Phi Phi Tour with Khai Island vs a Classic Phi Phi Tour

Two Ways to Do Phi Phi in a Day

Almost every visitor to Phuket considers a Phi Phi day trip, and there are dozens of variations on offer. Most of them share the same core: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and lunch on Phi Phi Don. The differences are in the extras. Some tours add a beach stop at Khai Island on the way. Others add Bamboo Island. Some stick to Phi Phi only and keep the day shorter.

This comparison looks at a Phi Phi tour with Khai Island against a classic Phi Phi route, using our Khai tour as the real example, so you can see exactly what the extra stop changes. For the bigger question of whether Phi Phi is worth it at all, read are Phi Phi tours worth it.

The Core Phi Phi Sights

The exact list varies by tour, but these are the stops that make Phi Phi famous:

• Maya Bay: the beach from the movie "The Beach". Boats are no longer allowed inside the bay and swimming is restricted to protect the reef. Visitors are dropped at Loh Sama Bay and walk across to the beach. Read our Maya Bay rules guide for details.
• Pileh Lagoon: turquoise water surrounded by limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Leh, and usually the main swim stop.
• Viking Cave: a cave on Phi Phi Leh where swiftlet nests are still harvested. Seen from the boat.
• Monkey Beach: wild long-tailed macaques on Phi Phi Don. Watch from a distance and do not feed them.
• Lunch on Phi Phi Don: the main inhabited island.

Option 1: Phi Phi with Khai Island

Our Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island speedboat tour covers 3 islands and 7 points in one day. The approximate schedule:

• 07:30 to 08:30: hotel pickup, light breakfast at the pier and briefing.
• 10:00 to 10:20: Khai Nai Island. First swim on white sand in shallow water.
• 11:30: Monkey Beach.
• 12:00 to 12:45: halal buffet lunch at a beachfront restaurant on Phi Phi Don. Vegetarian on request.
• Afternoon: Viking Cave, swimming at Pileh Lagoon, snorkeling near Viking Cave and a turn on a stand-up paddle board.
• 15:50 to 16:40: Loh Sama Bay and the walk to Maya Bay.
• Around 17:30: back at the pier and transfer to your hotel.

Price: 3,100 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child (ages 4 to 11). The national park fee, breakfast, lunch, fruit and soft drinks, snorkel gear, life jacket, paddle board and accident insurance are included.

What Khai adds

• An easy swim before the busy stops. Khai's shallow, calm water is perfect for kids and non-swimmers.
• More variety. Three islands instead of two, with white sand at the start of the day.
• Little extra travel. Khai sits on the route between Phuket and Phi Phi. Read more in our Khai Island guide.

The trade-offs

• A longer day. About 10 hours from pickup to drop-off.
• A higher price than a Phi Phi-only tour, although more is included.
• Short stops. Khai is a 20 minute swim, not a long beach break.

Option 2: A Classic Phi Phi Route

A classic tour focuses on Phi Phi itself: a speedboat to Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave and the lagoons of Phi Phi Leh, usually with two or three snorkeling stops and lunch on Phi Phi Don. Operators run many versions, so check what each one includes. The national park fee in particular is included by some operators and paid on the day with others.

Why choose it

• Lower price for the core Phi Phi sights.
• A slightly shorter day.
• Enough for many visitors who mainly want to see Maya Bay and the Phi Phi scenery.

What you give up

• No extra island. You miss the white sand swim at Khai.
• Fewer extras. Breakfast and a paddle board are often not part of the package.
• Check what is included. Pickup areas, park fees and lunch differ between operators, so compare before you book.

What About Bamboo Island?

Many Phi Phi tours from Phuket add Bamboo Island instead of Khai. Bamboo is north of Phi Phi Don, has a larger beach and usually gets a longer beach stop. Khai is on the way between Phuket and Phi Phi, so it adds less travel but also a shorter stop. If a long beach break is your priority, a Bamboo route may suit you. If you want an extra swim without making the day longer on the water, Khai is the easier fit.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• Islands: with Khai, 3 islands (Khai Nai, Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh). Classic, 2 islands (Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh).
• Price: with Khai, 3,100 THB per adult and 2,200 THB per child (ages 4 to 11). Classic, usually lower, depending on the operator.
• National park fee: included on the Khai tour. Classic, varies by operator.
• Meals: with Khai, light breakfast plus halal buffet lunch. Classic, usually lunch only.
• Paddle board: included with Khai. Classic, often not included.
• Hotel transfer: with Khai, standard zones included, surcharge for outer areas. Classic, varies by operator.
• Length of day: with Khai, about 10 hours. Classic, usually a little shorter.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Phi Phi with Khai if

• You are traveling with kids who will love an easy, shallow swim.
• You want the fullest day and like having breakfast, lunch and gear all included.
• You want to try stand-up paddle boarding in the Phi Phi scenery.
• You only have time for one island day and want to see as much as possible.

Choose a classic Phi Phi tour if

• You are on a tighter budget.
• You mainly want to see Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and the cliffs.
• You prefer a slightly shorter day.

Things That Apply to Both

• Weather decides the order. Guides choose the safest order of stops on the day, and programs can change with sea conditions.
• Maya Bay closures. Maya Bay has closed for a period in recent low seasons for reef recovery. If it is closed on your date, tours adjust the program. Check the current status before you book.
• Speedboats can be bumpy. Speedboat tours are not recommended for pregnant women or guests with back problems. See our seasickness tips.
• Bring: swimsuit, beach shoes, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and some Thai baht.

FAQ

Is Khai Island part of Phi Phi?

No. The Khai Islands sit between Phuket and Phi Phi. Tours add Khai as an extra stop on the way.

Is the national park fee included?

Yes, on our Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour. On other Phi Phi tours it depends on the operator, so check before you book.

Can you swim at Maya Bay?

Swimming is restricted at Maya Bay to protect the reef. You walk on the beach instead. See can you swim at Maya Bay.

Which tour is better for families?

The Khai tour tends to suit families better thanks to the shallow first swim and the included breakfast. Child pricing applies to ages 4 to 11.

Check dates and book on the Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour page.