REVIEW · PHUKET
Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo by Private VIP boat
Book on Viator →Operated by JustGoPhuket.com · Bookable on Viator
This private speedboat turns Phi Phi into your day. You get VIP van pickup from your Phuket hotel plus a fully private, customizable plan that hits Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and the Phi Phi area—run by an English-speaking guide.
The main catch is simple: you want to start early and you need good weather. If conditions are rough, the tour may be rescheduled or refunded.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Why a private VIP speedboat makes Phi Phi feel personal
- Price and what you actually get for $1,420.29 per group
- From your Phuket hotel to Boat Lagoon: the day starts smoothly
- Maya Bay: limestone cliffs, white sand, and the timing game
- Monkey Beach: a quick wildlife stop (and how to handle it)
- Bamboo Island: snorkeling-friendly water and beach time
- Phi Phi Islands and snorkeling: the longer middle of the day
- Loh Samah Bay (often shown as Loh Da Lum Bay): short and scenic
- Staff and customization: the difference between a private trip and a basic one
- What to bring (so the day feels easy)
- Timing, weather, and why early planning matters
- Who this tour is best for
- Should you book this private Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo VIP boat tour?
- FAQ
- How many people are in a group?
- What does the tour price include?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- How long is the tour?
- What places does the tour stop at?
- Are admission tickets included?
- Is lunch included?
- Are snorkeling gear and drinks provided?
- Do I need to pay any fees on the spot?
- What’s the cancellation policy if weather affects the tour?
Key highlights at a glance

- Private VIP van roundtrip keeps Phuket travel stress low
- Private speedboat day means just your group, up to 8 people
- Snorkeling gear included so you’re not hunting for rentals at the last second
- Admission tickets included for several stops (some fees are spot-paid)
- Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island are all built into the day
- Custom sightseeing options can help you shape time on the water
Why a private VIP speedboat makes Phi Phi feel personal

Phi Phi can turn into a stampede pretty fast on busy days. Going private changes the vibe immediately. Instead of sharing the same timeline with a crowd, you follow your own pace with a dedicated guide and boat service.
I also like how this tour is designed around boat time rather than waiting time. You start with hotel pickup, check in at the departure point, and then you’re on the water. That matters because Phi Phi-style itineraries live and die by timing, and a private setup makes it easier to adjust on the fly when water conditions shift.
The tour also leans into the classics: Maya Bay for the limestone-and-sand postcard scenes, Monkey Beach for a quick wildlife moment, Bamboo Island for reef-and-beach time, then more time in the Phi Phi island area for sightseeing and snorkeling.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Phuket
Price and what you actually get for $1,420.29 per group
The price is $1,420.29 per group, up to 8 people. That’s not “cheap,” but it’s also not priced like an individual luxury escape. The value depends on how many seats you fill.
- If you fill the group (8 people), you’re roughly around $180 per person.
- If it’s fewer people, your per-person cost climbs fast.
What helps the value is the package structure:
- Private transportation roundtrip from Phuket hotels (VIP van)
- Private tour only for your group
- English-speaking guide
- Snorkeling equipment included
- Bottled water plus soda/pop
- Admission tickets included for multiple key stops (with one notable exception)
Lunch is not included, and you’ll also need to handle national park fees on the spot. With that in mind, plan for your own snacks or a simple meal strategy so you don’t burn time hunting later.
From your Phuket hotel to Boat Lagoon: the day starts smoothly

Pickup is roundtrip from Phuket hotels, handled by a VIP van. This is the part I care about most on these long island days, because Phuket traffic can quietly steal your momentum.
At Boat Lagoon, you check in and get tea and coffee before departure. It’s a small touch, but it helps you avoid the “we’re leaving and everyone’s hungry” scramble.
This stop runs about 45 minutes, with an admission ticket included. After that, you’re off—this is where the day stops feeling like logistics and starts feeling like an actual island trip.
Practical tip: charge your phone fully before pickup and keep your documents handy. You’ll receive a mobile ticket, so having your phone ready helps you get through check-in without stress.
Maya Bay: limestone cliffs, white sand, and the timing game

Maya Bay is built for your camera, yes. But it’s also built for the feeling: clear turquoise water, dramatic limestone cliffs, and pristine white sandy beach scenery.
The key detail for you is not just what you see—it’s when you see it. Even with a private boat, the area is popular, and being ready early makes a difference in how relaxed you feel on the shore and in the water.
In a private format, you can also spend your limited time the way you prefer:
- If you want more shoreline time, you can bias your schedule that way.
- If you want more water time, you can ask for that emphasis.
One consideration: time at each stop can feel “just enough” rather than leisurely. If you’re the type who wants to linger for hours, you’ll feel the schedule pressure more than on a slow island stay.
Monkey Beach: a quick wildlife stop (and how to handle it)

After Maya Bay, you move to Monkey Beach. This stop is about 1 hour, and admission is included.
You’re going to see a troop of monkeys in a beach-and-greenery setting with the same bright water you came for. The practical question is how to enjoy it without turning it into a hassle.
What I recommend:
- Keep your phone and valuables secured.
- Follow your guide’s cues on staying back and moving safely.
- Don’t improvise with food or interactions, since you’re working in a wildlife environment.
The upside here is that it’s short. You get a memorable wildlife moment without eating your whole day.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Phuket
Bamboo Island: snorkeling-friendly water and beach time

