Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Day Tour from Khao Lak

Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay

Phi Phi Leh is the smaller, wilder of the two main Phi Phi Islands, an uninhabited mass of limestone cliffs rising straight from turquoise water. On its western side lies Maya Bay, a perfect half-moon of white sand enclosed by towering walls of rock. To protect the recovering coral, boats now drop visitors at a jetty on the back of the island, and a short boardwalk leads through the forest to the beach.

Swimming is not allowed at Maya Bay, but standing on the soft sand with the cliffs all around is unforgettable, especially in the quiet of the early morning. Expect about 20 minutes here. A Maya Bay tour that arrives early, like this one, gives you the best light for photos and far fewer people than the late-morning boats.

Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave and Monkey Beach

On the eastern side of Phi Phi Leh, the speedboat slips through a narrow gap in the cliffs into Pileh Lagoon, an enclosed pool of emerald water surrounded by sheer limestone walls. This is your first chance to swim, with around 40 minutes to float in the calm, warm water and take in one of the most beautiful spots in the Andaman Sea.

The boat then passes Viking Cave, where swiftlets nest high in the cave walls and local collectors still climb bamboo scaffolding to gather the nests; entry is not permitted, so you see it from the water. Next comes Monkey Beach, a small cove where wild macaques gather on the sand. Watch them from a distance and never feed them.

Phi Phi Don Viewpoint

Phi Phi Don is the larger, inhabited island, shaped like two green hills joined by a narrow strip of sand between two bays. This early tour includes the hike up to the Phi Phi Don viewpoint, a climb of about 20 to 30 minutes on steps and paths through the trees, with the viewpoint fee included.

From the top you look down on the famous double curve of Ton Sai and Loh Dalum bays, with the village between them and the cliffs of the island all around. It is one of the most photographed views in Thailand and well worth the effort. Allow about an hour in total, and bring water, a hat and comfortable sandals or shoes for the climb.

Snorkelling off Phi Phi Don

After the viewpoint, the speedboat moves to a sheltered reef off Phi Phi Don for a long snorkelling stop of about an hour. The water here is usually clear and calm, and the coral gardens attract parrotfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors and sometimes small reef sharks resting near the bottom.

Snorkelling masks, fins where available and life jackets are provided, and the guide gives a short briefing for first-timers. Children who can swim enjoy it with an adult close by, and non-swimmers can float comfortably in a life jacket. For anyone searching for a Phi Phi speedboat tour with real snorkelling time, this generous stop is a big advantage of the early schedule.

Bamboo Island

The final stop is Bamboo Island, a low, flat island a short ride north of Phi Phi Don with a ring of powdery white sand and shallow, crystal-clear water. Lunch is served here, followed by free time to relax on the beach, swim or snorkel from the shore over patches of coral close to the sand.

Bamboo Island is part of the same national park, and its calm lagoon-like water is perfect for younger swimmers. Spend about an hour soaking it in before the speedboat ride back to the pier. The best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands is from November to April, when the sea is calm and the water at its clearest.