Phi Phi Bamboo Island Tour: A Detailed Review & Guide

If you’re thinking about escaping Phuket’s well, sometimes hectic beaches and wanting a taste of real island paradise, taking a Phi Phi and Bamboo Island tour might just be what you need. That said, picking the proper tour can be more difficult than expected. A small group tour sounds better in many ways than the bigger ones, but is it really? I went on one recently, and that’s what I want to talk about now – going through all the great parts and the not-so-great parts, so you have the info to plan your Thailand vacation the proper way. If you are just trying to work out the better approach, it might assist in choosing the one better option for you.

What to Expect From a Small Group Tour

Alright, so when a tour says “small group,” it usually means you are not stuck on a boat packed with like, a million other tourists. It could mean something a bit different on the ground, to be frank. The tour I joined limited the group to around 15 people, which to be perfectly honest, was a terrific upgrade from those mega-tours that can feel kind of impersonal and way too crowded. Too, it made the travel a little more private.

The itinerary often includes visiting several spots like Maya Bay (yeah, the famous beach from “The Beach”), Pileh Lagoon with those bright green waters ideal for a swim, maybe Monkey Beach depending on the monkeys’ mood, and, the main draw for me, Bamboo Island. With this vacation, it should include some nice, lengthy periods dedicated to sunbathing and snorkeling too.

Getting There and First Impressions

Usually, the tour starts with a pick-up straight from your hotel in Phuket. Convenient, very! The drive to the pier could take nearly an hour, based on exactly where you stay, and that is pretty ordinary in Phuket. Once at the pier, there will be a flurry of activity — folks milling about, tour guides calling out names, and speedboats waiting. So, be ready.

Stepping onto the boat, you almost get that immediate vibe. It really establishes the tone for the day. So it wasn’t too packed, just enough room to stretch out comfortably. The crew were nice enough, handing out cold water and briefing us quickly on the schedule. That, to be perfectly fair, isn’t the experience everyone gets.

Maya Bay: Beauty and the Crowds

Okay, Maya Bay. It looks incredibly gorgeous in photos, really stunning! And it is, sort of, yet be prepared for hordes of others appreciating the view at the same time. Given the fame, expect it. The small group tour I was on tried to arrive there ahead of most of the large tour boats, so that really made a difference, honestly.

Walking on that super fine white sand and viewing those towering cliffs actually feels pretty amazing. But frankly, it may feel more like a really busy public swimming pool than your own hidden tropical hideaway. Spend some time snapping photographs, absorb the setting, and, maybe brace yourself for the photo-bombers and that. A quick dip in the sea feels refreshing, too, even with everyone else around.

Pileh Lagoon: Emerald Paradise

Pileh Lagoon ended up being among my tour’s standout places. Picture this: waters so incredibly green it nearly doesn’t seem real, encompassed by enormous limestone cliffs. It kind of felt like going into another landscape, more or less. As for swimming here? Positively wonderful.

The water felt calm and pleasantly warm, an energizing break from the sun. Lots of tours stop here for a little while so folks can cool down. With the small group vibe, there seemed to be plenty of space to unwind without bumping into each other all the time. It almost felt great not like you were competing for swim room.

Monkey Beach: A Cautious Visit

Alright, so Monkey Beach is interesting, I think. It is just a beach populated by monkeys. The monkeys themselves, they are basically quite used to humans, yet that does not mean you must let your guard down. I’d say, view from a distance.

Some tours still bring people right up on the shore to feed the monkeys. It sounds kind of tempting, yet it actually is not great for the animals and, in a way, also can be dangerous. Monkeys could bite if they feel scared or if they feel someone has food to offer them. So really, maintain a good distance. Maybe, view them from the boat to be safe. Yet don’t attempt to touch or feed them, if you could assist it.

Bamboo Island: A Slice of Paradise

Oh, Bamboo Island. It truly was my tour’s high point and very serene. Not that many folks were here; in fact, the beach has this calm sense about it, pretty unlike busy Maya Bay. The sand looked super white and that ocean a genuinely clear turquoise.

It could be ideal to sunbathe, to swim, or perhaps simply take it easy with a terrific book. So there is actually some terrific snorkeling out off the shore, where I saw quite a few types of colourful fish. Honestly, I believe I could have happily spent the entire day just relaxing right here. I will remember those waters.

Snorkeling and Swimming: What to Expect

The snorkeling stops that these tours supply differ, yet typically, expect visibility which ranges from OK to truly terrific, based on the conditions. That could be crystal-clear on a bright day. The tour will likely provide gear, yet in a way, check it carefully to make sure that things fit well, or perhaps think about just taking your own.

I viewed all types of colorful fish, and a bit of coral, even. Take your underwater camera if you have got one. Therefore, those photos turn out perfect! And, obviously, stay hydrated and observe the instructions of your tour guides to ensure that things remain safe!

Food and Drink Onboard

The food situation, well, it varies. Some tours will provide a pretty decent buffet lunch directly on the beach or perhaps back on the boat. The one I joined provided pad thai, rice, some curry, as well as new fruit, which, actually, tasted reasonably great following a morning of swimming. So don’t expect luxury eating; it usually is simple, yet satisfactory.

They also normally keep you stocked with water and soda throughout the whole day. So if there is a thing specific you feel you need or just want, carry along extra food items and refreshments. If there is anyone in your group with dietary restrictions, find out more, give the tour company a heads-up earlier, therefore they have the opportunity to cater for you.

The Crew and the Guide

Now, let’s focus on something that can totally help to make or perhaps ruin your tour, and that really is your tour guide plus the team. On my small group trip, the staff has a big role. Our guide ended up being quite knowledgeable, telling stories regarding the islands and pointing out places we had to remember. And too, they seemed very alert about safety, providing crystal-clear guidance.

Make sure to really interact with your guide; these guys are stuffed with local information and suggestions! Also, make sure you show your appreciation. At the end of the travel, a tiny tip goes a fair way, in case they’ve been fantastic. These tours are long, so show the crew some appreciation, too.

What to Bring With You

Want to make your Phi Phi and Bamboo Island trip way more enjoyable? Take into consideration taking these necessities. Firstly, so important: sunscreen, and then more sunscreen! Seriously, that Thai sun has some power. Also, pack a hat and some sunglasses to shield yourself.

Bring along a swimsuit, so clearly, including a cover-up to be respectable once you are not swimming. A towel is essential and, too it’s good to have a beach bag in which you can toss all of your gear. If you may get seasick pretty easily, grab some motion sickness tablets before going. And too, don’t forget your camera, therefore, you could record each of those wonderful instances!

Is a Small Group Tour Worth It?

Is paying the extra to get a smaller tour worth the cost? Actually, based on my personal experience, absolutely, without a doubt. I suppose the more intimate setting is a major plus. It may make a difference; really. More room to move around, attention which feels a bit more personalised from the guide, plus a considerably less hurried atmosphere contribute to an incredibly relaxed, exciting trip.

While big tours feel as though you are only being shepherded around such as cattle, a smaller trip helps to really improve the overall encounter. If you value calm and never like to be around big crowds, therefore choose the smaller group tour. Is is that bit pricier? Definitely. Is this money very well spent? I think so.

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