Phi Phi day trips can be chaotic. This one runs a tight boat loop from Krabi, mixing beach time, cave-and-lagoon photo stops, and a lunch break on Phi Phi Don. I like that Bamboo Island gets a full hour for swimming and relaxing instead of a quick photo-and-go.

I also like the practical side: snorkeling equipment and life jacket are included, plus you get a guide onboard. In the best moments, guidance can turn a short stop into a better one—guide Coke is known for sharing facts, while guide Noon keeps the vibe fun and light.

My main caution is timing. Some of the most famous spots, like Maya Bay, can feel busy, and the day moves at a steady pace with multiple short stops—so you’ll want to mentally pack your patience for crowds and quick photo windows at Maya Bay.

Key points to know before you go

• Bamboo Island is the main swim-and-bask stop, with a full hour of beach time
• Snorkeling gear is included, so you can skip the hunt for a mask and life jacket
• A full Phi Phi Don lunch break (buffet-style, about 2 hours) helps you reset mid-day
• Max group size of 45 people keeps things busy but not enormous
• National park fees are extra (400 THB adult, 200 THB child) and are paid at entry

Why This Krabi Phi Phi and Bamboo Tour Is Built for First-Timers

This tour is the kind of day plan that saves you hours of comparing boats, picking routes, and figuring out where to snorkel. You start in the Krabi area and spend the day doing island hopping with scheduled stops across both Phi Phi and Bamboo Island.

The value comes from the package feel. You’re not just getting a ride. You get a guide onboard, snorkeling mask and life jacket, lunch on Phi Phi Don, and the basics like fruit and drinking water. For most people, that means fewer decisions and fewer extra purchases, which matters when you’re trying to enjoy a full day on the water.

The route also makes sense. Bamboo Island works as your early anchor stop (beach and swimming), then you rotate through caves and bays for views and snorkeling, and you land on Phi Phi Don for lunch before finishing with more scenery and a final swim/snorkel option.

Before You Go: Pickup, Start Time, and the Extra Fees That Matter

The day starts at 8:00 am and runs about 7 to 8 hours total. You’ll meet at Nopparat Thara Pier (Ao Nang). The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stranded across the islands.

Pickup depends on where you’re staying:

• Free hotel pickup is available for the Ao Nang area.
• If you’re coming from places like Krabi Town, Klong Muang, Ao Nam Mao, or Tub Kaek, there’s an extra 100 THB per person round trip.

Two money details to plan around:

1. The National Park fee is not included. You pay at point of entry: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.
2. Your ticket is mobile, and you should receive booking confirmation when you reserve.

Quick practical tip: if you’re relying on ferries or shared transport to reach the pickup pier, give yourself extra time. One real-world example from the same tour style is that coordination can get complicated if you arrive late, and the team may need to locate you.

Bamboo Island Stop: The Best Chance to Actually Enjoy the Water

The day begins with Bamboo Island, and the schedule gives it about 1 hour. This is the “clear water, white sand” stop—exactly the kind of place where swimming feels easy and laid-back.

This stop is valuable because it’s early enough that you’re not yet tired from the full day’s movement. Also, a one-hour block is long enough to do more than just a quick splash: you can find a comfortable spot, swim, and still have time to dry off and take photos without rushing.

A small consideration: conditions at sea can change. If it’s choppy, expect the boat ride and water entry to be more tiring. The good news is that this stop is beach-forward, so you’re not stuck doing long snorkel sessions immediately.

Viking Cave and Pileh Bay: Short Stops That Work for Photos and Orientation

After Bamboo, the tour shifts to “see and shoot” stops that keep your day moving.

Viking Cave (about 30 minutes): This stop is for sightseeing and photo time. The cave area is known for bird nest harvesting and also for wall paintings, which is a unique mix for a place most people expect to be just scenic.

Pileh Lagoon (about 45 minutes): This is where you get the dramatic lagoon look—crystal water, a cliff-line setting, and that feeling of finding a quieter pocket. The time block here is longer than some of the other viewpoints, which helps you get a calmer rhythm before the snorkel-heavy part of the route.

The trade-off is that these are time-limited. If you love slow wandering, you might feel a little pushed. If you like getting strong photos and then moving on, this pacing is a good match.

Loh Samah Bay Snorkeling: Where the Reef Time Is the Payoff

Loh Samah Bay (about 45 minutes) is built as a snorkeling stop, and this is where you’ll feel the tour’s practical planning. You’re there long enough to put on the mask, get in the water, and actually enjoy the reef-life experience.

Since snorkeling gear is included (mask plus life jacket), you don’t need to rent anything last-minute. That matters on Phi Phi days because demand for gear can spike, and you don’t want to start your best water time standing in line.

What you can realistically aim for in this timeframe:

• A first calm swim to get comfortable
• A second pass to look for colorful fish and coral reefs
• Time to regroup before the next boat transfer

If you’re new to snorkeling, the life jacket helps you stay relaxed while you get your breathing and balance sorted. And if you’re experienced, you’ll probably appreciate that they don’t overload you with extra logistics between stops.

Maya Bay and Phi Phi Don Lunch: The Most Famous Spot Meets Real-Life Crowds

Maya Bay (about 30 minutes) is the classic photo magnet. This is also where people often get a little let down—not because the view is wrong, but because the stop is short and the area can be packed.

