Phi Phi Island Day Trip by Large Ferry
For those who want to enjoy the scenery even on a day trip during their Phuket vacation, a Phi Phi Island day trip is highly recommended.
In this article, I will introduce the tour flow, my personal impressions, costs, and what to bring based on my actual experience. If you are considering a Phi Phi Island tour, please use this as a reference. ☺️✨
The Phi Phi Island day trip I participated in
I participated in the tour using Veltra.
Tour Schedule
In the morning around 7:00, I was picked up by car.
Since I was staying around Patong Beach, it took about 45 minutes to get to the pier by car. 🚗
There was a bit of traffic, but we arrived well before departure!!
Around 9:00, we departed from the pier. 🚢
The seat itself was what they call a Gold Seat, and I chose one with reclining and massage functions.
This was very comfortable!
The inside of the boat was air-conditioned, so I used a towel as a blanket.
Around 11:00, we arrived at Phi Phi Leh Island. 🚢
Since it was the rainy season and there were some waves, we did some sightseeing from the boat at a distance!
We saw Maya Bay, the setting for the movie 'The Beach', and Pileh Cove.
Around 12:00, we arrived at Phi Phi Don Island, famous in the Phi Phi archipelago, for snorkeling & walking around town. 🤿
We transferred to a medium-sized boat and jumped into the sea with everyone on the tour!
Even though it was cloudy, the water was still beautiful.
The instructor had fish food, and the fish gathered in such numbers that it was almost scary, and then snorkeling ended (lol).
After snorkeling, we were directed to a shower above the restaurant, but it was shared with the restroom, there was only one, and it was disappointing that there wasn't enough space to change clothes.
Around 13:00, we had lunch at the restaurant on the first floor where we borrowed the shower!
Meals are included in the tour.
Since there are many Indian tourists, lunch was Indian cuisine.
It was delicious. 🍛✨
After lunch, we strolled around the town, took photos on the beach, and spent some relaxing time.
Around 15:00, it's time for the return ferry 🚢
We spent a relaxing time in the open space at the back of the boat, enjoyed some fruit, and headed back to the port.
Thanks to the Gold Seats, I was able to sleep on the way back, which was a great decision 😊
Large boats are especially recommended during the rainy season ☔️
Around 17:00, we arrived at the port, were taken back to our hotel, and the tour ended.
Reasons for choosing a large ferry
Worried about seasickness
Worried about the rocking during the rainy season
Wanted to spend time in comfort
And so on.
A speedboat takes about 1 hour from the port to Phi Phi Island, but I was very worried about seasickness, so I went with the large boat for peace of mind.
Perhaps because it was the rainy season, it rocked quite a bit before arriving at Phi Phi Island, and some small children were vomiting 💦
That was the only time it was really rough.
Relieved to be on a large boat.
Pros and Cons
Pros 😊
Seasickness was kept to a minimum on the large boat
Spent the trip comfortably in Gold Seats
Packed with activities like snorkeling and exploring the town
The staff were very kind
The staff tried very hard to communicate, so I think even those who don't speak English will feel at ease 😊
Cons 😣
Even large boats can rock depending on the season
The toilets and showers at the location are not very clean
The return car is a shared ride, so it takes time to arrive
I was able to eat it, but since the buffet was only Indian food, some people might not like it 🍛
Also, it seemed like other guests had delays with their pickups, but I felt that's just how it is overseas, haha
I have experience with snorkeling and wanted to get in the water, so I joined, but there were no lectures. It was more like, 'Put on the rented life jacket and jump into the sea!' so beginners should be careful 🔰
Things to bring / Points to note
If you are going to swim in the sea, wear your swimsuit beforehand 👙
A change of clothes for the return trip, motion sickness medicine, and a bath towel are essential.
You leave unnecessary luggage on the boat, so it's safer to keep only minimal valuables ✨
During snorkeling, you can leave things on the medium-sized boat, so I brought cash with me 👜
Also, it's a good idea to take a photo of your passport just in case something happens!
The inside of the boat was a bit chilly, so having long sleeves is a good idea ◎
Tour fee for 2 people
1 adult was ¥11,185 💸
The price may vary slightly depending on the season. We paid
¥22,370 for 2 people in advance, and
on-site, we paid the Phi Phi Island entry fee (20 baht) and the national park entrance fee (400 baht) per person.
The total was ¥26,370.
Summary
Looking at the reviews on Veltra, I was worried because the ratings weren't that high before participating, but when I actually joined, despite it being the rainy season, I was moved by the clarity of the sea and the impressive scenery that photos can't fully convey, and I spent such a fulfilling day that it didn't feel like just one day ✨
I thought I would like to come back again on a sunny day ☺️
Therefore, I recommend going during the dry season!
If you are thinking of joining, please compare the prices and schedules to choose the tour that best suits you☺️
I hope you have a wonderful trip to Phi Phi Island.