Phi Phi Island Excursion from Phuket: Everything You Need to Know
A day trip to Phi Phi Islands from Phuket in 2026 costs from 1,700 THB per adult and from 1,500 THB per child. The route includes a speedboat, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, lunch on Phi Phi Don, and snorkeling. The price covers hotel transfer, lunch, and insurance. The best season is November to April. I've been to Phi Phi eight times over four years, and I'll tell you how to go without regrets.
What is Phi Phi and why everyone goes there
Phi Phi is a group of six islands in the Andaman Sea, 45 kilometers from Phuket. The two main ones are Phi Phi Don (where people live and hotels stand) and Phi Phi Leh (uninhabited, where "The Beach" with DiCaprio was filmed).
The archipelago is famous for Maya Bay, which became Thailand's calling card in the early 2000s. So many people flooded in that in 2018 the bay was closed for restoration. It reopened in early 2022 — now with a visitor limit and no swimming allowed. But the coral reef has returned, and the snorkeling has become fantastic.
If you want to see the classic tropical postcard — white sand and turquoise water — Phi Phi is truly worth it. Just be prepared for crowds: in high season, up to 20 speedboats can be parked at Maya Bay simultaneously. If you're choosing between options, read our Similan vs Phi Phi comparison.
How much does a Phi Phi excursion cost in 2026
Prices depend on boat type, group size, and operator. Here are the current rates as of May 2026:
| Excursion type | Adult price | Child price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day trip by speedboat (4 locations) | 1,700–2,500 THB | 1,400–2,100 THB | 8–9 hours |
| Day trip by catamaran | 2,200–3,000 THB | 1,800–2,500 THB | 9–10 hours |
| Two-day with overnight on Phi Phi | 4,100–5,500 THB | 3,600–4,800 THB | 1.5 days |
| Ferry one way (on your own) | 800–900 THB | 500 THB | 2.5 hours |
| VIP private speedboat for 8 people | from 22,000 THB/boat | — | 8–10 hours |
Route of the classic day trip
Most operators follow a well-established itinerary. Here's what a typical day looks like:
- 06:30–07:30 — hotel transfer to the pier
- 08:30 — departure by speedboat
- 09:30 — first stop: Maya Bay (30 minutes, photos)
- 10:30 — Pileh Lagoon (snorkeling and swimming)
- 11:30 — Bamboo Island (white sand beach)
- 12:30 — lunch on Phi Phi Don
- 14:00 — snorkeling at Monkey Beach
- 15:30 — departure back
- 17:00 — return to Phuket
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Message usWhat to bring
After eight trips, I've developed my go-to packing list. Here's what you'll definitely need:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe, no oxybenzone)
- Mask and snorkel (your own are better than rentals)
- Rash guard or T-shirt for snorkeling
- Waterproof phone case
- Motion sickness pills (if you're prone to it)
- Cash 500–1,000 THB (drinks, fruit on Phi Phi Don)
When to go and when not to go
High season — November to April. The sea is calm, snorkeling visibility is 15–25 meters, speedboats run like clockwork. This is the best time.
May and October — transitional months. Can be perfect or stormy. If you're already in Phuket and the weather has been good for a week, go for it.
June to September — low season. High waves, many operators switch to ferries (slow, 2.5 hours one way). Snorkeling is poor, visibility 3–5 meters. During this period I prefer excursions to the east coast or to the mainland.
Pro tip: departure time
If you can choose between a morning and afternoon tour — take the morning one. Between 7:30 and 11:00, Maya Bay gets 3 times fewer boats than after noon. I once stood on the bay pier at 9 AM — we were the second speedboat out of four. By 12:00 there were already fifteen.
Should you bring kids
Possible, but with caveats. Kids under 4 will struggle with the 9-hour speedboat ride. If your child is 5+ and handles transport well — it's fine, but I'd choose a catamaran over a speedboat: more space, less rocking, there's a shade canopy.
There's a separate "Lazy Phi Phi" program on the Seastar catamaran — ideal for families. Relaxed pace, lunch on the yacht, fewer stops, no getting off at Phi Phi Don. Costs slightly more (from 2,800 THB), but kids enjoy it much more.
Two-day excursion: is it worth the extra cost
I'd say yes, if you have an extra day in your schedule. On a day trip you see Phi Phi through your phone lens, crowds everywhere, constantly rushing. The two-day version gives you time on the islands in the evening and morning, when day-trippers have gone back to Phuket.
The price for two people with an overnight stay in a guesthouse on Phi Phi Don is around 9,000 THB. This includes both speedboat trips, a night in a room, and transfers. In terms of "experience to price ratio" — it's the best I can recommend.
If you're planning the Similan Islands — better to start with Phi Phi and save Similans for another day.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Phi Phi Island tour from Phuket cost?
In the 2026 season, a day trip by speedboat costs from 1,700 THB per adult and from 1,500 THB per child. The price includes hotel transfer, lunch, snorkeling, and national park fee.
Can you swim at Maya Bay?
No. Since 2022, swimming in the bay itself is prohibited to allow coral restoration. You can swim on the other side of Phi Phi Leh and in Pileh Lagoon.
When is the best weather for Phi Phi?
November to April is high season. The sea is calm, visibility is 15–25 m for snorkeling. From May to October storms are possible, and tours are often rescheduled or canceled.
Speedboat or catamaran — which is better?
Speedboat is faster (1 hour to Phi Phi vs 2 hours on a catamaran) but bumpy. Catamaran is smoother, better for families with kids and those prone to seasickness.
Can you go to Phi Phi independently by ferry?
Yes, the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi costs 800–900 THB one way. This is an option for those who want to stay overnight on the islands. For a day trip it's not cost-effective.