The key detail for your expectations is the time. A half hour goes fast: photo angles, quick sightseeing, then back to the boat. If you want a long, quiet swim-and-chill session here, this tour style isn’t designed for that.

Right after the famous viewpoint you get your reset break at Ko Phi Phi Don (Phi Phi Don), with about 2 hours for lunch. The lunch is buffet-style, and you’ll also get a breather on land. Fruit and drinking water are included as part of the day package, which helps keep energy stable for the afternoon stops.

One caution: lunch quality can be hit-or-miss depending on how you like buffet food. If you’re picky, treat lunch as fuel rather than a highlight—and you can always grab something extra on Phi Phi Don during your free time there.

Wang Long Bay and Monkey Beach: Ending With More Water Time

After lunch, the tour continues with two more scenic stops that keep the second half from feeling repetitive.

Wang Long Bay (about 30 minutes): Another photo-and-sightseeing stop. This is a quick “look, frame it, move” kind of moment—good for pictures and appreciating the coastline shapes.

Monkey Beach (about 30 minutes): This is your final swim-and-snorkel friendly stop. The time block is short, but it’s the last chance to get back in the water before returning to the pier.

This ending matters. If your goal is to get at least two good water moments during the day, this pairing helps you do that: Bamboo early for beach time, Loh Samah for snorkeling, then Monkey Beach to finish strong.

Snorkeling Setup, Life Jackets, and How to Stay Comfortable

The tour includes snorkeling masks and life jackets, which cuts down on hassle. Still, you’ll have an easier day if you think like this: the gear is provided, but your comfort is yours to manage.

A few practical ideas that usually help on Phi Phi-style boats:

• Go prepared with a swim layer you’re comfortable wearing for several hours
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply when you’re on the beach (the afternoon sun can be intense)
• Keep small items in a waterproof bag if you have one, especially if you’ll be on and off boats
• Consider water shoes if you find rocky entries uncomfortable

Safety-wise, the tour includes a first aid kit and accident insurance. And the presence of a guide onboard gives you a point of contact if you need help with snorkeling setup or water entry.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Should Skip It

This is a full-day island hopping tour, and it fits best when you like structured schedules and want a classic route without planning it yourself.

It’s typically fine for “most people,” but it’s not recommended if you have certain medical conditions. The tour notes you shouldn’t join if you’re pregnant or you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases.

Also, the operator says the tour is not suitable for guests traveling by big boat or ferry. If that restriction applies to you, it’s worth asking before booking so you don’t end up on the wrong kind of day for your body.

Group size is capped at 45 people, so you’ll feel the energy of a group day, but it’s not so large that it becomes chaos.

If you’re traveling with children, there’s a child ticket category for ages 4 to 11 years. Just remember the day is long and includes multiple boat transfers and short time windows.

Price and Value: Is $60.10 Worth It?

At $60.10 per person, this tour sits in the category of what many people consider a reasonable day-excursion price for Krabi/Phi Phi. The value is mainly in what’s bundled:

• Round-trip transfers from the right areas (with Ao Nang pickup included)
• Island hopping by boat
• Snorkeling mask and life jacket
• Lunch plus drinking water and fruit
• A guide plus first aid kit and accident insurance

The part that can change your real total is the national park fee. With 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child paid at entry, you should budget for that additional cost.

So, when is it a good deal?

• You want snorkeling and beach time but don’t want to rent gear or plan routes
• You’re okay with a structured schedule and short stops
• You value being fed and looked after (lunch, water, fruit, gear)

When might it feel pricey?

• If you only care about one island and want hours there, this route spreads time across many stops
• If you dislike buffet lunch or you’re very picky about midday food

Should You Book This Phi Phi and Bamboo Island Snorkeling Tour?

I’d book this if you want a classic Phi Phi day with practical support and included snorkeling gear, and you’re okay with the reality of time-boxed stops. The standout strengths are the snorkeling time at Loh Samah Bay and the overall “everything handled” feel, especially with lunch and basic supplies included. Also, when the guide brings the facts and keeps things fun, the day lands better than most rushed tours.

I’d skip it if you want a long, quiet Maya Bay experience, hate crowded famous spots, or you need a slower pace with more time on Phi Phi Don itself. And if any of the health restrictions apply to you, don’t push it—choose a different kind of tour that matches your needs.

If your plan is your first Phi Phi trip and you want a straightforward day of beaches, bays, and snorkeling, this one is a solid pick. Just factor in the national park fee and plan to arrive early for the 8:00 am start so your day doesn’t start under pressure.

FAQ

What is included in the Phi Phi and Bamboo island snorkeling tour?

The tour includes a tour guide, snorkeling mask and life jacket, lunch, drinking water, and fruit. It also includes a first aid kit and accident insurance.

What is not included?

The national park fee is not included and must be paid at point of entry (400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child). Extra transfer charges (100 THB per person round trip) may also apply depending on where you’re picked up from.

When does the tour start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 8:00 am and runs approximately 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour meet and end?

The tour meets at Nopparat Thara Pier (Ao Nang) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Free hotel pickup is available for the Ao Nang area. For other areas such as Krabi Town, Klong Muang, Ao Nam Mao, or Tub Kaek, there is an extra transfer charge of 100 THB per person round trip.

What age range is considered a child ticket?

A child ticket applies to ages 4 to 11 years.