🚤Krabi (Tha Len Pier) to Ko Yao Noi

Krabi to Ko Yao Noi by Speedboat - The Eastern Approach

Coming from Krabi province opens up a completely different perspective on the Ko Yao Islands. Instead of approaching from the west through Phuket's coastal waters, you cross Phang Nga Bay from the east, weaving between some of the bay's most dramatic limestone formations. The speedboat from Tha Len Pier takes around forty-five minutes and runs two to three times daily during high season, with reduced service in the quieter months.

Getting to Tha Len Pier from Krabi Airport

Krabi International Airport is located about thirty kilometres north of Krabi Town, on a flat stretch of land between limestone hills. Tha Len Pier - the main departure point for Ko Yao Noi - is roughly forty minutes by road from the airport, depending on traffic. The pier is north of Krabi Town itself, situated on a quiet stretch of coastline near the Ao Luk district.

Taxi or Grab from the airport is the most convenient option. The airport has an official taxi counter where you can arrange a metered or fixed-fare ride. Grab works in Krabi but driver availability can be patchy compared to Phuket, so do not count on instant pickup during off-peak hours. Minivan shuttles are sometimes available through tour agencies at the airport, particularly if you have pre-booked. Hotel transfers arranged through your Ko Yao Noi accommodation are the most stress-free option - the driver meets you at arrivals and delivers you directly to the pier in time for the next departure.

The Crossing from Tha Len

Tha Len Pier is a simple concrete jetty with a small ticket booth and a covered waiting area. Facilities are more basic than Bang Rong Pier - there is a small shop selling water and snacks, but not much else. Buy your ticket at the booth and wait for boarding to be called.

The speedboats used on this route are typically covered long-tail style vessels or modern fibreglass speedboats, depending on the operator and time of year. The forty-five-minute crossing heads west into the heart of Phang Nga Bay, passing close to Koh Hong, the towering cliffs of Koh Lao Bi Lae, and a scattering of tiny uninhabited islets. On a clear morning, the journey is spectacular - jade-green water, sheer cliff faces draped in greenery, and the occasional eagle wheeling overhead.

The bay is generally calmer in the morning, so if you have a choice, take an earlier departure. Afternoon crossings can encounter choppier water, particularly during the transitional months of May and October when weather patterns are shifting.

Alternative: Nopparat Thara Pier

Some operators run seasonal services from Nopparat Thara Pier, which is closer to Ao Nang and the Krabi beach resort areas. This option is useful if you are already staying in Ao Nang and do not want to backtrack north to Tha Len. However, Nopparat Thara departures are less frequent and may only operate during peak season. Ask at any tour agency in Ao Nang for the current schedule, or check with your hotel.

The crossing from Nopparat Thara takes slightly longer - around fifty to sixty minutes - because the boat has to round the headland before cutting across the bay. The scenery is equally impressive, passing the towering limestone stacks that guard the entrance to the Railay peninsula.

Arrival on Ko Yao Noi

Boats from Krabi typically arrive at Tha Khao Pier on Ko Yao Noi's east coast, rather than Manoh Pier used by the Phuket ferries. Tha Khao is the island's main village, so you step off the boat and are immediately in the heart of local life - small shops, a fresh market, a few restaurants, and the ATMs on the islands. Songthaews and motorbike taxis are available, and several rental shops are within walking distance.

Why Choose the Krabi Route

The Krabi approach makes sense if you are flying into Krabi Airport, coming from Ao Nang or Railay Beach, or simply want a different scenic experience. It is also a smart choice for a multi-destination itinerary: fly into Krabi, spend time on Ko Yao Noi, then take the Phuket ferry out and fly home from Phuket Airport, or vice versa. This avoids backtracking and gives you two different bay crossings with two entirely different views.