Phuket Giant Water Lilies & Temple Tour – Private & All-Inclusive

Phuket Giant Water Lilies & Temple Tour – Private & All-Inclusive Review

If you’re looking for a thoughtfully curated day in Phuket that mixes nature’s marvels with cultural gems, the Phuket Giant Water Lilies & Temple Tour offers a compelling package. Priced at around $118 per person, this private experience is tailored for travelers who appreciate comfort, personalized attention, and authentic sights. From floating on enormous lily pads to wandering historic temples, it’s a well-rounded way to spend a half day exploring some of Phuket’s most enchanting spots.

One thing we really like about this tour is the exclusive transportation—an air-conditioned vehicle that makes moving between sites effortless and comfortable. The cherry on top? The drone photos and professional guidance that elevate your visit from ordinary sightseeing to memorable photo sessions. However, the temples, while fascinating, may not appeal to everyone if they’re not particularly interested in spiritual or cultural sites, especially given some comments about cleanliness. This tour suits those who want a mix of nature, history, and stunning photo opportunities in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Private, all-inclusive experience ensures comfort and personalized service.
• Stunning water lilies at Ma Doo Bua provide unique photo opportunities, including drone shots.
• Cultural visits to four historic temples offer a glimpse into Phuket’s spiritual side.
• Professional guides and photography enhance the experience, capturing memories.
• Convenient transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle minimizes hassle.
• Cost-value balance makes this tour appealing for those wanting comprehensive sightseeing without hassle.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

This tour’s structure is designed to maximize your time and experience, while keeping the journey smooth and relaxing. Here’s what you can expect at each stop.

Ma Doo Bua: Water Lilies Like You’ve Never Seen

Your adventure kicks off at Ma Doo Bua, located in the Thalang district. This isn’t just any pond—it’s home to the Victoria Amazonica, the largest water lily in the world, famous for its enormous, flat, round leaves that can support the weight of a small child. We loved the way this stop combines natural wonder with the chance for spectacular photos. Tour reviews highlight how memorable it is to stand on these giant lily pads, a surreal experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

What sets this part apart is the drone shot opportunity. You’ll be able to get a picture of your group on a long-tail boat surrounded by the giant lilies—an image that looks straight out of a magazine. The inclusion of admission to the lily pond makes this a seamless experience; all the logistics are handled, so you can focus on soaking in the view and snapping some incredible shots.

Wat Phra Thong: A Temple Steeped in History

Next, the tour visits Wat Phra Thong, known for its half-buried golden Buddha. This temple isn’t just visually striking; it’s also one of the oldest on the island, dating back many generations. In fact, it was officially named after a visit from King Rama VI in 1909, giving it a royal stamp of historical significance.

Travelers note that this temple offers an authentic look at local religious practices. The grounds are well-preserved, and the admission is included, making it easy to explore without extra costs. The temple’s significance is amplified by its history—built during a time when Thalang was a vital city—and its mix of Thai and Chinese influences, which visitors find particularly intriguing.

Wat Sri Sunthon: The Sleeping Buddha and Welcoming Atmosphere

A short drive takes you to Wat Sri Sunthon—a temple featuring one of the most impressive Sleeping Buddha sculptures in Phuket. Standing at 29 meters, this serene figure dominates the central building, giving you a peaceful, awe-inspiring moment. The other notable feature is the collection of nine smaller Buddha statues, each facing the entrance, as if inviting visitors in.

Many reviews mention how welcoming and well-maintained this temple feels. It’s a peaceful spot that offers a chance to reflect while appreciating the artistry and spiritual significance. The admission fee is included, and visitors will find it easy to wander around and take photos without feeling rushed or crowded.

Wat Phra Nang Sang: A Historical Gem with Cultural Fusion

The last temple stop is Wat Phra Nang Sang, built over 200 years ago. Its architecture reflects a blending of Chinese and Thai mythology, making it visually and culturally fascinating. Historically, this site was also a battlefield during the Burma war in 1785, adding layers of historical depth.

Reviewers highlight that this temple’s unique architectural style makes it worth the visit, especially for those interested in history and culture. The grounds are picturesque, with quiet corners perfect for photos. After exploring, the tour returns to your hotel, closing a day packed with scenery and stories.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The all-inclusive aspect of this tour truly enhances the experience. You travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle—a significant advantage compared to group tours that sometimes involve long waits or crowded transportation. The bottled water keeps you hydrated, and the professional drone and photography services mean you leave with high-quality souvenirs of your trip.

