Phi Phi Islands by Cruise Boat – Regular Seating

The Phi Phi Islands cruise boat tour with regular seating is a full-day trip aboard the Phi Phi Cruiser, a roughly 400-passenger ferry from Rassada Harbor, Phuket. Pickup runs from 07:00, the boat departs at 08:30, cruises past Maya Bay, Loh Samah, Pileh Cove and Viking Cave, docks at Phi Phi Town for lunch and optional Coral Bay snorkelling, and returns by 16:30. Arranged by Chang Thai Tour & Travel, a TAT-licensed local agency in Chalong.

Why do budget travellers love the regular-seat cruiser?

Because it is the relaxed, unhurried way to see the Phi Phi Islands without a speedboat pounding your spine — and regular seating keeps it simple. You get the indoor air-conditioned lounge or, better on a clear day, the open sun-deck with wind in your hair and the Andaman rolling past. Backpackers tell us the sun-deck crossing is half the fun of the day: two hours of island-spotting that a one-hour speedboat sprint simply skips.

The honest trade-off: the cruiser views Maya Bay from the water rather than landing on it, and there are fewer stops than a speedboat squeezes in. If walking on Maya’s sand is non-negotiable, take a speedboat like the Smile Tour Maya-first trip instead. If comfort with a cool private lounge appeals, upgrade to the VIP seating version of this same cruise.

What happens through the day?

• 07:00–07:15 — Pickup from your hotel.
• 08:00 — Check-in at counter #2, Rassada pier.
• 08:30 — Depart Rassada Harbor aboard the Phi Phi Cruiser.
• 10:30 — Phi Phi Leh from the water: pause at the mouth of Maya Bay (of “The Beach” fame), then a slow pass of Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Cove and Viking Cave.
• 11:00 — Dock at Ton Sai Bay, Phi Phi Don; optional small boat to the Coral Bay pontoon for snorkelling, or stay and wander Phi Phi Town.
• 12:30 — Lunch at a hotel in Phi Phi Town, then free time.
• 14:30 — Depart Ton Sai pier for Phuket.
• 16:30 — Arrive Rassada Harbor; transfer back to your hotel.

Is the big boat right for you?

We steer three kinds of guests here from our Chalong counter: budget-minded travellers who want Phi Phi without the speedboat premium, anyone prone to seasickness (a 400-passenger hull rolls gently, and you can walk around mid-crossing), and guests the speedboats refuse — seniors over 70, pregnant women and families with babies. From June to October, when the monsoon’s west swell turns small boats into rodeo rides, the cruiser is frankly the sensible pick for everyone.

Skip it if you want maximum in-the-water time: the snorkelling here is one optional pontoon stop, not the three swim stops of a speedboat day. Compare all the options on our Phi Phi Islands tours page.

What is included and what costs extra?

Included: round-trip hotel transfer from the free zone (Patong, Karon, Kata, Chalong, Rawai, Phuket Town and nearby), English-speaking guide, injury insurance, life jacket, lunch (Indian meal available on request), and mask and snorkel. Extra, in cash on the day: the mandatory Phi Phi national park fee — every operator collects it — and transfer surcharges for hotels outside the free zone. Full plain-English detail in our guide to Phi Phi tour prices in 2026. We are a family-run shop near Chalong Circle; message us and a real person answers.

Frequently asked questions

Does the cruise boat land at Maya Bay?

No — it pauses at the mouth of the bay for photos and views, then cruises slowly past Loh Samah, Pileh Cove and Viking Cave before docking at Phi Phi Town. Landing on Maya’s sand requires a speedboat tour.

Regular or VIP seating — what is the difference?

Regular gives you the indoor air-conditioned lounge and open sun-deck. VIP adds the quieter top-deck lounge with air-conditioning and complimentary refreshments. Same boat, same route and schedule.

Is this tour good if I get seasick?

Yes — it is the most stable way to reach Phi Phi from Phuket. The large hull rolls gently instead of slamming, and you can move around, stay midship and watch the horizon.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The Phi Phi national park fee is paid in cash during the tour, on top of the ticket price, with every operator. Ask us on WhatsApp for the current amount.

How do I book?

Message +66 93 687 1999 on WhatsApp with your date and hotel, or visit our shop near Chalong Circle. We confirm today’s best price and your pickup — no online payment.

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