Phi Phi Islands Day Trip from Krabi: Early Maya Bay & Snorkel

Summary

Early Maya Bay calm, snorkeling Viking Cave, lunch on quiet sand

You’ll start early from Krabi for a day trip to Phi Phi Islands, reaching Maya Bay before crowds arrive. Swim or snorkel near Viking Cave with your local guide’s help, then share a Thai buffet lunch right on the sand. Expect small surprises — like monkeys or quiet moments floating in turquoise water — that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember that first moment stepping onto the speedboat in Krabi — not even fully awake yet, salt air mixing with the smell of coffee from someone’s thermos. Our guide, Somchai, grinned and handed out life jackets with this easy confidence that made me relax a bit. We left before most people were even up, and honestly I was half-wondering if it’d be worth the early alarm. But then we reached Maya Bay and it was just…quiet. Not silent — there were birds somewhere in the cliffs, and the boat engine cooling down — but none of those crowds you see in photos. The sand felt cool under my feet, which surprised me. I tried to picture DiCaprio running around here (Somchai joked about it), but mostly I just watched the morning light shifting on the water.

After Maya Bay we drifted past these limestone walls into Phi Lee Lagoon — the color of the water there is hard to describe without sounding like a travel cliché. Somchai pointed out little details: swallows darting near Viking Cave (he told us about bird nest soup — I didn’t know it was so expensive), and then we stopped for snorkeling. I’m not a strong swimmer but they gave me this floaty ring and Somchai stayed close, showing me how to spot parrotfish nibbling at coral. There was a moment underwater when everything went quiet except for my own breathing — kind of peaceful, actually.

Lunch came later than I expected (my stomach was already rumbling). We landed on this stretch of sand where someone had set up a buffet — curry, rice, fruit cut into perfect cubes. Some folks wandered off to nap under palm trees; others fed bits of pineapple to monkeys at Monkey Beach (not sure that’s allowed but nobody seemed to mind). The sun got heavier as afternoon crept in. On the ride back to Krabi I caught myself dozing off, skin sticky with salt and sunscreen, thinking about how different it all felt from what I’d pictured — less postcard-perfect maybe, but way more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Phi Phi Islands tour

• Start at 8 am to Maya Bay
• Explore Phi Lee lagoon and beaches
• Snorkel at Viking Bay
• Visit Viking Cave
• Stop at Monkey Beach
• Visit small island north of Phi Phi

Top questions

What time does the Phi Phi Islands day trip from Krabi start?

The tour departs around 8 am from Krabi with earlier meeting points depending on your hotel location.

Is lunch included on the Phi Phi Islands tour?

Yes, a Thai buffet lunch is served on a quiet beach during the tour.

Do I need to know how to swim for snorkeling?

No, guides provide floatation devices and help non-swimmers enjoy snorkeling safely.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, national park fees are included in your booking.

Where does hotel pickup happen for this tour?

Pickup is available for hotels in Ao Nang; other areas have meeting points or private transfer options.

Can vegetarians or halal diets be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian and halal options are available if requested at booking.

What islands are visited during the day trip?

The tour visits Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Le, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave and other spots in the archipelago.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 4 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting point transfer options from Krabi or Ao Nang, all national park entry fees covered up front, guided commentary by certified local guides throughout each stop including safety briefings before snorkeling (with equipment provided), fresh fruit snacks and drinks onboard between swims, plus a Thai buffet lunch served right on the beach before heading back in the afternoon.