How to get to Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai is now very well connected to Phuket and Krabi's Ao Nang. There are several companies which operate speedboat transfers to Koh Yao Yai both ways. Some of the companies are bigger like Koh Yao Sun Smile with big speedboat fleet. Other ones are individual speedboat owners with their crews who operates certain routes on the certain times. In that way local people share the profit and everybody is happy! 

Please look at the regularly UPDATED PUBLIC BOATS SCHEDULE 

PUBLIC SPEEDBOATS

Speedboat to Koh Yao Yai

Transfers from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

Speedboat transfers from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai run from two main harbours: Thien Sin Pier in the central Phuket area, near Phuket Town and Bang Rong Pier in the northern Phuket closer to international airport. 

Choose your departure pier according to your departure point in Phuket and destination resort in Koh Yao Yai. If you travel from the airport to the northern part of Koh Yao Yai - please use Bang Rong Pier. It offers higher frequency of the speedboats. However if you have already spent your travel time in central or south Phuket please use Thien Sin Pier to avoid big traffic. 

I recommend to use apps Bolt, Grab or InDrive to get to the piers. They work very well in Phuket and are cheap. Check the prices on all of them before you decide to book it. 

To make things a bit complicated :) ... there are two ticket boots in Thien Sin Pier. Each operates different company. None of these companies offer transfer to the pier or transfer to the resort included in the price.

1) ticket office on the left is for speedboats that go to Loh Jark Pier in the south of Koh Yao Yai - mostly for travelers heading to Elixir resort or to centrally located Santhiya resort, Royal Yao Yai Beach resort or one of the small resorts and home stays. Tickets buy in cash only. One way ticket is 400 THB.

2) ticket office on the right is for speedboats that go to northern Klong Hia Pier - mostly for travelers heading to Anantara resort, Hillside, Coconut Groove, Thiwson, Baan Taranya and others. It is operated by Green Beach Travel. Book your tickets online. One way ticket is 400 THB.

Please look at the regularly UPDATED PUBLIC BOATS SCHEDULE 

Travelers coming from the northern Bang Rong Pier will arrive to busier Chong Lard pier. There some small shops, cafes and toilets in Bang Rong. It takes 30 minutes to get to the island. One way ticket is 400 THB.

Lastly, pre-order your taxi to destination accommodation directly from the resort or grab one of the local drivers waiting for tourists. Generally speaking the local taxis are more expensive, but bear in mind that the island is quite big with about 35 km from north to south and drivers are not so busy. The roads are now getting better. 

Expect to pay 200-500 THB one way depending on your accommodation location. Payment in cash only. There is no exchange office. I recommend to bring cash from Phuket where you get better rates.

Ferry from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai

Ferry runs twice per day from Jian Wanich Pier in Phuket to Laem Yai Pier in Koh Yao Yai. Please plan accordingly.  

This the way if you wish to arrive to Koh Yao from Phuket by a rental car or motorbike. It is a big car passanger diesel boat that cruises much slower and it takes one hour to get to Laem Yai Pier in Koh Yao Yai. 

Departure time from Thien Wanit is at 8am and 2pm with return from Laem Yai Pier at 8.30am and 2pm. 

The fee per person is 200 THB, per car 500 THB (incl. one driver) and per motorbike 100 THB.

Transfers from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai both ways

The main harbour from Ao Nang to Koh Yao islands is Nopparat Thara Pier. It is located only few minutes from city centre and offers all necessary facilities. All speedboats head to Chong Lard Pier and the journey takes about 40 minutes. The adult ticket costs 650 THB (child 500 THB) including the transfer from your resort in Krabi. Buy tickets online or at the pier if you come late.

Any hotel in Ao Nang, please standby at hotel's lobby 30 minutes before boat departure
Any hotel in Klong Muang, Tub Keak and Muang, please standby at hotel's lobby 1 hour before boat departure

Vice versa transfers from Koh Yao Yai to Ao Nang (650 THB) or even further to Railay Beach (800 THB) book with the same company with pick up at your resort included in the price. The minivan pick up several tourists on the way.

Any hotel in Pru Nai district, please standby at hotel's lobby 1 hour before boat departure
Any hotel in Koh Yao Yai district, please standby at hotel's lobby 30-40 minutes before boat departure

Tip: We highly recommend to book tickets in advance during the high season. 

Please look at the regularly UPDATED PUBLIC BOATS SCHEDULE from Ao Nang. 

PRIVATE TRANSFERS TO KOH YAO YAI

Local tour operator and travel agent Elixir Divers offers private full service transfers by luxury minivan, speedboat and local taxi from any place in Phuket or Krabi to Koh Yao Yai. Please enquire about availability and prices. It starts from 2700 THB for two people. 

Bear in mind that last public speedboat to the island goes at 5pm. Any flight arrival after 4pm requires private boat to get to the island. Please contact the agency to provide more information about private speedboat transfer.

Elixir Divers private speedboat transfer

Final word, now you know how to get to paradise that is so close to Phuket and Krabi. Its central location offers many opportunities to explore amazing nature gems in all directions namely Phi Phi Islands, Poda Islands, Hong Island or Phang Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Panyee. 

Book your speedboat tour right away