Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh at sunrise, empty beach between towering limestone cliffs
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Phi Phi Early Bird: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island Before Everyone Else

Phi Phi is spectacular and therefore busy, so what matters is not being there at the same time as everyone else. We leave Ao Nang at 7 am. By speedboat the crossing takes about 45 to 60 minutes in calm seas, so we reach Maya Bay before the ferries arrive. After that you swim in turquoise Pileh Lagoon, pass Viking Cave and take a lunch break on Bamboo Island's white beach.

Good to know: swimming in Maya Bay has not been allowed since the reopening, so that corals and sharks can recover. You can walk onto the beach and take photos; for swimming we use Pileh Lagoon. The bay is also closed for about two months every year during the southwest monsoon, most recently from 1 August to 30 September; dates and rules are set by the national park authority and can change. Included are free snorkel gear (tick it when booking), water, soft drinks, fruit and the hotel transfer. The boat is a white hardtop cabin boat for a maximum of five guests, and the price is per boat.

Who is this tour for?

For couples, families with older children and photographers who want to see the Phi Phi highlights on one long day with an early start. If you do not like getting up early, a later tour suits you better.

Itinerary

Departing at 7 am, we reach Maya Bay before the ferries arrive. Swim in turquoise Pileh Lagoon, pass Viking Cave and take a lunch break on Bamboo Island's white beach.

  1. Start from Ao Nang

    7:00 am

  2. Stop 1: Maya Bay

  3. Stop 2: Pileh Lagoon

  4. Stop 3: Viking Cave

  5. Stop 4: Bamboo Island

  6. Total tour time

    8 hrs · 8 hrs · from 7 am

Included in the price

  • Private speedboat & captain
  • Time to snorkel, swim & relax
  • Snorkel gear free (select when booking)
  • Water, soft drinks & fruit
  • Hotel transfer Ao Nang/Krabi

Your boat

  • White hardtop cabin boat with twin 300 hp engines
  • Bench seat and comfortable boat chairs, rear cockpit
  • Shade from the cabin hardtop
  • Maximum 5 guests: private, no other groups

Frequently asked questions about this tour

Can you swim in Maya Bay?

No. Swimming in the bay has not been allowed since the reopening. You can walk onto the beach and take photos, and swimming happens at other places such as Pileh Lagoon, as far as the current park rules allow.

When is Maya Bay closed?

Every year for about two months during the southwest monsoon, most recently from 1 August to 30 September, reopening on 1 October. The national park authority sets the dates and can change them, so check the status for your date before booking.

How long does it take from Ao Nang to Phi Phi?

About 45 to 60 minutes by speedboat in calm seas. Ferries are slower and run at fixed times.

Is Phi Phi worth it despite the crowds?

Yes, if you start early and stay flexible. The scenery is spectacular, and what matters is not being there at the same time as everyone else. That is exactly why we leave at 7 am.

How much does the tour cost and what is included?

The tour costs from THB 28,500 per boat for up to 5 guests, not per person. Included: Private speedboat & captain; Time to snorkel, swim & relax; Snorkel gear free (select when booking); Water, soft drinks & fruit; Hotel transfer Ao Nang/Krabi. Details on any national park fees are provided when you book.

Experience this tour privately

You can request any time. After confirmation, a 30% deposit secures the date and the rest is paid on tour day. The price is per boat for up to 5 guests.

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Insider Guide

Background on the places, tides and rules of this tour.

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