A Real Look at the 2025 Premium Phi Phi & Bamboo Island Tour
So, you’ve probably seen the pictures online, right? You know, those shots of longtail boats floating on water that looks like blue Gatorade, framed by giant limestone cliffs. Anyway, that’s pretty much what got me thinking about this Phi Phi Islands tour in the first place. I’ve heard people talk about how it can be, you know, sort of crowded and a little bit touristy. That is that, I decided to check out a ‘premium’ tour for 2025, sort of hoping it might offer a slightly different experience. To be honest, I was looking for that picture-perfect day, but, you know, with a little more comfort and maybe fewer elbows in my side. This whole thing is basically about what happened on that day, and if it’s actually worth the extra cash.
I mean, the whole idea of “premium” can mean a lot of different things, couldn’t it? For example, it could mean a better boat, a smaller group, or maybe just some fancier snacks. I frankly wasn’t sure what to expect. What I really wanted to know was simple: would this tour actually feel special, or was it just, like, the same package with a prettier label? I really hoped to find a day trip that felt a little bit like an adventure and a little bit like a proper vacation, all at once. My goal, at the end of the day, was to see if you could still find that bit of paradise magic everyone talks about, you know, without the hassle.
First Impressions: The Speedboat and the Crew
Alright, the day started off really early, with a pickup from the hotel that was surprisingly on time. Our ride to the pier was in a, like, very clean and air-conditioned minivan, which was a pretty good start. Once we got to the marina, things seemed, you know, sort of organized. There was this little waiting area where they served coffee and some light breakfast snacks, which was actually a nice touch. Instead of just a huge crowd, it felt more or less managed. The staff gave a briefing that was, frankly, very clear and pretty funny, which honestly helped everyone relax a little bit.
Now, let’s talk about the boat itself. Basically, this speedboat was quite new and seemed really well-maintained, unlike some older boats I’ve seen on other trips. There was actually enough space for everyone to sit comfortably, so you weren’t, like, knocking your knees with a stranger. The crew, I mean, they were just fantastic from the very beginning. They were handing out water and soft drinks pretty much constantly, and you could tell they were really on top of everything. It’s almost as if they genuinely wanted to make sure we had a good time, which isn’t always the case, you know? The feeling of leaving the pier, with the wind picking up and the sun just starting to get warm, was absolutely wonderful.
Maya Bay: Seeing the Legend for Real
As a matter of fact, the first big stop was Maya Bay, the place made famous by that Leonardo DiCaprio movie. Getting there early was obviously part of the premium plan, and it made a huge difference. The boat moors on the other side of the island now, which is a really good system, by the way. You have to, like, walk through a short nature path to get to the actual beach. And when you walk out onto the sand, honestly, it’s just stunning. The cliffs really do soar up around you, and the bay itself is this nearly perfect crescent of white sand. The water is, literally, fifty shades of blue and green. It’s definitely a spot where you just want to stand still and soak it all in for a minute.
Still, you need to know that there are some strict rules in place to protect the bay, which I think is a great idea, actually. For instance, you can’t swim in the main beach area anymore, which at first sounds like a bummer. But frankly, it keeps the view completely clear and pristine, just like in the postcards. You can wade in up to your knees, so you can still, you know, get your feet wet and take some incredible photos. The guides gave us plenty of time here, almost an hour, which felt like just enough. It wasn’t rushed, and because we were there a bit early, the crowds were, you know, kind of manageable before the main rush began.
Swimming in Pileh Lagoon & Glancing at Viking Cave
Okay, after Maya Bay, our next spot was Pileh Lagoon, and I mean, this was the real highlight for me. The speedboat actually sails right into this narrow entrance between two massive cliffs, and then, suddenly, you’re inside this huge natural swimming pool. The water here is, you know, an incredible emerald color, and it’s so calm and clear you can pretty much see all the way to the bottom. The crew stopped the boat and just said, “Alright, go for it!” They provided life jackets for anyone who wanted one, so people of all swimming abilities could, you know, hop in and float around. I honestly could have stayed there for hours.
It’s a little bit like swimming in a dream. The water is just the perfect temperature, and you’re completely surrounded by these towering green cliffs. It is a moment you sort of want to bottle up and take home with you.
Next, we slowly cruised past Viking Cave. As I was saying, you can’t go inside it, but the boat gets really close, so you can get a good look. The guide told us some interesting stories about the cave, for instance, about the bird’s nests that are harvested from there to make a traditional soup. It’s also called Viking Cave because there are some, like, really old paintings on the walls that sort of look like Viking ships, apparently. It was a quick stop, but still a really cool thing to see. It’s one of those spots that adds a bit of mystery and history to the day trip, you know?
A Relaxing Lunch and Chilling on Bamboo Island
Frankly, after all that swimming, I was pretty hungry. We pulled up to a beachfront restaurant on one of the main Phi Phi islands for a buffet lunch. I mean, my expectations for tour food are usually pretty low, to be honest. But this was actually really, really good. They had a huge spread of Thai food, like green curry, pad Thai, fried chicken, fresh fruit, and stuff like that. There were options for people who don’t like spicy food, too. Everything tasted pretty fresh and authentic. We had a table with a nice view of the sea, so it was a very relaxing and pleasant part of the day, not some rushed meal in a crowded hall.
Our final stop was Bamboo Island, or Koh Phai, as it’s called in Thai. And honestly, this place is just pure paradise. Unlike the other Phi Phi islands with their huge cliffs, Bamboo Island is, basically, a flat island with a huge circle of impossibly white sand. The sand is so soft, almost like flour. We had a good amount of time here, like maybe an hour and a half, to just do whatever we wanted. Some people went snorkeling right off the beach, where you could see some pretty colorful fish. I just, you know, found a spot under a tree, laid down my towel, and relaxed. It was the perfect, sort of quiet end to all the sightseeing. It’s almost as if it’s designed for chilling out before the speedboat ride back to the mainland.
My Honest Take and a Few Helpful Tips
So, at the end of the day, was this premium tour worth it? In my opinion, absolutely, yes. The main difference really comes down to the quality of the experience. You get a, like, less crowded feeling, especially at Maya Bay, a better boat, a really attentive crew, and surprisingly good food. It is basically for people who want to see all the famous sights of Phi Phi but prefer a more comfortable and organized day. If you’re a backpacker on a very tight budget, this might be a little pricey. But if you’re on a proper vacation and want to treat yourself, this kind of tour is, frankly, the way to go.
Here are just a few thoughts that might help you out. First, you should definitely bring sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat, and sunglasses, because the sun on the water is seriously strong. Also, a waterproof bag for your phone and camera is a very smart idea, you know? While they give you a snorkeling mask, you might want to bring your own if you’re particular about fit. And finally, just try to relax and go with the flow. The guides know what they’re doing, and they really do try to give you the best day possible. It’s a long day, but it’s packed with really incredible sights and experiences that, you know, you’ll probably remember for a very long time.
Read our full review: Premium Tour to Phi Phi & Bamboo Island Review Full Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your Phi Phi Island Tour Today)
