Tips and Advice on Booking Your Phuket Island Tours

Nov 19, 2017 | 18 comments

From Where to Book Your Phuket Tours to the All Important Travel Insurance in Thailand

Is it cheaper to book tours when I set foot on Phuket Island? Should I book Phuket tours in advance?

If you’ve asked both questions then you are essentially wondering what’s the best way to book daily tours in Phuket, Thailand.

By the time you’re finished reading this blog post, you’re going to have clear answers to booking a tour before or after you arrive on Phuket Island. Plus everything else in between, including tour travel insurance why you should not book tours with local Thai tour agencies using your debit cards.

Unless you’ve got yourself a fancy yacht courtesy of a generous trust fund or a Bond villain-style speed boat parked somewhere along Thailand’s Andaman Sea, you’re going to have to join a tour group to explore the beautiful islands and beaches of Phuket (ภูเก็ต pronounced Poo-ket).

Don’t Own a Boat? No Problem.

You will learn where to go find the best prices for tours on Phuket Island. Also, the best online travel agencies to reserve island hopping tours in advance. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group of best friends and family, my Phuket travel guide will ensure you’ll find the best tour prices.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. With 32 smaller islands which requires hiring a boat or joining a tour group for island excursions. You can’t do it alone. So you will need local Thai guides and hired transportation.

Also in this post, I’m going to point out the benefits of booking tours online versus booking tours on Phuket island. I’m sure you’re eager to find out which is better.

Safety is Important These Days for Touring the Islands of Phuket

No one wants to get into accidents let alone think about it. I’ll cover what’s included in Phuket’s tour operators’ insurance coverage. This is important to know when you’re frolicking on the beach and cross paths with monkeys in a bad mood. And sometimes the causes of accidents aren’t entirely the fault of tourists alone.

Thai tour operators can be accident-prone as well. I’ll touch base on insurance coverage provided by Thai tour agencies and what to expect below.

Benefits of Joining a Phuket Island Tour

A visit to Thailand’s famous Phuket island is on most tourists’ must-do list. Joining an island and beach hopping tour is the best and most convenient way to explore Phuket and all of its beautiful surroundings.

There are plenty of perks for joining tours:

• A driver picks you up from your hotel and drops you back off when the tour is over.
• Knowledgeable English-speaking guides are on hand.
• Lunch and refreshments are included in the price. Beers are extra.
• Admission fees to islands are included as they are considered national parks. However, you should double-check trip descriptions to be sure.
• Snorkel gear and life jackets are loaned out.

Better to bring your own snorkel gear. Because the equipments provided are reused repeatedly. Gross!

Like most things in life you get what you pay for. There are private yachts to the Phi Phi Islands you can hire outright for the day with champagne and caviar served. But you’ll be paying out of your butt hole for that privilege.

I’m like most folks. I’m looking for the best valued tour in Phuket. I don’t want a tour that is too cheap yet provides an amazing value and experience. Which is a polite way to say I want a lot. But I want to pay a little. And that’s okay.

Because in this little Phuket tour guide, I’ll show you where to book that dream tour to the Phi Phi Islands and where you shouldn’t be booking your overall Phuket tours to save money.

You’ll specifically know which areas are best to book tours on Phuket island after arriving.

But first, here’s a little nifty tip from your buddy the Wayfaring Soul:

Wayfaring Soul Tip #1901 for Booking Phuket Tours

“The bigger the boat, the cheaper the tour price. The smaller with less people and faster the boat, the more it’ll cost.”

Speed boats are better… but it’ll cost more

Smaller speed boats provide specialized tour services. It can carry approximately 15 passengers, not including crew. But they cost more. Speed boats are nimble enough to navigate to certain parts of the islands that are quieter and less frequented. Less people the better and that’s the way I like it. So I typically book Phuket speed boat island hopping tours. The cost is worthwhile.

Larger ferry boats are okay… and it’s cheaper

Ferry boats fit more passengers but don’t have much flexibility because they can’t pass through shallow waters. And also certain secluded locations due to the size of the boat.

However, because more people are sharing the boat the cost per passenger is lower. There are just too many people on these boats, approximately fifty onboard. I’ve only been on once and never again.

My friends have been on larger tour boats though and they tell me it’s not that bad though. So it all comes down to personal preference.

And now, let’s get to the big question you’ve been asking.

