Phuket to Koh Yao Yai Speed Boat Transfer with Pickup

Summary

Speed Boat Ride from Phuket to Koh Yao Islands

Hop on a speed boat from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi and feel the salt spray as you cross open water with locals and travelers alike. Includes hotel pickup if you want it, plus easy drop-off at either Klong Hia or Manoh Pier — all handled by people who know these islands inside out. You’ll remember that first whiff of sea air long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure this is the right pier?” I asked, squinting at the little sign for Bang Rong Pier while our driver grinned and nodded. The air smelled like wet leaves and engine oil — not exactly postcard stuff, but it felt honest. We’d booked the speed boat transfer from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai because, honestly, I didn’t want to deal with haggling or missing some random ferry. Our bags thumped onto the dock and a woman in a faded Green Planet shirt waved us over, checking names off her list in that brisk way locals do when they’ve done this a thousand times.

The ride itself was louder than I expected — engines growling, spray hitting my arm every so often. There was this kid next to me who kept pointing at flying fish (I missed every single one). Our guide didn’t say much, just handed out life jackets and made sure everyone was settled before we took off. The sea between Phuket and Koh Yao Noi looked almost metallic under the morning sun, all chopped up by wind. I tried to take a picture but mostly got blurry water droplets on my phone. Still, there’s something about watching the mainland shrink behind you that makes you feel like you’re actually going somewhere new.

We pulled up at Klong Hia Pier on Koh Yao Yai first — just a wooden dock with a couple of tuk-tuks waiting, drivers half-asleep in the shade. Some folks hopped off there; we stayed on for Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi. It’s funny how quickly everyone goes quiet when land comes into view again. I caught myself grinning for no reason at all. The whole thing took maybe 30 minutes? Not long enough for me to get bored or seasick (thankfully), but just long enough for that salty wind smell to stick in my hair.

I still think about that moment stepping onto the pier — not dramatic or anything, just relief mixed with excitement and maybe hunger (we hadn’t eaten since Phuket). If you’re looking for some fancy welcome party or Instagram-perfect boat shots, this isn’t really that. But if you want to get from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi without fuss, with someone local making sure you don’t end up lost somewhere in Phang Nga Bay… well, it works.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phuket to Koh Yao Yai/Koh Yao Noi

• Meet at Bang Rong Pier
• Optional hotel pickup in Phuket
• Speed boat cruise to Koh Yao Yai/Koh Yao Noi
• Drop off at Klong Hia Pier or Manoh Pier
• Taxi to hotel

Top questions

How do I get from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi by speed boat?

You can catch a daily speed boat from Bang Rong Pier in northeast Phuket directly to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi.

Is hotel pickup included for the speed boat transfer?

Yes, hotel pickup in Phuket is available if you book that option when reserving your ticket.

Where does the speed boat drop off on Koh Yao Yai?

The speed boat drops passengers at Klong Hia Pier on Koh Yao Yai island.

How long is the speed boat ride from Phuket to Koh Yao?

The journey usually takes about 30 minutes depending on sea conditions.

Can I bring luggage on the speed boat from Phuket?

Yes, standard luggage is allowed; just keep it manageable as space is limited onboard.

What happens if bad weather cancels my transfer?

If your transfer is delayed or canceled due to weather or sea conditions, you'll receive a full refund.

What’s included

Your trip covers one-way transport by speed boat between Phuket and either Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi, plus basic travel insurance and optional hotel pickup in Phuket if you choose it when booking.