How to Get to Ko Yao Islands

Getting to Ko Yao Islands -- All Routes Explained

Reaching the Ko Yao Islands is easier than you might expect for a destination that feels so remote. The islands occupy a strategically convenient position in Phang Nga Bay, almost exactly halfway between Phuket and Krabi, and ferry or speedboat services connect them to both sides. Most visitors arrive from Phuket, which has the most frequent boat departures and the shortest crossing time, but the Krabi route is equally viable and often more convenient for travelers arriving from the east.

This guide covers every route in detail, including pier locations, approximate schedules, and tips on connecting transport to get you from airport to island as smoothly as possible.

From Phuket to Ko Yao Islands

The vast majority of travelers reach Ko Yao from Phuket, and specifically from Bang Rong Pier on Phuket's northeast coast. This is a working fishing pier rather than a purpose-built ferry terminal, so do not expect gleaming facilities -- it is a concrete jetty with a ticket booth, a small car park, and a few food vendors. But it is efficient, well-organized, and the crossing to Ko Yao Noi takes just 25 to 30 minutes.

Bang Rong Pier -- The Main Gateway

Bang Rong Pier (sometimes spelled "Bangrak" -- not to be confused with Bangrak Pier on Koh Samui) is located in the Pa Khlok subdistrict on Phuket's east coast, roughly midway up the island. Its GPS coordinates are approximately 8.0212 N, 98.4184 E. From Phuket International Airport, the drive to Bang Rong takes about 25 to 35 minutes via Route 4027, depending on traffic.

Two main types of boats operate from Bang Rong:

Regular ferries (car ferries) are large, flat-bottomed vessels that carry vehicles as well as passengers. They depart roughly every 60 to 90 minutes from early morning (around 07:00 or 07:30) until late afternoon (typically 17:00 or 17:30). The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes. These are the cheapest option and also the most flexible, as they accept motorbikes and even cars for an additional fee. The ride is stable and comfortable even in moderate seas.

Speedboats operate on a similar schedule but are faster, making the crossing in about 15 to 20 minutes. They are slightly more expensive but not dramatically so. Speedboats are a better choice in calm conditions but can be rough in choppy seas, especially during the monsoon shoulder months.

How to Get to Bang Rong Pier

From Phuket Airport: A metered taxi or Grab car from the airport to Bang Rong Pier takes about 25 to 35 minutes and costs approximately 500 to 700 THB. Some hotels on Ko Yao can arrange a combined transfer (taxi plus boat ticket) for a fixed price, which simplifies the logistics considerably.

From Patong Beach: Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for the drive across Phuket. The route goes over the Kathu hills and then north along the east coast. A taxi will cost approximately 800 to 1,200 THB depending on traffic and negotiation.

From Kata or Karon: These southern Phuket beaches are further from Bang Rong -- expect a drive of about 50 to 70 minutes. Taxi fares range from 1,000 to 1,500 THB.

From Phuket Town: The drive from Phuket Town to Bang Rong Pier is about 20 to 30 minutes northward along Route 4027. A taxi costs 400 to 600 THB.

Phuket Rassada Pier -- Alternative Route

During high season, some speedboat operators run services from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town (the same pier used for Phi Phi and Similan island boats). This is more convenient if you are staying in Phuket Town or nearby areas, but departures are less frequent and the crossing takes longer (about 40 to 45 minutes). Check with local operators for current schedules, as this route does not always operate year-round.

From Krabi to Ko Yao Islands

The Krabi side offers a viable alternative route, particularly for travelers who are already in the Krabi or Ao Nang area or who are flying into Krabi Airport.

Tha Len Pier (Thalane Pier)

Tha Len Pier is the main departure point on the Krabi side. It is located about 20 kilometres northwest of Krabi Town, nestled in a mangrove-lined estuary that feeds into Phang Nga Bay. The pier is small and basic -- a wooden jetty with a ticket office and a small parking area. GPS coordinates are approximately 8.1466 N, 98.7355 E.

Speedboats from Tha Len run to Ko Yao Noi and take about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the boat and sea conditions. The route threads between limestone karsts and through mangrove channels before entering the open bay for the final stretch -- it is scenic enough to be an attraction in its own right. Departures are typically at set times (often 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00), but schedules vary by season and demand. During the wet season, some departures may be cancelled.

Nopparat Thara Pier (Ao Nang Area)

From the Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara beach area, you can sometimes find speedboat services running directly to Ko Yao, especially during peak season. These tend to be operated by individual companies rather than regular public services, so advance booking is recommended. The crossing from Nopparat Thara is longer -- about 50 to 60 minutes -- but saves you the trip to Tha Len.

How to Get to Tha Len Pier

From Krabi Airport: A taxi or Grab car takes about 30 to 40 minutes and costs approximately 600 to 800 THB. The route heads north from the airport along Route 4, then turns west toward the coast.

From Krabi Town: Tha Len Pier is about a 30-minute drive northwest. Taxis cost 400 to 600 THB.

From Ao Nang: Allow about 40 to 50 minutes. The route goes through Krabi Town and then north. Taxis cost 600 to 800 THB.

From Phang Nga to Ko Yao Islands

A lesser-known route runs from the Phang Nga mainland, specifically from Tha Dan Pier (sometimes called Surakul Pier) near Phang Nga Town. This route is used primarily by locals and is less convenient for tourists, as boat schedules are infrequent and the pier is not easily reached without private transport. However, if you are exploring Phang Nga Province by road -- perhaps visiting the Sa Nang Manora Forest Park or the town of Takua Thung -- this route offers a direct connection.