“Booking a Tour in Phuket After Arriving  VS. Booking Phuket Tours Online” – Which is Better?

This is a question I’m asked often. Who wants to arrive in Phuket only to find out that the tour you wish to join is completely sold out?

Everyone wants the best tour for the best price. No one wants to overpay. More importantly, who wants a crappy Phuket tour experience?

This will happen if you book tours in all the wrong places. Booking day trips in Phuket within your own home country’s travel agency is a classic mistake. There are only two things to think about:

1. How Much Time You’ve Got Before Arriving in Phuket?
2. How Many Persons Are Traveling Within Your Group?

Here are your answers. Plus also my best tips on where you should book your tours and more examples of where you shouldn’t.

Time – You’ll Have Plenty of it to Join a Tour in Phuket

If you’re like me, a serial procrastinator, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of opportunities to purchase jungle trekking, snorkeling, or scuba activities and island hopping packages right on the main island of Phuket.

There are as many tour sellers as there are 7-Elevens in Phuket. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you’ll see when you get there.

So it’s not necessary to purchase day trip tours outside of Thailand. Nor book Phuket tours online in advance.

But there is an exception as to why you should book Phuket tours online before arriving.

I’ll get into that exception later. But if you can’t wait, click here.

Believe me, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to buy tour packages if you haven’t done so yet. The island is full of tour agencies, tour agents, tour kiosks, and tour touts.

The nice Thai lady running a laundry shop could also hook you up with a phone call.

Whether you want it or not airport taxi drivers will try to sign you up for a jungle trekking tour. Even though you are deathly scared of large hairy spiders like yours truly.

Unscrupulous locals train monkeys to shake tourists down if they don’t buy tours from them. Stray dogs are tattooed with tour advertisements. You can even buy tours from elderly Thai fruit vendors. Okay, so I’m kidding about the last three. But you get my point.

Here’s another scenario. Say you arrived in the cities of Bangkok or Chiang Mai first.

And it’s the high season (November to April). You’re concerned that all the island tour operators are fully booked. So you decide to book a tour through the hotel’s on-site tour agency.

Never Book Phuket Tours Inside Hotels

That action will end up costing you at least 20% to 35% more compared to reserving that same tour on Phuket island. Hotel tour agencies in Bangkok don’t do it for free. And they shouldn’t as it’s a service they are providing. All hotels in Bangkok or any other tour vendors in Thailand outside of Phuket will charge extra.

I don’t even recommend purchasing day trip tours inside Phuket International Airport. Because renting a location inside an airport is expensive. In turn, tour operators pass some of the cost to you.

But we are savvy travelers, right? Don’t fret, book your tours on Phuket because you’ve got plenty of time to save yourself some money for a frosty piná colada.

Now that you know where not to book tours in Phuket, I’m going to show you where you should go for the best Phuket tour rates…

For the Best Tour Prices in Phuket, Head to Patong Beach

So I’ve already established that it’s best to purchase your tours right on the island of Phuket. To be specific, head to the Patong Beach area because there are so many tour operators all selling the same tours. But at slightly different prices. Chances are you’re probably staying at a hotel in the Patong Beach area anyway. Or at least be visiting Patong Beach for its nightlife.

The reason why you can get better prices from tour operators on Patong Beach is because that’s the area where most tourists are wandering around. And tour agencies in that area try to be as price competitive as possible to get your Baht into their grubby hands.

Where is Patong Beach?

Patong Beach is a seaside resort on the western coast of Phuket. The area is abuzz with Phuket’s nightlife including a smallish red light district.

Even then, Patong is family-friendly. With many restaurants serving Western food and seafood restaurants. Chances are, you’re going to visit Patong Beach at least once on your Phuket vacation. I guarantee it.

Patong Beach is the single best location in Phuket to find tours on arrival.

Here’s What to Look for at a Phuket Tour Agency.

• Look for a Phuket tour agency with a business name clearly marked, with phone numbers.
• I recommend dealing with a dedicated tour agency only. I typically stay clear of tour agencies that double as a laundry shop or other businesses unrelated to tourism.
• Make sure a Thailand Tourism License (TAT) is displayed. It looks like the image below but with a license number.

Check Around for the Best Tour Prices

I recommend speaking with tour agencies on the street level of Patong Beach. I also recommend checking prices with at least 3 different tour agencies. You’re more than welcome to check more than that if you have the time.

