About this tour
When Jake from our BugBitten team booked the Hot Chili catamaran, we found ourselves on a genuinely spacious 5.5-metre-wide vessel built to handle the island-hopping run around Phang Nga and Phi Phi. The boat cruises at 15 knots, so you're not crawling between islands—there's real pace without feeling rushed. With room for 14 guests max and a crew of three, it stays intimate rather than cattle-barge. The vibe is lean-back luxury: shaded saloon, front sunbathing area, gourmet Thai lunch prepared onboard, snorkelling gear sorted. Tours run 4–10 hours depending on your itinerary. It's the kind of day where you actually relax instead of fighting elbow-to-elbow with 200 other tourists.
Highlights
- Wide beam keeps the boat stable even when you're lounging on bow sunbathing areas
- Onboard galley means fresh Thai buffet lunch, not reheated sad sandwiches
- 15-knot cruising speed connects multiple islands without wasting half the day in transit
- Snorkelling gear supplied; just bring yourself and a towel
- Small-group cap of 14 keeps it sociable, not swamped
- Shaded cockpit and saloon suit mix of sun-chasers and shade-seekers
- WiFi aboard if you need to stay loosely tethered to the world
- Crew of three means attentive service without hovering
What to expect
The boat picks you up and you'll notice the space immediately—the deck doesn't feel cramped, and there's genuine separation between sun and shade zones. Cruising between islands is smooth thanks to the catamaran hull; it's not a white-knuckle ride, just efficient movement across clear water. Snorkelling stops happen at reef spots, and the crew handles gear handoff without fuss. Around midday, lunch materialises: proper Thai-style spreads prepared fresh in the galley, not some sad buffet from a chiller box. You'll have soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee on tap. The day unfolds at a pace that feels natural—you're not clock-watching.
Weather is the variable: Phang Nga and Phi Phi are spectacular in good conditions, but rough seas will change the vibe. The boat handles it, but you'll feel it. If you're keen to snorkel, go early in the tour; reefs are clearer and calmer in the morning. Bring sunscreen and reapply; the reflection off water is sneaky.
What travellers say
- Spacious catamaran hull eliminates the cramped-ferry feeling
- Fresh Thai lunch prepared aboard beats packaged alternatives
- Small-group maximum keeps it intimate, not industrial
- Snorkelling gear and equipment included in the price
- Stable platform suits all fitness levels, including families
- Fast cruising speed means less dead time between islands
- National park fees charged separately and can surprise guests
- Rough seas possible; not ideal for those prone to seasickness
- Alcoholic drinks excluded; soft drinks and water only
- Peak-season crowds offshore mean busier snorkelling spots
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a proper mid-sized boat, not a longtail stuffed with 40 people. The catamaran design means stability—you're not wobbling if someone stands up. Snorkelling gear is included, and the crew knows the spots. Thai lunch onboard beats tourist-trap restaurant food. WiFi is a nice touch if your group's mixed about work-life balance. Kids and infants are fine; there's room to move them around safely.
You'll pay a national park fee separately (not included), which catches some people off-guard. If you're unfit or have dodgy cardiovascular health, check with the operator first—it's a boat day, not a hike, but rough seas can be uncomfortable. SUP boards aren't included, so if you want to paddleboard, that's extra. Alcoholic drinks are BYO or you negotiate with the crew; soft drinks come with. Peak season (Nov–Feb) means more boats in the water, though your group stays small. Sunburn and dehydration are real risks; bring a hat and drink more water than you think you need.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.