Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi

REVIEW · KRABI

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi

  • 4.5248 reviews
  • From $58.70
Book on Viator →

Operated by GR Rungtawan Co., Ltd. · Bookable on Viator

Phi Phi in a single day is pure motion. I like how the guide handles the moving parts, so you just show up with sunscreen and a smile. I especially like the Maya Bay payoff and the way guides (including Nadia) help with photos and keeping everyone on schedule. One watch-out: it’s a long day on the water, and on windy days the timing can feel tighter than planned.

You’ll also get value-packed inclusions—buffet lunch, bottled water, fruit-and-snack breaks, plus snorkeling gear—so you’re not constantly digging for add-ons. Pickup is offered, and the tour runs with a group size that’s supposed to stay small (up to 35). That said, I’d come mentally ready for a fuller boat than you hoped, because the max has not always matched reality.

Key things I’d watch for on this Phi Phi one-day speedboat

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi - Key things I’d watch for on this Phi Phi one-day speedboat

  • Maya Bay timing matters: plan on seeing it as part of a tight, curated schedule (not a slow wander).
  • Snorkeling is built in twice: Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don each get their own swim slot with gear provided.
  • Lunch at Phi Phi Don is included: halal buffet, with a vegetarian option available.
  • National park fees are extra: budget 400THB for adults (200THB for children) paid at check-in.
  • Guide quality can make or break the day: guides like Nadia and Natia are noted for timekeeping and great photo help.
  • Wind can change the afternoon: the route stays weather-dependent, so keep expectations flexible.

Phi Phi in one day: what this speedboat day feels like

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi - Phi Phi in one day: what this speedboat day feels like
This is a full-day speedboat route built to hit the headline spots without turning the day into a travel day. The schedule runs about 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00am. You’ll move boat-to-boat across the Phi Phi area, with several anchored stops for swimming, photos, and snorkeling.

The big advantage of doing this by speedboat is energy. You’re not stuck waiting between islands, and you get multiple “wow” moments in daylight hours. The tradeoff is that it’s still a boat day: you’re up early, you’ll be in sun and salt air, and you’ll feel the sea if the water is rough.

Other Krabi tours we've reviewed in Krabi

Where you’ll meet (and how to not miss the boat)

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi - Where you’ll meet (and how to not miss the boat)
You start at GR RUNGTAWAN CO., LTD. in Ao Nang (459/11 Tambon Ao Nang, Krabi 81180). The tour says pickup is offered, and it also mentions the meeting point is near public transportation, which usually means you can adapt if pickup isn’t smooth.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and you receive confirmation at booking. Plan to arrive a bit early so you have time for check-in and (importantly) paying the national park entrance fee at tour check-in before departure.

Price and real value: $58.70 plus Phi Phi national park fees

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi - Price and real value: $58.70 plus Phi Phi national park fees
The listed price is $58.70 per person, and that covers the core day: lunch, snacks, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and travel insurance. It also covers the guided route and the boat time between islands.

What’s not included is the national park entrance fee: 400THB per adult and 200THB per child. The tour notes these fees are paid on tour check-in before departure, so bring cash or be prepared to pay on-site if that’s how it’s handled.

Here’s how I think about value on a day like this:

  • You’re paying for a guided, multi-stop day with two snorkeling sessions, gear, and food included.
  • You’re also paying for the speedboat and staffing that makes the whole thing run on time.

If you’re already planning a lunch plus snorkeling, this can work out well compared to trying to piece together separate half-day tours. If you’re skipping snorkeling or you’re extremely budget-focused, the additional park fee matters more.

Your guide and crew: why timing and photos keep showing up

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi - Your guide and crew: why timing and photos keep showing up
This type of Phi Phi day lives or dies by the guide. You can tell from the names that come up repeatedly—Nadia, Natia, Na-Im, and Zap—that the people running the trip focus on keeping the flow tight.

What good guiding looks like here:

  • Clear instructions before snorkeling (and safety-minded timing in the water).
  • Keeping groups together and handling rules smoothly at busy spots.
  • Photo help—especially at places where you’re stopping briefly, like viewpoints and cave areas.
  • Managing the clock so you get to each anchor point with enough time.

