Bay, check the closure window and confirm access rules.

Is the Phi Phi Islands Day Trip Worth It

Yes, especially if you want a break from Phuket’s beach routine and want to see a different side of Thailand’s natural beauty.

You get:

• dramatic limestone scenery
• bright clear water
• snorkeling
• multiple islands in one day
• and that iconic Phi Phi look people come to Thailand for

And if you catch it when crowds are lighter, it feels even more special.

Disclaimer

I am sharing my personal experience and general travel information. Tour routes, rules, and marine park access can change due to weather, conservation rules, and operator decisions. Always confirm details with your tour provider before booking.