Reviewed · PHI PHI ISLANDS TOURS
Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat
Phi Phi looks better when you dodge the crowds. This private VIP speedboat plan from Phuket gives you that chance, with a roundtrip hotel pickup and a day that can be adjusted to how you want to spend it. I especially like the ease of getting from your hotel to Boat Lagoon without wrestling with transport.
I also like that snorkeling gear and bottled water are included, so you can focus on the views instead of shopping for basics. One possible drawback: the day is boat-timed, so plan to start early and stay flexible if conditions aren’t ideal, since this trip needs good weather.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Private Phi Phi speedboat: why this style works
- Getting to Boat Lagoon: VIP van, check-in, and a calm start
- What to watch for
- Maya Bay: your best bet is good timing and a quick game plan
- A practical approach for your visit
- Monkey Beach: fun scenery, plus basic monkey etiquette
- Keep it simple and respectful
- Bamboo Island: water time and why the gear matters
- What this stop is best for
- A realistic expectation
- Phi Phi Don: the longest sightseeing window for the big-picture day
- Why this timing is valuable
- Loh Samah Bay (listed as Loh Da Lum Bay): the quieter bay finish
- Best use of your 45 minutes
- What’s included (and what it means for your wallet)
- Included with the tour
- Not included
- The private-group feel: up to 8 people, more control
- One real tip from the kind of feedback this tour gets
- The weather factor: plan for flexibility, not perfect conditions
- What to pack for a day that’s equal parts boat and beach
- How long should you plan for?
- Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for
- Should you book this Phi Phi Maya Bay VIP boat trip?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How many people is this tour for?
- Where does pickup happen?
- What’s the duration of the Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat tour?
- What stops are included in the itinerary?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- What’s not included in the price?
- What happens if weather is poor?
Key highlights at a glance

- Private, customizable schedule for a group of up to 8
- VIP van pickup and return from Phuket hotels to Boat Lagoon
- Maya Bay plus island stops like Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island
- Snorkeling equipment included and built-in water time
- National park fee on the day (not included), plus lunch not included
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Private Phi Phi speedboat: why this style works
Phi Phi Island is the kind of place where timing matters as much as the scenery. Going by a private speedboat charter is a smart way to reduce hassle and keep the day moving at your pace, instead of being locked into a big group’s rhythm.
This tour is set up as a private day plan, for only your group (up to 8 people). That matters because you’re not stuck waiting for ten different comfort levels or fighting for attention when you want a quick change in where you spend your time.
You also get an English-speaking guide and private transportation. Even if you’re traveling with friends, that combination usually turns a stressful “how do we get there?” day into a straightforward outing.
Getting to Boat Lagoon: VIP van, check-in, and a calm start

Your day begins with private pickup from your hotel by a VIP van. You’ll transfer to Boat Lagoon for check-in, and there’s tea and coffee before departure. That small touch helps a lot, especially if you’ve been told to show up early for the boat schedule.
This is also where the tour’s “private” feel starts to show. You’re not managing multiple transfers, and you’re not trying to coordinate separate rides with different pick-up points.
What to watch for
The tour duration is listed as about 4 to 10 hours, so your exact timing can shift based on boat schedules and conditions. In practice, you’ll want to treat this as a full day plan and keep your evening flexible.
Maya Bay: your best bet is good timing and a quick game plan

Maya Bay is the headline stop, and it’s one you’ll want to experience efficiently. The day includes a stop for Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island, with time to see the famous cliffs, clear water, and white sand.
Here’s the key: Maya Bay is popular, so your best experience comes from arriving with a plan. With a private setup, I like that you can spend your time how you prefer—photos first, a walk along the shore, then water time, or the reverse.
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A practical approach for your visit
If you’re photo-focused, aim to pick one direction to shoot from and stick with it for a while, instead of constantly switching spots. If you’re more about atmosphere, slow down and do the shoreline sweep—standing still for a few minutes usually gives you better sightlines than sprinting from one point to another.
Monkey Beach: fun scenery, plus basic monkey etiquette

After Maya Bay, you head to Monkey Beach. The tour description is clear about what to expect: clear turquoise water, lush greenery, and a beach area home to a playful troop of monkeys.
This stop is about 1 hour, which is a good length. You get time to enjoy the setting and take in the spectacle without feeling like you’re stuck for the whole afternoon.
Keep it simple and respectful
The tour data doesn’t spell out rules, so use common-sense monkey etiquette: keep your distance, don’t grab at wildlife, and keep your hands and snacks secure. You’ll get more fun out of the experience when you don’t turn it into a surprise encounter.
Also, plan your photos quickly and calmly. When monkeys are around, sudden movement can cause chaos fast.
Bamboo Island: water time and why the gear matters

Next up is Bamboo Island, with around 2 hours on location. This is a stop built for beach time and water views: clear water, coral reefs with marine life, and white sand.
One of the best value points of this tour is that snorkeling equipment is included. When gear is provided, you avoid the hassle of renting and you’re more likely to actually use your time in the water.
What this stop is best for
If you like short swims, quick snorkeling sessions, or just floating near the reef edge, Bamboo Island fits the bill. The description focuses on coral reefs and marine life, so it’s the kind of stop where good visibility and calmer water can make a difference.
A realistic expectation
You don’t have an unlimited, all-day snorkeling schedule here. It’s a timed visit, so come ready to use the gear right away and make the most of the window you’re given.
Phi Phi Don: the longest sightseeing window for the big-picture day

