How to Get to Koh Yao Noi: Boats from Phuket & Krabi (Times, Costs, Tips)

Quick answer: the fastest ways to reach Koh Yao Noi

Our default is a speedboat of about 30 minutes from either mainland. From Phuket it leaves Bang Rong Pier for Manoh Pier on the island. From Krabi it leaves Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. Speedboat fares run roughly ฿400–600 from Phuket and ฿600–800 from Krabi. Every figure here is unverified, so treat the table as a planning sketch.

Which route should you choose?

Start with the cheaper flight. One competitor who tried both reports that the experience is much the same, and we agree the pier matters less than your arrival time. Two things push the decision. One is when you land. The other is which coast you want, because boats from both mainlands dock at Manoh Pier.

• Landing before about 2 PM: either airport works, so pick the cheaper fare.
• Landing after about 3 PM: plan a night on the mainland, as the last boat is around 5 PM.
• Heavy luggage: pick the speedboat, and book a taxi straight to the pier.
• Tight budget: ask about the long-tail from Bang Rong, which is slower but often cheaper.
• Staying on the east coast: both routes work, since you get a truck from Manoh Pier either way.

From Phuket (airport or city) to Koh Yao Noi

Bang Rong Pier is on Phuket's northeast coast. Speedboats run to Manoh Pier in about 30 minutes for roughly ฿400–600. Frequency is about every 30 minutes in high season. One source says boats run from 6:30 AM to 6 PM, while another says the last boat leaves around 5 PM. Those two disagree, so check before you commit. A taxi or Grab from Phuket airport to the pier is reported at ฿600–800. The long-tail takes about an hour. For schedule specifics beyond route choice, see our ferry timetable detail.

From Krabi / Ao Nang to Koh Yao Noi

Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang is the usual speedboat start. Expect about 30 minutes to Manoh Pier and roughly ฿600–800 per person. A Grab from Krabi airport to the pier is reported at about ฿500. A Railay-side floating pier also serves the island, but that trip is about an hour. One 2023 source took a long-tail from Tha Len Pier for ฿150 per person, with a drive of about 30 minutes from Ao Nang. Confirm that route still runs before you plan around it.

From Bangkok and other cities

There is no direct boat from Bangkok. Fly from Suvarnabhumi to Phuket or Krabi, then follow the pier steps above. Pick a flight that lands by early afternoon, so the 5 PM boat stays realistic. Anything later means an overnight on the mainland. Our full Bangkok routing covers flight timing in detail. Travelers from other Thai cities follow the same flight-then-boat pattern.

If you land late: the last-boat problem

Last mainland departures are around 5 PM in high season and possibly 3:30 PM in low season. Our advice is to book a cheap room in Phuket or Krabi and take a morning boat. That adds one night's cost but removes the risk of a stranded evening. Ask your operator for the exact cutoff for your date.

• Land by about 2 PM: go straight to the pier.
• Land between 2 PM and 4 PM: ask your operator before you book anything.
• Land after 4 PM: sleep on the mainland and take the first boat.
• Mistake to avoid: booking a late flight with no overnight buffer, then finding the boats have stopped.

Arriving on the island: piers, onward transport and your first hour

Boats from the mainland dock at Manoh Pier. Shared trucks wait there and charge about ฿100 per person, dropping each rider at their hotel in turn. Some visitors also name Laem Sai Pier as an arrival point, so confirm which pier your ticket uses. The east coast holds most beaches and hotels, while the west coast is quieter and local. Carry cash for the truck. Scooters run roughly ฿200–300 per day, though sources disagree, so ask before you ride. Our guide to scooters and trucks on the island covers the rest.

Getting from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Yao Yai

The crossing to Koh Yao Yai takes about 10 minutes. One source reports a long-tail every 10 minutes, but we treat that frequency as doubtful. The same source paid ฿150 for two people one way. It also found a rental scooter on Koh Yao Yai for ฿200, against ฿250 to carry one across, so we would rent there. See our day trip ideas for what to do on the other side.

Seasons, weather and sea conditions

Rough seas can slow or cancel crossings in the rainy season, which runs from May to October. November to April is the usual dry window, and one competitor rates it the best overall period. Low season may also bring earlier last departures, such as 3:30 PM. Check forecasts with the Thai Meteorological Department before you travel. Our month-by-month season guide goes further.

Costs and time at a glance

Add three legs together: airport transfer, boat, and island truck. From Phuket that adds up to roughly ฿1,100–1,500 per person by speedboat. From Krabi it is roughly ฿1,200–1,400. Both totals assume a shared truck at ฿100, and both come from 2023–2025 sources, so confirm them before you go. Door to door, allow the 30-minute crossing plus the airport transfer and waiting time.

Practical tips before you go

Book ahead in peak season, since one competitor recommends advance tickets then. Pack light, because you will carry bags on and off the pier. Confirm the return boat time on arrival. Koh Yao Noi is a predominantly Muslim island, so dress modestly away from the beach. Undecided about the trip? Read whether the island suits you. When you arrive, see east-coast beaches and island restaurant picks. Our what to do on the island guide is the next stop. Locals also write it Ko Yao Noi.