Phi Phi Tour: Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and Khai Island

This nine-hour island-hopping adventure gives you the full Andaman Sea experience in one day. Picture yourself snorkeling in crystal-clear waters at Green Island in the morning, then floating in the turquoise embrace of Pileh Lagoon where towering limestone cliffs create a natural swimming pool. The boat also cruises past Viking Cave; you can’t go inside any more, so it is a sightseeing stop from the water. Your English-speaking guide keeps the energy up throughout the day, sharing stories about local fishing traditions and pointing out hidden details you’d miss on your own. Groups run up to 42 people.

The day starts early with hotel pickup between 7:15-8:45 AM from Patong, Kata, or Karon Beach. By 9:20 AM you’re cruising toward your first stop at Green Island for snorkeling, then it’s a scenic tour of Maya Bay (though note it’s closed August-September for coral restoration). The pace hits just right – 30 minutes at Loh Samah Bay for photos, another 30 in Pileh Lagoon for swimming, then a quick Viking Cave sighting before the big lunch break. That two-hour stop at Phi Phi Don Island is perfect timing – you’ll be ready for that Thai buffet lunch at the beachside restaurant. The final hour at Khai Island lets you decompress on white sand beaches before heading back around 4:30-5:00 PM.

This tour covers all the major spots without feeling frantic. It’s excellent value considering everything’s included except personal expenses. The “easy” difficulty rating is accurate, though skip this if you’re pregnant or have back problems. Weather can affect the itinerary, especially during monsoon season, but free cancellation takes the pressure off booking.

Insider Tip: Pack a waterproof phone case – you’ll want photos at Pileh Lagoon, but the boat ride can be splashy. The onboard snacks and soft drinks are actually good quality, so don’t worry about bringing extra food.

Safety Tip: If traveling with infants, they must sit on an adult’s lap throughout the boat journey – no separate seating available.