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Hello, everyone! I'm back with a review of an absolutely unforgettable trip to Thailand.
This time, I want to introduce you to the Phuket Pi Pi Island + Khai Island Speed Yacht Tour (Seastar), a journey that truly captures the essence of paradise.
If you're heading to Phuket, you'll hear about Pi Pi Island everywhere. It's famous for a reason, and this specific tour allows you to explore its magic along with Khai Island in one action-packed day.
I promise you, if you're looking for breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters, this is the tour for you. I hope this detailed review helps you plan your perfect getaway.
[Image placeholder: My Real Trip Product Image for Phuket Pi Pi Island Tour]
Thinking about a trip to Phuket?
Let's be honest. When you think of Thailand, you think of those iconic turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs.
That picture-perfect scenery you see online? That's Pi Pi Island. It's consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.
A trip to Phuket simply isn't complete without seeing Maya Bay and the surrounding islands. You could try to plan everything yourself, but for a place like this, a guided tour is really the best option.
Why? Because a good tour company takes care of all the logistics. They handle transportation, lunch, snorkeling gear, and most importantly, they know the best spots to maximize your experience while keeping you safe.
This specific tour, the Seastar Speed Yacht Tour, is a popular choice for a reason. It packs so much value into a single day, offering both efficiency and quality.
If you want to experience the best of Phuket's island-hopping without any stress, this tour is exactly what you need. Trust me, you'll create memories that last a lifetime.
Click here to compare different tour options on MyRealTrip!
Why is this specific tour so popular?
I have to admit, I was blown away by the service provided. The Seastar Speedboat Tour is highly recommended for several reasons.
First, it’s all-inclusive. You don't have to worry about anything from start to finish. They provide hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a massive convenience, especially when dealing with early morning schedules.
Second, the tour itinerary is designed perfectly for maximum sightseeing in minimal time. A speed yacht significantly reduces travel time between islands, allowing you to visit Pi Pi Island and Khai Island in one day.
Third, the staff and guides truly make the experience. My guide was incredibly enthusiastic and friendly, keeping the energy high throughout the day. They made sure everyone felt safe and well-cared for, which is especially important for non-swimmers or families traveling with children.
Finally, let’s talk about the food. The tour includes breakfast (simple pastries and coffee) at the pier and a satisfying buffet lunch on Pi Pi Don Island. They also provide plenty of snacks and drinks throughout the day. It's a high-value experience for the price.
Detailed Tour Information
Let's look at the rough schedule for the day, so you know what to expect. Keep in mind that times can change based on weather conditions or tide levels.
07:30 - 08:30 Hotel Pickup: The van picks you up from your hotel. The exact time depends on your hotel's location.
08:30 Arrive at Leam Nga Pier: Check in, enjoy a light breakfast (bread, coffee, tea), and get briefed on the day's itinerary and safety rules.
09:00 Departure to Pi Pi Island: Board the speed yacht and head out to sea.
09:30 - 11:30 Explore Pi Pi Island Area: Visit Pileh Lagoon (for a relaxing swim), see Viking Cave, and possibly stop at Monkey Beach (depending on conditions).
11:30 Lunch Break: Enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant on Pi Pi Don Island.
13:00 Further Exploration: After lunch, continue exploring the Pi Pi islands.
14:30 Khai Island Visit: Arrive at Khai Island for some free time. Here you can swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach.
16:30 Head Back to Pier: Start the return journey to Leam Nga Pier.
17:50 Hotel Drop-off: Arrive back at your hotel.
Recommended Itinerary: Making the most of the day
With a packed schedule like this, it’s important to know where to focus your energy.
My advice? Don't miss out on Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay. The tour takes you through Pileh Lagoon, a truly magical spot where the water is a mesmerizing shade of emerald green. Take the opportunity here to swim or just float and soak in the scenery.
While at Maya Bay, take as many photos as possible. It is stunning. The beach is protected, so you can only view it from the boat, but it's still worth every second.
At Khai Island, make sure to try snorkeling. The island is famous for its shallow water snorkeling, where you can see tons of small, colorful fish swimming right up to you. It’s perfect even for beginners.
