Which island trip is worth it
Phi Phi, James Bond and the rest, honestly compared
Almost everyone who comes to Phuket takes one boat trip, and most people pick badly — they book the most advertised option rather than the one that suits the day they want.
The islands are genuinely the best thing here. The difference between a great day and a long one is the boat, the number of people on it, and how far you are going.
Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
The limestone karsts standing straight out of flat green water. Closer than Phi Phi, calmer water, and the scenery is the point rather than the swimming.
Best if you get seasick, are travelling with older relatives or small children, or simply want a shorter day.
Phi Phi
Further out, more open water on the way, and the most famous scenery in the region. Maya Bay is the headline and it closes every year from 1 August to 30 September for recovery.
In August and September the boats still run and you still see the islands — you just do not go ashore at Maya Bay. If that beach is the reason you booked, go before August or after September.
Big boat or small boat
A large boat is steadier, cheaper per head, and busier. A speedboat or catamaran reaches more stops, gets there before the crowds, and costs more.
The single biggest upgrade to any island day is leaving early. The same bay with three boats in it at 9am and thirty at noon is not the same place.
Before you book
National park entry fees are usually charged separately from the trip price and collected on the day, in cash. Ask what is and is not included before you pay.
In wet season, May to October, trips are cancelled when the sea is bad. Book early in your stay so there is room to move it.
1 place
Listed in the order we would work through them.
Photography is licensed stock, credited to Joonseok Park on Pexels. Some images show the named place; where no photograph of a venue exists, the picture shows Thailand rather than that venue.