Me, I prefer to spend it under a beach umbrella with soft warm sand caressing my feet. While cradling a nice frosty boozy piná colada. I just love those cute little drink umbrellas.

Price comparisons from three different travel agencies along Patong Beach will give you a general idea of prices for tour activities during your visit.

How much can you save from checking around?

It’s possible that you can save a few hundred Baht or more, depending on the season, time of day, or whether or not a particular tour agency has reached a quota. The discounts can add up if you’re traveling in a group. It’s possible to ask for group discounts.

Matter of fact, ask for discounts. But be polite about it. Do not expect a deep discount. If they can’t sell to you, trust me, they’ll find somebody else to purchase a tour.

Use Your Common Sense

Whatever you do, do not book a Phuket tour from a local tour agency offering an incredible itinerary at a too-good-to-be-true price.

While doing your price research along Patong Beach you will eventually figure out the average cost. Finding anything unrealistically cheaper than the rest should set off alarms in your brain.

If you see a Phuket tour more than half off of what everyone else is charging you’re at a dodgy unlicensed business. No questions about it. They probably don’t have your safety in mind nor care whether or not you have a good experience.

Remember what your mother told you about talking to strangers…

Also not a good idea to have a tour tout approach you out of the middle of nowhere. These guys, girls, or ladyboys may not work directly with the tour agency. But rather as middlemen so they get a commission when you book which you end up paying for their lunch. Simply put, don’t speak to strangers who approach you with a fist full of tour pamphlets.

Bangla Road is also a good area to look for Phuket Tours

Aside from Patong Beach, I also recommend searching for Phuket island hopping tours along Bangla Road where you’ll find lots of tour agencies.

Bangla Road is a major street on Phuket Island that runs parallel to Patong Beach. You’ll find it with no problems.

Here’s When to Book Tours in Advance Online

Now let’s talk about booking Phuket tours online. It’s not more expensive than booking on the island itself. In some instances, during low travel season, it’s about the same price. How that happened I have no clue.

If you’re traveling with just a few people go ahead and book the tour upon arriving on the island.

However, I highly recommend booking tours in advance online for bigger groups.

Book that Phuket Tour Online When You’re Traveling with a Bunch of Friends

So here’s the exception I mentioned before. If you’ve got a bunch of friends traveling with you to Phuket then I advise booking Phuket tours online in advance.

Like anything these days on the inter-web you can purchase Phuket day trips at home in the comforts of your underwear. Fuzzy pink bunny slippers are optional.

Online Phuket tour prices are priced slightly higher. I’ve never found them to be cheaper than booking a tour on-site at Patong Beach and Bangla Road. However, as I mentioned prices could be the same in some instances.

The biggest benefit of booking a tour online in advance is that there’s enough space for you and all your friends to chill out on the same boat. Because nothing drags down a vacation mood more than getting separated from your BFFs.

For me, I normally book tours ahead of time when I’m with at least five friends. If you’re popular and have even more friends you might even get your own boat.

Some tours are more popular than others. Obviously, the best tours get picked up and run out of space the quickest.

This is another reason why it’s a good idea to reserve that tour online ahead of time.

In most instances, you can reserve now and pay later, or cancel within 24 hours’ notice, just like the popular tours around Phuket I listed below.

Book Tours Ahead of Time for These Best of Phuket Island Beach Tours

1. One-Day Tour to Phi Phi, Maya and Bamboo Island – This trip is designed to pack in the Phuket travel experience of your dreams. As I recommended you’ll travel via speedboat to Koh Phi Phi where you can relax, swim along coral reefs, and possibly fend off monkeys trying to steal from you as you snap selfies. You’ll be visiting four islands on this tour package. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com
2. Similian Islands – If you want to spend more time in the water snorkeling instead of fighting off monkeys on a beautiful picturesque island then a tour of the Similian Islands you will enjoy. Similan Islands has some of the best coral reefs and diverse marine life in the Andaman Sea. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com
3. Raya Island – Imagine a long stretch of soft white sandy beach with crystal blue waters. And no pesky monkeys. That’s what you’ll find on Raya Noi. You’ll definitely enjoy a stop at Banana Bay for snorkeling. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com.

