Phi Phi & 4 Islands Early Bird Speedboat Tour from Krabi

Summary

Early morning speedboat escape to Maya Bay, Monkey Beach and sandbars

You’ll start before sunrise with hotel pickup in Krabi and zip by speedboat to Maya Bay, Koh Tup’s sandbar, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and more. Swim or snorkel in warm waters before relaxing on soft sand with a Thai buffet lunch. With an early start and local guide leading the way, you’ll catch these famous spots before most travelers arrive—and maybe find your own quiet moment.

What’s the experience like?

We stumbled down the hotel steps while it was still dark — honestly, I almost turned back for more sleep. The van was waiting outside in Krabi, engine humming, and our guide Somchai handed us cold water with a grin that said he’d done this a hundred times. By the time we reached Nopparat Thara Pier, the sky was just starting to go pink. It felt like we were sneaking out before the world woke up. Climbing onto the speedboat, I could smell salt and sunscreen already mixing in the air.

The ride out to Koh Tup was fast — wind stinging my face but waking me up better than coffee. We hit the sandbar at low tide and Somchai pointed out how you could walk between islands if you timed it right (I didn’t trust myself not to slip). The sand was cool underfoot, not hot yet, and there were only a few other people around. At Maya Bay — yes, the one from “The Beach” — we weren’t allowed to swim but just standing there with that turquoise water glowing under the cliffs felt unreal. I caught myself staring longer than I meant to.

Later we drifted past Viking Cave (Somchai explained about the birds’ nests — apparently worth more than gold), then slowed at Monkey Beach where macaques watched us from the trees like bored lifeguards. We jumped off for snorkeling somewhere else — warm water, fish darting everywhere, and my mask kept fogging up so I missed half of what everyone else saw but still loved it. Lunch was on a powdery white beach: buffet style, nothing fancy but that pineapple tasted like candy after swimming. Someone tried to spot Chicken Island’s famous rock shape; I just saw a lumpy chicken leg but maybe that’s on me.

I keep thinking about that moment when everything went quiet on the lagoon — just cliffs all around and our group floating in green water, nobody talking for once. If you’re wondering about crowds: getting up early really does make it feel like these places are yours for a little while. It’s not perfect (my sunburn proves it), but honestly? Worth every yawn.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Early morning speedboat island tour

• Depart Nopparat Thara Pier
• Visit Koh Tup and Koh Mor sandbar
• See Chicken Island rock formation
• Relax at powdery white sand beach
• Enjoy Thai buffet lunch on beach
• Swim and snorkel at tropical reef
• Visit Monkey Bay to see macaques
• Take photos at Viking Cave
• Swim and jump at The Lagoon
• Relax at Maya Bay from The Beach movie

Top questions

What time does the Phi Phi & 4 Islands tour from Krabi start?

The tour leaves Nopparat Thara Pier between 06:45 - 07:00hrs with early morning hotel pickup included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this day trip?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for all guests during swimming stops.

Can you swim at Maya Bay during this tour?

No swimming is allowed at Maya Bay due to conservation rules; you can relax and take photos on the beach instead.

Is lunch included on the Phi Phi Early Bird tour?

Yes, a Thai buffet lunch is served on one of the islands during your day trip.

Are hotel transfers included in this speedboat tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers from hotels in Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao or Railay Beach are included if booked in advance.

How many people are usually on board?

The boat can take up to 30 people but often has fewer depending on bookings that day.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available—just let them know when booking your tour.

What islands do you visit on this speedboat day trip?

The itinerary includes Koh Tup (Tup Island), Koh Mor, Chicken Island, Maya Bay (Phi Phi), Viking Cave and Monkey Beach.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select areas around Krabi or Railay Beach (with advance notice), all speedboat transport between islands, snorkeling equipment for underwater exploring, life jackets for safety, guidance from an English-speaking local expert (sometimes multi-lingual), plus drinking water and soft drinks along with seasonal fruits throughout the journey. A Thai buffet lunch is served right on one of those powdery beaches before heading back in the afternoon.