Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat

REVIEW · PHUKET

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat

  • 5.04 reviews
  • From $1,420.29
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Operated by JustGoPhuket.com · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (4)Price from$1,420.29Operated byJustGoPhuket.comBook viaViator

Phi Phi day trips are nice. This one feels controlled. You get a private VIP speedboat plan, plus a private roundtrip hotel transfer that keeps the day from turning into chaos. I especially like the calm start at Boat Lagoon with tea and coffee, and I like that snorkeling gear is included so you can focus on the water, not the packing list. One drawback: this is a long, weather-dependent outing, so your day length can swing from about 4 to 10 hours, and you’ll still need to budget for lunch and park fees.

What makes this tour smart is how it strings together the biggest Phi Phi name stops in one go: Phi Phi Ley and Don, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, plus a dedicated chunk of time for snorkeling and sightseeing. You also get a mobile ticket and an English-speaking guide, which helps a lot when you’re hopping between bays and islands all day. The main “watch-out” for me is value math: it’s priced per group (up to 8), so it hits hardest when you’re not splitting costs.

Key highlights I’d plan around

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Key highlights I’d plan around

  • Private group for up to 8 with only your party on the boat
  • Snorkeling equipment included for your water time
  • Multiple classic stops: Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and more
  • Long snorkeling and sightseeing block on the Phi Phi Islands
  • Weather-dependent day so timing can change

From Phuket to Boat Lagoon: the VIP start that saves time

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - From Phuket to Boat Lagoon: the VIP start that saves time
The day begins with pickup from your Phuket hotel by VIP van. That matters more than it sounds. Public tours often mean waiting, bunching up, and losing time before you even reach the pier. Here, you go straight to Boat Lagoon for check-in, with tea and coffee before departure.

Boat Lagoon check-in is listed as about 45 minutes, and the tour includes the admission ticket for that first stage. I like that it’s structured. You’re not standing around wondering what happens next. When your day starts organized, you’re more relaxed when the islands start appearing one by one.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket. That’s a small thing, but it keeps you from hunting for printouts while you’re already juggling sun, water, and a tote bag full of essentials.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Phuket

Maya Bay: big scenery, and a private-feeling pacing

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Maya Bay: big scenery, and a private-feeling pacing
Maya Bay is the “name on the map” stop, and the tour builds it around classic scenery: crystal-clear turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and pristine white sandy beaches. This is one of those places where the view is the point. You don’t need to be a geology nerd to feel it.

One thing I’d plan for: Maya Bay can be visually intense. Even if you’re not the type to chase photos, you’ll likely want a few slow minutes just to take it in. With a private day setup, you’re not trapped in a huge crowd rhythm. Instead, you follow your guide’s flow and spend your time where your group wants it.

Tip for getting the most out of Maya Bay: treat it like a sensory stop. Water shoes if you use them. Sunglasses that don’t slip. A phone pouch or dry bag so you can actually relax without worrying about your gear.

Monkey Beach for a 1-hour window of wildlife vibes

Monkey Beach is scheduled for about 1 hour, and admission is included for that stop. The setting is all water-meets-jungle energy: crystal-clear turquoise water, lush greenery, and a beach that hosts a playful troop of monkeys.

This is a good stop if you want variety. The day isn’t just limestone-and-water scenery. You get the chance to watch small animal behavior from a short distance while keeping the timing tight enough to stay on schedule for the next bays.

Practical note: monkeys are unpredictable. I keep it simple—watch them, don’t crowd them, and keep hands and snacks to yourself. You’re there for the view and the moment, not a close-up interaction.

Bamboo Island: 2 hours to snorkel and look at coral

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Bamboo Island: 2 hours to snorkel and look at coral
Bamboo Island gets the kind of time block that usually makes snorkelers happy: about 2 hours, with admission included. The tour description focuses on crystal-clear water and coral reefs with marine life, plus pristine white sandy beach.

This is where the included snorkeling equipment earns its keep. You’re not paying extra for gear, and you’re not forced to make do with whatever you brought from home. If you’re the type who likes to hop in for a swim and then dry off and take photos, this stop fits that rhythm.

A couple practical suggestions that actually help here:

  • Wear or bring something you can rinse easily. Saltwater and sunscreen are not subtle.
  • If you’re sensitive to strong sun, bring sun protection you trust. You’ll be outside most of the time.

Phi Phi Islands: the 5-hour snorkeling and sightseeing stretch

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Phi Phi Islands: the 5-hour snorkeling and sightseeing stretch
After the shorter beach and bay stops, the tour gives you a longer block on the Phi Phi Islands—about 5 hours—again with admission included. The plan here is snorkeling plus sightseeing, and the water is described as ideal for seeing coral reefs teeming with marine life.

This longer stretch is valuable because it gives you choices. Some people want more time in the water; others prefer to watch, swim a bit, and then take their time walking viewpoints or resting on the boat. With a private group, you’re not locked into a rigid “everyone in the same line” pace.