Local wooden boats and occasional speedboats make the crossing in about 45 to 60 minutes. Departures are limited, typically two to three per day, and there is no standardized schedule. Ask at Tha Dan Pier for current timings.

Inter-Island Travel -- Ko Yao Noi to Ko Yao Yai

Longtail boats shuttle between Ko Yao Noi (Tha Khao Pier) and Ko Yao Yai (Loh Paret area) continuously throughout the day. The crossing takes about 10 minutes and costs 60 to 100 THB per person. No advance booking is needed -- boats leave when they have enough passengers, which in practice means every 15 to 30 minutes during daylight hours.

There is also a car ferry between the two islands that runs several times daily, carrying motorbikes and vehicles. This is useful if you have rented a motorbike on Ko Yao Noi and want to explore Ko Yao Yai with it for the day.

The last longtail boats between the islands typically depart around 17:00 to 18:00, though exact times vary. Missing the last boat means hiring a private longtail (which can be expensive) or spending an unplanned night on the other island. Keep an eye on the time.

Getting From Bangkok to Ko Yao Islands

Bangkok is over 800 kilometres north of Phang Nga Bay, so flying is the only practical option for the first leg of the journey. You have two airport choices:

Fly to Phuket (HKT)

Phuket International Airport receives dozens of daily flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang), with flight times of about 1 hour 20 minutes. Multiple airlines operate this route, including Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways. From Phuket Airport, it is a 25 to 35-minute taxi ride to Bang Rong Pier, followed by a 30-minute ferry crossing. Total travel time from Bangkok to Ko Yao Noi, including transfers: approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Fly to Krabi (KBV)

Krabi Airport is a smaller alternative with fewer daily flights from Bangkok, but still well-served by budget carriers. Flight time is about 1 hour 20 minutes. From Krabi Airport, it is a 30 to 40-minute taxi ride to Tha Len Pier, followed by a 45-minute speedboat crossing. Total travel time: approximately 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on boat schedule alignment.

Which Airport to Choose?

Phuket is generally the better option due to more frequent flights, more ferry departures from Bang Rong, and shorter crossing time. Krabi makes more sense if you are combining Ko Yao with Railay, Ao Nang, or Koh Lanta -- or if you find significantly cheaper flights to Krabi.

Getting Around the Islands

Once you arrive on Ko Yao, you have several options for getting around:

Motorbike Rental

This is by far the most popular and practical option. Motorbikes (typically 110cc to 125cc Honda Waves or Clicks) are available for rent from guesthouses, hotels, and dedicated rental shops throughout Ko Yao Noi, and to a lesser extent on Ko Yao Yai. Daily rates range from 250 to 350 THB. An international driving license is technically required, though enforcement is lax. Helmets are provided and should always be worn -- Thai police do occasionally set up checkpoints, and hospital trips from scooter accidents are the single most common tourist mishap on the islands.

Drive cautiously. Roads on Ko Yao Noi are generally good but narrow, with occasional potholes, stray dogs, and free-roaming chickens. Ko Yao Yai's roads are rougher, especially the dirt tracks to southern beaches. Avoid driving at night when possible, as road lighting is minimal.

Bicycle Rental

Ko Yao Noi's relatively compact size makes cycling a viable option for fit travelers. Bicycles rent for about 100 to 200 THB per day. The terrain is moderately hilly, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed, and the midday heat can be fierce. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for cycling.

Motorbike Taxis and Songthaew

On Ko Yao Noi, motorbike taxis congregate near Tha Khao Pier and can take you to any point on the island. Fares are negotiable and typically range from 50 to 200 THB depending on distance. There are no metered taxis on either island.

Some hotels and guesthouses operate their own shuttle services, usually timed to coincide with ferry arrivals and departures. These are sometimes free for guests and sometimes charge a nominal fee.

Private Longtail Boat

For beach-hopping between coves that are not easily accessible by road, or for reaching the small islands around Ko Yao, a chartered longtail boat is the way to go. Half-day longtail charters cost around 1,500 to 3,000 THB depending on distance and negotiation.

Ferry and Boat Schedule Tips

Boat schedules on the Ko Yao route are not always published online and can change with little notice, particularly during the shoulder months (May and October-November). Here are some practical tips:

Confirm times locally. Hotel reception desks and pier ticket booths are the most reliable sources of current schedule information. Do not rely solely on third-party travel websites, as their data may be outdated.

Build in buffer time. If you have an onward flight from Phuket or Krabi, take an earlier boat than you think you need. Boats can be delayed by weather, mechanical issues, or simply waiting for a full load of passengers.

Rainy season adjustments. During the southwest monsoon (May to October), some speedboat services are suspended or operate on a reduced schedule. The larger car ferries from Bang Rong are more resilient and usually continue running in all but the worst weather.

Holiday surcharges. During Thai public holidays (especially Songkran in April and New Year), boat prices may increase slightly and boats may be fully booked. This is also true of the Christmas and New Year period for tourist-facing services.

Motion sickness. If you are prone to seasickness, sit near the centre of the boat and look at the horizon. The car ferry from Bang Rong is the most stable option. Speedboats can be very bumpy, especially in the Krabi crossing where the route passes through more exposed waters.

Route Planning Summary

The most straightforward journey for first-time visitors is: fly to Phuket, taxi to Bang Rong Pier, take the car ferry to Ko Yao Noi. This combination offers the most frequent departures, the shortest crossing, and the simplest logistics. From arrival at Phuket Airport to stepping off the boat at Tha Khao Pier, the entire journey takes roughly one hour.

For return, reverse the same route and allow at least three hours before your flight for the combination of boat crossing, pier-to-airport taxi, and airport check-in. Four hours is more comfortable during peak season when traffic on Phuket can be unpredictable.