Island hopping around Phi Phi Island was one of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Phuket, Thailand. I highly recommend adding this day tour to your itinerary—it’s an absolute must for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone craving a bit of adventure on the Andaman Sea.
We gathered at Marine Plaza around 8am, where our tour operator Diamond Sea Marine Co. Ltd. briefed us before setting off. The staff was extremely friendly and humble, helping everyone feel at ease right from the start. A quick tip: if you’re prone to motion sickness, don’t hesitate to ask the crew for sea sick pills—they have them on hand, and trust me, the open-sea ride can get bumpy! We had our light refreshment before boarding.
Once we boarded the speedboat, we were off to explore the stunning islands around Phi Phi. Snorkeling masks were available but need to be returned, and if you didn’t bring your own towel, you could rent them easily. I also recommend bringing a waterproof bag, an underwater phone case, and a change of clothes—these came in really handy throughout the trip. There’s a simple shower room at the pier for rinsing off after the tour, so don’t forget to pack your own toiletries.
Our first stop was Monkey Beach, where wild monkeys greeted us from the limestone cliffs. While adorable, do be careful not to get too close—they’re still wild animals. However, feeding the monkeys wasn’t allowed, so our visit was a short and simple stop to observe them from a distance. Next, we dove into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, surrounded by colourful fishes in every direction. It felt like swimming in a giant aquarium! I truly enjoyed that moment, even though I didn’t capture any underwater photos or videos. All those magical encounters with the fish are now beautifully stored in my memory.
We had lunch at Phi Phi Don, the main island of the Phi Phi group. The beachfront restaurant served decent Thai dishes and there were also souvenir shops to browse while we digested. There are also cafés and Instagram-worthy spots around where you can hang out and snap some great photos. Then, we cruised past Viking Cave, where you can spot ancient wall paintings and learn about the bird’s nest harvesting that still takes place there.
One of my favourite moments was at Pileh Lagoon—the emerald water framed by towering limestone cliffs made it a perfect photo op. We even took turns posing on a traditional long-tail boat, soaking in the view. Just so you know, the long-tail boat ride is not included in the package, so we had to pay a little extra to experience it.
And of course, Maya Bay, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach. Although swimming isn’t allowed to preserve its ecosystem, standing on that powdery white sand and gazing at the turquoise bay was a dream come true. Make sure not to wander too far into the water, or the attendants will call you out over the loudspeaker with something like, “The man in the blue shirt, please come back!” or “Lady in red, stay out of the water!”—it can be a bit embarrassing! But honestly, props to the crew for doing their part to protect Mother Nature.
Our final stop was Khai Nok Island, a chill little paradise for sunbathing and water sports. You can rent a jetski, try a banana boat, or just relax at the island’s café with a coconut in hand.
By the time we returned to the pier around 5pm, we were sun-kissed, salty, and thoroughly worn out—but in the best way possible. The whole trip took around 8 to 9 hours and was packed with adventure, nature, and beauty.
Here are 5 tips to make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free!
1. Take seasick pills before the boat ride
Even if you’re not prone to motion sickness, the sea can get choppy. Ask the crew—they’ll have pills ready.
2. Bring a waterproof bag and phone case
Keep your belongings dry and snap awesome underwater shots without risking your phone.
3. Wear proper swimwear and pack dry clothes
You’ll be getting wet often. Quick-dry outfits and a change of clothes will keep you comfy throughout the day.
4. Use reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated
You’ll be under the sun for hours. Reapply sunscreen regularly and drink plenty of water.
5. Respect the rules and marine life
Don’t feed monkeys or step on corals. Stay within allowed zones—getting shouted at over the loudspeaker isn’t fun!
If you’re considering this tour, do it. It’s a full day of fun, and you’ll come back with a memory card full of stunning photos and stories to tell.
dixonthum 