Short answer: The best things to do on a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands are Maya Bay (walk the beach, no swimming), a swim in Pileh Lagoon, snorkelling at Loh Samah Bay or Bamboo Island, a pass by Viking Cave, and lunch on Phi Phi Don.
Most of these sit on Phi Phi Leh and can be done in one day by boat from Phuket. Curious about the scale? See how big the Phi Phi Islands are.
Which tour covers which stops
Stop order varies with sea conditions and daily entry limits, and your guide decides the best order on the day. Not sure when to go? See the best time to visit Phi Phi.
1. Maya Bay
The beach made famous by The Beach sits on Phi Phi Leh. You can walk the sand and wade, but swimming isn't allowed. The bay closes every year from 1 August to 30 September and reopened on 1 October. It's also a shark nursery, and the DNP counted 278 adult blacktip reef sharks there at dawn on 2 September 2026. Read more in our guides to the blacktip reef sharks at Maya Bay, the Maya Bay reopening and the Maya Bay visitor guide. On our itineraries it's a photo stop, and access depends on sea conditions and daily limits.
2. Pileh Lagoon
A shallow, emerald lagoon ringed by limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Leh, and the main swim stop of the day. Wondering how Phi Phi Leh differs from the main island? See Phi Phi Don vs Phi Phi Leh.
3. Loh Samah Bay
A calm cove on the south side of Phi Phi Leh with a shallow reef, often paired with Maya Bay.
4. Viking Cave
Known for ancient drawings that resemble ships and for edible bird's-nest harvesting. Entry isn't allowed, so boats pass by for photos.
5. Bamboo Island
A small white-sand island (Ko Mai Phai) ringed by coral reefs, good for snorkelling and a quieter beach. It's the first stop on our Bamboo tour.
6. Monkey Beach
A beach on Phi Phi Don with wild long-tailed macaques. Watch from a distance and never feed them.
7. Lunch on Phi Phi Don
A buffet lunch at a beachside restaurant, followed by free time. Guests report that the crew checks dietary needs, and that halal options are available.
8. Snorkelling, clear kayak and paddle board
Two snorkelling stops, with gear included and a new mouthpiece for every guest. A clear kayak and paddle board are also included when conditions allow. For reef tips, see our Phi Phi snorkelling guide.
9. Longtail boat ride (add-on)
A local longtail boat takes you into Pileh Lagoon (Ao Pileh). Private ฿2,000 for up to 6 guests, or join a shared boat for ฿500 per person. Ask your guide on the day.
10. Khai Island
Khai Island is not one of the Phi Phi islands. It's a separate group near Phuket with a calm, shallow reef, and it ends the day on our Khai tour.
Staying overnight on Phi Phi Don? The viewpoint hike and Ton Sai village are on the island itself. They aren't part of our day tours.
Why travel with Andaman Surprise
See more on Phi Phi Islands rules
Guests often name their guides and crew and mention the safety briefing. See what to expect from pick-up to drop-off, and how we travel responsibly with licensed guides.
See Phi Phi & Bamboo Island · See Phi Phi & Khai Island
Sources: Andaman Surprise tour pages (6 October 2026); Tripadvisor listing (6 October 2026); Thai Post on the DNP survey (14 September 2026); Wikipedia (Phi Phi Islands).
