This is a 6:00 am island hop that’s built to help you beat the busiest Phi Phi hours, with multiple snorkeling stops and classic viewpoints packed into one day. I like that you get snorkeling gear and life jackets included, plus lunch and drinks so you are not paying island prices all day. One thing to weigh: you’re dealing with a long morning/early afternoon schedule and a separate national park fee you pay at entry.

The itinerary is tight in the best way: you hit Chicken Island first for relaxing and swimming, then move through the Phi Phi headline sites like Maya Bay and Bamboo Island before settling into more water time at Pileh Bay and Loh Samah Bay. I also like the practical setup, with English-speaking guidance, accident insurance, and free pickup for Ao Nang, Klong Muang, and Tub Kaek. The main drawback is simply timing and conditions—this tour is weather-dependent and early starts mean you should plan your sleep and meeting point carefully.

Key takeaways before you book

• Early departure from Nopparat Thara Pier helps you get to the big sights before the heaviest crush
• Snorkeling equipment + life jackets are included, so you travel lighter
• Food and drinks are covered (lunch, fruit, soft drinks, drinking water)
• National park fee is extra and you pay it at the point of entry
• Small-to-midsize group cap (max 30) keeps the day feeling organized
• Free hotel pickup is offered for Ao Nang, Klong Muang, and Tub Kaek

A 6:00 am boat day that actually helps you beat Phi Phi crowds

The biggest reason to consider this tour is the start time. Leaving at 6:00 am from Nopparat Thara Pier puts you in motion early, which matters for the most famous stops in the Phi Phi area. If your goal is photos at recognizable bays without constantly waiting behind a wall of people, an early schedule is the difference between enjoying the water and just fighting for space.

You also get a full “islands plus snorkeling” day rather than only sightseeing from a boat. After the morning passes through classic spots, the plan shifts into swimming and snorkeling time, with multiple water-focused bays. The result is a tour that feels like a structured beach day, not just a ride-by.

And the day is designed to end where you started. It returns you back to the meeting point, which keeps things simple when you’re staying around Ao Nang.

Where the money goes: price, park fees, and what you get

The listed price is $111.70 per person, and it’s typically booked about 16 days in advance. For that money, you’re not just paying for transport—you’re paying for a packed route with included meals, safety gear for snorkeling, and an English-speaking guide.

Here’s what’s covered:

• Lunch plus tropical seasonal fruits
• Soft drinks and drinking water
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets
• English-speaking guide
• Accident insurance
• Free hotel pickup for Ao Nang, Klong Muang, and Tub Kaek

What is not included:

• National park fee: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, paid at point of entry

So the real value question is this: you’re buying convenience (early schedule, guided route, meals/drinks) and staying power (multiple snorkeling stops). If you were to book separately—boat to Phi Phi, individual snorkeling tours, and meals—it usually adds up fast. The park fee is a standard kind of cost in this region, but it’s still worth budgeting for before you go.

Morning run: Chicken Island, Poda, then Maya Bay

Your day begins with a water stop that’s more relaxed than the headline sites. First up is Chicken Island (about 1 hour). This is a “settle in” stop where you can relax, explore, and snorkel. If you want your snorkeling day to start with confidence rather than rushing, this first stop choice helps.

Next is Koh Poda Island (about 1 hour). The schedule notes light breakfast and time to enjoy the sunrise vibe. Even if you’re not a sunrise person, I like this stop because it’s usually calmer than the later “everyone to the same bay” timing.

Then you shift to one of the most recognizable names in Thailand: Maya Bay (about 1 hour). It’s described as a filming location for The Beach. Expect it to be a scenic stop where the point is both atmosphere and photos. A quick reality check: popular film-linked locations tend to be photo-heavy by nature, so the early timing is your best tool for keeping the experience enjoyable.

Bamboo Island, Loh Samah Bay, and Pileh Bay snorkeling time

After Maya Bay, the itinerary keeps handing you chances to get back in the water.

Bamboo Island (about 1 hour) is the next big beach-and-water moment. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel and also just hang on the sand. This kind of stop is where you can balance active snorkeling with slower time—especially if you want a day that doesn’t feel like only fins and goggles.

