Phuket Island Tours: Speedboat vs Longtail vs Big Boat

Three Ways to Explore the Islands

When booking an island tour from Phuket, one of the first decisions you face is the type of boat. Each boat type offers a different experience in terms of speed, comfort, cost, and the number of islands you can visit. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right tour for your group.

Speedboats

What They Are

Fiberglass boats with powerful outboard engines, typically carrying 25 to 35 passengers. They are the most popular choice for island tours from Phuket.

Pros

• Fast: Reach distant islands quickly. Phi Phi in 45 to 60 minutes, Similan Islands in 60 to 70 minutes.
• More stops: Speed means you can visit more locations in a single day.
• Earlier arrival: Get to popular spots before big boats and the crowds they carry.
• Flexibility: Can access shallow bays and narrow passages that big boats cannot.

Cons

• Rougher ride: Speedboats bounce over waves, which can be uncomfortable in choppy conditions.
• Seasickness risk: The bouncing motion is the most likely to cause motion sickness.
• Limited space: Seating is tight with little room to move around.
• Noisy: Engine noise makes conversation difficult during transit.
• Wet: Expect sea spray, especially in the front rows.

Best For

Active travelers, snorkeling enthusiasts, those who want to maximize their time at the islands, anyone visiting distant destinations like the Similans.

Typical Cost

1,500 to 4,500 THB per person depending on destination.

Longtail Boats

What They Are

Traditional Thai wooden boats with a long propeller shaft extending from the stern. They are an iconic symbol of Thai coastal culture. Longtails carry 6 to 15 passengers and are powered by a converted car or truck engine.

Pros

• Authentic experience: Riding a longtail is a quintessential Thai experience.
• Photogenic: These boats are beautiful and photograph well against the island backdrop.
• Affordable: Generally the cheapest boat option.
• Smooth ride: Longtails travel slowly enough that the ride is usually comfortable.
• Flexible scheduling: Available for hire at many beaches for custom trips.

Cons

• Slow: Maximum speed of about 8 to 10 knots. Reaching Phi Phi takes 2+ hours one way.
• Limited range: Not suitable for distant destinations like the Similan or Surin Islands.
• Basic amenities: No toilet, no shade on most boats, minimal safety equipment on some.
• Noisy engine: The exposed engine is very loud.
• Less stable: Can rock significantly in rough water.

Best For

Short trips to nearby islands (Coral Island, around Phi Phi if already there), Phang Nga Bay exploration, budget travelers, photography enthusiasts.

Typical Cost

800 to 2,500 THB per person for group tours. 1,500 to 4,000 THB for private hire for a few hours.

Big Boats (Cruise/Ferry Boats)

What They Are

Large vessels carrying 40 to 200 passengers, with covered deck areas, toilets, and sometimes multiple levels. These include ferries, converted fishing boats, and purpose-built tour boats.

Pros

• Stability: Much smoother ride than speedboats, especially in rough water.
• Comfort: More space to move around, shade, toilets, sometimes air conditioning.
• Amenities: Some big boats have buffet areas, sun decks, and snorkeling platforms.
• Lower seasickness risk: The larger hull absorbs wave motion much better.
• Affordable: Often the cheapest option for popular destinations.

Cons

• Slow: Takes 90 minutes to 2+ hours to reach Phi Phi, compared to 45 to 60 minutes by speedboat.
• Fewer stops: Less time at the islands means fewer locations visited.
• Crowds: More passengers means more crowded conditions at each stop.
• Fixed schedule: Very rigid itinerary with little flexibility.
• Later arrival: You reach popular spots after the speedboats, when crowds are larger.

Best For

Travelers prone to seasickness, those who prioritize comfort over speed, budget travelers, families with very young children, elderly travelers.

Typical Cost

800 to 2,000 THB per person depending on destination.

Comparison Table

• Speed: Speedboat (fast) > Big Boat (moderate) > Longtail (slow)
• Comfort: Big Boat (best) > Longtail (moderate) > Speedboat (least comfortable)
• Seasickness risk: Speedboat (highest) > Longtail (moderate) > Big Boat (lowest)
• Cost: Longtail (cheapest) = Big Boat (cheap) < Speedboat (more expensive)
• Stops per day: Speedboat (most) > Big Boat (fewer) > Longtail (fewest at distance)
• Range: Speedboat (farthest) > Big Boat (moderate) > Longtail (nearest only)

Which Should You Choose?

Here are our recommendations for common scenarios:

• Phi Phi Islands day trip: Speedboat for most people. Big boat if you get seasick easily.
• Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island): Speedboat for efficiency, longtail for authenticity.
• Coral Island: Any option works. Speedboat is fastest (15 minutes), longtail is cheapest.
• Similan or Surin Islands: Speedboat only (too far for other options).
• Custom island hopping: Private speedboat for best experience, longtail for budget short trips.

For more detailed information about the speedboat experience, read our guide on what to expect on a speedboat tour. See big boat vs speedboat for an in-depth comparison of the two most popular options. Browse our available tours to see options for each boat type.