The crew is also part of the comfort equation. Multiple guides are credited with keeping the day organized, and the boat ride is described as comfortable—especially for passengers seated mid-boat. If you’re prone to motion, those seating choices can matter.

Maya Bay and Loh Samah: the iconic start (and the closure season)

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi - Maya Bay and Loh Samah: the iconic start (and the closure season)
Maya Bay is the headline, and it’s scheduled as the first major stop, with about 1 hour there. The tour also frames Loh Samah Bay as the entry point connected to Maya Bay, where you’ll see fish around a floating pier structure and get that classic turquoise-water vibe.

Two practical notes:

  • Admission for Maya Bay is not included in the base price, so the national park fee is part of the real cost.
  • Maya Bay is closed from August 1 to October 1 for government-led environmental rehabilitation. In that window, the tour says it selects another beautiful island for photo shoots and snorkeling instead.

If you’ve ever been tempted to go just for a quick photo, this is still a good plan. You won’t have hours to wander, but you do get enough time to swim, take pictures, and soak in the setting with a guide directing where to go.

Viking Cave: a short photo stop with bird-nest lore

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi - Viking Cave: a short photo stop with bird-nest lore
Viking Cave is a quick stop—about 15 minutes—with a photo-focused approach. It’s known for bird nests made from saliva that are harvested and used to make birds’ nest soup.

Even if that topic doesn’t thrill you, the practical value is that it’s a low-time commitment stop on a day packed with water time. You’ll just get the quick look, grab photos, and then head on to the swimming and snorkeling blocks.

Pileh Bay: lagoon swimming with limestone cliffs around you

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi - Pileh Bay: lagoon swimming with limestone cliffs around you
Next up is Pileh Bay, where the tour brings the boat into the lagoon and anchors for about 45–60 minutes (listed as a 30-minute stop in the schedule details, but the lagoon time is described as that longer window). Either way, this is one of the best types of stops for a relaxing break.

You get that sheltered-lagoon feeling: bright water, steep limestone walls, and an easy “drop in, look around, float a bit” style of swim. It’s not a snorkeling lecture; it’s a scenery-and-swimming moment.

Ko Phi Phi Le: snorkeling your first reef-style stop

Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi - Ko Phi Phi Le: snorkeling your first reef-style stop
You’ll get a snorkeling session around Ko Phi Phi Le, around 45–60 minutes. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, and the guide and crew bring you to a snorkeling spot.

The tour notes safety rules around snorkeling (it doesn’t spell them out in the details), so take the briefing seriously. If you’re a cautious swimmer, don’t just jump in because the water looks calm. Listen first, then go when the guide says it’s go-time.

Why this stop matters: Ko Phi Phi Leh is often where you start to feel that the Phi Phi day isn’t just beach photos. This is where you start seeing the underwater life—what you notice above the water becomes more interesting once you look down.

Ko Phi Phi Don: second snorkeling stop (and why it’s worth the full circuit)

There’s another snorkeling block around Ko Phi Phi Don, also about 45 minutes. This snorkeling stop is listed as having free admission in the tour details.

Doing two snorkeling areas instead of one is smart for a day like this. Even if the visibility or currents shift slightly, you’re more likely to enjoy at least one of the sessions. And it breaks up the route so you’re not snorkeling back-to-back without time to recover.

Monkey Beach: quick wildlife time, no long safari

Monkey Beach gets about 45 minutes. The tour describes it as a small patch of beach where you can see monkeys hanging around the area.

This isn’t a “wander for hours” stop. It’s time-boxed, so keep your expectations realistic. You want to catch the moment, take a few photos, and then get back to water activities before the day moves on.

Bamboo Island: postcard sand with practical extras

Bamboo Island is another 45-minute stop. The tour describes the island as pristine white sand and clear water. It also notes it has bathrooms in the experience description, which is a big quality-of-life detail on a long boat day.

