Speedboat (Bang Rong Pier)
Fastest transfer taking around 30 minutes with frequent departures
Private speedboat
Flexible departure time with direct and more comfortable experience
Shared ferry + transfer
Cheaper combined option but longer total journey time overall
Indirect routes via Krabi
Unnecessary transfers significantly increase travel time and hassle
Quick answer: Traveling from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai is fast and easy by direct ferry or speedboat. The crossing takes about 30–40 minutes, ferry tickets cost around US$10–15 per person, and multiple departures are available every day during the tourist season. Booking online in advance is recommended.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: Approximately 30 km by sea.
- ⏱️ Travel time: About 30–40 minutes by direct ferry or speedboat.
- 💰 Ticket price: Around US$10–15 per person.
- 🚢 Boat route: Departures from Bang Rong Pier or Thiensin Pier, arriving at Chong Lard Pier, Baan Laem Yai or Klong Hia Pier on Koh Yao Yai.
- 🧳 Travel tip: Arrive at the departure pier 30–60 minutes before departure and confirm your boarding point when booking.
Last updated in April 2026
From Phuket to Koh Yao Yai you can travel by ferry or speedboat.
The fastest way to travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai is by ferry or speedboat. The sea journey covers about 20–30 km and takes approximately 30–40 minutes. Most boats depart from Bang Rong Pier or Thiensin Pier and arrive at Klong Hia Pier or Chong Lard Pier on Koh Yao Yai.
Ferry tickets cost around US$10–29 per person, depending on the operator and departure point. Before your trip, it is also worth checking the weather in Koh Yao Yai.
Koh Yao Yai is a peaceful island in Phang Nga Bay, known for quiet beaches and authentic local life in Thailand. After your stay, you can continue by boat to Ao Nang or Railay Beach.
| Ferry Transfer – Phuket to Koh Yao Yai: | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Time: | 30-40 minutes (or 3.5 hours from Rassada Pier with a private transfer) |
| Mode of Transportation: | High Speed Ferry, Speedboat or Catamaran |
| Departure Point (Phuket): | Bang Rong Pier, Thiensin Pier |
| Arrival Point (Koh Yao Yai): | Chong Lard Pier, Baan Laem Yai Pier, Klong Hia Pier |
| Ferry Companies: | Koh Yao Sun Smile, Tigerline Travel, See Sea Blue Marine, Green Planet… |
| Cost per Person (approx.): | $10-15/pp ($20-50/pp with a private transfer) |
| Ferry Ticket Prices: | Can be different in the low and high-season in Thailand |
| Recommended Arrival Time: | About 60 minutes before departure |
How to travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai?
1. BOAT / FERRY from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Ferry / speedboat is the fastest and only way to travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: all travelers heading to nearby islands
- ✔️ Travel time: ~30–40 minutes
- ✔️ Cost: $10–15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (fast boats and ferries)
- ✅ Best Option: Speedboats with companies like Koh Yao Sun Smile or Green Planet
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and check departure pier location.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Fastest from Bang Rong Pier.
The fastest and only way to travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai is by ferry or speedboat. Popular operators include Koh Yao Sun Smile, Suwimol Speedboat, Green Planet, Tigerline Travel, Solomon Speedboat and See Sea Blue Marine. Some companies also offer hotel transfers to the departure pier.
Most boats depart from Bang Rong Pier or Thiensin Pier. The crossing takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on the route and operator.
Boats arrive at Chong Lard Pier, Baan Laem Yai Pier or Klong Hia Pier. Ferry tickets cost around US$10–15 per person, while combined hotel transfer and ferry tickets are more expensive. Book online in advance and arrive at the departure pier about 60 minutes before departure.
