Pileh Lagoon
A lagoon enclosed between cliffs, emerald-colored water. You jump in from the boat.
Day trip to Koh Phi Phi
Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave and Monkey Beach, a full day among the islands by speedboat or catamaran.
Check availability and pricePrices
From 3,200 THB, booked in advance.
What varies between the options is the vessel, the travel time and the comfort at sea. Differences in route or departure point, if any, are noted with each option.
Important information:
- Maya Bay is closed every year from August 1 to September 30 for environmental restoration. During this period there's no going ashore, and the boat may pass outside the bay depending on the weather.
- Ages: adult 13–99, child 4–12.
- Free pickup areas: Kamala, Nakalay, Kata, Karon, Patong, Kalim, Tri Trang and Phuket Town.
- Pick-up times: Kamala, Nakalay, Kata and Karon 07:15–07:30 · Patong, Kalim and Tri Trang 07:30–07:45 · Phuket Town 08:00–08:15.
- Booking at least a day ahead, until 18:00 Thailand time.
- Cancellation: 100% refund up to two days before.
The route, hour by hour
Seven stops in one day
08:30, check-in at the pier and a light breakfast. 09:20, departure to Koh Phi Phi.
10:00: Pileh Lagoon. A lagoon enclosed between limestone cliffs, its water emerald-colored. You jump straight from the boat into the water, this is one of the stops people remember.
10:40: Viking Cave, a short ten-minute stop. You view it from outside; there's no entry. Its name comes from the ancient boat paintings on its walls.
On the way, you pass through Maya Bay: The beach made famous by the movie. It is closed in August and September, and during the rest of the year you go down to it.
12:20, lunch in Koh Phi Phi Don, in Ton Sai Bay. This is the inhabited island, and there's time to walk around.
13:30: Monkey Beach. A troop of macaques lives there on the rocks and comes down to the beach. Photography, swimming and snorkeling.
14:00: Koh Kai Nai for an additional snorkeling round in shallow, clear water.
17:00: Return to Phuket.
Maya Bay
The beach from the movie. Closed for restoration in August and September.
Monkey Beach
Macaques on the rocks and going down to the beach. Don't hold food in your hand.
Koh Kai Nai
The last snorkeling stop: shallow, clear water.
The three options: what's the difference
And what is worth it
Speedboat It is the cheapest and fastest. You reach Koh Phi Phi in about an hour and have more time on the islands, but it Bouncing over the waves and the seating is cramped.
The fast catamaran much more stable, with An open deck and space to sit and move around. The difference is 600 THB for an adult and 400 for a child.
For those who suffer from seasickness, the catamaran is worth every penny. The crossing to Koh Phi Phi is longer than the one to the Racha Islands, and the sea along the way is open.
Maiton + Koh Phi Phi adds a first stop at Koh Maiton, which is much quieter than the other stops and dolphins are sometimes seen there. It costs the same as the catamaran, and it is by speedboat.
For most people The speedboat is the right choice. The catamaran is for those bothered by the sea, and Maiton is for those who've already been to Koh Phi Phi.
What to know about the season and about Maya Bay
The thing that most affects the day
Maya Bay is closed between August 1 and September 30 every year. This is an official closure for reef and beach restoration, and there is no exception to it.
During this period the trip still runs and all the other stops take place; the boat may pass outside the bay and view it from the water, depending on the weather.
also during the rest of the year Entry to the bay is regulated: There's no anchoring inside the bay, entry is from the back side, and there's a time limit. This is part of the restoration and it is enforced.
November to April, the sea is calm and the water is clear. May to October, the trip runs most days, but the sea is choppier.
High seas cancel the day, and then you get an alternative date or a full refund.
Who this suits
And what is the alternative
This suits those who want to see Koh Phi Phi, this is the island most associated with Thailand, and its scenery truly lives up to expectations.
Family friendly, especially on the catamaran. The stops are varied and short, and the monkeys always target the kids.
Less suitable For those looking for quiet, these are among the most visited sites in Thailand, and in season there are many boats there.
Anyone who wants A shorter, closer sea day, the Racha and Coral Islands depart from Chalong Pier and return at 16:00.
and whoever is looking for the the clearest water, the Similan Islands, but they're a much longer day and closed for half the year.
What to bring and how to behave at the sites
and especially at Monkey Beach
Swimsuit, towel, a change of clothes, and shoes that can get wet.
Plenty of sunscreen and a waterproof phone case, you go into the water at several stops.
At Monkey Beach: don't feed them and don't hold bags or food in your hand. The macaques there are completely used to people, and they snatch glasses, bottles and bags.
Don't touch the coral. and don't stand on them. The park enforces this.
Those prone to seasickness, A pill an hour before departure, or choosing the catamaran.
Gallery
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What to know before you book
Is Maya Bay open?
Most of the year, yes. It is officially closed between August 1 and September 30 for environmental restoration, and then the trip still runs and all the other stops take place.
What's the difference between the three options?
The speedboat is the cheapest and fastest but bumpy. The catamaran is much more stable, with an open deck, 600 THB more. The third option adds Koh Maiton by speedboat.
What is Koh Maiton?
An island much quieter than the other stops, and dolphins are sometimes seen there. It is added as the first stop of the day, and its price is the same as the catamaran.
Are the park fees included?
Yes, in all three options.
Where is the pickup from?
Kamala, Nakalay, Kata, Karon, Patong, Kalim, Tri Trang and Phuket Town. Times: 07:15–07:30 to Kamala, Nakalay, Kata and Karon; 07:30–07:45 to Patong, Kalim and Tri Trang; 08:00–08:15 to Phuket Town.
How long does the day last?
Departure from the pier at 09:20 and return to Phuket at 17:00. With transfers, this is a day that starts around 07:15.
What about the monkeys at Monkey Beach?
They are completely used to people and snatch things. Don't feed them and don't hold bags, food, bottles or glasses in your hand.
What about seasickness?
The crossing to Koh Phi Phi is long and the sea along the way is open. The catamaran is much more stable, or a pill an hour before departure.
From what age is a child counted?
4 to 12. Adult is 13 and up.
What happens if the sea is rough?
The trip is cancelled by the operator, and then you get an alternative date or a full refund. This does not count as a cancellation on your part.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, a change of clothes, shoes that can get wet, plenty of sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case.
How far in advance should you book?
At least one day ahead, until 18:00 Thailand time.
