Best Phi Phi Island Tour From Phuket (Via Speedboat)

Thailand

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One of the most amazing things that you can do out of Phuket is to visit some of the world famous Phuket Islands on a speedboat Phi Phi Island Tour.

How many of you always wanted to come here?

How many of you have seen the Blockbuster movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio “THE BEACH”??

I know that Maya Beach at the Phi Phi Ley has been engraved in my brain ever since I watched the movie and together with the James Bond Island, this was a destination that I just had to see.. and yes!! Tell you what, it was one of the best tours I have ever done in my life!!  So much so, that I have actually done it twice during my lifetime!

So, with smiles on our faces and a backpack ready, we waited for the driver to pick us up from the front door of our hotel Novotel Phuket Resort.

Now I know that the men will love the fact that you will be travelling to Phi Phi Island by speedboat!! The driver dropped us off at the marina where together with other smiley faces we jumped on board our super speed boat powered by a row of giant engines. Very cool!!.. We were very excited to run for the front section and take a place in the sun. This gives you plenty of opportunity for amazing photos and to enjoy the sunshine and breeze while you zoom towards the Phi Phi Islands group.

Few tips:

  • Take the speed boat option. We were very grateful for the advice of the locals because the trip to the islands only takes 40 to 50 minutes, and even in that time span we got a bit burnt in the sun!
  • Make sure to grab the front section of the boat where you can get a better view as well as get loads of fresh air (we thought it was a bit stuffy in the back area), however, don’t forget to put on sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat as well as something to put over your shoulders (we took a sarong with to drape over ourselves for protection). Trust me, by the middle of the trip, everyone wants to be at the front.
  • You can also head to Koh Phi Phi for longer. There are plenty of fun things to do in Koh Phi Phi.

Visiting famous Phuket Islands on a Speedboat Phi Phi Island Tour!

Visiting famous Phuket Islands on a speedboat Phi Phi Island Tour! Click to read more stories from Phuket and Thailand on our blog!

Viking Cave:

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(Photo Source: Easy Day Thailand Flickr)

After leaving the harbour, the Phi Phi Island speedboat heads straight for the Viking Cave!! You can get into the history of the cave whilst listening to the funny or should I say quite hilarious tour guides.

The Viking Cave got its name because of the mysterious paintings of European sailing ships covering the inner dark walls of the cave. No one knows who the artists were and speculations are that they date back from 1000 to 2000 years old, but no one knows for sure.  For a small fee, the few fishermen that live here, will let you step into the cave for a short while if you wish.  We decided not to bother and enjoyed the view from the boat instead!

The Cave is located around the bend at Phi Phi Le, it is actually private property and protected by the birds nest business.

It is home to Swallow birds and one of their major nesting places. The nests are collected to make a Nest Soup… well, I have never tried it, but please don’t hesitate to leave me a comment and tell me what it’s like. Don’t worry. Only two nest builds are taken by the local collectors whilst the third is left for the birds to breed in.


Snorkelling at Loh Samah Bay:

After a bit of education, history and a few hours in the sun it’s time to move to the south side of Phi Phi Le and jump into the water to refresh. Loh Samah Bay is known as one of the best spots for snorkelling in Phuket.

Get your snorkelling gear on, provided by the tour, and jump into the water for some exploring. Here, amongst the local marine life, the walls of the cliffs are covered with soft, hard corals and clams. See if you can recognise some of the numerous Lionfish, Parrotfish, Scorpionfish and Angelfish.


Maya Bay:

And here we are… The long awaited “THE BEACH”!!  We have seen many beaches, as we come from Sunshine Coast in Australia, but this is something else.

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(Photo Source: Cecil Lee Flickr)

Maya Bay is ridiculously beautiful, terribly stunning and absolutely gorgeous.. Just like my Wife. This one’s for you Babe… Ok ok…  When you enter this place through the 100-metre-high cliff gates it’s like you have entered paradise. The 200 metres white soft sandy beach stretches from one giant rock face to the other.

