If you’re dreaming of a day cruising through Thailand’s most photogenic archipelago without the speedboat chaos, the Phi Phi Islands Tour by Luxury Big Boat from Phuket might be just what you need. This experience promises a blend of comfort, scenic beauty, and a laid-back pace, making it an attractive choice for travelers who value smooth rides over adrenaline and are eager to enjoy Thailand’s iconic islands in style.
What we love about this tour is the luxurious comfort onboard and the well-curated itinerary that balances sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxation. Plus, the inclusive hotel pickup makes this seamless from start to finish. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention short beach stops and unexpected issues with VIP seating, which could be a consideration depending on your expectations. This tour feels best suited for those who want a more relaxed, comfortable, and scenic day on the water, rather than an action-packed adventure.
Key Points
- Comfortable, smooth ride on a luxury ferry yacht, ideal for travelers prone to seasickness or seeking a relaxing experience.
- Stunning viewpoints and stops like Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave offer excellent photo opportunities.
- Premium options like VIP upgrades include soft drinks, private lounges, and electric seats, adding a touch of luxury.
- Well-organized itinerary with a good mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and beach time, though some reviews note the time at stops can be short.
- Great value for money at around $39 per person, especially considering the included hotel transfers, lunch, and snorkeling gear.
- Mixed reviews about the VIP experience and beach durations, so manage expectations accordingly.
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Contents
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Experience
- The Transport: A Smooth Ride
- The Itinerary: A Well-Paced Adventure
- The Activities: Snorkeling and Beach Time
- The VIP and Extra Options
- The Value and Real-World Experience
- How the Tour Looks in Practice
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Final Thinks
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Phuket
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Phuket
- More Tours in Phuket
- More Tour Reviews in Phuket
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Phuket we have recnetly reviewed
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
This tour offers a rare chance to enjoy the Phi Phi Islands in relative comfort, away from the hustle of speedboats and large crowds. For around $39, you get a comprehensive package that includes hotel pickup, a luxury ferry ride, and multiple stops to marvel at some of Thailand’s most famous sights.
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The Transport: A Smooth Ride
Unlike traditional speedboat tours, this experience features a luxury ferry yacht that promises a stable, quiet, and comfortable ride. Several reviews praise the modern vessel and the friendly crew, noting that the smooth sailing makes a big difference if you’re prone to seasickness or simply prefer a more relaxed journey. The ferry offers sea view seating, and for those who opt for Silver or Gold packages, you’ll enjoy priority seats with electric recline or access to private lounges.
The Itinerary: A Well-Paced Adventure
The tour kicks off with hotel pickup between 7:00 and 7:15 AM, after which you’re whisked to the pier. Once aboard, the day’s highlights include:
- Maya Bay: No trip to Phi Phi is complete without a visit to this world-famous bay, recognized from The Beach. Enclosed by towering limestone cliffs and sparkling waters, it’s an iconic photo stop. One review describes it as “framed by 100-meter-high limestone cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters,” truly a bucket-list scene.
- Loh Samah Bay: Tucked behind Maya Bay, this tranquil cove offers calmer waters and lush underwater scenery. It’s appreciated for its crystal clarity, perfect for some peaceful snorkeling.
- Pileh Lagoon: Known as the “Emerald Lagoon,” this spot impresses with its towering limestone cliffs and tranquil waters. Many travelers say it’s “one of the most spectacular sights,” ideal for swimming and snapping photos.
- Viking Cave: A quick pass by this natural wonder reveals cave paintings said to resemble Viking ships, along with seabird nests. It’s a fascinating cultural marker amid the natural scenery.
- Monkey Beach: As you approach Phi Phi Don, you’ll see this lively stretch of sand, home to a sizable monkey colony. While it’s popular, some reviews note that the beach can be overcrowded, and the time spent here is brief.
- Tonsai Bay: Your yacht will anchor at the bustling heart of Phi Phi Don, where you can see the vibrant pier, and the lively scene of shops and bars. Travelers often find it a lively, though sometimes crowded, scene.
The Activities: Snorkeling and Beach Time
Onboard, you’ll find snorkelling gear and life jackets, making it easy to explore the vibrant marine life. Many reviews highlight the snorkeling as a “really good experience,” with clear waters revealing colorful fish and coral.
