The ‘Tranquility Coast’ is home to the island’s ultimate sightseeing company, Advance Aviation, who have a helipad close to Nai Yang Beach, will take you up-up and away to spectacularly view Phuket and its surrounding islands.
By: Christopher Lee
Soaring high above Phuket’s idyllic coastline on an Advanced Aviation helicopter tour is an experience that redefines luxury sightseeing. From the moment you step onto the private helipad and are greeted by the friendly, professional team, we knew we were about to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
I visited them this February, and joined the ‘Sensational Phi Phi Island Tour’. The flight plan took a southerly route over Phang Nga Bay down Phuket’s east coast and out to Phi Phi, before heading home along the west coast, passing Promthep Cape, Big Buddha and the famous tourist beaches.
As the helicopter ascended, Phuket’s patchwork of vibrant landscapes unfolded beneath us. The expansive Phang Nga Bay, shimmering in hues of blue, green and turquoise, formed a stunning backdrop for Phuket’s east coast. Below, the coastline curved gracefully around secluded bays and mangrove forests, inviting us to marvel at nature’s intricate design from a perspective few ever experience.
Throughout the tour, our pilot, Khun Pan, offered engaging commentary, weaving fascinating stories of Phuket’s cultural heritage, geological marvels, and historical landmarks into the journey. The flight path is meticulously planned to showcase a diverse array of landmarks, including the dramatic limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay that rise majestically from the sea, and charming Phuket Town with its unique Sino-Portuguese architecture.
At times, the helicopter gently hovered over particularly scenic areas, affording us ample opportunity to capture breathtaking photographs or simply absorb the awe-inspiring views in silence. In these moments, the beauty of the island becomes almost otherworldly—a vast, living mosaic of nature, history, and culture that stirs both the heart and the soul.
Our destination was the two Islands that make up the Phi Phi group, south of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. Phi Phi Don is a bustling island with resorts, restaurants and nightlife, whereas Phi Phi Leh remains untouched with deserted lagoons, dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches; it was here that the Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Beach’ was filmed.
The return leg of the tour hugged the west coast, taking in all of Phuket’s famous beaches, including Kata, Patong and Bang Tao. Occasionally Khun Pan would make a detour, offering new vistas: the rugged contours of Phuket’s interior, the sprawling coastline dotted with luxury villas, and the gentle meeting of land and sea. The sense of freedom and discovery is palpable as we experienced the island from this rare, elevated perspective.
After more than an hour of exhilaration and reflection, the helicopter gradually descended, returning us safely to the helipad with a treasure trove of memories. Advanced Aviation’s commitment to safety, comfort, and personalised service ensured that the entire experience was seamless and transformative.
The whole Phi Phi Island experience takes 70 minutes, and with 6 passengers onboard the cost works out at approximately US$ 400 per person.
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