Phuket: Phi Phi & Khai Islands Speedboat Tour with Lunch

Summary

Swim Maya Bay snorkel Viking Cave watch monkeys eat lunch on Phi Phi Don

You’ll swim at Maya Bay’s famous beach, snorkel among colorful fish near Viking Cave, spot cheeky monkeys at Monkey Beach, eat lunch overlooking Phi Phi Don, and relax on Khai Island’s soft sand—all with a local guide who keeps things easygoing. It’s a day full of saltwater hair, laughter, and those little moments you don’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before the minivan showed up at my hotel in Phuket—right on time, actually. The drive to Royal Phuket Marina was quiet; I remember the windows fogged up from the air-con and the sun just starting to burn through some morning haze. Our guide, Nok, handed out wristbands and grinned like she’d done this a thousand times but still liked it. The speedboat wasn’t as bouncy as I’d feared (I get seasick sometimes), and suddenly we were flying past cliffs that looked fake—like someone painted them for a movie set.

Maya Bay was our first stop. I’ll admit, I mostly knew it from that Leo DiCaprio film, but standing there with my feet sinking into the sand felt different—more real and less filtered than any photo. There were people around but not too crowded; you could hear little kids squealing when tiny fish darted by their ankles. Nok pointed out where the movie scenes were shot, but honestly, I was more interested in how clear the water was. Later at Pileh Lagoon, we jumped in off the side of the boat—the water was so green it almost glowed. It tasted salty (obviously) but somehow cleaner than most places I’ve swum.

We drifted past Viking Cave—didn’t go inside but saw men harvesting bird nests on bamboo ladders (Nok explained they’re for soup; not sure I’d try it). Snorkeling nearby was wild: bright coral, fish everywhere, and one guy from our group lost his fin for a minute and started laughing so hard he swallowed seawater. At Monkey Beach, macaques wandered right up to us—I tried not to make eye contact after one snatched a banana from a tourist’s bag. Lunch at Phi Phi Don was better than expected: lots of rice dishes and something sweet with coconut. Sat under a palm tree and just watched boats come and go for a bit.

Khai Island was last—by then I felt sunburnt and sleepy in that good way you get after swimming all day. The sand there is soft enough you want to dig your toes in forever. Some folks went back in for more snorkeling but I just lay back listening to waves and people chatting in Thai nearby. On the ride home, Nok checked everyone had their stuff (someone always forgets sunglasses) and we all kind of dozed off until Phuket came back into view. Still think about that green lagoon sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat tour of Phi Phi and Khai Islands

• Hotel pick-up and transfer to marina
• Speedboat journey to Phi Phi Leh
• Explore Maya Beach
• Swim and snorkel at Pileh Lagoon
• Visit Viking Cave and snorkel reef
• Sightseeing at Monkey Beach
• Buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don restaurant
• Relax and swim at Khai Island
• Return to Royal Phuket Marina
• Transfer back to Phuket hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Phi Phi & Khai Islands tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Phuket province.

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts most of the day; pickup is in the morning and return is late afternoon or early evening.

What’s included for lunch on this day trip?

A buffet lunch with desserts is served at a beachside restaurant on Phi Phi Don.

Can you swim or snorkel during this tour?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling including Pileh Lagoon and near Viking Cave.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes, both snorkeling gear and paddleboards are available for use during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Do you visit Maya Bay during this trip?

Yes, Maya Bay is one of the main stops on this speedboat tour from Phuket.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Phuket province by air-conditioned minivan, all speedboat transfers between islands, use of snorkeling gear and paddleboards along the way, travel insurance coverage throughout the trip, plus a buffet lunch with dessert right by the beach before heading back home again.