Next up is Bamboo Island for about 2 hours. Admission is included here too.
This is the stop that’s easiest to love on a hot day: crystal-clear water, a white sandy beach, and snorkeling-focused scenery. The tour description also calls out coral reefs and marine life, which is exactly why snorkeling gear matters here.
I like that this isn’t just a “look from the boat” stop. You’re given enough time to do two things:
- Spend time in the shallows on the beach side
- Do a real snorkeling session without feeling like you’re rushing
One note: your comfort depends on what the day’s water conditions feel like. If it’s choppy or crowded, your time in the water can feel different. Still, the private setup gives you more flexibility than a fixed group rhythm.
Phi Phi Islands and snorkeling: the longer middle of the day

The longest stop is in the Phi Phi Islands area, with about 5 hours set aside. Admission is included for this part of the day as well.
This is where the tour leans into snorkeling and sightseeing. You’ll have time to see the coastline scenes and then switch into water time with the gear provided.
What’s valuable here is balance. A day like this can easily become a checklist: sand, photo, out. The longer Phi Phi Island block gives you room to actually enjoy the water and still see enough sights to feel like you did more than just “arrived and left.”
Bring sunscreen and a hat. With a speedboat day, sun exposure is often your biggest “I didn’t think about that” problem. Also consider a rash guard or quick-dry layer if you’re prone to sunburn.
Loh Samah Bay (often shown as Loh Da Lum Bay): short and scenic

The final stop listed is Loh Samah Bay (you may also see it labeled Loh Da Lum Bay). It’s about 45 minutes, with scenery described as turquoise water, white sand, and towering limestone cliffs.
This is a good closing act. It’s short enough that it doesn’t drag, but scenic enough that it doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
One practical consideration: the admission ticket is not included for this stop. Also, national park fees are something you’ll pay at the spot, so budgeting a little cash and staying flexible helps.
Staff and customization: the difference between a private trip and a basic one
This is billed as fully private, but the “secret sauce” is customization. The experience is described as something you can tailor, and that’s where good staff makes a real difference.
In plain terms, customization helps when:
- You’re traveling with mixed interests (one person wants more snorkeling, another wants more shore time)
- You want to avoid your least favorite activity taking over your day
- You want smoother pacing rather than stop-hopping at the mercy of a crowd
In the same spirit, the fact that the guide is English-speaking helps you get clear answers quickly. When you’re on a boat schedule, clarity beats guesswork.
What to bring (so the day feels easy)
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and soda/pop, so you don’t need to overpack gear. But I’d still show up prepared, because speedboat days are still sun, wind, and water.
Bring:
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A hat (wind makes hats tricky, but it’s still worth it)
- A light cover-up or rash guard for longer snorkel time
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
- Cash for any spot-paid national park fees and the Loh Samah Bay admission ticket
If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider your usual remedy ahead of time. Not because the tour says it’s rough—just because open-water speedboat travel can be a wildcard.
Timing, weather, and why early planning matters
The day requires good weather, and you should treat that as a feature, not a footnote. When seas are calm, you get the best boat ride and the best water time. When conditions aren’t great, your tour may be rescheduled or refunded.
This is also why starting early matters. The tour comments you’ll want to begin early so you don’t miss sightseeing and customized moments. Even on a private boat, you’re still working within daylight and the natural rhythm of island logistics.
If your schedule is tight (one night in Phuket and then you fly out), build in buffer time. It’s worth avoiding the “everything depends on one day” situation.
Who this tour is best for
This makes the most sense for:
- Groups of up to 8 who want privacy and less waiting around
- People who want a classic Phi Phi day with Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island built in
- Snorkel fans who appreciate having equipment included rather than organizing rentals
- Anyone who likes guided organization but wants the ability to shape pacing
If you’re the type who prefers slow, unstructured travel (no set stops, no boat schedule), a private speedboat day may feel too scheduled.
Should you book this private Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo VIP boat tour?
I’d book it if you want the Phi Phi highlights in one shot and you care about reducing stress: VIP van pickup, a private boat for your group, snorkeling equipment included, and tickets that cover several stops. At this price point, you’re paying for convenience and control—less crowd friction, more time enjoying what you came for.
I’d skip or reconsider if:
- You have a very tight schedule and can’t handle a weather-related reschedule
- You’re traveling alone or with only 1–2 people, since the per-person cost rises quickly
- You want a long, slow beach day where you linger for hours without moving
If you’re staying in Phuket and planning a once-in-a-while Phi Phi trip, this is a strong way to do it—private, efficient, and focused on the water and scenery.
FAQ
How many people are in a group?
This is a private tour/activity, and it’s designed for your group only, up to 8 people.
What does the tour price include?
The listed price is for the group. Included items are private transportation, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment use, bottled water, and soda/pop, plus admission tickets for several stops.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. The tour includes private roundtrip transfer from Phuket hotels via VIP van.
How long is the tour?
The duration is listed as about 4 to 10 hours.
What places does the tour stop at?
The stops include Boat Lagoon, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, the Phi Phi Islands area, and Loh Samah Bay.
Are admission tickets included?
Admission tickets are included for Boat Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and the Phi Phi Islands area. Loh Samah Bay is listed as not included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
Are snorkeling gear and drinks provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment use is included, along with bottled water and soda/pop.
Do I need to pay any fees on the spot?
Yes. National park fees are not included and are listed as to be paid at the spot.
What’s the cancellation policy if weather affects the tour?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






























