Phuket Giant Water Lilies & Temple Tour – Private & All-Inclusive

Giant lily pads and golden temples. That’s the core mix here: you’ll spend your morning at Ma Doo Bua for the Victoria Amazonia lily-pond photo session, then rotate through three distinct Phuket temples. I especially love the private, all-inclusive setup (A/C transport, admission stops, bottled water), because it removes the daily Phuket hassle. My other favorite part is the chance to get drone photos of your group while you’re out on the pond, not just standard sightseeing shots. One thing to consider: the photo session at the lily pond can involve waiting, so plan for some time in the sun and humidity.

If you like your days to be efficient but not rushed, this tour makes sense. It starts early, hits different temple styles in a single half-day window, and then anchors the day around one truly unusual Phuket experience.

Quick hits on the giant lilies and temples

• Victoria Amazonia pond at Ma Doo Bua: home to some of the world’s largest lily pads, with time set aside for photos on the water
• Drone photos included: you’re not just taking phone snapshots; you get an official photo set from above
• Long-tail boat photo moment: your group can get positioned for those overhead lily-pond shots
• Three temple styles, one morning: Luang Poh Phra Thong (half-buried Golden Buddha), a Sleeping Buddha statue, and Wat Phra Nang Sang’s older Thalang-era story
• Guides who manage timing: many guides on this tour are praised for keeping the schedule smooth and guiding you for the best pictures

Price and what you’re really paying for at $159

At $159 per person for about 5 hours, this isn’t a bargain-bucket day trip. But the price starts to make sense when you break down what you’re getting.

You’re paying for: private A/C transportation, admission tickets for the stops, bottled water, and drone pictures plus the official services tied to that lily-pond photo moment. In other words, you’re not just booking a driver and hoping you figure out the rest.

What can change the math: drone video is not included (it’s an extra add-on at the location). Tips are also not included. If you want the full package of photos and motion, ask about the cost before you’re at the pond so there are no surprises.

How the 5-hour flow works once you’re picked up

The day begins at 8:00 am, and it’s designed to get you moving early. That matters in Phuket because mornings are often cooler, and temple entrances and photo spots tend to be less chaotic before later crowds.

You’ll hop between four main areas—first the Ma Do Bua lily pond, then three temples in the Phuket area. The tour is private, meaning it’s only your group in the vehicle and in the schedule timing. That’s usually the difference between feeling like a ticket number and feeling like you have someone steering the day.

Also, you’ll use a mobile ticket, and bottled water is included. Small details, but they add up when you’re outside for a photo-focused morning.

Ma Doo Bua giant water lilies: the Victoria Amazonia photo session

This is the big reason to book. You head to a lotus and lily pond in the Thalang district at Ma Do Bua, where the famous plant is Victoria Amazonia—the lily pad variety known for its huge leaves.

What you’ll do here is very photo-forward:

• You’ll go to the lily pond for a dedicated block of time (about 2 hours).
• Your group gets the chance to be positioned for drone shots, including moments from a long-tail boat surrounded by the lilies.
• Depending on how your session is set up, you may have the option to do a more “pose on the lily” style shot. You’ll want to follow the photographer’s directions on what’s safe and practical in that moment.

One practical tip I love from real timing on this day: at the lily-pond complex, the restaurant opens around 9:00, while photo queues and the first drone photo starts closer to 9:30. In at least some schedules, guests can end up waiting in line for photos for a while. The good news is that you can usually grab coffee or food while waiting, so you’re not just standing around melting.

If you’re the type who gets hangry, plan ahead:

• Bring a little patience for the queue.
• Expect the best results when you arrive early and listen carefully to the session instructions.

Drone photos: included, and how to handle the video add-on

Drone pictures are included, and that’s the key value piece. This isn’t just “we’ll take a few drone snaps if the pilot feels like it.” You should expect an actual photo service tied to your group’s lily-pond session.

Drone video is different. It’s not included, and if you add it, you’ll pay extra directly for the video option at the location.

Here’s how to think about it:

• If you want the cleanest, most budget-friendly way to get dramatic images, take the included drone photos and skip video.
• If you want a keepsake clip with the lily pads and boat setting, budget a little extra and make the decision when you see the options.

Also, since the day starts early, you’ll likely be under the drone setup for a set window rather than wandering for hours. That helps keep the overall tour time under control.

