5 Pearls of the Andaman: 2-Day Island Tour from Phuket

Day one: Phang Nga Bay and Krabi

After a full breakfast at the pier, the boat heads into Phang Nga Bay. You see Panak Island and its Ice Cream Cave, then land on James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) with a view of Koh Tapu. Next comes canoeing around Talu Island and lunch at a local restaurant in Koh Panyee, a sea gypsy settlement. In the afternoon the route turns to Krabi: a stop at Lao Lading and time on Hong Island, with its lagoon, long white beach and an optional climb to the viewpoint. You check in on Phi Phi Don late in the afternoon, have dinner at the hotel and can join the fire show and beach party.

Day two: the Phi Phi Islands

Early risers can walk up to the Phi Phi Don viewpoint on their own before breakfast. After check-out the boat goes to Phi Phi Lei for a landing at Maya Bay, a swim in Pileh Lagoon, a look at Viking Cave and Monkey Beach in Yong Kasem Bay, and snorkeling near Phi Phi Don. Lunch is on Phi Phi Don, followed by beach time on Bamboo Island and Rang Yai before returning to the Phuket pier.

Standard or Comfort

Both programs follow exactly the same route. The standard 5 Pearls includes transfers, a Russian-speaking guide, two lunches, dinner, a full breakfast, canoeing, snorkeling gear and a hotel night; the evening plankton swim is optional. 5 Pearls Comfort adds a second full breakfast, the evening boat trip near Phi Phi Don, personal disposable snorkel mouthpieces, free towels and raincoats, free beer at the pier, ice cream and wine on your return, and a group of up to 38 people. If you want everything handled and a few extra treats, Comfort is worth it; if you are watching the budget, the standard version covers all the islands.

Accommodation and practical tips

Both options stay at Arboreal Resort or similar with up to two people per room, and you can upgrade to Andaman Beach Resort or similar, where up to three people can share. Single rooms and the viewpoint ticket are extra. From 1 August to 30 September, Maya Bay is viewed from the boat without landing. Speedboat trips are strictly forbidden during pregnancy, and any pregnancy must be reported to our manager when booking, otherwise boarding may be refused at the pier. Pack light for the overnight: swimwear, a change of clothes and sunscreen.