From Phi Phi: Sunrise & Beat The Crowds to Maya Bay by Speedboat

Every other Phi Phi boat trip from Phuket needs a 90-minute crossing before the day even starts; this one skips that transfer entirely by departing straight from Koh Phi Phi. Meet at 6am in front of McDonald’s on Phi Phi Don Island, next to Tonsai Pier — the boat is moving while Phuket-based day-trippers are still crossing the water. That early start is the whole point: reaching Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon ahead of the mid-morning rush of speedboats from the mainland.

The 8.5-hour route runs through Pileh Lagoon, along Koh Phi Phi Leh, into Loh Samah for snorkelling over coral reefs, and out to Bamboo Island before looping back. Lunch, drinking water, coffee or tea, snorkelling gear and the national park fees are all included in the price — gratuities aren’t. Groups run up to 15 people with a licensed English-speaking guide.

Because the boat leaves from Phi Phi itself, hotel pickup isn’t part of the package — you’ll need to already be staying on the island or arrange your own transfer to Tonsai Pier for the 6am meeting time. That makes this trip better suited to travellers splitting their stay between Phi Phi and Phuket than to those based only in Phuket.

Insider Tip: This only works if you’re already sleeping on Phi Phi Don the night before — there’s no hotel pickup, and missing the 6am meeting point means missing the boat.