I also like that the snorkeling gear is included for the day. That turns the 5-hour window into a real “use it or regret it” moment. If snorkeling is part of your Phi Phi dream, this is the portion of the day that most directly delivers.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Phuket

Loh Samah Bay: a scenic stop that lists admission as not included

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Loh Samah Bay: a scenic stop that lists admission as not included
Loh Samah Bay is on the itinerary for about 45 minutes. The setting is described as crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and towering limestone cliffs—again, classic Phi Phi scenery.

Here’s the one heads-up: this stop lists admission as not included. That ties into the bigger theme that park fees are paid at the spot. So even if most of your payments are bundled, you should still keep cash or a card ready for whatever the local fee requirement is on the day.

Because the stop is shorter, I recommend treating it as a scenic “hit” rather than a long linger. Get your best photos early if that matters to you, then use the time to just enjoy the water.

Price and value: $1,420.29 per group up to 8

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Price and value: $1,420.29 per group up to 8
Let’s talk money in a way that helps you decide.

The tour costs $1,420.29 per group for up to 8 people. If you split it at the max group size, that’s about $178 per person (rough math). If you’re a smaller group, your per-person price rises fast.

So when does it feel like good value?

  • When you’re traveling with 4 to 8 people who want the private boat comfort.
  • When you care about hotel-to-boat convenience via private pickup.
  • When you plan to snorkel, since snorkeling equipment is included.
  • When you want an English-speaking guide who can keep the day moving smoothly between islands.

What’s not included keeps the budget honest:

  • Lunch is not included.
  • National park fees are not included and are paid at the spot.
  • Soda/pop, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment are included, which helps you avoid some extra purchases during the day.

Also, this tour is typically booked about 6 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean you can’t book later, but it’s a sign that the better dates and weather windows tend to disappear.

Timing: why a 4 to 10 hour day needs the right mindset

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Timing: why a 4 to 10 hour day needs the right mindset
The duration is listed as about 4 to 10 hours. That range is big, and it tells you one key truth: weather and sea conditions matter here. The experience also requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund.

I like planning for this kind of day by thinking like a sailor, not like a museum-goer. You don’t control the water. You can control your preparation.

My practical advice:

  • Start the morning ready for a full day, not a quick half-day.
  • Pack patience along with sunscreen.
  • If you’re the kind of person who hates missing things, build in some buffer. Feedback on the experience also points to starting early to avoid losing out on the day’s best moments.

The upside of the length: you get enough time to hit multiple stops without it feeling like nonstop sprinting every hour. The downside: you’ll be on the move and in the sun.

What’s included (and what you’ll need to bring)

Included items are built around keeping you comfortable on the boat:

  • Soda/pop
  • Bottled water
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Private transportation
  • English-speaking guide
  • Transfer is private roundtrip service from Phuket hotels
  • Admission ticket at Boat Lagoon, plus admission at Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and Phi Phi Islands

Not included:

  • Lunch
  • National park fee paid at the spot
  • Admission is listed as not included for Loh Samah Bay

Because lunch isn’t provided, I’d plan snacks you can manage easily. You’ll likely want energy for swimming and for any waiting that comes with boat schedules.

Who this Phi Phi private VIP boat trip fits best

This is a great match if:

  • You want a private group day and you’re splitting costs with friends or family.
  • You care about convenience and comfort, especially roundtrip hotel pickup.
  • You want snorkeling gear included and you’re actually going to use it.
  • You want a full Phi Phi highlights package: Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and the Phi Phi Islands stretch.

It may be less ideal if:

  • You’re traveling solo or as a small pair and $1,420 per group strains your budget.
  • You hate variable schedules and prefer a strict, short duration.
  • You want lunch included in the price.

Should you book this Phi Phi Maya Bay Bamboo Private VIP boat day?

If you’re organizing your trip around Phi Phi and you like the idea of cutting down hassle, I’d say this booking makes sense. The private setup, included snorkeling gear, and the multi-stop plan add up to a day that feels efficient and tailored for a group.

Book it if you can split the cost across several people and you’re comfortable handling extra expenses on the day (lunch plus park fees). Skip it if you’re looking for the cheapest option or you want a very short, tightly predictable schedule.

If your goal is a classic Phi Phi itinerary with real water time, this private VIP approach is one of the cleaner ways to do it from Phuket.

FAQ

What islands and stops are included?

The day includes Boat Lagoon, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, the Phi Phi Islands, and Loh Samah Bay, with other Phi Phi areas included as part of the private program.

How long does the tour take?

The duration is listed as approximately 4 to 10 hours, depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Private roundtrip pickup is included from Phuket hotels via VIP van and transfer to Boat Lagoon.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s the snorkeling situation?

Snorkeling equipment use is included, and the Phi Phi Islands portion includes snorkeling and sightseeing.

Are admission fees included everywhere?

Admission is included at Boat Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and Phi Phi Islands. Loh Samah Bay lists admission as not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What about national park fees?

National park fees are not included and must be paid at the spot.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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