Phi Phi Islands Best Tour - Amazing Day Trip from Phuket
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If Phuket is Thailand’s most well-known island, Phi Phi Islands are not far behind.
Phi Phi Islands, in Thai we call Ko Phi Phi (Ko or Koh mean island), Ko Phi Phi is actually a group of six islands, so it is a small archipelago.
There are two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lee.
As a first-timer to Ko Phi Phi, I’m excited to share my journey from Phuket to these beautiful islands with you. While I missed out on experiencing Maya Bay, a part of Ko Phi Phi due to its closure from 2018 to 2022. (reopening in Jan 2022)
I still had a wonderful time exploring the other parts of the islands during my visit in December 2021.
Let's go to Phi Phi Islands
In general, I prefer traveling independently with my girlfriend or friends as it allows me to have more freedom and flexibility.
That being said, there are times when paying for a tour is the better option, especially when traveling to certain places where it is more convenient.
Therefore, first of all, you should buy a tour and you must book it in advance. Otherwise, it could be fully booked especially during a holiday.
To be honest, it took me numerous hours of searching and reading through reviews to find an operator that not only provides excellent service but also offers a reasonable price.
After extensive research and reading countless reviews, I ultimately decided to go with Love Andaman for my island-hopping tour.
And I’m happy to say that it was definitely worth the time I spent searching – I had an incredible experience and made unforgettable memories during the trip.
Currently, the English version of their website may not be fully translated, as there are still many Thai sentences. As an alternative, I recommend contacting them directly through their official Facebook page for more information.
Other operators might offer good services as well, but since I haven’t tried them, I can’t give any feedback. However, I can confidently say that Love Andaman deserves a 10/10 rating for their full-day trip service.
Want to know why? Keep reading and enjoy a collection of photos.
Booking a Tour + Longtail Boat
First and foremost, I propose that you book the earlier schedule of the day to explore early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during the weekend or long holiday in Thailand.
Depart early and get in Phi Phi before others, meaning fewer boats in the most popular spot. Take advantage of the opportunity to shoot one of the most breathtaking views you will ever see in your life.
I truly mean it. It’s stunningly beautiful. I saw many pictures of the Phi Phi Islands before, but seeing it with my own eyes is totally different in feeling. A thrilling moment.
Another recommendation is to hire Thailand’s iconic longtail boat for an hour private Phi Phi tour. There are two options: a private or shared tour. Personally, I opted for the private tour, which costs an additional 1,500 baht per boat.
My first thought, it was a bit expensive because it was only my girlfriend and me, but I know that I wouldn’t come back again anytime soon because I still have tons of places on my bucket list.
Therefore, I decided to pay extra for that and I am grateful for making that decision. It’s such a great experience, worth it.
You can book that longtail boat directly to the operator, they will arrange it for you.
Love Andaman Tour & Itinerary
Check-in at Love Andaman Pier
Around 7:30 AM, I arrived at Love Andaman Pier. The pier is known as the “Boat Ramp Pier” [ท่าเรือแพแสง ภูเก็ต]. Park my car, check in at reception, and wait in the lounge.
They provide some snacks and drinks for free. However, you should have breakfast before, I don’t think that they have a restaurant at the pier. (not sure but I didn’t see one)
You can also rent towels and a camera (Go-Pro) if you wish to. I rent two towels. Can’t remember the cost but I’m sure the price is reasonable. Initially, they will charge an extra amount as a deposit, but when you return the towels, they will refund the deposit.
On the way to Phi Phi Islands
At about 8:30 AM, the staff gave us a briefing on the day’s tour, including the schedule, activities, and dos and don’ts.
Unfortunately, Maya Bay was still closed during my visit.
We boarded and arrived after one hour on the speed boat.
As I mentioned before, I also reserved a longtail boat, and the crews will call your name one by one to board your longtail boat.
Phi Phi Lee: A Breathtaking View
The longtail boat is exclusively for your use, and you can request the sailor to take you wherever you wish. However, I didn’t make any requests because the sailor already knew the best spots to visit.
I spent my time relaxing, enjoying the stunning views, and taking many photos for my girl…lol
He, the sailor, circled the islands and went a little out of the bay to the Viking Cave, but we can’t go inside. It’s private. So, we can only observe from the boat.
Overall, I am happy that I opted for the private tour as it was truly worth the cost.
Snorkeling
About 11 AM, after everyone back to the speed boat, we headed to a snorkeling spot. I have no idea where it is but not far.
I captured some pictures from my Go Pro, but they are not beautiful… I would say, don’t expect too much from the underwater view.
Snorkeling was enjoyable, although the underwater view was average. Water clarity is dependent on the weather.
In my opinion, if you have a Go Pro, it’s worth bringing it along for the trip. However, if you don’t already have one, there’s no need to rent or purchase one just for this experience.
Swimming around the spot was fun. I haven’t done this for 5 years.
However, if you can find the “Nemo”(Ocellaris clownfish) or some beautiful coral reefs is a plus…haha
Lunch on Phi Phi Don Island
About 12 PM.
We left the snorkeling spot and headed to Phi Phi Don island for lunch.
It’s a buffet with 5-6 Thai dishes, fried chicken, stir-fried vegetables, stir-fried chicken with chestnuts, stir-fried glass noodles with egg, and Tom Yum seafood.
I didn’t capture all the foods but everyone can eat them because they are not spicy, except for the Tom Yum.
Then it’s free time on the island, walking around, exploring Phi Phi Don. We left at 1:30 PM.
One thing I completely forgot about was the hike up to Phi Phi Don viewpoint!!!
Anyway, walking around the island was also enjoyable.
Bamboo Island or Ko Mai Pai
Mai Pai Island is the last destination for the tour. It is part of Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
“Mu Ko” in Thai means a group of islands. As I mentioned earlier Phi Phi Islands is an archipelago, so it’s a bit more official to call it Mu Ko Phi Phi.
It’s a lovely little island. It has a plain terrain and a beautiful beach with a clear blue sea. It’s an amazing and pleasant island.
I took a lot of beautiful photos here, but more importantly, I got a couple of shots of us! The Love Andaman crews are really friendly. They were mingling with everyone as they walked around. He offered to assist me in photographing my girlfriend and me.
From hundreds of pictures, finally, I am in there. He took great pictures, thanks to the crew. That was a lovely shot.
I sometimes ask Ice (my girlfriend) to take some photos of me, but mostly not balanced in composition lol.
So her major duty is to be a model, and my main job is to be a photographer. We do our tasks, but I was delighted to see such lovely photographs of us today.
We got an hour here on Ko Mai Pai and this is the end of the tour from Love Andaman service.
Any cheaper ways to Phi Phi Islands?
The answer is YES, but depends on what you expect.
Love Andaman Tour offers well-managed service and activities, visit several spots, snorkel and lunch.
I saw many other bloggers show people how to get to Phi Phi on such a cheap travel but that only the ticket for the boat, excluded all other activities. So, it’s not comparable.
If you have any inquiries, feel free to post them in the comment section below. I would be more than happy to assist you with any information you need.
Hi, we’d like to book the Phi Phi Island tour. Can you please give me the info how to
book with them?
Hi, May i have more information about the website how to book with The Love Andaman Tour for Phi Phi Island and Longtail boat as the way that you booked. Thanks!