If you have kids, I highly recommend asking the guides for help. I saw them taking care of a young boy during the snorkeling session, ensuring his safety and helping him enjoy the experience.
Location Guide
This tour departs from Leam Nga Pier, located on the east side of Phuket.
A common question I get about island hopping tours is about the travel time. If you’re staying in popular areas like Patong or Kata Beach, be prepared for a bit of a drive to get to the pier.
The van ride from Patong can take over an hour in the morning traffic. It's a bit early, but it's worth getting up for. The tour guides pick up guests from various hotels in different areas, so be patient during the pickup process.
The journey from the pier to Pi Pi Island takes about an hour via speed yacht. While it sounds long, the ride is generally smooth, and the boat staff are great at keeping everyone entertained.
Once you’re out on the water and surrounded by the beautiful islands, the travel time will feel completely justified.
Travel Tips & Recommended Preparations
Based on my experience and feedback from other travelers, here are some essential tips for a smooth day:
1. Bring a Beach Towel: This is crucial. You'll be in and out of the ocean multiple times, and the speedboat ride can get chilly when you're wet. A beach towel or light cover-up will make a huge difference in comfort.
2. Protect Your Skin: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. The sun in Thailand is intense, and you'll be exposed to it all day long on the boat. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming.
3. Check for Sea Urchins: A few travelers mentioned encountering sea urchins near the snorkeling area at Khai Island. While rare, it's always smart to wear water shoes or be careful where you step.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. The guides provide water throughout the trip, so take advantage of it to stay hydrated in the heat.
5. Small Change for Tips: Tipping is customary in Thailand. While not mandatory, it’s a nice gesture to tip the guides and boat crew for their hard work and friendly service at the end of the day.
Recommended Tour (Why this one is best)
I've tried a few different island tours in Phuket, and I truly recommend this specific Seastar tour for its combination of efficiency and value.
Some tours might offer more relaxed schedules or focus on fewer islands, but if you're like me and want to see as much as possible in one day without feeling overly rushed, this itinerary is perfect.
The speed yacht allows you to cover a lot of ground quickly, visiting all the key spots: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and Khai Island.
The all-inclusive nature (meals, transport, gear) means you can relax and focus on the scenery rather than logistical headaches.
If you’re deciding between different options, look no further. The quality of service from this tour operator consistently receives high marks, and I agree.
Conclusion
So, was the Phuket Pi Pi Island + Khai Island Speed Yacht Tour worth it? A resounding YES from me.
I went on this tour not knowing exactly what to expect, but I left with some of the best travel memories I’ve ever made. The scenery at Pi Pi Island, especially Maya Bay, is truly out of this world.
The staff's enthusiasm and attention to detail created such a positive atmosphere. It truly felt like they wanted everyone to have a great time, not just move people through an itinerary.
It’s definitely a long day, and you'll spend a lot of time on the boat, but when you look back at the photos of the incredible places you've visited, you'll agree that every minute was worthwhile.
If you only have time for one island-hopping tour in Phuket, make it this one. You won't regret experiencing the magic of Pi Pi Island firsthand.
In-Depth Review
Let me tell you about my personal experience on this tour. From the moment the pickup van arrived, I knew I was in good hands. The whole process felt very organized.
I was traveling solo this time, and I made a point of talking to some of the other travelers from different countries. Everyone on the boat was having a great time, and the guides did an excellent job of breaking the ice between us.
The highlight for me was snorkeling at Khai Island. The water was unbelievably clear, and as soon as I put my head under, I was surrounded by hundreds of little fish. It was almost like swimming in a giant aquarium. I loved it so much that I even tried out the paddleboard provided by the tour company!
The lunch buffet was simple but satisfying, and I was grateful for the constant supply of snacks and drinks on the boat. It kept my energy levels up for all the swimming and exploring.
I had read reviews mentioning the long drive time to the pier, and it's true; the van ride was a bit lengthy from my hotel. However, once we got going, I forgot all about it. The incredible views and the high energy of the staff made the travel time irrelevant.
Overall, I can't recommend this tour highly enough. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!