Here’s Another Reason to Book Online Ahead of Time

Every time my friends come to visit Phuket for their very first trip, I always recommend checking out Simon Cabaret Phuket for a fun night out. But if you want the good VIP seats you need to book in advance. This all ladyboy cast cabaret is very famous in Phuket and a super popular tourist attraction.

Oh, and another reason why you want to book ahead of time for Phuket Simon Cabaret Show is you won’t get separated from your friends and have a table to sit together.

Trazy.com and Viator.com Are Some of the Best Online Travel Agencies for Phuket Tours

There are many reputable online travel tour operators selling all kinds of tours in Phuket from, island hopping, snorkeling, sunrise tours, jungle trekking and yes even tickets to Phuket Simon Cabaret Show.

I like online tour operators like Viator.com, you check out an example of their James Bond Island tour itinerary.

Another online travel agency I recommend is Trazy.com which has a highly reviewed tour of Phuket’s 1 Day Similan Island Tour.

Both are reputable online tour operators in Phuket and the major reason why I recommend them is if there’s a problem you know how to find them. For instance if you’re back home and you want to complain about something you can write to them, leave a review or a feedback. Plus, they speak English.

Versus booking a tour through a local tour operator you may not want to pay for international calls or have some sort of communication problem.

Not that I’m saying local Thai tour operators across the scale are bad. Just saying things happen and if it did, don’t you want to be able to speak to someone you can easily communicate with?

I mean what if you want to cancel a tour and get some money back?

Cancellation policy from a tour on Viator.com, please check all tour cancellation policies as each may be different…

However a recent Tragedy in Phuket Has Swayed Me to Recommend Booking Tours Online

Due to a recent tragedy in July 2018 which resulted in the deaths of 41 Chinese citizens returning from an island tour in Phuket, I can’t stress enough to be careful about how you choose your tours in Phuket.

I believe that companies like Viator.com and Trazy.com are highly reputable online travel agencies that are more responsible for the safety of their customers.

Cancellations and Refunds – Pay Tours With Credit Cards (Not Debit Cards)

There are a lot of reasons why tour agencies cancel an outing. And reasons why you need to cancel a tour too. Rough weather is a big reason why operators will cancel a day’s worth of tours for safety precautions.

Your husband had some bad sushi a few days before arriving in Phuket. And don’t want him to blow chunks on the speed boat. That would be one reason why you as a customer need to cancel and request a refund.

Why should you pay with a credit card? There are several reasons but one example is if there’s a cancellation due to weather. If you paid in cash but have no time to pick up the refund afterwards then it’s easier to get the money refunded back to your credit card.

However, a local Thai tour operator in Phuket might add a 3% surcharge for paying with a credit card. Which is not a big deal.

Though is another reason why I recommend booking a tour online with the web travel agencies I mentioned.

Also, if there’s a problem, say if you think you’ve dealt with a shifty tour operator you can always contact the credit card issuer to put a hold on the charge. And have the credit card company investigate and sort things out.

Never pay for tours with a debit card. I don’t want to get off topic so if you want to know the reasons why check this article here.

Lunch on the Tour

If you’re booking a full-day tour package it will include lunch. Maybe even a light breakfast in the morning. Most half-day tours include lunch also.

Try and stay away from tours where for lunch they stick you inside a large shared restaurant.

Here’s an example of why from my last Phuket island tour:

Recently, a large restaurant was made somewhere off the island near Phuket where all the surrounding tour agencies shuffle in hungry tourists and serve lunch.

There are restrooms and snack shops as well, which is all good.

There were 10 to 12 tour mates at a table. Everyone was quiet as we stared at the dishes that were presented to us. Awkwardly silent I must add. Like everyone was thinking the same thing in unison.

Where’s the nearest McDonalds? We’ll swim through shark-infested waters if we must for some McNuggets and fries!

We were served cold french fries. Some tepid water with root vegetables and chicken (me thinks) that’s supposed to be soup de jour.

Did we have sweet and sour pork? Or was it chicken? There were a few other Thai dishes but let’s not get into that.

Was there a chance our tour group’s lunch was made by a cadre of less experienced cooks?

While the real chef was out on the back pier enjoying his afternoon siesta with an icy cold beer. Possibly…

So what’s the lesson here kids?  Ask your tour operator if they provide tours where lunch is served on the beach. Search around until you find an itinerary somewhere specifically stating where you’ll be having lunch.