| Ferry Company | Departure in Phuket | Arrival in Koh Yao Yai |
|---|---|---|
| Green Planet | 13:00 | 13:40 |
| Green Planet | 15:00 | 15:40 |
| Koh Yao Sun Smile | 09:30 | 10:00 |
| Koh Yao Sun Smile | 11:00 | 11:30 |
| Koh Yao Sun Smile | 13:30 | 14:00 |
| Koh Yao Sun Smile | 17:00 | 17:30 |
| Suwimol | 08:30 | 09:00 |
| Suwimol | 10:30 | 11:00 |
| Suwimol | 12:30 | 13:00 |
| Suwimol | 14:30 | 15:00 |
| Suwimol | 16:00 | 16:30 |
| Solomon Speedboat | 08:30 | 09:00 |
| Solomon Speedboat | 10:30 | 11:00 |
| Solomon Speedboat | 14:30 | 15:00 |
| Green Beach Travel (Boat + Van) | 07:30 | 10:00 |
| Green Beach Travel (Boat + Van) | 10:30 | 14:00 |
| Green Beach Travel (Boat + Van) | 14:30 | 18:00 |
| Green Beach Travel | 09:30 | 10:00 |
| Green Beach Travel | 12:30 | 13:00 |
| Call Me Taxi (Van + Boat) | 07:00 | 10:30 |
| Call Me Taxi (Van + Boat) | 08:00 | 10:00 |
| Call Me Taxi (Van + Boat) | 13:00 | 16:00 |
| Call Me Taxi (Van + Boat) | 14:00 | 16:00 |
2. VAN + BOAT / FERRY from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Van + boat / ferry is a convenient door-to-door transfer from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers wanting easy transfer with hotel pickup
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5–3 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $20–50 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (minivan/taxi + boat combination)
- ✅ Best Option: Combo transfers with companies like Koh Yao Sun Smile or Call Me Taxi
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and confirm pickup/drop-off points.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Includes transfer to the pier.
A convenient alternative is a combined minivan or taxi and ferry transfer. The ticket includes hotel pickup or transfer from selected locations in Phuket, followed by a ferry or speedboat to Koh Yao Yai.
Companies such as Call Me Taxi, 12GO Transport, Koh Yao Sun Smile and Green Beach Travel operate these combined services. Pickups are available from Phuket Airport, Patong, Phuket Town, Kata, Karon and other popular areas.
The journey takes about 1.5–3 hours, depending on your pickup location and ferry connection. Combined tickets usually cost US$20–50 per person and can be booked online in advance. Some services also include hotel drop-off on Koh Yao Yai.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai
How to book ferry tickets from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai?
Book ferry and speedboat tickets online via 12go.asia ➜.
How long is the ferry from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai?
Direct ferries and speedboats take about 30–40 minutes. Combined hotel transfer and ferry services take about 1.5–3 hours.
What is the distance from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai?
The sea route between Phuket and Koh Yao Yai is approximately 20–30 km.
How much does the ferry cost?
Ferry tickets usually cost US$10–15 per person. Combined hotel transfer and ferry tickets cost about US$20–50.
What is the luggage allowance?
Most ferry companies allow one bag weighing up to 20 kg.
Which piers do ferries depart from?
Most boats leave from Bang Rong Pier or Thiensin Pier. Bang Rong Pier offers the fastest crossings.
Which ferry companies operate this route?
Popular operators include Koh Yao Sun Smile, Tigerline Travel, Green Planet, See Sea Blue Marine and Suwimol Speedboat.
Is there an airport on Koh Yao Yai?
No. Koh Yao Yai does not have an airport. The nearest airport is in Phuket.
Where to book accommodation in Phuket?
Find hotels and beach resorts here: Book accommodation in Phuket.
How to travel from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai?
Travel by ferry or speedboat. See How to get from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai.
How to travel from Koh Yao Yai to Koh Phi Phi?
Travel by direct ferry or speedboat. You can also use the Phuket to Koh Phi Phi ferry.
Which islands are worth visiting in Thailand?
See our guide to the best islands in Thailand.
Is Thailand good for solo travel?
Yes. Read our guide to solo travel in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phuket to Koh Yao Yai
Traveling from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai is quick and easy by ferry or speedboat, making it a perfect day trip or island getaway.
- Departure Piers: Most boats leave from Bang Rong Pier or Thiensin Pier.
- Book Early: Reserve ferry tickets online during the high season and holidays.
- Arrive Early: Reach the departure pier 30–60 minutes before departure for check-in.
- Travel Time: The crossing usually takes only 30–40 minutes.
- Arrival: Boats arrive at Chong Lard Pier, Baan Laem Yai Pier or Klong Hia Pier, where some hotels offer pickup services.
- Luggage: Keep valuables and electronics in your carry-on bag during the boat trip.
Tip: Book ferry tickets online in advance to secure your preferred departure time, especially during weekends and the tourist season.