Phi Phi Islands: Maya Bay, Bamboo & Speedboat Day Trip

Summary

Speedboat adventure to Maya Bay and Bamboo Island with swimming and local lunch

You’ll zip across turquoise waters by speedboat from Phuket or Krabi, lounge on Bamboo Island’s quiet beaches, savor local dishes at lunch on Phi Phi Don, swim beneath limestone cliffs in Pileh Lagoon, and wander Maya Bay’s powdery sand with your guide sharing stories along the way. There’s space for laughter and small surprises — it’s not just another tour.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the color of the water to look like that — almost fake, honestly. We left Phuket early (hotel pickup was smooth), and by the time our speedboat cut across the Andaman Sea toward the Phi Phi Islands, I was wide awake. The wind stung my face in a good way. Our guide, Nok, handed out bottled water and tried to teach us how to say “thank you” in Thai. I still can’t get it right.

Bamboo Island was our first stop. The sand felt cool under my feet even though the sun was already high — I guess that’s the kind of detail you only notice when you’re standing still for a second. Some people went straight into the turquoise water; I just watched for a bit because it was so quiet except for distant boat engines and someone laughing nearby. Lunch came later on Phi Phi Don — big platters of rice, spicy chicken, something with basil that Nok said was her favorite. She laughed when I coughed at the chili.

Swimming in Pileh Lagoon is something I keep thinking about. The limestone cliffs make everything echo; even your own voice sounds different there. We saw monkeys lounging at Monkey Beach (one stole someone’s snack — classic), then drifted past Viking Cave while Nok told us about how locals used to collect birds’ nests there. It felt good hearing her talk about it — like this wasn’t just another day trip to Maya Bay from Phuket for her.

Maya Bay itself… well, yeah, it’s famous for a reason. Even with other people around you can find a spot where it feels private somehow. The sand is soft but squeaky underfoot (I never knew sand could squeak). We had time to swim before heading back — salt on my skin, hair tangled from the boat ride home. If you’re wondering if it’s worth doing a day trip to Maya Bay and Bamboo Island by speedboat… I mean, I’d go again just for that lagoon silence alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phi Phi Islands and Bamboo Island tour

• Board speedboat in Phuket
• Cruise to Bamboo Island
• Explore Bamboo Island beaches
• Lunch on Phi Phi Don Island
• Swim in Pileh Lagoon
• Visit Monkey Beach
• View Viking Cave exterior
• Relax at Maya Bay

Top questions

How long is the day trip to Phi Phi Islands by speedboat?

The tour lasts a full day with early morning pickup and return in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Maya Bay & Bamboo Island tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel are included in the tour price.

Are meals provided during this Phi Phi Islands day trip?

Yes, lunch is served on Phi Phi Don Island with a variety of local dishes included.

Can you swim at Maya Bay during this tour?

You can swim at Maya Bay unless it's closed for restoration (August 1 – September 30); alternative stops are arranged during closure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this speedboat tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks are provided as part of your inclusions.

Are there any age or health restrictions for this trip?

This trip isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal or heart issues, or adults over 60 years old.

Do we visit Viking Cave inside during this tour?

No, you view Viking Cave from outside while learning about its history from your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel transfers by speedboat from Phuket or Krabi, all entry fees (including national park admission), bottled drinking water throughout the journey, life jackets and snorkeling masks for swimming stops like Pileh Lagoon or Bamboo Island, an English- or Thai-speaking local guide who shares stories along the way, plus a generous lunch served on Phi Phi Don before heading back in the afternoon.