Phuket to Phi Phi Islands Tour 2026: Premium Catamaran Review

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Ultimate Guide: Phuket to Phi Phi Islands Tour & Long Beach Hotels

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When you start planning a trip to Phuket,

it’s only a matter of time before

the Phi Phi Islands capture your heart.

At first, I only planned to stay on the mainland of Phuket,

but the moment I saw photos of the Phi Phi Islands, my mind was made up.

Seeing pictures of Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, iconic longtail boats,

and that surreal neon-blue water,

“Wow, I absolutely have to go there...”

is the only thought that crosses your mind.

But once you start planning, the questions start piling up.

What’s the best way to get to the Phi Phi Islands?

Is Long Beach really as beautiful as they say?

Should I stay overnight? Or is a day tour enough?​​

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In this 2026 guide, I’ll break down exactly how to get to the Phi Phi Islands,

my honest review of the Premium Catamaran tour,

a detailed daily itinerary, and everything you need to know

about staying near Long Beach based on my own experience.

Book the Phuket Premium Catamaran Phi Phi Island Tour

Table of Contents

1. Tour Information

2. Detailed Itinerary

3. How to Get There

4. Accommodation Guide

5. Pro Travel Tips

1. Tour Information

There are countless Phi Phi Island tours available,

but the Premium Speed Catamaran Tour I chose

was undeniably a step above the rest!

Compared to a standard speedboat, there is minimal rocking,

the deck is incredibly spacious, and the interior is much more luxurious.

If you value a clean, modern vessel, I highly recommend this one!

Because the boat is significantly larger than typical tour boats,

if you are prone to seasickness,

a catamaran is the absolute best choice.

To be honest, I love water activities,

but I get motion sickness quite easily,

which is exactly why I booked the catamaran.

If you are traveling with children or older parents,

you'll be spending a long time on the water,

so even if it costs a bit more than standard tours,

upgrading to the catamaran is 100% worth it.

I was extremely satisfied with the experience.

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● Perks of the Premium Catamaran

1. Minimal rocking means less chance of seasickness

2. Wide deck and comfortable cruising

3. Onboard snack bar

(BBQ skewers, cookies, cupcakes, etc.)

4. Breakfast + Buffet Lunch included

5. Snorkeling gear + fins + longtail boat ride included

6. Full package covering Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Maiton Island

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One of the best parts

was that the shared longtail boat ride was included.

You get to take those iconic photos at the bow of a longtail boat

without having to negotiate or pay extra on the island!

There were speedboat tours available for about half the price,

but I read plenty of mixed reviews about the bumpy rides.

When you factor in the cost of optional add-ons on cheaper tours,

paying a little more upfront for this

premium all-inclusive service is definitely the smarter move.

When I booked this premium tour,

the cost came out to

around ~$140 per person!

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Hotel Pickup & Drop-off +

Catamaran Boat +

Guide & National Park Fees +

Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks

+ Snorkeling Gear

+ Shared Longtail Boat

+ Towels, Water & Drinks

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Everything is included in this full package,

and for an entire day out on the water,

I found this to be an incredibly reasonable price!

If you want more details about the tour I took,

check out the link below!

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Book the Phuket Premium Catamaran Phi Phi Island Tour

2. Detailed Itinerary

The itinerary is packed with activities.

It’s a full day, but it never feels rushed or boring,

and the transitions between locations are seamless.

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08:00–09:00 AM: Hotel Pickup

→ Transfer to Panwa Private Pier

Pickup times vary by region.

For Patong and Karon, expect pickup between 08:20–08:30 AM.

The vehicle is a spacious and comfortable Toyota van.

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09:20 AM: Check-in + Light Breakfast

Sandwiches, fresh fruit, and desserts are provided.

The guide gives a friendly briefing on the day's schedule

and important safety rules.

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10:00 AM: Catamaran Departs → Heading to Phi Phi Islands

The ride isn't too fast or bumpy,

making it easy to relax and enjoy the ocean views on the way.

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11:00 AM: Pileh Lagoon

The absolute highlight of the tour. Swimming,

riding the longtail boat (included for free),

and taking photos in the neon-blue lagoon.