The lunch at Sea Society Restaurant on Phi Phi Don offers a buffet with a variety of Thai dishes, praised for being tasty and filling. One review mentions the beach stop was short and crowded, which can be a downside if you’re hoping for more beach relaxation.
The VIP and Extra Options
For those splurging on Silver (VIP) or Gold (Super VIP) packages, perks include sea view seats, access to private lounges, onboard soft drinks, and electric seats designed for maximum comfort. The Gold package also includes hotel transfers in premium minivans and food and drinks onboard. However, some reviewers report that Gold Class didn’t quite deliver the luxury promised, with seats sometimes malfunctioning and outdoor areas not always exclusive.
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The Value and Real-World Experience
At $38.91 per person, this tour offers decent value, especially considering the hotel pickup, lunch, and snorkeling gear included. Many travelers feel the overall experience is good for the price, though some comment on the short duration at each stop, particularly the beaches, which can feel rushed.
One review summarized it as “a 7-hour trip with only 2.5 hours on the island,” which might disappoint those wanting more beach time. Still, the well-organized itinerary and scenic stops make it a solid choice for a relaxed day out.
How the Tour Looks in Practice
Expect an early start, with most of the day spent on the water. The vessel’s modern design and friendly crew help make the journey enjoyable, and the sea view seating in the VIP options ensures you get the best vistas. The stops at Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon are truly stunning, with many travelers mentioning memorable photo moments.
The snorkeling gear allows you to explore underwater life in calm, clear waters. The buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don is generally considered decent, though some reviews mention the restaurant environment can be chaotic and the stops short.
While the short beach stops and some disappointed VIP experiences might be a letdown for some, the overall transport quality, scenic highlights, and comfort make this a good option for those wanting a laid-back, scenic day with a touch of luxury.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who prioritize comfort over adrenaline, and those who want to enjoy the scenery in a relaxed, well-organized setting. It’s ideal if you’re prone to seasickness, prefer a smooth ride, or simply want to avoid the crowded, noisy speedboats.
Families, couples, and solo travelers who value a premium, all-in-one package with hotel pickup and quality amenities will find this a worthwhile choice. However, if your focus is more beach time or adventure, you might find the short stops and some reviews’ issues with VIP amenities a bit frustrating.
Final Thinks
This tour offers a relaxed, scenic, and comfortable way to explore the Phi Phi Islands, especially if you’re looking to avoid the fast-paced, crowded boat trips. The luxury ferry makes all the difference in comfort, and the stops at key sights like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon deliver unforgettable visuals. The included lunch and snorkeling gear add to the value, making it a solid pick for travelers who prioritize scenery and comfort over time spent on the beach.
While some reviews highlight short stops and less-than-perfect VIP amenities, many still praise the overall organization, professional crew, and stunning views. It’s a trip that suits those who want a more refined experience, with a good balance of sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing.
In the end, if you’re after a luxurious day on the water, with scenic highlights and minimal hassle, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. Just be prepared for some busy stops and manage your expectations about the time at each location.
Phi Phi Islands Tour by Luxury Big Boat from Phuket
“We booked Gold Class for this trip our recliner seats were broken. One would not function at all and the other reclined but the footrests stayed do…”
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers shared hotel transfers from Patong, Kata, Karon, or Phuket Town, scheduled between 7:00 and 7:15 AM.
What is the duration of the tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, starting early with pick-up and ending back at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.
Are meals provided?
Yes, a buffet lunch is included at Sea Society Restaurant on Phi Phi Don, praised for being tasty and filling.
What stops are included in the itinerary?
The tour visits Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and ends at Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided, and many travelers enjoy exploring the coral reefs and marine life.
Can I upgrade to VIP or Gold packages?
Yes, Silver (VIP) and Gold (Super VIP) options are available, offering perks like sea view seats, private lounges, onboard drinks, and electric seats.
Are there any extra fees I should know about?
Yes, the national park fee is THB 400 for adults and THB 200 for children, payable at the pier. Additional costs may apply for snorkeling THB 400 or certain area fees depending on your pickup location.
What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Overall, this cruise balances scenic beauty, comfort, and value, making it an appealing choice for travelers eager to enjoy the Phi Phi Islands without sacrificing ease or luxury.
