Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat

REVIEW · PHUKET

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat

  • 5.04 reviews
  • From $1,420.29
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Operated by JustGoPhuket.com · Bookable on Viator

Private speedboat days on Phi Phi hit different. This private VIP charter gives you a more controlled route than the usual shared boats, plus the comfort of hotel pickup in Phuket. I also like that the plan builds in major stops like Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island without making you guess how you’ll get around.

The biggest drawback to plan for is timing. You’ll want an early start mindset so you don’t feel rushed when you’re moving between islands and the day’s highlights are on a set rhythm.

Key points at a glance

  • Truly private group charter (up to 8), so your day doesn’t have to follow strangers’ schedules
  • Hotel pickup and roundtrip transfer from Phuket in a VIP van to Boat Lagoon
  • Snorkeling gear and bottled water included, which saves you time and money
  • Multiple classic Phi Phi stops with set time blocks, including Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island
  • National park fees and some admission may be paid on the spot, so don’t assume everything is included

Private Phi Phi VIP boat: when it’s great value

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Private Phi Phi VIP boat: when it’s great value
At $1,420.29 per group (up to 8 people), this isn’t a budget add-on. It’s a “buy your time and comfort” kind of trip. The value comes from two things: you’re not sharing the boat with other groups, and you’re not wasting half your day on chaotic logistics.

If your group fills all 8 spots, that works out to roughly $175 per person. Split it with friends or family and the cost starts to feel more reasonable compared with paying separate rates for multiple shared tours.

Where it really pays off: you can keep the day flexible. The tour description is clear that this is fully private and can be customized, which matters on Phi Phi. Conditions change, and your priorities might not match someone else’s ideal itinerary.

Phuket pickup to Boat Lagoon: smooth start, real time savings

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Phuket pickup to Boat Lagoon: smooth start, real time savings
This tour starts with private transportation. You get picked up from your hotel in Phuket by a VIP van and transferred to Boat Lagoon for check-in.

The little details help. Before departure, you’re offered tea and coffee, so you’re not scrambling for breakfast or coffee while everyone else is lining up. That’s a small thing, but on an early day it can make a big difference in how you feel once you’re on the water.

Boat Lagoon check-in includes an admission ticket (per the itinerary details) and is scheduled for about 45 minutes. In practice, that’s enough time to get settled, meet your guide, and start the day without turning it into a stress test.

Maya Bay on your schedule: the star stop, with a patience tax

Maya Bay is the headline stop, and it’s on your day plan as a dedicated visit during your Phi Phi island time. The draw is obvious: limestone cliffs, white sand, and clear turquoise water are the classic Maya Bay visuals that keep people coming back.

Here’s the practical part. Maya Bay is popular and it’s scenic, so it’s also the kind of place where your experience can swing based on how you pace your time. This is one reason the tour’s “start early” idea matters so much. If you’re late to the early rhythm of the day, you may find yourself compressing your photos, swimming time, and walking breaks.

Also note: the details provided don’t clearly list Maya Bay’s admission as included the way some other stops are. Add in the fact that there’s a national park fee paid on the spot, and you should be ready for at least some fee costs during the day.

Monkey Beach: short beach time that works best with quick priorities

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Monkey Beach: short beach time that works best with quick priorities
Next up is Monkey Beach, scheduled for about 1 hour. This stop is built for a quick visit: enough time to enjoy the setting and take in the water views, but not enough time to treat it like a full beach day.

The itinerary frames Monkey Beach as a beach area with a troop of monkeys. Since the time is tight, I’d plan your priorities in advance:

  • Photos first, then a slow walk along the shoreline
  • A short swim if conditions look good
  • Keep valuables controlled and stay mindful around wildlife

The itinerary also indicates admission ticket included for Monkey Beach. So compared with some other Phi Phi stops that may require extra on-the-spot fees, this one is a little easier to budget for.

Bamboo Island: longer time for snorkeling and calm-water floating

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Bamboo Island: longer time for snorkeling and calm-water floating
Bamboo Island is allocated about 2 hours, which is a healthier chunk of time than many island-hopping itineraries. This matters because Bamboo Island is one of those places where you want time to do more than snap photos and move on.

You’ll get a chance to enjoy the white sandy beach and the surrounding coral area. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you don’t have to line up to rent gear or worry about whether you picked the right size mask.

What I like about this stop in the tour design is the pace. Two hours is long enough to:

  • Put on gear without feeling rushed
  • Snorkel for a bit, then rest and rehydrate
  • Take breaks between water time and shoreline time

One thing to keep in mind: admission is listed as included for Bamboo Island, which simplifies the “what do I pay?” question for this portion of the day. Lunch isn’t included, so plan on snacks and drinks through the day if you need more than bottled water and soda/pop.

Phi Phi Islands main time: 5 hours to see, swim, and reset

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Phi Phi Islands main time: 5 hours to see, swim, and reset
This portion is labeled as Phi Phi Islands and is scheduled for about 5 hours, with an admission ticket included in the itinerary details. That’s the longest single stop on your day, so it’s likely where you’ll spend the most time moving between viewpoints, swimming windows, and rest periods.