Snorkelling, swimming or just sunbathing is the top of the pick of activities here. The incredible surroundings leave you breathless. I don’t know how many photos we took here, but it must have been in the hundreds.

I wish we could be here all alone with our own little hand-made shack, snorkelling above the colourful coral in the exceptionally clear water, laying around on the perfectly comfy sand and sipping on a freshly chopped coconut. Well, thoughts and imagination can take you away when you are here, but in reality, you got to share it with loads of other tourists as well.

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(Photo Source: Katy Rawlings Flickr)

If you wish, you can also go for a short stroll on the walkway leading from the beach. It will take you to the heart of the island. Well the beach is the heart, but you know what I mean.

You will find some props from the movie here, including the shacks in which the actors supposedly slept, where they prepared their food and little areas where they would’ve relaxed etc. Very very cool!! Simply an amazing feeling when you can walk in the footsteps of famous people, and to see the movie destination.

There’s a little shallow natural pool at the end of the walkway where you can chill out for a little, before climbing up a wooden staircase to a little platform. Plenty of tourist line up for a photo here, so make sure to snap away quickly.

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Few more sneaky peaks and photos from the beach and back onto the speed boat. Imagine how long it would take you to come here from the mainland in these funky long boats?

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(Photo Source: Thomas sauzedde Flickr)


Monkey Beach:

How many of you like monkeys? We do!! We love their antics in the wild.

There are 23 different species of macaques monkeys scattered around the world and here just North-West of Loh Dalam Bay, in a little hidden cove of Ao Ling or Monkey Bay you can visit them in their natural habitat.

Monkey Beach can get a little packed with boats full of foreign explorers lining up to have their turn, and if you are lucky you might be able to join the masses to have a wander around with the monkeys on the beach itself. Either way, photo opportunities are everywhere, with dozens of monkeys running around and climbing on the cliff sides.  Just try to remember that it is best to let these animals be ‘wild’, try to forego the need to feed them.


Lunch Time at Phi Phi Don:

We have seen many photos of the long boats, but to be here and take these pics yourself, is just as exciting as taking shots of the gondolas in Venice.

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Phi Phi Don is the largest of the islands in the Phi Phi Island group. Only here you will find permanent accommodation and a bunch of amazing hotels with spectacular views

Just a 300-metre vertical climb combined of hundred of stairs and narrow winding footpaths and you will find yourself above the Ao Lo Dalam tourist village. The colours from here are simply spectacular and you can see the restaurant where we were.

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Khai Nai Island

After the belly is filled with yummy exotic delicacies; you have seen the Viking Cave, snorkelled over corals, put your own footsteps in the sand of ‘THE BEACH’ and visited the Macaques monkeys; it is time to totally relax at the last destination of Khai Nai Island!!

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Yup… Have you ever been on an island where the main attraction and pretty much 99% of structures are bars? Well, if you like that idea, you will absolutely love this place.

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You can walk around the whole island in 5-10 minutes flat. It is so small and so awesome at the same time. You might even end up taking 300-plus photos for every step you take here. Find yourself one of many little bars, put your feet in the sand and with music blaring from the speakers enjoy the feeling of being ‘off the grid’ for a while!

What better way to finish the most amazing Phi Phi Island Tour than with your own delicious and freshly made Pina Colada or Mai Tai cocktail?

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After which, very sadly, its time to board your speedboat and head back to the marina. So put your hat on, grab your front seat and relax in the afternoon sun, whilst the memories of the day play through your mind.


Which of the attractions on the Phuket Island tour got your attention the most ?

Are you feeling inspired to buy a ticket?

The easiest way to book this the Phi Phi Island Tour is through the reception at your hotel. That way you can be assured your tour will take place on a beautiful sunny day.

Read more of our Thailand adventure on our blog by clicking here!


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Andrzej Ejmont

Andrzej believes life to be a never ending adventure. Originally from Poland, he is a devoted husband and father. Dedicated and enthusiastic to chase all his dreams. Storytelling to entice other families to travel.