Remember, all tours are usually priced about the same as advertised by other Phuket tour operators. So why would you want to pay for a crappy lunch and location when you can get something better? For roughly around the same price.

Because I have joined tours where you can enjoy a lunch buffet on a nice sandy beach with a view. Believe me, it’s a whole lot better than eating at a packed restaurant and looking at the faces of disappointed tour mates.

The Ultimate Goal is to have the Best Phuket Island Tour Experience

For example, here’s an itinerary from Viator.com showing their list of pit stops along with other helpful info about their Phi Phi Island Adventure Tour.

Too lazy to check the link? Here’s an excerpt from that tour itinerary:

“Then, cruise to the white beaches of Bamboo Island. Go ashore for a delicious buffet lunch at an island hotel, and enjoy free time to relax on the beach and swim.” – From Viator, Phi Phi Island Tour

Insurance on Phuket Tours – Bad Things Can Happen

Sure, we don’t want bad things to happen. But it’s still a good idea to have some accident insurance coverage. Especially if you’re planning on zip lining up in the air and short trekking through jungles filled with rabid monkeys in heat.

All licensed tour operators in Thailand are required to carry insurance for tourists under their charge. Keep in mind, that some tour agencies may charge a little bit extra for insurance to cover children.

Here’s a look at one of Trazy.com’s Zipline experiences in Phuket. It clearly states what’s included in the price, including insurance.

By Law, Local Thai Tour Operators Must Provide Insurance Coverage

As indicated in this Bangkok Post article, in case of an accident involving tourists, local tour operators are required to cover up to 500,000THB ($16,500USD) for injury.

In the instance of death, a tourist’s estate receives 1,000,000THB ($33,000USD) per tourist. All licensed tour operators in Thailand must have insurance as dictated by the Tourists Authority Thailand (TAT).

Phuket Island Tour Operators with Insurance

• Nutticha Marine Co., LTD – They have a good selection of on and off-island itineraries. Their full-day Phi Phi, Maya, and Khai Island tour provides a good experience and is recommended.
• Flying Hanuman – If zip-lining through the air while screaming like a maniac does it for you then check out this tour operator. And yes they have insurance.
• Trazy.com – This online travel tour agency provides tours in many countries but has a good selection of Phuket tours at reasonable rates.

When searching for local tour operators in Phuket, if you see one that you are interested in but don’t see them listing insurance you can always email them and ask if they provide any for peace of mind. Because if they are licensed tour agencies on the island they are required to provide it.

Because information changes from time to time, and if travel insurance is your concern on any tour excursions in Phuket please contact the tour operator and inquire about their company tour insurance policy.

Final Thoughts on Booking a Phuket Tour…

Booking tours in Phuket is usually smooth sailing (pun intended) as most tour operators on the island are doing their best to provide the best experience for their customers.

The locals depend on tourism because it’s very important to the island’s micro-economy.

I’ve been to plenty of island tours in Phuket booking online and on the island and I have to say all were good fun. Local tour guides spoke English or one other language.

Most have a great sense of humor and fun conversations were had. The crews look out for the welfare of the passengers under their care and want everyone to have a good time.

6 Tips for Booking Tours in Phuket, Thailand

1. April through October is the monsoon season. Tours during these periods are cheaper. But be sure to have plenty of time in Phuket so you can rebook the next day in case of cancellations.
2. Patong Beach is the best area in Phuket to find the lowest rates on day trips in and around the island. Check and compare with at least 3 different tour agencies on Patong Beach for the best tour rates. Not far from Patong Beach is Bangla Road which is also a good alternative to find tour packages.
3. Never purchase Phuket tours inside a hotel lobby travel agency.
4. For a better experience book tours from well-established online travel agencies with reviews of itineraries.
5. Be sure to read up on tour itineraries, pit stops, what’s included, and what to expect during a tour. Some tour agencies include admission fees to islands and some don’t
6. Pay tours with your credit card to get refunds conveniently or dispute charges.

Now that you’ve learned that Patong Beach and Bangla Road on Phuket Island are the best areas to look for tours. As well as the importance of having insurance included are you ready for your awesome tour experience in Phuket?

I hope so!

If you have any questions regarding booking tours in Phuket drop a comment below and I’ll reply as soon as I can. Until then, happy travels in beautiful Phuket!