However, the drone videos come at an extra charge, and tips for guides are not included. Interestingly, some reviews mention guides like Aom, Nadcha, Natty, and Patty—all praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making a big difference in how enjoyable the day is. One guest particularly appreciated how guide Nick went above and beyond, capturing stunning photos and sharing insightful information.

Timing and Duration

The tour lasts approximately five hours, starting at 8:00 am. This timeframe offers enough time to enjoy each site thoroughly while avoiding the fatigue that longer days can induce. The schedule includes buffer time for photo sessions and temple exploration, which many travelers find valuable.

Groups and Privacy

Being a private tour, your group enjoys a tailored experience—no noisy crowds or unnecessary stops. This setup means you can ask questions, linger at your favorite spots, and have the guides focus entirely on your group’s interests.

The Experience from Real Travelers’ Perspectives

Several reviewers have praised the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. For instance, Sandrine loved how guide Aom made learning about each temple enjoyable and helped with photography. Johana raved about her guide Nadcha, describing her as kind, helpful, and attentive, which made the experience unforgettable.

The photo opportunities are consistently highlighted as a major plus, with many guests mentioning how guides like Nick and Hnoo captured incredible shots, often sharing them instantly via AirDrop. These moments turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable photoshoot, perfect for social media or keepsakes.

Other visitors praised the sight of the giant water lilies—a true highlight that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere. They also appreciated the peaceful temples and the chance to learn about local traditions, especially when the guides explained the significance of the Buddhist statues and historical sites.

Notable Criticisms

A small handful of travelers voiced disappointment, mainly about temples’ cleanliness or feeling that the tour was a bit overpriced for just taking pictures. One review pointed out the bird droppings on the temples, which can detract from the aesthetic, but this is largely environmental and outside the tour’s control. Another reviewer felt the temples and water lily stops could be visited independently for less, but many appreciated the convenience and guided insight that came with the package.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price point of $118—which covers private transportation, all entry fees, bottled water, and professional photography—the value is solid, especially for travelers who want a hassle-free day with memorable photos and cultural insights. The personalized service and the chance to avoid crowded spots make it stand out from DIY visits.

The inclusion of multiple temples ensures you get a well-rounded cultural experience, and the unique water lilies provide a visual spectacle that’s worth the trip. Many reviews say that guides like Patty, Natty, and Nu elevate the experience with their friendliness, local knowledge, and helpfulness.

The photo opportunities truly make this a special experience—whether you’re a keen photographer or just want high-quality keepsakes, the drone shots and guide-led photography are a real highlight.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers wanting a relaxed, private tour with a mix of nature and culture. It’s perfect for those who value personalized attention and professional photos to remember their trip. If you enjoy exploring historic sites and snapping great pictures, you’ll find this tour very satisfying.

Readers who appreciate comfort and convenience will appreciate the private transportation and all-inclusiveness, making the day smooth and enjoyable without stress. It’s also a good choice for families, couples, or small groups who want a curated experience with flexible timings.

Final Thoughts

The Phuket Giant Water Lilies & Temple Tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural wonder, cultural discovery, and memorable photography. It’s clear that the guides’ local knowledge and attention to detail elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing day. While some might find the temples a bit less pristine than hoped, the overall value, ease, and personalized touches make this a worthwhile option for many travelers.

This tour shines brightest for those who want a private, hassle-free way to explore Phuket’s unique sites with a knowledgeable guide and plenty of photo opportunities. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want an easy, engaging day out, it’s a solid choice that leaves many guests with lasting memories.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it convenient to start your day comfortably from your hotel.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes approximately 5 hours, starting at 8:00 am.

Are all entrance fees included?
Yes, all fees for the lily pond and temples are covered in the price.

Can I get drone videos of my trip?
Drone photos are included, but drone videos are available at an extra charge.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is private, making it suitable for families or small groups who want a relaxed, customized experience.

What guides have received the best reviews?
Guests have praised guides like Aom, Nadcha, Natty, Patty, and Nick for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, especially for the lily pad photo, but dress accordingly for temple visits—respectful attire is appreciated.

Can I visit the temples independently instead of booking this tour?
Yes, but many find that the convenience, guided insights, and photography services provided here make the tour a worthwhile investment.

This private and all-inclusive tour offers an excellent way to see Phuket’s iconic water lilies and historic temples without the hassle. With professional guides, beautiful scenery, and memorable photo moments, it’s a well-rounded choice for a relaxed yet immersive day in Thailand.