3-Part Island Hopping in Thailand Series

Five golden admission tickets labeled “my return ticket” arranged in a row.

VERDICT: WE GAVE 5 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!

This guide forms part of our complete Thailand Travel Guide, featuring tropical island adventures, iconic destinations, beautiful beaches, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across Thailand.

This article is part of our Island Hopping from Phuket: Ultimate Guide series. During our time in southern Thailand, we explored the spectacular islands and turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, taking three unforgettable excursions to the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, and Monkey Beach and Koh Phi Phi Leh, home to the famous Maya Bay featured in the movie The Beach. Read our complete Phuket island-hopping guide to discover these three incredible adventures.

Thailand: Time to Explore

This is the first of three travel articles following our journey from Bangkok to Phuket, where we traded city life for tropical islands, spectacular limestone cliffs, famous movie locations and a few unexpected adventures.

Island Hopping Travel Article 1 – Phi Phi Islands: A perfect day of white sand, warm water, snorkelling, a memorable lunch and a sobering reminder of the 2004 tsunami.

Island Hopping Travel Article 2 – James Bond Island: A cinematic adventure following in the footsteps of 007, complete with long-tail boats and an unexpectedly wild journey home.

Island Hopping Travel Article 3 – Monkey Beach and Phi Phi Leh: Wild monkeys, the spectacular surroundings of The Beach, and one snorkelling experience we certainly hadn’t anticipated.

Phi Phi Islands: A Perfect Day in a Tropical Paradise

Our first article: From Phuket across the sparkling Andaman Sea to powder-white beaches, tropical fish and a five-ticket island escape

From Bangkok to Phuket: Time for a Change of Pace

Thailand had already given us some wonderful memories, particularly during our time in Bangkok. The bustling streets, fascinating culture and energy of the city had made quite an impression on us.

One of the highlights was attending an incredible Rotary International Conference. Imagine being surrounded by approximately 20,000 Rotarians gathered together at one hotel and conference venue! It was quite extraordinary, and something we would never forget.

But after the conference, we had something completely different in mind.

We wanted beaches, sunshine, warm water and a little relaxation. We had arranged additional time in Thailand, and Phuket seemed the perfect destination.

Situated in southern Thailand, Phuket is the country’s largest island and an excellent starting point for exploring the smaller islands scattered across the Andaman Sea.

We decided to book several island-hopping adventures, and first on our list was the spectacular Phi Phi Islands.

A Speedboat Adventure Across the Andaman Sea

Our adventure began at the harbour in Phuket, where we boarded a fast speedboat for the journey to Phi Phi.

The excitement was building before we had even left the dock.

As we accelerated away from Phuket, the sea seemed to sparkle in every direction. The sun reflected off the surface of the beautiful blue water, and we watched the coastline slowly disappear behind us.

We were travelling across the Andaman Sea, part of the northeastern Indian Ocean, towards an island group approximately 46 kilometres southeast of Phuket.

The Phi Phi Islands belong to Krabi Province and are famous for their towering limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and remarkable marine life.

The journey by speedboat usually takes around 45–60 minutes, depending on the departure point and sea conditions. We certainly didn’t mind the journey. With beautiful scenery surrounding us, the boat ride was part of the experience.

First Impressions – And a Reminder of the 2004 Tsunami

As we approached Phi Phi, we could immediately understand why these islands attract visitors from around the world. The water was almost impossibly blue, the limestone cliffs rose dramatically above the shoreline, and the tropical vegetation created a picture-perfect backdrop.

Tsunami hazard zone sign in a wooded area advising people to move to high ground or inland after an earthquake.

Outdoor educational display about the previous tsunami, featuring photographs, maps, and historical information.

Our boat arrived close to shore, and we jumped into the warm water before wading onto the beach. It felt wonderful.

But within minutes, something quite unexpected caught our attention.

There was a prominent notice explaining the devastating tsunami that struck the region on December 26, 2004. The notice immediately changed our mood.

We looked around at the beautiful surroundings and tried to imagine the devastation that had occurred here. It was difficult to comprehend how such a peaceful and idyllic island could have experienced such tragedy.

The tsunami was triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off Sumatra, Indonesia. The resulting waves swept across the Indian Ocean, devastating coastal communities in several countries. Phi Phi was particularly vulnerable because much of its developed area occupied a low-lying strip of land between two bays.

Hundreds of people lost their lives on Phi Phi, and buildings, businesses and infrastructure were destroyed. We also noticed clearly marked evacuation routes directing visitors towards higher ground.

It certainly gave us pause for thought. Standing there, surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty, we were reminded just how powerful and unpredictable nature can be.

Our First Stop: A Glass of Wine Overlooking the Sea

After absorbing the history of the island, we began exploring.

We made our way towards a restaurant overlooking the water, where we decided that a little refreshment was in order. A glass of wine seemed entirely appropriate! There is something rather special about sitting beside the sea, with nowhere in particular to be and nothing pressing on the day’s agenda.

We relaxed and admired the view. The colours were extraordinary, from the brilliant blue sky to the turquoise water and the deep green vegetation covering the hillsides.

We knew we would return later for a proper meal, but for now, we wanted to discover more of the island.

Couple wearing sunglasses taking a selfie on a boat amid turquoise water and limestone cliffs

Finding Our Own Little Piece of Paradise

Leaving the restaurant, we wandered through beautifully maintained gardens and pathways before reaching the main beach.