Admission for Bamboo Island is listed as free in the tour details. Like the other stops, it’s timed—so you’ll likely do a mix of swimming and sun time rather than a slow beach day. Still, it’s a classic way to end the day feeling like you got that sandy-island reward.

Boat comfort, life jackets, and sea-sickness reality

Speedboats are fun when the water is smooth. They’re less fun when it isn’t. The tour requires good weather, and that’s not just office language—it can affect whether everything runs in the exact order and timing you expect.

A few practical things to plan for:

  • If you get motion sickness, bring your medicine. One guide experience note specifically suggests taking good sea-sickness medication if you’re prone to it.
  • Life jackets are provided, but you might find they’re not tailored perfectly. One note mentions big-size life jackets, which matters if you’re trying to swim comfortably.
  • You don’t have to snorkel if you don’t want to. The tour is described as suitable for everyone, and you can skip snorkeling if you prefer.

If you want the best odds of comfort, choose a seat that feels stable. Reviews mention the middle seats as especially comfortable.

Lunch at Phi Phi Don: buffet that fits the day (halal + vegetarian)

Lunch is included as a buffet at Phi Phi Don, and it’s described as halal with a vegetarian option available. The tour also includes snacks, fruits, and soft drinks on board, plus bottled water.

Why I like this setup: you’re not scrambling for food at random stalls across islands. You get a real meal without losing the schedule, and you’ll likely feel better during the afternoon water blocks.

Timing-wise, lunch is one of the few “sit and reset” moments. Use it to hydrate, eat something substantial, and give your legs a break before the next swim.

Snorkeling gear and what to pack so the day stays easy

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus bottled water and snacks. That’s great because you’re not carrying gear around Krabi all morning.

Still, pack like you’re doing a day at sea:

  • Sunscreen (and reapply, because the sun bounces off the water)
  • A light cover-up or rash guard if you burn easily
  • A dry bag for your phone/cash (salt air is relentless)
  • Reef-safe mindset if you use sunscreen that doesn’t wreck coral (you might already do this, but it’s worth repeating)

And if you hate being rushed, keep in mind: the day is built on multiple short stops. You’ll get time to enjoy each place, but you won’t have a full beach day anywhere.

Should you book this Phi Phi One Day Tour from Ao Nang?

Book it if you want a structured, efficient day that hits Maya Bay, a lagoon swim at Pileh Bay, and two snorkeling sessions with gear and lunch included. It’s also a good pick if you want a guide who’s focused on timing and making the photos look good without you worrying about the route.

Consider another option if:

  • You get motion sickness easily and don’t want to deal with a long speedboat day.
  • You want unhurried time on just one or two beaches. This tour is all about variety, not lingering.
  • You’re sensitive to crowding. The tour’s stated maximum is 35, but it’s wise to be ready for a fuller boat than the ideal scenario.

If you’re flexible, take the safety briefing seriously, and show up early with sunscreen, this is a solid way to turn Phi Phi into one memorable, well-fed day.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi One Day Tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is GR RUNGTAWAN CO., LTD. at 459/11 Tambon Ao Nang, Krabi 81180, Thailand.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What is included in the tour price?

Lunch (buffet at Phi Phi Don, halal with vegetarian option), snorkeling equipment, bottled water, travel insurance, and snacks such as fruits and soft drinks are included.

Are national park entrance fees included?

No. National park entrance fees are 400THB per adult and 200THB per child (ages 4–11), paid on tour check-in before departure.

Is there a vegetarian option for lunch?

Yes. The lunch buffet includes a vegetarian option.

What snorkeling is included?

You’ll go snorkeling at Ko Phi Phi Le and Ko Phi Phi Don with snorkeling equipment provided.

When is Maya Bay closed?

Maya Bay is closed August 1 to October 1 for environmental rehabilitation. The tour notes it will offer an alternative island for photoshoots and snorkeling during that time.

Do I have to snorkel?

No. The experience is described as suitable for everyone, and you’re not required to go snorkeling if you don’t want to.

More tours in Krabi we've reviewed

Explore Krabi