Then comes Loh Samah Bay (about 1 hour), another swimming and snorkeling stop. The description calls out colorful tropical reef and tropical fish. Loh Samah is the kind of stop you typically visit to see actual underwater life rather than just float around, so it’s a good fit if snorkeling is a key reason you’re booking.

Finally, you hit Pileh Bay (about 1 hour). The wording focuses on swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water. If you’ve ever had a snorkeling trip where visibility was poor, you’ll understand why the “clear water” promise matters. This is also one of the stops that works well for mixed comfort levels: if you’re snorkeling confidently, great; if you’re sticking closer to the surface, you can still enjoy the bay atmosphere.

Monkey Beach for photos, not a full swim session

Your last major stop is Monkey Beach (about 30 minutes). The plan here is sightseeing and taking photos. This is not a long beach linger like some of the earlier stops, so treat it like a quick hit: get your bearings, grab the shots you want, and keep your momentum for the ride back.

Also, since this is a shorter stop, it’s a smart time to handle any little gaps you might have missed earlier—like if you want one more swim break or you realized you forgot a small item.

Boat day reality check: group size, comfort, and safety

The tour caps out at 30 travelers, which is fairly reasonable for a day that moves between islands. It helps keep the schedule from turning into pure chaos, especially with snorkeling stops that require gear fitting and briefings.

The listing also notes that this tour is not suitable for guests traveling by big boat or ferry. That may sound odd at first, but it usually boils down to boat type and how the route is run. If you know your limits with certain kinds of rides, this is where you should listen to the stated restriction.

For health, the tour isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. That’s not the time to “maybe.” If you’re in any of those categories, it’s worth choosing a different format with gentler timing and less movement.

The good news: snorkeling safety support is part of the package. You’ll have life jackets available and snorkeling equipment provided. You’re not left figuring out gear at the beach.

Finally, there’s accident insurance, which adds a layer of reassurance for an active day on the water.

Hotel pickup and meeting point: make your first hour easy

You get free hotel pickup for Ao Nang, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek. That matters because the tour starts early, and you don’t want your morning to depend on finding taxis or timing public transport.

If you’re staying in Ton Sai, the guidance says to come to the meeting point at Phra Nang Inn reception in Ao Nang. If you’re at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, you’re instructed to take the hotel shuttle boat to Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. Those are small details, but they can save you stress when it’s still dark out.

Your tour meeting point is tied to the pier address area in Ao Nang: Nopparat Thara Pier.

Also note: the tour description says it’s near public transportation. That’s helpful as a backup plan if pickup isn’t available where you are staying.

Who should book this Phi Phi + 4 Islands day trip

This tour makes the most sense if you want:

• A classic Phi Phi day without spending your whole trip planning
• A lot of swimming and snorkeling stops in one go
• Included meals and drinks so you can focus on the water

It’s also a solid choice if you’re staying in the Ao Nang area and you’d rather have the route run for you than doing piecemeal boat bookings.

Based on the overall rating (4.6 from 9 reviews) and the themes in the feedback, the most praised parts are the combination of organization, punctuality, and a well-run day. One highlighted point was an awesome crew and an easy, together-feeling tour day, and another was how smoothly it ran with families.

Should you book the Avoid the Crowds tour?

Yes, if your priority is an early start plus a well-timed mix of beaches and snorkeling, and you’re okay with paying a national park fee on the spot. The included lunch, fruit, soft drinks, water, and snorkeling gear make it feel like a full package rather than a bare-bones boat ride.

Hold off if:

• You’re sensitive to early mornings and long travel time
• You have any of the listed health concerns (pregnancy, high blood pressure, heart disease, bone diseases)
• You need a different boat style than what this tour implies

If you can handle the day, this is the kind of tour that fits Krabi well: morning energy, multiple islands, and enough water time to make it feel like you got your money’s worth.

FAQ

What islands are included on the Phi Phi + 4 Islands tour?

The stops include Chicken Island, Koh Poda Island, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Bay, and Monkey Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets.

What meals and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with tropical seasonal fruits, soft drinks, and drinking water.

Do I need to pay a park fee?

Yes. A national park fee is charged at entry: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

It starts at 6:00 am and runs about 9 to 10 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Pickup is free for hotels in Ao Nang, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek. If you’re staying in Ton Sai or at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, the tour provides specific instructions for where to meet and how to reach the pier.