Phi Phi from Phuket is a classic Thailand day trip. This full-day cruise strings together the big-name sights like Maya Bay and Viking Cave, then gives you real beach time on Phi Phi Don.

I especially like that lunch is included, so you’re not spending the day hunting food. I also like the round-trip transfer option, which makes the logistics much easier than DIY.

The main thing to watch: the boat experience can be hit-or-miss, especially if you end up in the lower tier with limited window views.

Key things to know before you go

• Maya Bay is a viewpoint stop, not a long hangout—plan on photos more than beach time
• You get 3–4 hours on Phi Phi Don, enough for swimming, relaxing, and lunch
• Coral Bay snorkeling is optional and costs extra (THB 400)
• Free pickup is limited to Patong, Kata, and Karon areas; other areas may pay extra or meet elsewhere
• Boat seating quality varies—bring realistic expectations about windows and comfort
• Maximum group size is 25, so it’s not a cattle-ship crowd-control situation

The big picture: what this Phi Phi cruise gets right

This is a value-focused Phi Phi Islands day cruise. For around $20, you’re paying for the essentials: transportation from Phuket, guided sightseeing from the water, life jackets, and lunch on the island. That’s the sweet spot—lots of payoff for relatively low cost.

What makes the day work is the pacing. You start early from Rassada Pier (with pickup), then you’re out on the water for the famous “from-the-boat” views. Later, you shift gears to the island—where you can actually swim and cool off.

The tradeoff is that a lot of the day is still spent on the boat. If you’re the type who wants quick transfers and minimal cruising, you might feel the hours more than you expect. And since this tour uses a large multi-tier boat, your comfort can depend heavily on where you sit.

Getting to Rassada Pier: how the day starts (7:30 am)

The tour starts at 7:30 am at Rassada Pier/Rassada Harbour. If you chose pickup, they collect you from your hotel and bring you to the pier. You’ll also find practical stuff there: there are restrooms, and you can buy coffee, tea, and snacks.

Two timing tips help your day go smoothly:

• Arrive a little early at your pickup point so you don’t feel rushed in the dark morning chaos.
• If you’re sensitive to mornings on the water, grab a snack before boarding. The pier has options, which can save you later.

Pickup is where you should pay attention. Free pickup is only listed for Patong, Kata, and Karon. If your hotel is farther out, you may have to pay extra or meet at another location.

The cruise segment: Maya Bay, Loh Samah, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach

After boarding, the day becomes a string of viewing moments as you cruise along Phi Phi Lay and pass key coastal landmarks.

Maya Bay view: treat it like a photo moment

You’ll catch a view of Maya Bay from the boat. This matters because Maya Bay is often where people want to linger, but on this itinerary it’s more of a scenic drive-by than a prolonged stop.

Here’s the practical way to handle it: if Maya Bay is your #1 priority, spend your time on the water for the photo angles, then shift your focus to the longer island stop on Phi Phi Don. You’ll get more personal beach time where you can actually swim and relax.

Loh Samah Bay: another classic coastline pass

As you cruise past Loh Samah Bay, you’ll get more of the Phi Phi “wow” factor. Expect photo opportunities and changing views from the boat rather than a dedicated shoreline hangout. Bring sunscreen for sun and wind—boat time can trick you into thinking it’s not as hot as it is.

Viking Cave: you’ll see it from the route

You also get a view of the Viking Cave as you cruise along. This isn’t a walking or viewpoint platform stop on this itinerary. It’s a sight from the water, so don’t plan on exploring the area—just enjoy the view as part of the scenic route.

Monkey Beach cliffs: yes, you might spot monkeys

You’ll pass cliffs where you may see monkeys. The itinerary even hints you might take an extra long-tail boat trip from Phi Phi Island to get closer to the monkeys and even feed them bananas.

That optional add-on can be fun if you want something more interactive. Just keep expectations grounded: monkeys are wild animals, and sightings aren’t guaranteed.

The big “boat comfort” reality check

One of the most consistent themes from real-world feedback is that boat comfort can vary, especially because this is described as a multi-tier boat. If you land in a lower tier with small windows, your sea views may be limited unless you change your position or stand.

So how do you plan around that?

• Choose a seat early if you can (or try to move smartly right after boarding).
• Keep your expectations realistic: you’re there for the islands, not for luxury lounge seating.
• Bring a light layer. The wind can be strong enough to feel cool even in the sun.

This is one reason I’d call this cruise “good value,” not “high comfort.” You’re paying budget prices, so the tradeoff is the overall ride experience.

Ao Ton Sai Pier and Phi Phi Don: your 3–4 hours on the island

The cruise embarks on Ao Ton Sai Pier. This is the part of the day that usually delivers the biggest payoff, because you get about 3–4 hours on the island.