And what a beach! The sand was incredibly fine, soft and almost powdery beneath our feet. The water was clear, warm and wonderfully inviting. We found ourselves a relatively secluded spot, settled in and prepared to enjoy a few hours doing very little.

Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing in a spectacular location is exactly what a holiday needs. It wasn’t long before we were back in the water.

We had brought snorkelling masks, having been told that there were plenty of fish to see. That turned out to be something of an understatement.

Snorkelling With Tropical Fish

Oh my goodness – there were fish everywhere! As soon as we put our faces beneath the surface, a whole new world appeared.

Schools of colourful tropical fish swam around us, darting through the exceptionally clear water. We could see fish swimming beneath us, beside us and occasionally directly in front of our masks.

The visibility was wonderful. The temperature was perfect. And with the sunshine overhead and the lush vegetation framing the island, it genuinely felt like paradise.

We spent a considerable amount of time swimming, snorkelling and simply floating in the warm Andaman Sea. These are the moments that remind us why we love travelling.

Nothing complicated. Nothing rushed. Just the opportunity to experience somewhere beautiful together.

Lunch at Café 8.98 Phi Phi

Eventually, all that swimming worked up quite an appetite.

We headed back towards Café 8.98 Phi Phi for a leisurely meal. Of course, another glass of wine was involved! I chose the Prawn Aglio Olio, a delicious combination of spaghetti, prawns and Parmesan, with a gluten-free option available. Andrew decided on Chicken Fajita and Mango. Both dishes were thoroughly enjoyed.

One thing we particularly appreciated was the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed restaurant experience while surrounded by such beautiful scenery. It wasn’t simply about eating lunch. It was about taking our time, enjoying the atmosphere and making the most of the day.

Afterwards, we were feeling rather full.

Which, in hindsight, might not have been the ideal moment to climb back aboard a speedboat!

Back Across the Andaman Sea

Fortunately, the sea had remained beautifully calm. Once everyone was back on board, we departed for Phuket. The speedboat picked up speed, and we seemed to glide effortlessly across the water.

It was almost mesmerizing watching the sunshine dance across the surface as we travelled. Despite having eaten rather generously, neither of us experienced any difficulties during the return journey.

Before long, Phuket came back into view. We arrived at the harbour, boarded our waiting bus and returned to the hotel.

Tired, perhaps a little sun-kissed, but extremely happy.

Why the Phi Phi Islands Earned Our Highest Rating

When we think back on our travels through Thailand, this particular day stands out.

We enjoyed a thrilling speedboat journey, stunning tropical scenery, warm and clear water, wonderful snorkelling and a delightful meal. We also learned more about the history of the islands and the extraordinary resilience of the communities affected by the 2004 tsunami.

There was something special about having enough time to explore at our own pace rather than rushing from one attraction to another.

Would we return?

Absolutely!

The Phi Phi Islands delivered everything we had hoped for and more.

Our My Return Ticket Rating: 5 Tickets Out of 5

Quality: Excellent
Service: Very good
Memorability: Outstanding
Value for Money: Excellent

Our Bottom Line: If you’re visiting Phuket and want a full day of tropical island scenery, snorkelling, delicious food and relaxation, the Phi Phi Islands deserve a place near the top of your itinerary. We would happily book our return ticket.

Planning Your Own Phi Phi Islands Adventure

Location: Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand.

Getting there: Speedboat or ferry from Phuket, with many services departing from Rassada Pier and other designated tour marinas.

Typical travel times:

Speedboat: Approximately 45–60 minutes, sometimes longer depending on route and conditions.
Ferry: Approximately 1½–2 hours.

Suggested time: A full-day excursion, or longer if you want to stay overnight.

Typical tour budget: Approximately ฿1,500–฿3,000 per person for selected group excursions. More comprehensive tours can cost more, and national park fees may be additional. This was about $75 Cdn dollars per person.

What to bring: Swimwear, a towel, snorkelling gear if preferred, reef-conscious sunscreen, a hat, water, a waterproof phone pouch and some cash.

Our local tip: Don’t rush through Phi Phi Don. Leave yourself enough time to enjoy the beach, have a relaxed meal and appreciate the extraordinary scenery.

Travel information and prices are indicative and should be checked before booking. We booked via Viator. So pleased we did. If we can’t find what we are looking for we check out Get Your Guide. We usually find amazing deals.

Top 5 things to do in Phuket

1. Take a Thai cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional dishes such as green curry, pad Thai and tom yum, ideally with a market visit to discover local ingredients.

2. Enjoy a sunset dinner on the coast. Choose a beachfront restaurant around Kata, Karon or Rawai and enjoy an unhurried evening overlooking the Andaman Sea.

3. Explore the Sunday Walking Street Market. Known as Lard Yai, the market on Thalang Road combines street food, handicrafts, music and local culture. It normally operates Sunday evenings.

4. Spend a morning relaxing on a quieter beach. Kata Noi, Nai Harn or Kamala can make excellent alternatives to busier Patong, depending on the season and surf conditions.

5. Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. Choose a genuine observation-focused sanctuary that does not offer riding, forced bathing or performances. It can be an opportunity to learn about elephant welfare and conservation.

Planning Your Trip?

Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:

With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.

Island Hopping From Phuket to Phi Phi⎮Thailand