The water color here is simply unbelievable...

Looking at the lagoon from the boat,

the colors look like CGI.

Most of the viral, postcard-perfect photos you see of the Phi Phi Islands

are taken right here.

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12:10 PM: Maya Bay

Famous as the filming location for the movie <The Beach>.

Snorkeling is strictly prohibited due to nature conservation efforts,

but just standing on the beach is awe-inspiring.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot baby blacktip reef sharks in the shallows.

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1:30 PM: Tonsai Bay Buffet Lunch + Free Time

A buffet-style lunch is served at a beachfront restaurant.

Afterward, you have a short but relaxing window to stroll along the beach.

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2:50 PM: Snorkeling

We stopped at a prime snorkeling spot near Phi Phi Don

to check out the tropical fish and coral reefs.

Even beginners can enjoy it safely thanks to the guide's instructions.

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3:50 PM: Move to Maiton Island

The ocean views from the deck while cruising

are so mesmerizing that it's hard to look away.

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4:40 PM: Maiton Island Activities

Paddleboarding, water sliding, and more snorkeling.

You can jump straight off the catamaran to play in the water,

which is a super fun, low-effort way to enjoy the sea.

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5:00 PM: Onboard Snack Bar

BBQ skewers, cookies, and cupcakes are served.

Enjoying sweet treats surrounded by the deep blue ocean is pure bliss.

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6:00 PM: Sunset Viewing + Return Trip

Watching the sunset off the coast of Maiton Island

is the most emotional and beautiful way to end the tour.

8:00–8:30 PM: Hotel Arrival

After returning to the pier in Phuket,

the transfer service drops you right back at your hotel.

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Book the Phuket Premium Catamaran Phi Phi Island Tour

3. How to Get There (DIY Route)

While I opted for the premium day tour,

here is the general info for getting from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands independently.

● Standard Routes

1. Speedboat: 45~60 minutes

2. Ferry: 90~120 minutes

- Departure Pier: Rassada Pier (Phuket)

- Arrival Pier: Tonsai Pier (Phi Phi Don)

If you plan to stay overnight on the island,

you need to factor in your travel time from the pier.

To get from Tonsai Pier to Long Beach,

it takes about 10 minutes via a local longtail boat taxi.

4. Accommodation Guide

The reason I'm bringing up accommodations here

is that many travelers struggle with the decision of whether

to just do a day tour or stay overnight on the island.

● Tonsai Area

- Super convenient (right near the main pier)

- Huge variety of restaurants and cafes

- Very lively nightlife

- The downside: It can get quite noisy at night

If you are a first-time visitor, traveling with a family,

or just want easy access to tours and ferries,

Tonsai is highly recommended!

● Long Beach Area

People say this beach has the most beautiful water

on the island, and it is definitely not an exaggeration.

- Stunning neon-blue water

- Quiet, secluded, and highly private

- Great snorkeling right off the beach

- The downside: Accessibility (Requires a 10-minute longtail boat from Tonsai)

If you're looking for a peaceful, romantic getaway

or a quiet family retreat,

Long Beach is the place to be.

5. Pro Travel Tips

1. Motion sickness medication is an absolute must.

2. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

3. Carry some Thai Baht in cash for local longtail boat taxis.

4. Maya Bay access times may be adjusted for environmental conservation.

5. If you want underwater footage, you can rent a GoPro (1,200 THB / ~$32).

6. Expect a holiday surcharge during the Songkran festival (1,000 THB / ~$26 per person).

Once you take a trip from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands,

you'll quickly understand why everyone says,

“Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands are completely different worlds.”

From the glowing waters of Pileh Lagoon and the awe-inspiring Maya Bay,

to the romantic vibes of a longtail boat,

and the unforgettable sunset off Maiton Island...

And if you decide to spend a night at a Long Beach hotel,

waking up to the quiet mornings and peaceful nights on the island

turns it into an entirely different, magical trip.

The next time I visit Phuket, I won't hesitate

to combine a Phi Phi Island day tour

with a few nights at an island resort!