A holiday in Phuket is often the dream trip of a lifetime. You’ve saved up, planned for months, and are dreaming of perfect beaches and unforgettable adventures. But here’s an unfortunate truth: one poorly chosen, badly-run, or unsafe tour can spoil a key day of your trip and leave a bad memory.
We’ve been in this industry for a long time, and we’ve heard all the stories. The good news is that almost every bad experience is easily avoidable. By being aware of a few common pitfalls, you can protect your holiday, your budget, and your safety.
We believe in transparency, so we’re sharing the 5 common mistakes to avoid when booking a Phuket tour. These are the essential Phuket tour planning tips that will help you book with total confidence.
1. Mistake #1: Booking Based on Price Alone (“Too Good to Be True”)
This is the most common mistake of all. You see two “identical” Phi Phi Island tours, but one is 500 THB cheaper. It’s tempting to grab the bargain. However, in Phuket’s tour market, you almost always get what you pay for.
A “too good to be true” price often means corners are being cut. This can include:
- Safety: Older, poorly maintained boat engines.
- Staff: Over-worked, underpaid, and poorly trained guides.
- Crowds: Over-stuffing a speedboat well beyond a comfortable capacity.
- Experience: A “free lunch” that is barely edible or “free” snorkel masks that are old and leak.
That 500 THB you saved won’t feel like a bargain when you’re on an overcrowded boat with a broken snorkel mask. Always compare what’s included, not just the final number.
2. Mistake #2: Not Checking National Park Fee Inclusions
This is a classic “hidden cost.” The most popular destinations, like the Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay), are national parks. They require a mandatory entry fee (often 400-500 THB per adult) to be paid in cash on the day.
Many budget operators will exclude this fee from their sticker price to appear cheaper online. You then get a surprise on the morning of your tour when the guide comes around collecting extra cash.
How to avoid it: Always read the “inclusions” and “exclusions” list. A reputable company will clearly state whether the national park fee is included in the price or not. We find it’s always better to use our clear, all-inclusive tour descriptions so you know the full cost upfront.
3. Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Boat for Your Needs
Many visitors assume “speedboat” is the only or best option. This leads to bad experiences, like bringing a toddler or an elderly parent on a long, bumpy 1.5-hour speedboat ride.
You must match the boat to your group. Here’s a simple guide:
- Speedboat: Best for speed and reaching faraway places (like the Similan Islands) quickly. They are fast, and they can be bumpy (“bouncy”). Not recommended for those with bad backs, mobility issues, or very young children.
- Catamaran: The best for comfort and stability. These are spacious, have nets for lounging, and are much smoother on the water. They are perfect for families and those who want a more relaxing, luxurious day.
- Longtail Boat: The best for photos and short distances. This is the iconic wooden boat. It’s fantastic for a private, romantic tour of Phang Nga Bay or a short trip to a nearby beach. It is not designed for long, open-ocean journeys.
Choosing the right boat isn’t a small detail; it defines the entire comfort of your day.
4. Mistake #4: Ignoring Transfer Times and “Hotel Surcharges”
Many people book a tour without checking their hotel’s location. Phuket is a very large island. If you are staying in a quiet northern beach like Mai Khao or Nai Yang, you could be a 1.5-hour drive from the southern pier in Chalong.
This means:
- A very early pick-up: Your 8:00 AM tour might require a 6:30 AM pick-up.
- A “surcharge”: Most tours include free transfers from main areas (Patong, Karon, Kata). If you are “out of area,” you will likely have to pay an extra fee for the private transfer, which can be 500-1000 THB.
Always check the tour’s transfer policy and factor in the driving time from your specific hotel.
5. Mistake #5: Booking with an Unlicensed or Uninsured Operator
This is the most serious mistake. You might find a “great deal” from a random vendor on the beach or a dubious social media page. If this operator is not properly licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) or doesn’t have full accident insurance, you are putting yourself at serious risk.
If an accident happens, you are not covered. The equipment is not regulated, and the staff’s safety training is not verified.
Your 3-Point Checklist for Booking with Confidence:
- Check for a TAT License: A legitimate company will proudly display its license number on its website (you can find ours in our footer).
- Read Recent Reviews: Look for reviews on Google and TripAdvisor from the last 1-3 months.
- Confirm Insurance: A professional operator will always state that they are fully insured.
Make Your Holiday Memorable for the Right Reasons
When booking a Phuket tour, a little extra research goes a long way. Don’t let a desire to save a few baht lead to a day of disappointment. By avoiding these common Phuket tour mistakes, you’re not just booking a tour; you’re investing in a fantastic, safe, and truly unforgettable memory.
ALL of our Tours are fully licensed and insured tours, where every inclusion is listed clearly, so you can book your dream trip with 100% peace of mind.