Wat Phra Thong: the half-buried Golden Buddha experience

After the lily-pond session, you’ll move into temple time with Wat Phra Thong (also known as Wat Prathong). This stop is shorter—about 45 minutes—but it’s memorable for one very specific feature.

The temple is known for housing Luang Poh Phra Thong, a golden Buddha statue that sits half-buried. That visual alone makes the stop feel different from the more common fully surfaced statues you might see elsewhere in Thailand.

Why I like this stop on the tour: it gives you a calm change of pace after the busy photo area. You can slow down, look closely, and take in the setting without needing a deep time commitment.

Practical note: since it’s a half-day format, you won’t have “all afternoon” at any one temple. If you’re the type who loves to linger, use your 45 minutes intentionally: look first, then photos, then a quick walk around the grounds.

Wat Sri Sunthon and the 29-metre Sleeping Buddha

Next up is Wat Sri Sunthon (also referred to as Wat Lipon). This is another 45-minute temple stop, and the headline is huge: a 29-metre-high Sleeping Buddha sculpture.

This kind of scale changes how you experience a temple. Instead of small details being the main event, you get a big visual focus that you can’t ignore. You’ll likely spend your time finding the best angles to see the statue’s proportions and the surrounding layout.

What I like here, especially if you’ve been to temples in other Thai cities: it feels more local and Phuket-specific. It doesn’t try to be a theme park. It’s a religious landmark you’re visiting in a working temple context.

Wat Phra Nang Sang: one of Phuket’s oldest temple stories

Your final temple stop is Wat Phra Nang Sang, a temple built more than 200 years ago. It’s described as one of the oldest Thai temples in Phuket, tied to the period when Thalang was the main city on the island.

This is also the longest temple block of the day at about 1 hour 30 minutes. That extra time matters, because you can actually notice how the setting changes across the grounds rather than rushing through.

If you want variety, this stop helps deliver it:

• Wat Phra Thong gives you the unusual half-buried golden statue.
• Wat Sri Sunthon gives you a massive Sleeping Buddha in one dramatic visual hit.
• Wat Phra Nang Sang adds age and place-based context through a longer, slower temple visit.

Private A/C transport: why it helps more than you think

This tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and that’s a big quality-of-life upgrade in Phuket.

In real terms, it means:

• You’re not negotiating buses or sharing a crowded ride with strangers while you’re planning photo timing.
• You have someone managing the order of stops so you don’t waste energy asking, where do we go next?
• You get bottled water included, which sounds small until it’s hot.

If you’re traveling as a group, the private format is also a comfort win. One caution I’d keep in mind: vehicle space can matter if your group is larger than a couple. Ask about the vehicle type if you’re sensitive to cramped seating, since a rare mismatch in group-to-vehicle comfort has come up in feedback.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different style)

This is a good match if you want:

• A photo-centered day that’s more than a quick temple checklist
• A private half-day with A/C transport
• Included drone photos for dramatic lily-pond memories
• A mix of “weird and wonderful” (giant Victoria Amazonia pads) plus real religious sites (three temples)

You might consider something else if:

• You hate any waiting time outdoors (the lily-pond photo queue can take time)
• You only care about temple walking and not photography moments
• You don’t want extra add-ons (drone video costs extra)

Should you book the Phuket Giant Water Lilies & Temple Tour?

I’d book this when you want one standout Phuket memory that feels rare, not postcard-standard. The lily pond at Ma Do Bua is the star, and the included drone photos make it feel like the operator planned for more than just basic sightseeing.

Here’s how to make your decision confidently:

• If you’ll actually use the drone-photo opportunity, the value improves fast.
• If you don’t want to pay for extras, choose the included photos only and you’re still getting a big visual payoff.
• If early mornings work for you, the timing gives you a better chance at a smoother experience.

If you’re after a simple, comfortable morning with temples that feel authentic and a truly unusual water-lily setting, this tour is one of the stronger bets.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

How long is the Phuket Giant Water Lilies & Temple Tour?

It runs about 5 hours (approx.).

What stops are included?

You visit Ma Doo Bua giant water lilies pond, Wat Phra Thong, Wat Sri Sunthon, and Wat Phra Nang Sang.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included are air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation, drone pictures, admission tickets (for the stops), bottled water, and all fees and taxes.

What is not included?

Tips for guides are not included, and drone videos are available but cost extra.

Is the lily pond session focused on photos?

Yes. The experience includes a photo session at the lily pond with drone pictures, and your group may be positioned on a long-tail boat surrounded by giant water lilies.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.