Island Hopping in Paradise
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and have Phi Phi Islands on your radar (and really, how could you not?), then you’re in for a scenic adventure. I recently took a tour with Sawanu Travel, and for 3,700 baht (about $115 USD), I joined a full-day journey across the stunning Andaman Sea, hopping from one island paradise to another. Here’s how the day unfolded—and what I’d recommend if you’re thinking of booking the same.
The tour began with hotel transfers, which was a nice touch and made things easy from the get-go. We departed from Sawanu Pier and made our way to the legendary Maya Bay, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. This stop was beautiful but packed. If you’re dreaming of peace and serenity here, you might want to manage expectations as it was extremely crowded. I would’ve loved to spend more time soaking in the surroundings, but the sheer number of tourists made it difficult to truly enjoy.
Luckily, the vibe shifted once we arrived at Pileh Lagoon. The water here is this unreal shade of turquoise, and we had time to swim and just float around in nature’s own luxury pool. Definitely one of the highlights of the day—calm, gorgeous and rejuvenating.
On the way to the next stop, we cruised past Monkey Bay, where you can spot the infamous local monkeys just hanging out by the cliffs. We didn’t stop here, but the view from the boat was still fun especially if you’ve never seen wild monkeys before. Honestly, I was happy to be in the distance.
Next stop was Phi Phi Don where we did some snorkeling. The gear was included, and the underwater life didn’t disappoint. Schools of colorful fish darting in every direction made it feel like I was swimming through a live aquarium. After that, lunch was served, a simple but tasty buffet, and much needed after all the water time.
Our final stop was Bamboo Island, which ended the day on a truly peaceful note. White sand, clear blue waters, and far fewer people than at Maya Bay made this one of my favorite stops. I swam, relaxed and soaked up the sun before we headed back to the pier.
What to Bring:
While the tour included all the essentials—transfers, snorkel gear, and lunch—I was glad I brought my own reef walkers. The ones for sale were overpriced, and if you plan to explore coral areas or rocky beaches, having your own is a big plus. I’d also recommend packing:
- Sunglasses
- A wide-brimmed hat
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Camera/phone to capture some shots of the beauty along the way
Some Final Thoughts
Despite the crowds at Maya Bay, the rest of the Phi Phi Islands tour was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty. Sawanu Travel handled everything smoothly, and the itinerary gave us a taste of some of Thailand’s most iconic island spots, with Bamboo Island being a peaceful gem at the end.
If you’re in the area and craving island time, this tour is worth every baht!