After the island stops, you get a longer block of time labeled for Phi Phi Islands (about 5 hours), described as a snorkeling and sightseeing tour. This is where your day shifts from “short highlight stops” into a bigger sense of place.
Five hours is enough to do more than one thing without feeling rushed. You can spend time sightseeing, then add snorkeling moments when conditions are right.
Why this timing is valuable
A lot of Phi Phi schedules feel like a string of quick photo stops. This one gives you a chunk of time so the day doesn’t blur together. Even if you’re not the type who loves snorkeling, that longer window often helps you understand the island layout and the best viewpoints for photos.
Loh Samah Bay (listed as Loh Da Lum Bay): the quieter bay finish

The last scenic stop is Loh Samah Bay, also shown as Loh Da Lum Bay in the schedule. It’s a shorter visit (about 45 minutes), but the description is strong on scenery: clear water, white sand, and tall limestone cliffs.
This kind of final stop is useful. It gives you an option to slow down after busier stops and end the day with a view that feels more relaxed and coastal.
Best use of your 45 minutes
Since the time is short, don’t try to do everything. Pick one shoreline area for photos, then do a quick walk for angles and a final look at the cliffs and water color.
If you’re the type who likes a last swim, bring your swim-friendly gear ready to go so you’re not wasting your precious minutes.
What’s included (and what it means for your wallet)

Let’s talk value, because private tours can look expensive until you break down what you actually get.
Included with the tour
- Private transportation with roundtrip service from Phuket hotels
- English-speaking guide
- Bottled water
- Soda/pop
- Snorkeling equipment
- Private boat experience with mobile ticket
- Admission tickets listed as included for multiple stops (Boat Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and Phi Phi Islands)
Not included
- Lunch
- National park fee (paid at the spot)
You’re also paying $1,420.29 per group (up to 8). If you’re traveling with a full group, that price becomes much easier to justify. If it’s just two people, it’s still a premium experience, but the value mainly comes from the private transport, the reduced coordination stress, and the time savings compared to cobbling together public routes.
The private-group feel: up to 8 people, more control
This is where the “private” label matters in a real way. Your group is the only group on the charter, so you’re not navigating sudden schedule changes created by other passengers.
The tour is also described as fully private and customizable. That’s important because Phi Phi days can go two ways: you either rush through everything, or you slow down and spend time where you personally care. Customization is what helps you choose.
One real tip from the kind of feedback this tour gets
Start early. The praise for the experience includes the idea that private tours are excellent, but you shouldn’t sleep in. When you begin early, you have more chance to enjoy each stop instead of feeling like you’re constantly racing the schedule.
The weather factor: plan for flexibility, not perfect conditions
The tour notes that it requires good weather. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
That’s the practical side of boat days in this region. Even if the itinerary looks set, the ocean decides what happens. So if your Phuket trip has only one free day, try to avoid booking this as your only option.
What to pack for a day that’s equal parts boat and beach
The info doesn’t list a packing checklist, so I’ll keep this tied to what the day likely involves: boat time, beach time, and snorkeling.
Bring:
- A swimsuit you can wear under quick-dry layers
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Water shoes if you prefer safer footing
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
- A light change of clothes for after
Since snorkeling equipment is provided, you don’t need to rent it. Still, you’ll enjoy the day more if you show up ready to use it fast.
How long should you plan for?
The duration is listed as about 4 to 10 hours. That range usually comes from boat schedules, travel time from Phuket, and changing conditions.
If you’re someone who likes to plan your whole day, keep this in mind: you might get a shorter outing on a smooth-weather day, but you should expect the possibility of extra time depending on what the water allows.
Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for
At $1,420.29 per group (up to 8), this isn’t a budget day trip. But it’s priced like a “you don’t have to manage a thing” experience.
You’re paying for:
- Private hotel pickup and return by VIP van
- Private speedboat charter style experience
- English-speaking guide support across multiple stops
- Snorkeling gear included
- Admission tickets covered for several key points
The main caution is that you’ll still want extra spending for lunch and the national park fee paid on-site. Even with those added costs, the total can still feel fair if you value convenience and want a day that feels tailored instead of rushed.
Should you book this Phi Phi Maya Bay VIP boat trip?
Book it if you want a smooth, private day that focuses on the big Phi Phi highlights without the hassle of organizing transport and juggling a long public itinerary. It’s also a strong choice if your group can fill up more of the up-to-8 capacity, because the per-person value gets much better.
Skip it or think twice if you hate schedule constraints. This is a boat-day plan, and you’ll get the best outcome by starting early and being flexible with weather. If you’re booking during a weather-prone window, make sure you have backup time in your Phuket schedule.
FAQ
FAQ
How many people is this tour for?
It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates, with up to 8 people per group.
Where does pickup happen?
Private roundtrip service is offered from all Phuket hotel locations, using a VIP van for the transfer to Boat Lagoon.
What’s the duration of the Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat tour?
The tour duration is approximately 4 to 10 hours.
What stops are included in the itinerary?
The itinerary includes Boat Lagoon, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Islands, and Loh Samah Bay (listed as Loh Da Lum Bay).
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and soda/pop.
What’s not included in the price?
Lunch is not included, and the national park fee must be paid at the spot.
What happens if weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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