Phi Phi Islands from Koh Lanta

The Phi Phi islands are the most photographed group in this part of Thailand, with sheer limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and beaches that look like film sets. From Ko Lanta, a speedboat tour reaches them in roughly an hour or so each way, which is much closer than from Phuket, and it lets you enjoy the scenery without the larger crowds of the busiest departures. Stops typically include snorkeling bays on the main islands, a visit to the viewing areas around Maya Bay, a swim at Monkey Beach and lunch. It is a long, active day, best suited to travelers who have already done one or two of the quieter island trips and want to see the headline sights as well.

Preparation matters, because the Phi Phi islands are a protected area with rules that have changed in recent years. Maya Bay, the beach made famous by a film, was closed for several years for coral recovery and now operates under strict visitor limits, which vary by season and are set by the park authorities. For that reason, tour operators describe the visit as a stop at or near the bay and cannot guarantee where you will land.

Check the itinerary when you book for the current plan, and be ready for the crew to adapt if the water is too rough or the bay is closed. In any case, the cliffs, caves and lagoons around the islands are spectacular.

Snorkeling stops are usually at Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave or the bays around Phi Phi Leh, where the water is deep blue and the cliffs drop straight into the sea. Visibility depends on weather, and at some times of year the water is rougher and cloudier than the postcards suggest.

Monkey Beach is a popular stop, where macaques gather on the sand; do not feed or touch them, because they can bite and they carry diseases. Lunch is generally a simple Thai meal served on the boat or on an island, and drinking water and fruit are provided on most departures.

The journey is by speedboat, which is fast and can be bumpy. Choose a seat toward the middle or back of the boat, take a motion sickness tablet if you are prone to nausea and keep your belongings in a dry bag. The return trip is often into the afternoon sun, so bring a hat, a long-sleeved shirt and sunscreen. Mask, snorkel and life jacket are provided. Fins are usually available, but sizes can run out, so ask early. Pack a towel and a change of clothes for the ride home.

This is a day for people who want to tick the Phi Phi box without moving hotels. It is less peaceful than the Koh Kradan or Koh Rok trips and can feel busy at midday, so ask for the earliest departure. It runs mainly from about November to April or May, and in the rainy months it may be cancelled for rough seas. Families with children aged eight and up should find it manageable, though the day is long.

If you have time for only one big boat day, consider whether you prefer the clear reefs of Koh Rok or the dramatic scenery of Phi Phi, and book accordingly. Also note that Phi Phi has its own place within the Krabi region, so this tour is simply the Ko Lanta departure for it.