That time is your chance to do what the boat can’t: swim, relax, and reset. You also get lunch here, included as part of the tour.

What you can do with the island time

In plain terms, you have enough time to:

• get into the water (or at least cool off near the shoreline),
• find a good spot to sit with a drink,
• eat lunch without it feeling rushed.

Try not to treat the island time like it’s a full-day resort stay. Think of it as a strong island “session” sandwiched between boat viewing and optional add-ons.

Lunch included: Thai lunch, and double-check if you want Indian food

Lunch is included. The description frames it as Thai lunch, and that’s what you should assume you’ll get.

If you booked with expectations of Indian lunch specifically, this is worth verifying before you go. A reported issue was that some departures ended up with Thai set lunch when people expected something else. Even if that doesn’t happen every time, it’s a good example of why checking preferences matters.

For your own planning: if you’re picky about cuisine, bring a small backup snack you can rely on.

Optional Coral Bay snorkeling: the only paid add-on

If you want more water time, the tour offers an extra stop option at Coral Bay.

• Cost: THB 400 paid locally
• Time: about 1.5 hours for snorkeling/swimming
• Schedule note: you return to Phi Phi Don around 12:30 to have lunch at the restaurant

This option is ideal if you’re the type who wants actual snorkeling rather than just shoreline swimming. The timing also helps: the itinerary is set up so you’re back in time for lunch.

If you skip Coral Bay, you can still enjoy your 3–4 hours on Phi Phi Don without the extra boat portion. Decide based on your swimming comfort and what you came for—views only, or views plus water activity.

When the day feels long: why you might feel “more boat than beach”

Some people come away feeling that the boat takes up too much of the day. Even if the itinerary is standard, the experience can still feel long because:

• the cruise segment includes multiple viewing passes,
• the morning transfer and early start add time,
• your real island time is limited to a few hours.

So here’s the best way to think about it: this tour is a “see from the water, swim on the island” format. You’re not signing up for a slow, fully flexible island day. If you want that, you’ll probably prefer a different style of tour with fewer viewing passes and more dock time.

Price and value: does ~$20 make sense for Phi Phi?

At about $20, this cruise is very affordable for a full-day Phi Phi day trip. The value comes from what you get included:

• round-trip transfer
• English-speaking licensed guide
• life jacket
• lunch

In other words, you’re not paying separately for the basics.

Where value gets tested is in comfort and meal expectations:

• Lower-tier seating can mean limited views.
• Lunch should be Thai, and if you want something specific, you should confirm.

If you want the Phi Phi highlights without spending a premium on private boats, this is a reasonable choice. If comfort and meal certainty matter most, you might find yourself happier with a pricier option where fewer things can go sideways.

Who this tour is for (and who should skip it)

I think this one fits best if you:

• want a budget-friendly Phi Phi day from Phuket,
• like the idea of big-name stops like Maya Bay and Viking Cave (as boat views),
• are okay with the day being partly on the water,
• want included lunch and don’t want to plan your own logistics.

It’s less ideal if you:

• care a lot about boat views and don’t want limited windows,
• are very particular about the type of lunch you want,
• hate crowded, tour-style timing (this is a group day, with a max of 25, but it’s still a shared schedule).

Weather and timing: plan like you’re on a tropical clock

This cruise requires good weather. If conditions are poor enough that the tour needs to change, you should expect a different date or a full refund. Tropical weather can be unpredictable, so build in flexibility.

Also, with an early start, don’t schedule anything stressful the night before. A calm evening makes the 7:30 am start feel easier.

Should you book Travstore Phi Phi Cruise with lunch included?

I’d book it if your priority is value + classic sights + at least a few hours to swim, and you’re okay with cruise-style timing and possible seating compromises.

I’d skip or upgrade if:

• you need guaranteed sea views from where you sit,
• your lunch requirement is specific (and you don’t want any chance of mismatch),
• you want a more relaxed, less boat-heavy day.

My practical booking rule

If you’re the type who can adapt—photo stop, then beach time—you’ll likely be happy. If you’re the type who wants comfort and certainty above all, use the extra money to buy peace of mind.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the Phi Phi cruise start?

The tour start time is 7:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 to 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip transfer is included. Free pickup is listed only for Patong, Kata, and Karon. If your hotel is farther out, you may have to pay extra or meet at an alternate location.

What’s included in the price?

Included are round-trip transfer, an English speaking licensed guide, a life jacket, and lunch.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling/swimming at Coral Bay is not included. It’s available as an optional add-on.

How much does the Coral Bay snorkeling add-on cost?

The Coral Bay snorkeling/swimming add-on costs THB 400, paid locally.

Do I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes. The tour lists mobile ticket as a feature.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you tell me your hotel area in Phuket and what you care about most (Maya Bay photos vs. snorkeling vs. comfort), I can help you decide whether this one is a good match.