Because this is a private tour, the “how” can feel more flexible than shared group tours. Instead of watching everyone else do the same circuit, you have a better chance to align the day with your own comfort level—whether that means more time near water or more time on the viewpoints.

Also, since snorkeling equipment is included, this is probably where you’ll use it most, especially if you want to spend extra time in the water rather than just dipping in for a quick look.

What I would watch for: with 5 hours on the main island area, it’s easy to let your energy drift—people end up floating, taking photos, and then suddenly realize they lost time. If you want the best day, keep a mental checklist: one swim window, one viewpoint focus, then a final relaxed stretch before moving on.

Loh Samah Bay: the shorter closer that can still feel special

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Loh Samah Bay: the shorter closer that can still feel special
Your final named stop is Loh Samah Bay (listed as Loh Samah Bay / Loh Da Lum Bay in the itinerary details) for about 45 minutes. That’s not long. This stop works best if you treat it as a scenic breather and photo stop rather than trying to pack in a full beach session.

The itinerary indicates admission ticket not included for this stop, and the tour also mentions that national park fee applies to be paid at the spot. So if you’re budgeting, plan for some extra cash here.

Why include a short stop like this at the end? Because it gives you a chance to enjoy another classic bay look without stretching the day late. For many people, the best tours avoid the “last stop fatigue” problem, and a 45-minute finish can help you keep energy up.

Guide, boat, and group size: what being private changes

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - Guide, boat, and group size: what being private changes
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates. That affects the day in three real ways:

  1. You set the tone. If you want more water time, you can ask for it. If you want slower pacing for photos, you can push that conversation.
  2. Your schedule becomes less chaotic. No waiting on other groups, no trying to herd people through tight timing windows.
  3. Your guide can focus. The tour includes an English speaking guide, which helps a lot when you’re switching between islands and stops.

A theme in the overall feedback is how much people enjoyed the staff and the ability to customize sight changes. That lines up with what you should expect from a VIP private format: the guide’s job becomes less about following a crowd and more about handling your day.

What’s included vs. paid on the spot (so there are no surprises)

Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat - What’s included vs. paid on the spot (so there are no surprises)
Here’s what’s clearly included:

  • Private roundtrip transportation from Phuket hotels (VIP van)
  • English speaking guide
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Bottled water
  • Soda/pop
  • Mobile ticket
  • Admission listed as included for several stops: Boat Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and Phi Phi Islands

What isn’t included:

  • Lunch
  • National park fee (paid at the spot)
  • Some admission is not included for certain stops (Loh Samah Bay is listed as not included)

My practical advice: bring cash for on-the-spot fees. Even when the tour includes multiple admissions, Phi Phi often has fee layers. You don’t want to scramble at the dock.

Duration and pacing: plan for a wide window

The tour duration is listed as 4 to 10 hours. That range is normal for island-hopping depending on sea conditions, timing, and how your day is paced.

Because your stops are time-blocked (45 minutes at Boat Lagoon, then set durations at Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Islands, and Loh Samah Bay), you should think of this as a structured day, not an all-day free roam. If you have a flight later the same day, give yourself extra buffer time in case the return timing runs later.

Who this tour is best for (and who should look elsewhere)

This is a strong match if you:

  • Have a group of up to 8 people and want a private day
  • Care about flexible pacing and customization
  • Want snorkeling gear included without extra rental stops
  • Prefer hotel pickup so you’re not dealing with transit hassles on your own

It’s not the best fit if you:

  • Want a very low-cost outing per person
  • Are trying to optimize for a super-late sleep-in day (early start matters here)
  • Don’t want any on-the-spot fees at all (national park fees apply)

Should you book the Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo Private VIP boat tour?

Book it if your priority is a smoother Phi Phi day with private transport, snorkeling gear, and a route that hits the big names: Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island, plus additional bay time on Loh Samah.

I’d especially book it if you can fill the group and keep the per-person cost down. The private format is where you feel the difference, and it’s also where the customization shines.

If you’re the type who likes to show up relaxed, listen to the guide’s plan, and enjoy the water without constant schedule stress, this one will likely feel like money well spent. Just promise yourself you’ll start early, keep your day organized, and treat fee surprises as part of island travel—not a reason to ruin the fun.

FAQ

How many people can go on this private tour?

It’s listed as a private tour for your group, with a maximum group size of up to 8 people.

What is the meeting and transport like from Phuket?

You get private pickup from your hotel in Phuket by a VIP van and then transfer to Boat Lagoon for check-in.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 4 to 10 hours.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

The itinerary includes Boat Lagoon, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Islands, and Loh Samah Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the tour.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are admission tickets included for all stops?

Not all. Boat Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and Phi Phi Islands show admission as included in the itinerary details. Loh Samah Bay shows admission as not included. National park fees are also paid at the spot.

Do I need to pay national park fees?

Yes. National park fee is listed as not included and is to be paid at the spot.

Do I get an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The tour includes an English speaking guide.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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