Maya Bay, Phiphi Island & Khai Day Trip with transfer from Phuket

A peek into Phuket’s best day trip — Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands & Khai Island

This day trip from Phuket offers a packed itinerary that hits all the major highlights of the Phi Phi and Khai Islands without the need for an overnight stay. You’ll visit iconic sights like Maya Bay, known from The Beach, explore the vibrant marine life with snorkeling gear, and relax on pristine beaches at Khai Nok, Nai, and Khai Island. At a price point of just over $100 per person—an accessible way to see some of Thailand’s most celebrated islands—this tour balances adventure, comfort, and value.

What we really like about this experience is the organized itinerary and the included transfers, which make logistics straightforward. Plus, the tour combines sightseeing, relaxing beach time, and snorkeling, making it ideal for those who want a well-rounded day—especially visitors short on time. That said, one thing to consider is the long travel day—about 9 to 10 hours—so it’s best suited for travelers with a good level of energy and a love for packed days of exploration.

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning scenery, easy logistics, and authentic beach experiences, this trip is likely to suit you. It’s perfect for first-time visitors to Phuket or those eager to cover many highlights in a single day. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or an in-depth experience, you might prefer spending more time on fewer islands.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary includes at least eight stops across five islands, covering both famous sights and lesser-known beaches.
• Included snorkeling gear helps you discover vibrant reefs and marine life.
• Convenient transfers from popular Phuket locations like Patong, Karon, Kata, and Phuket Town simplify logistics.
• Time at Maya Bay is one hour—enough to take photos but limited by national park regulations.
• Lunch on Phi Phi Don is included, with a scenic beachfront setting that enhances the experience.
• Multiple reviews highlight the quality guides, breathtaking views, and excellent value for money.
• Traffic after the trip can be lengthy, with some reviewers noting up to two hours in a van—so be prepared for a long day.
• Small group size (max 37 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Start at Ko Phi Phi Don: Your day kicks off early with pickup around 7:30 am at the meeting point in Phuket’s Royal Phuket Marina. From there, your boat adventure begins. The first stop involves about 30 minutes at a prime snorkeling spot and a visit to Monkey Beach. Reviewers have enjoyed spotting monkeys here, and snorkelers found the waters pleasant for a quick swim.

Lunch on Phi Phi Don: After some water fun, you’ll head to a beachside restaurant with a private area overlooking the sea. This hour-long break offers a chance to explore the island a little more and refuel with a local meal. Many reviews mention the good quality of the food and the scenic setting, making it a relaxing mid-point.

Viking Cave: A brief 10-minute visit to Viking Cave offers a quick peek at the historic site famous for its bird’s nest harvesting. While not a lengthy stop, it provides a glimpse into local island life.

Pileh Bay and Blue Lagoon: The next stop is Pileh Bay, a striking cove with clear, calm waters perfect for swimming. The timing is dependent on water tides, so expect some variability. The 30-minute swim at the blue lagoon is a highlight for many, with reviewers describing it as a “beautiful water spot” to cool off.

Maya Bay: One of the trip’s legendary highlights, Maya Bay, gets a full hour. Though part of a national park with an entrance fee, your guide handles all arrangements. Visitors mention the beautiful scenery, but also note that this spot can be crowded, and access is regulated to protect its natural beauty.

Khai Islands: The final major stop is Khai Nok Island, where sunbathing, swimming, and water sports abound. With a full hour here, many enjoy relaxing on the white sand beaches, taking photos, and partaking in water activities. Reviewers praise the beautiful beaches and the relaxing vibe.

Return to Phuket: After a full day of sightseeing and fun, the tour concludes with a return transfer to the starting point. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy journey back, with some travelers mentioning up to two hours stuck in traffic—so perhaps bring a book or some snacks.

What Travelers Say

Reviews are generally very positive, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 8 reviews. Many praise the well-organized nature of the trip and the knowledgeable guides who make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. For example, reviewers appreciated guides’ attention to safety and their helpfulness, making snorkeling and island exploration feel accessible—even for first-timers.

One reviewer mentioned how they loved the breathtaking views and found the trip “worth it,” noting that “one day is not enough,” which underscores just how stunning these islands are. Several reviews also highlight the value for money, especially considering all the included stops, lunch, and transfers.

However, there are some comments about traffic congestion upon return, which can make the day feel a bit longer. A few travelers also mentioned that the snorkeling was okay but not spectacular, so don’t expect extensive reef exploration unless you’re a seasoned snorkeler.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Transportation and Group Size

The tour offers round-trip transfers from key Phuket locations, which means you won’t have to worry about arranging your own transport—an advantage for ease and comfort. The group size is capped at 37 travelers, helping maintain a friendly atmosphere and ensuring you get enough attention from guides.

Duration and Timing

Starting early at 7:30 am, expect to spend roughly 9 to 10 hours on this adventure. The schedule is tight but thoughtfully planned to maximize island time, with most stops lasting between 30 minutes to an hour. Keep in mind that the return journey can be lengthy, especially if traffic is heavy.

Cost and Value

At approximately $110 per person, this tour offers good value for a full day of sightseeing, snorkeling, and beach relaxation. The included lunch and transfers add convenience, and the multiple stops mean you get a variety of experiences—beaches, nature, wildlife, and stunning viewpoints.

What’s Not Included

While the tour covers most major attractions, Maya Bay entrance fees are not included, and you’ll need to pay that separately if you wish to stay longer or take photos. Snorkeling gear is provided, but if you have your own, bringing it along might enhance your experience.

The Sum Up

This Phuket day trip to the Phi Phi and Khai Islands is an excellent choice for travelers who crave a full day of island-hopping, stunning scenery, and underwater exploration—all without the hassle of overnight logistics. The well-structured itinerary ensures you see the best highlights, from Maya Bay’s famous beaches to the peaceful Khai Islands.

Expect fantastic views, helpful guides, and the chance to snorkel in vibrant waters. The included transfers and lunch make it a hassle-free experience, especially appealing for those short on time. However, be prepared for a long day, especially if the traffic slows down your return.

Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a taste of Thailand’s iconic islands, this tour balances adventure and relaxation in a way that feels both authentic and well-organized. If you’re after a memorable, value-packed day out that captures the essence of Phuket’s natural beauty, this trip is worth considering.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:30 am, with pickup from designated Phuket locations.

How long does the entire trip last?
Expect about 9 to 10 hours, including transfers, island stops, and travel time back to Phuket.

Are meals included?
Yes, a local lunch is included on Ko Phi Phi Don, served at a scenic beachfront restaurant.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, making it easy to explore the reefs and marine life.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour limits group size to 37 travelers to ensure a more personal experience.

How much time is spent at Maya Bay?
You’ll have around one hour at Maya Bay—enough for photos and enjoying the scenery, but the area is regulated and can be crowded.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Maya Bay is part of a national park, so an entrance fee is applicable but handled by your guide—just be prepared for that additional cost.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since the schedule is fixed and managed by the operator, customizing is limited. However, guides are usually accommodating within the set plan.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, with moderate activity levels and organized transfers, it is suitable for most ages, provided participants are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and boat travel.

This full-day Phuket trip captures the essence of Thailand’s stunning islands, offering a balance of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty—all wrapped up in an easy-to-book package that’s great value for money.