Escape the crowds and captain your own adventure. Experience the magic of Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon on a traditional Thai longtail boat—exclusively yours for the day.
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Premium private boat tour featuring custom itineraries and expert-guided marine life discovery in Phi Phi.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
A private longtail boat rental in Phi Phi is the quintessential Thai island experience. Unlike crowded speedboats, these traditional wooden vessels (known locally as 'Ruea Hang Yao') offer a relaxed, authentic, and photogenic way to explore the Andaman Sea. You control the schedule: linger longer at the emerald waters of Pileh Lagoon, arrive at Maya Bay before the day-trippers, or find a secluded patch of sand on Bamboo Island for a picnic. With a local captain navigating the limestone karsts, you'll discover hidden coves and snorkeling spots that larger vessels simply cannot reach. It is the ultimate freedom to explore the National Marine Park at your own rhythm.
We partner with top-rated operators like Viator to ensure safety and reliability
Read authentic feedback from travelers who have actually taken these boats
Secure your boat in advance—essential during high season when availability is scarce
Get the same local prices without the hassle of haggling at the pier
We select operators known for their local knowledge and service
Book with confidence using encrypted payment systems and flexible cancellation policies
High Season (Nov-Apr): Best weather, calm seas|Green Season (May-Oct): Cheaper, rougher seas, potential rain
Swimwear|Quick-dry shorts|Sun hat|Sunglasses|Sandals/Flip-flops|Light cover-up for sun protection
Phi Phi rose to global fame after the 2000 movie 'The Beach'. Before that, it was a quiet backpacker secret and coconut plantation.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
Share your experience: #PhiPhiIslands #LongtailBoat #ThailandTravel #MayaBay #PilehLagoon #IslandHopping
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Real experiences from real travelers
We booked the 6-hour private tour and it was incredible. Capt. Bao took us to Pileh Lagoon early so we had it to ourselves. The lunch on the beach was simple but delicious. Highly recommend booking the sunrise option!
Much better than the big speedboats. We could stop whenever we wanted to snorkel. The boat was comfortable with fruit and water provided. The snorkeling at Shark Point was amazing—we actually saw blacktip reef sharks!
The boat is beautiful and photos are great. Just be aware there is only a small roof for shade, so bring lots of sunscreen. Maya Bay is beautiful but very crowded, even with a private boat.
We did the luxury longtail upgrade and it was so romantic. They had bean bags and a picnic setup. Our guide spoke good English and took photos for us. A must-do in Phi Phi.
The tour itself was good, but nobody told us about the 400 THB cash fee for the National Park. Make sure you bring cash! The boat captain was nice but spoke limited English.
Everything you need to know for your journey
No, the National Park fee (currently 400 THB per adult / 200 THB per child) is a government charge paid in cash directly to park rangers at stops like Maya Bay or Bamboo Island. It is rarely included in the online booking price.
No, swimming is strictly prohibited within Maya Bay itself to protect the rehabilitating coral reefs. You can wade in knee-deep water, but for swimming and snorkeling, your captain will take you to the nearby Loh Samah Bay or Pileh Lagoon.
A standard longtail is a traditional wooden boat with wooden bench seating and a canvas roof. A 'luxury' upgrade usually includes cushioned seating/bean bags, decorative pillows, a more elaborate lunch setup, and sometimes Prosecco or fresh coconuts for a more premium experience.
Standard longtail boats do not have toilets on board. You can use restrooms at the pier before departure, or at public facilities on Maya Bay and Bamboo Island during the tour.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages, including alcohol. Most operators provide a cooler with ice, but check the specific tour details to be sure.
If the weather is deemed unsafe by the marine department, the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. Light tropical rain usually doesn't stop the tours, as it passes quickly.
You will typically board from the beach (Ton Sai or Loh Dalum). This often involves wading into knee-deep water to climb a small ladder onto the boat. Wear shorts and sandals that can get wet.
Yes, masks and snorkels are universally provided. Fins are sometimes included but often cost extra or aren't provided on standard boats. We recommend bringing your own mouthpiece if you are hygiene-conscious.
We highly recommend the 'Sunrise' option (starting 6:00-6:30 AM) to arrive at Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon before the mass tour boats from Phuket arrive. Sunset tours (1:30 PM start) are also great for seeing plankton.
Yes, most itineraries include a stop to view Monkey Beach. However, due to the aggressive nature of the macaques, captains often stay slightly offshore for photos rather than letting you go onto the beach for safety.
Yes, all registered boats must carry life jackets, including sizes for children. Please specify the number of children and their ages when booking to ensure the correct sizes are ready.
Drone usage is generally restricted within the National Park boundaries (including Maya Bay) without a special permit. However, you may be able to fly it in open water areas; always ask your captain for the local regulations to avoid fines.
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